Interview With Candice Marley Conner: Presenting Her Newest Book

Today, I'd like to welcome Candice Marley Connor to The Storyteller's Scroll blog. 

Hi, Gail! Thank you for having me on the Storyteller’s Scroll.

Cover subject to change

It's a pleasure to have you visit us, Candice, and share your publishing news. 1. Can you tell us a bit about your most recent release?

 My latest news is that I have a Mardi Gras ABC picture book releasing on January 6^th, 2023! That day is relevant because it’s the first day of Carnival—and more importantly, the first day you can legally buy king cake! Yum! M IS FOR MOON PIE is an alphabetical celebration of the birthplace of Mardi Gras. No, not New Orleans—in Mobile, Alabama! Our first Mardi Gras festivities were held fifteen years before New Orleans was founded. I had so much fun with the alliteration and researching historical fun facts, that I hope kiddos and their caregivers enjoy reading it just as much.

I love Mardi Gras, and we can never have enough alphabet books, especially with unique themes.

Illustration subject to change.

Illustration subject to change

 2. What was your first published title and what was it about?

My first published title is the picture book, SASSAFRAS AND HER TEENY TINY TAIL, about a squirrel who learns that the differences that all the other squirrels tease her about can help her save the day.

3. What inspired you to write your first book?

An actual squirrel with a teeny tiny tail! My then one-year-old (she just turned twelve at the beginning of this month!) and I were on a stroller-ride through our neighborhood and this squirrel with a tail like a chewed-up pine cone scampered across our path. I immediately thought about what I already knew about squirrels: how they use their tails for balance, so this one might be a little clumsy; and how they use their tails to communicate so this one might have trouble communicating with the other squirrels. But then the real story spark ignited when I turned the brainstorming upside down and thought: what could this squirrel be exceptional at because of her difference?

4. How long did your journey take to publication and what were some significant events along the way?

I started writing seriously when I became a stay-at-home mom with my firstborn (who as I mentioned is now twelve) and my first books debuted in 2021. SASSAFRAS was set to release in 2019, and my debut YA, THE EXISTENCE OF BEA PEARL, was originally scheduled for 2020, but due to California wildfires (affecting my picture book publisher), the pandemic, and life in general, they both ended up debuting a WEEK of each other in June of 2021! Then my third book, CHOMPSEY CHOMPS BOOKS, released in October of that same year, so suffice it to say, I needed this year just to recover and visit classrooms!

5. What was the best thing about getting your first book published?

Having my forever dream become something tangible and actualized that I could hug! Second best thing was having readers tell me how much they enjoyed my books. Being published is such a scary thing. Your book belongs to its reader now too. That fear of rejection and failure is strong, but being published is the best thing too!

6. What is your most recently released book about?

CHOMPSEY CHOMPS BOOKS is about a dyslexic alligator who wants to love reading as much as his book club swamp friends do. With the help of a heron mentor, he realizes there are so many different ways to learn. I was inspired to write this by one of my Reading Buddies (a reading program at local elementary schools) who had just been diagnosed with dyslexia. His dedication and determination blew me away! I personally have dyscalculia but would much rather write about words and books than grouchy ol’ numbers. 

7. What are your current projects?

My agent has a middle grade manatee/selkie story out on submission, as well as a STEAM chapter book series I actually started in college as part of my thesis and picked up again almost twenty years later during the pandemic. I was writing about a second grade classroom while I was listening to my (then) first grader virtually school from the next room so I felt very immersed in the story! My work-in-progress is an eco-fantasy middle grade, set in a haunted bookstore and I’m having the best time writing it!

 

8. Bit of wisdom to share: 

I’ve learned that your time in the query and submission trenches—while it may seem like you’re just twiddling your thumbs waiting for your dreams to start—is so important. Use it to build your writing community. You’ll need the support and encouragement when your books finally do come out and the new friends you make are so appreciative of all the encouragement you give. Gush about their books on social media, post reviews, share their good news! 

9. And for fun, something that not a lot of people know about you. 

I wanted to be a botanist biochemist when I was younger! I love the science behind plants. Chemistry class in high school kinda knocked that dream on its side when I realized I liked the idea of it better than the actuality so now I write about plants instead!

And a GIVEAWAY: Candice has graciously agreed to giveaway one of her four books to the lucky commenter. All you must do is flood this blog and make a comment on Candice's blogpost. It's a great opportunity for a last minute Christmas present.

 

Links to purchase Candice's books.

Links: preorder info Conner, Candice Marley - M Is For Moon Pie: ABCs in the Birthplace of Mardi Gras | The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, Alabama (thehauntedbookshopmobile.com)

website www.candicemarleyconner.com

 Candice's social media:  

Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Candice_marleyc 

Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CMarleyConnerAuthor

Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/candice_marleyconner/

 

 

An interview with Kim T.S.

