Help save the orangutan

Hi everyone

From Google images

I don’t normally stand up on my box and preach or ask you to sign any petitions. But the following information is close to my heart. It is also a little different from my normal posts. So I would appreciate it if you would read on. But you may wish to grab a cuppa first.

And before I prattle on – if you don’t feel comfortable signing the petition that is okay. But this information may just open your eyes a little if you are not familiar with the devastation caused by the cultivation of crops to produce palm oil.

So off I go ….

I have boycotted palm oil products for years (as best as I knowingly can) due to the devastating effect it has on native flora and fauna, particularly orangutans. Orangutans are facing extinction unless we do something about it.

So I have just put together (quickly) some information if you don’t know much about the destruction that has already been done and continues to be done (often illegally) due to the cultivation of crops to produce palm oil (or oil palm).

And if you feel the plight of the orangutans could you kindly sign the petition link at the end of my sermon.

And thanks for reading on.

tropoical-rainforest-animals.com

Orangutans are facing extinction due to the unsustainable production of palm oil, an ingredient estimated to be in half of all supermarket products, including food products, cleaning products, detergents/washing powders and liquids, cosmetics, and candles. Australian consumers currently can’t tell whether they are contributing to this crisis because most manufacturers are not transparent about their use of palm oil or their sources. Reference: http://www.zoo.org.au/get-involved/act-for-wildlife/dont-palm-us-off

Worldwide demand for palm oil has increased sharply over the last few years. With 54 million tons in 2011, it is the most widely produced vegetable oil worldwide. It has the highest yield of any oil crop and is the cheapest vegetable oil to produce and refine.

Its properties make it highly versatile in the food and chemical industries. It has a high melting point, making it smooth and easy to spread. Reference: http://www.rainforest-rescue.org/topics/palm-oil

However, oil palm (palm oil) plantation will only last for approximately 20 to 50 years before then the soil is completely drained of its vital nutrients and the palm trees too matured to produce palm fruit. As such, palm oil is very much a short-term commodity, and not a long-term sustainable solution. Reference: http://www.saynotopalmoil.com/

In South-East Asia, alone, the likely equivalent of 300 football fields are deforested every hour, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,000 orangutans each year. Some 90% of orangutan habitat has been lost and at the current rate of deforestation, orangutans could be extinct in the wild in less than 10 years. Reference: http://www.wwf.org.au/our_work/saving_the_natural_world/forests/palm_oil/palm_oil_and_deforestation/

Yes Government and organisations can argue that oil palm is a valuable economic crop providing a source of local employment. But what about the prolific destruction of virgin rainforest and subsequent loss of habitat for endangered species like Orangutans, tigers and many other species of flora and fauna?

Furthermore, ‘orangutans are a vital part of the rainforest ecosystem in South-East Asia. They are a keystone species. For example, orangutans help spread many tree seeds; many of which can only germinate once they have passed through the gut of an orangutan. These beautiful apes are vital in order to preserve the delicate ecosystems of Borneo and Sumatra and maintain the rich bio-diversity of Fauna and Flora in these dense jungles. Orangutans cannot live without the rainforest, and the rainforest cannot live without orangutans.’ Reference: http://www.saynotopalmoil.com/

Why you are being asked to sign a petition:

Right now in one of Indonesia’s most pristine and untouched forests, a local Governor wants to let mining and palm oil companies move in to decimate areas the size of a million football fields! And the national Forestry Ministry looks like it might let him unless the President steps in to reject this orangutan-killing plan.

Where will this petition be sent?

It is addressed to:
To President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, Minister of Forestry Zulkifli Hasan, and Governor of Aceh Zaini Abdullah:

‘As concerned citizens we urge you to reject the plan to cut down protected rainforests in Aceh. Indonesia’s majestic forests are a global treasure, and we encourage engagement with the local community to develop a plan that prioritises sustainable development, and that protects this fragile ecosystem and the animals that live there.’

If you are happy to add your signature please click on the following link:

Petition link:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/the_plan_to_kill_orangutans_loc/?bRDCNab&v=24981

The signed petition will be passed on by:
Rudi Putra in Indonesia, with the whole Avaaz

http://www.avaaz.org

http://futurefornature.org/person/rudi-hadiansyah-putra-indonesia/

Avaaz is a global web movement to bring people-powered politics to decision-making everywhere.

Avaaz is a non-profit organization that receives no money from government or corporations–we rely entirely on donations from the public.

References:
http://www.zoo.org.au/get-involved/act-for-wildlife/dont-palm-us-off

http://www.orangepower.com.au/palm-oil-free/

http://www.rainforest-rescue.org/topics/palm-oil

More information:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/nvironment/indonesia-moves-towards-approving-deforestation-plan-in-aceh/586752

Mining company working with Indonesian government to strip forest of protected status (The Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/apr/17/mining-indonesian-forest

Govt to extend forestry moratorium over business objections: Deputy Minister (Jakarta Post)
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/05/12/govt-extend-forestry-moratorium-over-business-objections-deputy-minister.html

President Yudhoyono promises to dedicate the next three years to protecting Indonesia’s forests (REDD monitor)
http://www.redd-monitor.org/2011/09/28/president-yudhoyono-promises-to-dedicate-the-next-three-years-to-protecting-indonesias-forests/

Conservation scientists: Aceh’s spatial plan a risk to forests, wildlife, and people (Mongabay)
http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0322-atbc-aceh-declaration.html

Indonesia’s Protected Rainforests Disappearing (Huffington Post)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-reese-halter/indonesias-protected-rain_b_2944815.html

Aceh draft bylaw risks forests, say activists (Jakarta Post)
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/03/14/aceh-draft-bylaw-risks-forests-say-activists.html

Rudi H. Putra: Winner 2013 Future For Nature
http://futurefornature.org/person/rudi-hadiansyah-putra-indonesia

Dandelion – interactive book app

I don’t normally do reviews these days due to the time/commitment factor, but as bullying (including cyber bullying) is so prevalent thought I’d review Dandelion – the book app version. And also to coincide with the recent release of the Hardback version, published by Random House.

Galvin Scott Davis, a Sydney father of three, wrote Dandelion in response to one of his sons being bullied.

Dandelion is the story of Benjamin Brewster, a child who dreads going to school because he is bullied by older children.

‘Each morning he would count the nine hundred and seventy-two steps that it took him to reach his school.’

‘If only his school would disappear, or even the bullies.‘

And you are right of course. They don’t disappear.

So what does Benjamin do? Though he is verbally and physically taunted, Benjamin uses his imagination to make him stronger than them.

Dandelion is a poignant story told, for the predominant part, in rhyme. The text, music, illustration style and tone, aptly capture Benjamin’s world as he lives it. I can feel Benjamin’s heavy heart and the misery upon him as he counts those dreaded nine hundred and seventy-two steps.

Award winning writer Galvin Scott Davis has used a lot of creativity in the story telling. If you are not quite sure of the story in its first reading, I suggest you read it a few times as there are a number of metaphors cleverly woven in the story. As an example, dandelions are associated with making wishes come true. So when Benjamin comes across a cluster of dandelions he naturally picks one and makes a wish.

‘With all my might, you’ll all take flight.
If I could but wish for better things …
You’d all disperse and grow your wings.’

As the feathery seeds (which symbolise the bullies) disappear with the wind, Benjamin feels stronger and freer.

But of course the bullies are still there. However, ‘Dandelion’ (we learn from the text) means lion’s tooth, and Benjamin’s roaring voice is soon heard. Benjamin doesn’t retaliate; instead he continues to use his imagination, taking control over what once seemed like a hopeless situation.

There are a lot of clever lines that open the way to discussion. I like to think that the line, ‘You’d all disperse and grow your wings’ not only refers to wishing the bullies would fly away, but that maybe it is also a message to the bullies to ‘grow up’ – find your own wings and stop being egged on by others.

Benjamin also attends a school called ‘The School for the Misguided’. I recently read another review on Dandelion where the question, ‘Why does Benjamin attend The School for the Misguided?’ was raised. Davis explained that we are seeing how Benjamin sees the world. ‘The School for the Misguided’ is the name that he sees each morning.’ Benjamin’s feeling of lack of self worth and despair is woven into the fabric of his day to day perspective.

Anthony Ishinjerro’s illustration style in sepia tones superbly captures Benjamin’s world of despair and hopelessness. Benjamin doesn’t have a definitive face so that readers, in particular those that can identify with being bullied, can place themselves in the story.

Dandelion wasn’t written to offer a direct solution (as bullying takes many forms) but a platform to initiate discussion of bullying. It certainly offers that.

Also available:
Dandelion by Galvin Scott Davis, illustrated by Anthony Ishinjerro (Random House Australia)
$19.95 Hardback
ISBN 9780857981028

ebook
ISBN 9780857981035

Also available as an interactive App selected by Apple for ‘Best of 2012’ as the ‘#1 App in the Australian App Store for Books’.

Purchase:
<a href="” title=”” target=”_blank”>http://www.protein-one.com/milkbar Follow links to purchase book app or hardback.

Teacher notes also available at Random House:
www.randomhouse.com.au/teachers

Dandelion – A Book of Hope for Children being bullied

National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence is held on March 15.

Bullying (including cyber-bullying) should never be tolerated – ever!

A staggering one in six children are being bullied each week, according to a 2009 report by Edith Cowan University. ‘A quarter of students between year 4 and year 9 reported being bullied at least once over the few weeks the research was undertaken,’ School Education Minister Peter Garrett said in November last year. ‘One in five students has experienced some form of cyber-bullying. This means every family either has a child, or knows one, who is being bullied at school.’

A new children’s picture book release, Dandelion is a great jump-off point for parents and teachers to discuss bullying.

Dandelion
A book of hope for children being bullied
Published by Random House Australia
Released: 2 April 2013 in hardback. RRP $19.95
ISBN 9780857981028
Released 15 March 2013 as an eBook
ISBN 9780857981035

Written by Sydney father of three Galvin Scott Davis in response to his son being bullied, Dandelion tells the story of Benjamin Brewster, who hates going to school because he’s being picked on. Blowing on a dandelion, Benjamin wishes for better things . . . if only his school would disappear, or even the bullies. Neither do, and while Benjamin never confronts his tormentors, he does come to realise his imagination makes him stronger than them.

‘With all my might, you’ll all take flight.
If I could but wish for better things . . .
You’d all disperse and grow your wings.’

Benjamin Brewster is drawn without a face, making it easy for children to insert themselves into the story.The cinematic Tim Burtonesque-style illustrations by Anthony Ishinjerro help to transport readers to a world unlike any other – a world where creativity is embraced to solve problems and a place where adults and children can comfortably discuss bullying and methods for copying with it.

Dandelion began life as an app in 2012 after Galvin Scott Davis received kick-starter funding from the US. By late 2012 it had shot to fame as one of the #1 book apps in the Australian Apple iTunes store. At this time Galvin also received his first round of media attention, with articles appearing across Australia.

While Galvin initially self-published a limited number of hardback copies of Dandelion, he was excited when Random House Australia acquired the rights to the book, saying that he was looking forward to spreading the message to the wider community.

About the author

GALVIN SCOTT DAVIS is an award-winning writer and Creative Director of digital media company, Protein. Dandelion has become one of the year’s stand out literary campaigns. He is also a prolific speaker who gives talks on creativity and innovation. Galvin most recently gave a talk at the Museum of Contemporary Art alongside John Marsden and Clover Moore. There is an opportunity for Galvin to give talks about creativity and how it can shift thinking on bullying as well as book reading for classes.

Galvin lives in Marrickville, Sydney, with his wife and three sons. Galvin is available for interview and book signings

Dandelion was published as an e-book on 15 March 2013, the National Day of Action Against Bullying, and as a hardcover picture book on 1 April.

Read more

•
http://www.news.com.au/technology/smartphones/dad-fights-bullies-with-ipad-app/story-fn6vihic-1226426038025
•
http://ministers.deewr.gov.au/garrett/be-bold-stop-bullying-facebook-campaign-launch

Further resources
Teachers resources available at
http://www.randomhouse.com.au/teachers
The teacher’s notes demonstrate how important and positive this book has become to reading lists.

Information taken from Dandelion’s media release.

Stay tuned for my review later this week.

A Summer Renga – completed

In February this year I posted that I joined eight poets at Karawatha State Forest (Brisbane) for a summer ginko (haiku walk) with the talented poet Graham Nunn.

Then from that time till mid April we worked on a renga (collaborative poem) using the following form: [SU = summer; A = autumn; W = winter; SP = spring; Misc. = non-seasonal references -- usually about people or feelings or places; Love]

It was a great experience working with these talented poets with a diversity of voices. It certainly unearthed me from my comfort zone of writing humorous poetry for children. It helped stretch me as a poet of haiku (I’m still very much a novice) and Graham’s advice was always invaluable. I learnt so much from this experience.

Now it has been completed, Graham has posted the links to each quarter of the renga on his blog, Another Lost Shark. Incase you haven’t checked out the completed renga, just follow the direct links below:

So drum roll please …

Snake Renga – written by/between: David Stavanger, Andy Smerdon, Cindy Keong, Katherine Battersby, Graham Nunn, Chris Lynch, Trish Reid, John Wainwright, Helen Ross (me) and Andrew Phillips

Part 1:
http://anotherlostshark.com/2013/02/23/snake-weather-a-summer-renga/

Part 2:
http://anotherlostshark.com/2013/03/05/snake-weather-a-summer-renga-part-ii/

Part 3:
http://anotherlostshark.com/2013/03/26/snake-weather-a-summer-renga-part-iii/

Part 4
http://anotherlostshark.com/2013/04/18/snake-weather-a-summer-renga-part-iv/

As I was in Japan at the time that we were working on the final quarter, you will notice my Japanese inspired contribution (couldn’t help but be inspired by the beautiful cherry blossoms).

I think the renga has shaped up beautifully. And though I was always nervous when it was my turn to contribute, I still enjoyed the whole experience.

So thanks Graham, David, Andy, Cindy, Katherine, Chris, Trish, John and Andrew. You are all so inspirational.

xHelen

Meet Tawnya Bulger, author of ‘Katrina: Growing Wings’

Well it is the start of a new month, so thought it fitting to start off with an author interview. So it is great to welcome Tawnya Bulger to my writing corner.

Tawnya’s book, Katrina: Growing Wings is a small, 28 pg illustrated book that deals with a caterpillar’s journey to butterfly and the struggles therein. She doubts herself, her purpose for life and gets rather angry with it all.

Tawnya wrote it as a reminder to herself ‘to trust and to have faith, not fear,
when times seem to be darkness never-ending.’

Welcome Tawnya.

Thanks Helen for inviting me to your blog.

My pleasure Tawnya. First, could you tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in beautiful western North Dakota and spent the majority of my youth exploring our ranches. In high school, I realized how much I enjoyed writing, but never pursued it in college; actually graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Minnesota State University, Moorhead.

For the last eight years, I’ve been blessed enough to stay at home with our two youngest children, work on my writing a bit more and fight with our computer.

What inspired you to write, Katrina: Growing Wings? And how long did it take to write?

This is a pretty crazy story and to appreciate it, I have to share a bit about the way I grew up and my mindsets about life. My parents divorced when I was eight (8) and my mom was an incredible woman; extremely capable and independent, a product of women’s lib to a degree. Partially because of that, I wanted to be a professional and independent as well. The thought of marriage, children, love, etc. wasn’t a concept that I had entertained much, even though I had two daughters out of high school; had become pretty cynical at an early age, too. I guess what I am saying is that being a mom seemed to be less important than “making a difference.”

Then, in 2002, my heart had undergone a transplant about who I truly was and what God was calling me to be. Shortly after that, I fell in love, got married and had two babies in the first two years of our marriage, quickly raising the count to four children. All the old mindsets of “being someone” or “doing something important” began grating on me. I was now “just” a stay at home mom, cleaning up diapers, messes and homework. It seemed such a struggle to find “me.” Then, one morning, my two youngest were both napping – miraculous!- and Katrina’s story came pouring out of me. It was the first thing I’d written since college and in about 20 minutes it was done. It was such a sweet reminder that God has a plan and a time for everything. And He really impressed upon my heart that if I truly wanted to “make a difference” and do something significant with my life, I had the perfect opportunity to start with my own home.

Is this your first book?

It is. But I am hoping to make “Katrina” into a series and even have the next two books written. Each one deals with a lesson and is wrapped around a verse. Currently, I am working on a novel, Undivided Heart.

What is the message you want your readers to take away from reading your book?

This book, for being so little, has a lot of big lessons in it. Trusting in a bigger purpose, having faith through trials, perseverance, and hope for our future. My goal for “Katrina” is that no matter what age or how many times you read it, you’ll hear another big truth each time.

What has been the response from children, teachers, parents, adults?

Everyone has really seemed to enjoy it and appreciate the lessons in it. It has been so amazing to share it with people. In schools, I share it from the perspective that words are powerful and we have to choose them wisely. My favorite testimony about it came shortly after it was published. There was a young lady in her 20’s, also named Katrina, who received it as a gift and it moved her to tears. Apparently, she’d been battling bulimia most of her life and the book was such an encouragement, that she called her mom and read her the story. While they were crying, this young lady said she now knew that she was going to be alright. Whatever else happens, just knowing that “Katrina” spoke to this young lady’s heart means so much to me.

Tawnya, did you always want to be a writer? And, what inspires you to write?

I never planned on doing anything with my writing before Katrina: Growing Wings was published. I think what inspires me most is being able to use fiction to speak truth into peoples’ lives. Words have tremendous power to create new perspectives and being able to be a small part of that process is very rewarding. I honestly feel as if it is a gift and part of my purpose here.

Have you written in any other genre?

Undivided Heart is an adult fiction and Angel Song is geared more towards the 12-20 range. One of my goals in my writing is to present something real, and even gritty at times, but in a way that is honorable and full of integrity; so that any age can learn from them and not have their minds inundated with what most of the world claims is entertainment.

What writers do you think have influenced you? Do your children offer their creative ideas?

Currently, a few of my favorite authors include Dee Henderson, Cliff Graham, Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. I also love the descriptive nature of Nora Roberts when the settings of the story have a character on their own. I think that my children still have a hard time seeing me as a writer or author, but at bedtime, we do make up stories together. I love that all of my children enjoy reading and seem to be quite creative.

Some writers have a preferred writing schedule. Do you?

I would love to be that disciplined and it is something that I am aspiring to do. Even though I am not much of a morning person, that’s usually my most productive time. I was born an unorganized procrastinator and am slowly recognizing the need and the blessing for having a time for everything.

And do you have a favorite place to write?

At this point, most of my writing gets done at our dining room table. However, I recently did some writing at one of the most beautiful places I know – my dad’s ranch. When I don’t have the distractions of my own home, I seem to concentrate better on my characters.

Did you encounter any obstacles to the road of publishing this book?

Oddly enough, not too many. I went through a publishing company by the name of Tate Publishing from Oklahoma. I sent them the manuscript and they sent a contract. I didn’t realize then that Tate is very similar to a self-published or vanity press company, but experience is a valuable tool and teacher.

How did you go about getting your illustrator?

Jeff Elliot was one of Tate’s in-house illustrators. Jeff did all the illustrations, but one, the butterfly herself, which I found on my Grandma’s linen napkins. But Jeff did a fabulous job illustrating Katrina: Growing Wings and bringing her to life.

Are you involved in marketing your book?

Very much so. When “Katrina” was first published, I gave my publicist a list of possible stores that would want to host a signing. They made the initial contact and allowed me to do the follow-ups personally. Currently, I have a marketing agent through Tate that I can bounce ideas off of for finding my niche market and getting Katrina’s message out there.

Apart from creating stories, could you tell us a little about your other passions?

I am extremely passionate about reaching our youth and young adults with the message of God’s unconditional love and giving them a foundation in truth, so that when life’s storms come, they still have something permanent to hang onto. I have been involved in children’s ministries for about seven years and especially love working with young adults. I have a dream of opening a ranch that rescues neglected horses and pairs them up with ‘neglected’ youth and helping both heal and hope again.

What projects are you working on now?

Besides my novel and short story, I own a small business that specializes in the selling and education of self-defense products to women. Personally, I am entertaining the notion of homeschooling our two youngest children for a time, as well.

What attributes do you feel are necessary to be a successful author?

A passion for words and story-telling. On a more tangible level, some skills in organizing and consistency are huge for a successful career, as is diligence and growing a thick skin to rejections.

What words best describe you?

Fun-loving, optimistic, critical of myself, passionate, dreamer, outdoorsy and definitely a lot goofy.

Before you go, do you have any words of advice to fellow writers?

Don’t be too critical of yourself. There will be plenty of others who will point out your flaws. And when they do, learn to lean on the truth of who and Whose you are. If their criticism is meant to grow you and smooth out rough edges, accept it graciously and become that much better. If it is just to be critical, hang on to the passion for which you write and the one who gave you the passion. Write daily, even if it’s just for you. Read often and feed what grows you to be your best.

And Tawnya, just to finish up, could you please complete the following:

At school I was … The peace-keeper, counselor, and everyone’s goofball friend.

When I was a child I wanted to be … a veterinarian.

I relax by … Reading, walking in the hills, brushing a horse, and alone time with God.

Where can we find out more about you and your lovely book?

Website address:http://tawnyabulger.tateauthor.com/target=”_blank”>www.tawnyabulger.tateauthor.com

Blog: http://tawnyabulger.tateauthor.com/target=”_blank”>http://www.tawnyabulger.tateautor.com (coming soon!)

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Tawnya-Bulger/205223339521979?ref=hl

Book reviews/interviews at: http://lisatortorello.blogspot.com/2012/10/proud-to-support-our-troops.html

http://tawnyabulger.tateauthor.com/excerpts-endorsements/

http://www.amazon.com/Katrina-Growing-Wings-Tawnya-Bulger/product-reviews/1606043013/ref=sr_cr_hist_all?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Stockists: The books can be purchased through my website or Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble’s website or ordered from any bookstore.

Tawnya, thanks so much for sharing your writing journey, and your inspiring words to people of all ages. Katrina: Growing Wings has a wonderful message. Wishing you every success with Katrina: Growing Wings.

xHelen

Helen Ross interviews Tawnya Bulger 1 May 2013 Copyright 2013.

‘What is a Book App and Could YOU Create One?’ – Free from 9-13 April 2013

As I am away overseas for the next three weeks, thought I’d post this great offer now in case I don’t get a chance to press the ‘Publish’ button whilst I am away.

So if you are interested in Book Apps, and thinking about turning your story into one, then this is the resource for you. So put a note in your diary to purchase it for free from 9 – 13 April. I purchased it a couple of weeks ago, and it is a great resource.

So here’s the offer:

For just a few short days, a new eBook that can help make your publishing dreams come true, is FREE! http://tinyurl.com/busd45c

“What is a Book App and Could YOU Create One? How 27 Writers Did!” is the eBook any children’s writer who is considering digital publishing for their book should read! In this book, children’s book app author, speaker and coach, Karen Robertson, explains what a book app is; why it’s such an exciting publishing option; what you need to know about this opportunity, and how it’s done, so you can decide if it’s right for you to publish your children’s book as an app.

Read the personal stories of 27 other writers who’ve turned their books into book apps to see how many ways there are to achieve this publishing dream and deliver your book to a worldwide audience. From these writers’ stories, you’ll see that there are a lot of ways to make a book app happen in a way that will meet your objectives and budget, even if you aren’t technically inclined.

You’ll read stories from:

* Published authors who wanted to give new life to works that were out of print.
* Authors who wanted to extend their work beyond one country to a global audience.
* Self-published authors who wanted to break free from the boxes of books in their garage.
* Writers who’d been sitting on their stories, because they didn’t know what to do next.
* Writers who’d just missed out on publishing deals, who took their futures into their own hands by creating book apps.
* Author-illustrators who wanted to start bringing their own personal projects to life.
* Picture book authors who wanted the freedom to create beyond 32 pages.
* Entrepreneurs who imagined using book apps in a whole new way.
* Writers and creators who wanted to demonstrate “proof of concept” for their work, in hopes of attracting traditional publishing, TV or movie deals.

Prepare to be inspired by what is possible for your children’s book!

This eBook is available exclusively on Kindle and is FREE April 9-13 http://tinyurl.com/busd45c

You don’t have to have a Kindle reader to read it! There is a free Kindle app that lets you read books from the Amazon Kindle store on your Apple or Android devices. It’s super easy and the app is free.

Learn more about it here:
How to use the Kindle app on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200298460
How to use the Kindle app on Android: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=165849822

Karen has helped dozens of writers make their publishing dreams come true. Writers who are now selling their children’s book apps to kids around the world through the global marketplace of the App Store.

This book is a jargon-free zone! It’s written by a writer for writers, knowing that many of us don’t know a lot about technology and some of us are even intimidated by it.

Karen presents an overview of her proven D-R-E-A-M System, the step-by-step system for creating book apps, so that you understand what is involved with such a project. The D-R-E-A-M System includes:

* Determining your objectives
* Reviewing your book and creating your brief
* Evaluating developers
* Assembling your assets (illustrations, sound effects, narration and music)
* Managing your project to completion

And she then shares how 27 other writers did it!

Book publishing is changing. And with many book stores closing and the number of new writers being signed, the traditional publishing model is getting harder and harder to break into.

By the end of this book, you’ll not only be able to decide if you’ll create a book app, you’ll also know how you can do it, and where you can find more training to make your book happen.

Prepare to be inspired because if these writers can do it, you can do it too!

Links
Full link: http://www.amazon.com/What-Could-Create-Writers-ebook/dp/B00BMH1KJK
Tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/busd45c

To find out more about Karen:

–
Karen Robertson
Author, Treasure Kai series
Speaker, lecturer and coach: How to Turn Books into Book Apps

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Treasure Kai Series – www.treasurekai.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
**Treasure Kai and the Seven Cities of Gold” (sequel to TK Shark Island)
5 Stars from Digital Storytime and The iMums!

Demo video here: http://youtu.be/tCpXPCQBGMU
Download from the App Store here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/treasure-kai-seven-cities/id565841661?ls=1&mt=8

**Treasure Kai and the Lost Gold of Shark Island”*: “Best in Category” winner for apps at New Media Film Festival San Francisco, a “Top 25 Most Essential Children’s Book
App,” “Top 10 Most Original Book for iPad” – Digital Storytime, AppySmart’s Editor’s Choice and an AppStar Picks Top 250 Children’s App.

See “Treasure Kai and the Lost Gold of Shark Island” in the App Store:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/treasure-kai-lost-gold-shark/id418289114?mt=8

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How to Create and Market a Book App
www.digitalkidsauthor.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fre*e reports – www.digitalkidsauthor.com
“Author’s Guide to Book Apps” eBook – www.authorsguidetobookapps.com
“How to Market a Book App” eBook – www.howtomarketabookapp.com
“How to Choose a Book App Developer” – www.digitalkidsauthor.com/book-app-developer-book-2

And if you are looking for great Book Apps for your kids, I am sure they will love Karen’s two book Apps in her Treasure Kai series, especially if they love adventure: Treasure Kai and the Lost Gold of Shark Island AND Treasure Kai and the Seven Cities of Gold. I will write more about these two Book Apps on my return from overseas.

April Fool poem

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter.

Well, it is the start of a new month. But beware of the jokers as today is April Fool’s Day.

So thought I’d post my April Fool poem from my giggle poetry book, Bubble Gum Trouble And Other Giggle Poems.

APRIL FOOL

You’ve dropped your head
You’ve dropped a tool
Look behind you
April Fool

What’s on your back?
Watch the stool!
Look you’re falling
April Fool

You’ve won a prize
It’s a swimming pool
You lucky thing
April Fool

No running outside
It’s the school’s new rule
Go to the Principal
April Fool

Have you been outside?
In your yard there’s a mule
Eating your flowers
April Fool

I love your sunglasses
You look so cool
You’re wanted for a movie
April Fool

xHave a great day, and a wonderful month.

Bubble Gum Trouble And Other Giggle Poems - published 2009 by Little Steps publishing (Division of New Frontier. Illustrations by Dee Texidor.

Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow. Or should we?

NB: Early readers of this post would have noticed the title change. Unfortunately, I forgot to change the working title, ‘Fleetwood Mac’ before I hit the ‘publish’ button.

This post was inspired by a horoscope ‘reading’ I found in a Melbourne newspaper last year. (Herald Sun. Weekend Astrologer Jonathan Cainer). Gasp! Yes, I have mentioned before that I do read my Scorpio horoscope – Oh no Helen! – not because I want to know the future (though it would be handy at times) but some ‘readings’ can be very inspirational and philosophical. Well, that is my story, and I’m sticking to it!

The ‘reading’ started with:

‘Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow,’ so goes the Fleetwood Mac song.

Then it addressed the importance of thinking about today – being in the here and now.

So here are my thoughts -

I agree. I think we can get caught up in our dreams that we forget about living for today. We work so hard and focus on our creative endeavours that we can forget to stop and smell the roses. Guilt reigns when we go out for coffee with a friend, or take time out. Guilt gives me headaches and slaps my wrists, when I should just be enjoying my very hot soy flat white. And my friend’s company. Really!? Time out with a friend isn’t going to ruin your writing career.

I know of one writer who was reluctant to go away with her husband on an overseas holiday as it was going to ‘interfere’ with her writing. What the? You give me the word baby and I will have my bag packed, passport in bag, and be ready before you can slip the car keys into your jacket to drive me to the airport. Or before you can ring a taxi.

Anyway, glad to report that the writer’s family won!

And while we are on this topic – as writers, we can write anywhere. Secondly, travel can inspire you – breathe new life into you, and your work. You can feel stale sitting for hours, days on end, in your study. I can feel the walls closing in. Thirdly, you gotta live damn it! Taking time out is a great idea, and what about your family or cat? Your family needs to be with you. And a Mediterranean cruise might be just what you need. And these days, you can’t (generally speaking) use the excuse that you don’t have anyone to look after your animals (Hmm. Not sure about the llama though) , as there are some great holiday places for them – I’ve heard of dog and cat holiday homes with carpet and piped music. Hmmm! That might be my next puurrrfect holiday spot!

But on the flip side, we must not stop dreaming. I believe dreams are blueprints for what we create in the future. Dreams give us hope and drive. And purpose.

The important thing is to find that balance.

But shouldn’t we think ahead. What if?

Yes, one of the things that many humans do well (most mothers are exceptionally good at this) is worry. The good ol’, ‘What if?’

How many times have we been certain that something bad was going to happen, but it didn’t? Or ‘What if this …. ?’ And the ‘What if that …. ?’ What? They never happened? No!

One of my friends made ‘worry’ a great past-time. She was exceptional at it. Till one day, she got the light bulb moment. Her children had grown up, and were having their own children. And as much as she loved them, and wanted the best for them, it was time to stop worrying about everything (including, whether she had turned off the iron every time she went out). And guess what? Since this epiphany she looks ten years younger. Now her biggest concern is what to pack during her many overseas travels.

Worrying takes up a lot of energy. It is very taxing and time consuming. And can just chip away at you. It is also non-productive.

So,

‘Live for the moment!” How many times have we heard or read that?

There is (in my book) nothing wrong with thinking about ‘tomorrow’, especially if you have travel plans, catching up with someone special, working on projects, visualising a dream come true, or similar. Maybe you can’t wait till your book is published. These are exciting things and can give such a boost to your happiness scale.

But don’t forget today. Otherwise it seems that we are just letting the days pass by till that special moment arrives. Of course, as writers, we do need to work on our novel or short stories, etc. otherwise, they won’t get finished. And looming deadlines do take priority. But deadlines don’t last forever.

Before I finish my rant. I know sad and bad things happen. And depending on the circumstance, the healing process may take some time. In these cases, the lyrics of Fleetwood Mac’s song may offer some hope.

Anyway, enough of my sermon. And, if, like me, you are a Fleetwood Mac fan, crank up the volume. It is a great song.

Fleetwood Mac’S Don’t Stop Lyrics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm0nopK1BQM

Songwriters: LINDSTROM, ULF / EKHE, JOHAN / KARLSSON, SANNE
Written by Christine McVie.

If you wake up and don’t want to smile,
If it takes just a little while,
Open your eyes and look at the day,
You’ll see things in a different way.

Don’t stop, thinking about tomorrow,
Don’t stop, it’ll soon be here,
It’ll be, better than before,
Yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone.

Why not think about times to come,
And not about the things that you’ve done,
If your life was bad to you,
Just think what tomorrow will do.

Don’t stop, thinking about tomorrow,
Don’t stop, it’ll soon be here,
It’ll be, better than before,
Yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone.

All I want is to see you smile,
If it takes just a little while,
I know you don’t believe that it’s true,
I never meant any harm to you.

Don’t stop, thinking about tomorrow,
Don’t stop, it’ll soon be here,
It’ll be, better than before,
Yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone.

Don’t you look back,
Don’t you look back.
Send “Don’t Stop” Ringtone to your Cell
Don’t Stop lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., EMI Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/f/fleetwood+mac/dont+stop_20054276.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm0nopK1BQM

xHelen

As usual, I’d love to hear from you. So please drop by and leave your comment.

World of Ink presents Scott Caseley – Author Spotlight.

Throughout March and April 2013, The World of Ink Network is touring author Scott R. Caseley’s young adult romantic coming of age mystery novel, Isosceles - published by MuseItUp Publishing, January 2013.

And today the virtual tour stops by my blog with an Author Spotlight feature. Lucky me!

So welcome Scott.

Thanks Helen for hosting me during my virtual blog tour.

My pleasure Scott.

First, could you tell us a little about yourself, and your passions.

This is my first novel, but I have written and directed a dramatic feature, co-written and directed a documentary and also written for an online magazine.

I am a trained voice, stage, and screen actor. In addition to my creative pursuits, I am passionate about healthy living and follow a mostly self-directed fitness quest consisting of weight training, walking, swimming, yoga, and hula hooping. When not working out, I also enjoy cooking healthy gourmet meals as well as playing board games with family and friends – with plenty of coffee brewing to keep the fun going until the wee hours of the morning.

Yes, I can relate to the aroma of coffee brewing until the wee hours.

What a busy and creative life you lead. I have heard hula hooping is a great way to exercise and tone. No doubt it is a lot of fun! You certainly have a lot of passions – I bet you are never bored.

***

Scott, it is always exciting to find out about an author’s first book.

Please tell us about your book Isosceles.

When Sean McIntyre finds his best friend Trey Goodsby dead and almost completely submerged in a bathtub filled with bloody water, he is determined to find out if it was an accident or suicide. Did his death, accidental or intentional, have anything to do with Madeline Edwards, the woman who came between them constantly through their thirteen-year friendship?

The tale begins with the death of Trey Goodsby, and explores his relationships with family, friends, his romances, and which of the circumstances he found himself in that led to the tragic event, and the repercussions for those he left behind.

Helen, the underlying question here is that
If you have that feeling that you’re coming up short…what will it take to feel equal?

Scott, I like the mix of romance and mystery – it sounds like an intriguing read.

Are you able to give us a sneak preview/excerpt of your book?

It would be my pleasure Helen.

Book excerpt”
“Go over to the play area. I’ll deal with you once I’m done with…ah…whatever his name is.” Carter nodded to where the rest of the kids kneeled, stood, or sat on a blue carpet, watching a boy building with wooden toy blocks. Right away, I could sense he intended on crafting something difficult, a scale model of the courthouse down the road from Footbridge. While the boy’s physical appearance seemed rather ordinary, his skills could not be beat. He hadn’t misused a single block. Without any hesitation or second-guessing himself, he knew what to do to put everything in the right place.

“That’s so cool, Trey,” I heard a soft voice like the melodious whisper of birdsong, my intuition revealing the identity before my eyes did. Madeline swayed from side to side, beaming with her pearly-whites.

Trey paid her no mind though, allowing himself to be distracted only by his overgrown dirty-blonde hair, which kept going in his face. Sometimes, he didn’t even push it away. His focus so intense, a few times, he almost knocked into other kids. He never apologized for it, nor did most get upset. They seemed to understand he was in a zone, one with his creation. He circled the perimeter to detect if it needed something. Whenever he snapped his fingers, he’d call out “cylinder,” “triangle,” or “rectangle.” Madeline would select it out of a decaying cardboard box, to present it to him like an obedient puppy bringing a tennis ball to its owner.

Mr. Carter, with Sheldon behind him, returned from their business in the hallway. They joined the rest of us, studying Trey’s handiwork. Before long, Mr. Carter became entranced, too. It felt frustrating. Being an only child, I was used to being the center of my parents’ universe. Here, someone else stole the attention so rightfully mine. Worst of all, watching Madeline fawn over him drove me crazy. His hair was messy, his shirt dirty, and he was just average. Why did he hold her interest? Shouldn’t she see me instead? Mom knitted me this nice sweater and combed my hair before I went to the bus stop. My head started pounding from over-thinking the situation when Madeline moved toward him, letting her pigtail accidentally brush against his head. He didn’t seem to notice, but I sure did. I needed to take action.
Creeping over to the box of blocks less than five feet from the audience, I reached in blindly selecting a triangle-shaped one with green crayon on the side facing up. With everyone so enamoured by the courthouse, they didn’t even notice my hands trembling at my side with rage. Giving one last furtive glance to Trey, Madeline, Mr. Carter, and then ending on my classmates, I felt ready to execute the plan.

Many of the other kids started to pick up on my actions, giving me a brief moment of satisfaction. Their jaws dropped as they watched the projectile block following a jagged path through their makeshift circle. Of course, motor coordination issues since birth and anger clouded my vision. Translation: my aim was inaccurate.

The block went careening through the air, never even coming close to its intended target. Trey knew no fear, however. He must’ve sensed my imprecise aim the moment it left my unsteady hand. Without raising an eyebrow, let alone diverting his eyes from his structure, his arm swatted the wooden toy away like a fly. It changed course to come crashing down onto the bridge of my Madeline’s button nose. I’m not sure what started to pour first, the blood from her nostrils or the tears from her green eyes.

The bloodstained triangle ricocheted off her face to the courthouse, knocking it down like dominoes. At the same time, Madeline wailed in pain. Trey’s eyes cast down at his destroyed masterpiece, over to her, and finally to the crowd of spectators, with a cold, soulless expression. He breathed heavily out of his nose, needing to know who ruined his work. Sheldon, along with two other snitches, fingered me for the crime.

Well you have me hooked Scott. I wish you all the best with your book, and hope you are enjoying your virtual tour.

Thanks again, Helen. It was my pleasure.

If you’d like to read more, details below.
Publisher information.

Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing
eBook ISBN: 978-1-77127-239-1
Publication Date: January 2013
Genre of Book: Young Adult- Coming Of Age, Mystery/Romance

Stockists: MuseItUpPublishing.com, Amazon.com, Bookstrand, Omnilit, Kobo, Smashwords and B&N

For more information:

You can find out more about Scott R. Caseley, his novel and World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/c85xoz4

Follow Scott R. Caseley at:

Blog Address: http://www.scottrcaseleyauthor.com
Twitter URL: twitter.com/scottrcaseley
Facebook Fan Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/ScottRCaseleyWriter
Publisher Website: http://museituppublishing.com

Don’t forget to follow Scott Caseley during his World of Ink Tour.

~WOI Tour Schedule~

March 4th
World of Ink Network blog—Spotlight
http://worldofinknetwork.blogspot.com

March 6th
BlogCritics—Author Spotlight
http://blogcritics.org/culture/feature/mom-prefers/

March 8th
Jo Linsdell blog—Featured Friday
http://jolinsdell.blogspot.com

March 11th
Stories for Children Show (Live/Podcast)
http://blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork

March 12th
Rambling of a Coffee Addicted Writer—Guest Post: Why did you pick Isosceles for your book title?
www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com

March 13th
Writing Blind—Spotlight
http://tracimcdonald.blogspot.com/

March 14th
Fearless Writer’s Blog—Spotlight
http://irenesroth.wordpress.com/2013/03/14/meet-scott-r-caseley/

March 15th
The Phantom Paragrapher—Book Review
http://www.thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com

March 18th
Miss Helen Writes—Spotlight
http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com

March 19th
The Writing Mama—Book Review
http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com

March 20th
Indie & Debut Author Interviews—Spotlight
http://interviwingauthors.blogspot.com

March 21st
Families Matter—Book Review
http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com

March 22nd
Families Matter—Interview
http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com

March 25th
World of Ink Network blog—Book Review
http://worldofinknetwork.blogspot.com

March 26th
Fearless Writer’s blog—Interview
http://irenesroth.wordpress.com/

March 27th
Putting Words Down on Paper–Interview
http://susannedrazic.blogspot.com/

March 28th
Writers and Authors—Guest Post: Author Pick Topic
http://writersandauthors.blogspot.com

March 29th
Writing Blind—Author Review
http://tracimcdonald.blogspot.com/

April 2nd
The New Book Review
http://thenewbookreview.blogspot.com

April 3rd
The Phantom Paragrapher—Guest Post: 600 words-Author Pick Topic
http://www.thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com

April 4th
Rambling of a Coffee Addicted Writer–Interview
www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com

April 5th
Antagonize Me—Character Interview
http://antagonistinterviews.blogspot.com/

April 8th
Mymcbooks blog—Spotlight/Giveaway
http://mymcbooks.wordpress.com

April 9th
The Bumpy Road—Guest Post: Plotting a Mystery
http://thebumpyroadtopublishing.blogspot.com

April 10th
Stories a la Mode—Book Review
http://barbarabockman.wordpress.com

April 11th
Inspiring Books & Products—Book Review
http://rothsinspiringbooksandproducts.wordpress.com

April 12th
Strands of Thought—Character Interview
http://kaistrand.blogspot.com/

April 15th
Blogcritics—Book Review
http://blogcritics.org/books/

April 16th
American Chronicle—Spotlight Interview
http://www.americanchronicle.com/

April 17th
The Writing Mama—Guest Post: Author Pick
http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com

April 18th
American Chronicle—Book Review
http://www.americanchronicle.com/

April 22nd
Book Reviews by Lynn—Book Spotlight/Giveaway

http://www.angelpages.biz/page.php?e=4BOOKREVIEWSBYLYNN

April 23rd
Families Matter—Interview
http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com

April 25th
Deal Sharing Aunt—Book Review
http://www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com

For more information about the World of Ink Tours visit http://worldofinknetwork.com

Copyrighted Materials by World Of Ink – All rights reserved

Edgar Allan Poe App

It is raining here in Brisbane (Australia) – again.

So, thought I’d do a little reading. I loooove books, especially new books – cracking open the cover is very exciting for me, especially when it is from an author I love. I can’t wait to take my new ‘babies’ home to meet their new family - ie. the other books on my bookshelf. I can feel their excitement as they (yes, I normally buy more than one at a time) jump up and down in my bag – Yay! we have a home.

As such I have been a little reticent about buying Book Apps but thought it time to delve into this ‘new’ (well, new for me) world.

So this week I downloaded six children’s Book/Apps: two were free.

Well, I am excited. I will tell you more about two of the other Books/Apps in a forthcoming post – because I think they are great.

But the one that excited me today were stories by Edgar Allan Poe. Author Karen Robertson actually recommended this one in one of her posts, so thought I’d check it out.

I just loved it. The iPoe Collection includes four interactive and illustrated stories, plus a biography and sketch book. The music is very apt, and has some wonderful moments.

I downloaded this App for free – Free today in the App Store.

https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/id507407813

This is a great book/App to read snuggled up in bed at night, with just a night lamp on – would really help set the mood.

So if you love creepy stories and Book Apps, go check it out. Even just for the eyeball in The Tell-Tale Heart.