Today,  THE STORYTELLER'S SCROLL welcomes K.T. Sims. So happy to have you join us today, Andrea. I'm sure we'll all learn something new from you.

 

Can you tell us your latest news?
 

 Our latest book is a fun collaboration with a 9-year-old boy who wrote and illustrated his own pirate book. It's called "The Crew of the Mighty Red Cuda" and 100% of profits will go towards children's education programs in the Philippines.

Excellent! Wonderful idea, inspiring creativity in young children.

We also hope that we can inspire more kids to write books and pursue their dreams- and hopefully help others as well. It will be FREE to download from Nov 7-9, 2022 from 12 midnight PST (3pm GMT +8).

Great!

 

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


I know there's been a lot of controversy surrounding her lately, but I really love the world JK Rowling created with her Harry Potter series. While I don't agree with all her views, I don't think anyone deserves to be treated unkindly on either side of the issue.  I look up to her as an author and would love to learn from her craft.

 

What was your first published title and what was it about?

Feeling All My Feelings Book, which is about helping kids and adults understand, accept, and overcome the biggest emotions. We want children and their parents to understand that all feelings are okay, but there are things we can do to make things better. We also want parents to realize that they, too, have to set an example so they can teach their kids how to regulate emotions by modeling the strategies that work for them. 

Feelings books are always important for both kids and parents.

 

4. What inspired you to write your first book?

My son was 3.5 years old at that time, and had the biggest emotions. His tantrums would go from 0 to 100 in minutes, and we'd both have such a hard time trying to figure out ways to help him calm down. When my dad died in 2019, it inspired me to seize the day and finally write my first book. It helped my son, Kyle, manage his own emotions. I hope it can help more families as well.




How long did your journey take to publication and what were some significant events along the way?

Writing is easy for me because there are days when the inspiration just flows-- but fixing the rhythm and meter takes a while. I didn't know about these rules when I first started. I tend to read rhyming books like prose, and most customers I talked to also don't mind the meter. But I see the value in it, and so I'm trying to learn as much as I can and improve as I go along. Illustrating is my biggest challenge. It took me a year before I found the courage and inspiration to start my sketches. Then I found a digital artist to improve my sketches and I was able to self-publish 2 years after I wrote my first book. I'm getting faster at it because I was able to write and publish my next 2 books in the same year! My 4th book is coming early next year. 

Congrats! Well done! It takes a special talent to both write and illustrate.

 

Who/what were your sources of inspiration along the way? How did it/ he/she/they help you the most?

My son inspires me the most. I'm amazed at how well he's growing both physically and emotionally. We've both been on a roller coaster of emotions as he was learning how to regulate his feelings. I believe in gentle parenting-- setting firm boundaries, but respecting your child's thoughts and feelings in the process and helping him through it all. Kyle is 6 years old now and is my biggest fan. He's emotionally invested in my books and career, because I always ask for his help and inputs. 

 

What was the best thing about getting your first book published?

Sharing a piece of myself to the world, and learning about how my books have helped others. It's the best feeling to know that you've made a positive impact, no matter how small.

 

What was the hardest thing?

I've always found it hard to take criticism, especially from people close to me. It's something I've learned to overcome, and that has helped me grow both as a person and as a writer. It helped to see it from a different perspective-- people aren't criticizing you. They're taking the time to offer constructive feedback about your work, and that's a good thing!  

 

What is your most recently released book about?

 I started a new series collaborating with child authors to bring their books to life for a good cause. My 9-year-old godson, Manu, loves writing and illustrating pirate stories. We worked together to make it better, and reached out to Angat Buhay Foundation in the Philippines to donate 100% of profits for their education programs. 9 out of 10 Filipino children aged 10 still can't read, and we want to change that.

 

How have you changed from your first published book to now?

I've overcome my resistance to following rhythm and meter rules, lol! It was a real struggle for me, because I felt it was restricting my creative juices. I think I'm getting the hang of it though, so to those of you who are particular about rhythm and meter, you'll be happy to know that my 3rd book is getting there. Still not perfect, but I'm learning as I go along. I'm also more open to feedback now. I know that my books aren't for everyone. But I also have enough confidence in my work because of all the parents and kids who shared how my books have helped them. 

Meter and scansion is a tough thing to master. Most people who attempt rhyme aren't even aware their meter is off. They tend to look at the end rhyme and not the meter to get there.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I want to hug all of you! Thank you so much for reading my books and going on this journey with me. Your support really means the world to me and Kyle, and we love seeing your photos and hearing all the stories about how you have enjoyed our books. If you haven't reached out to us yet, please send us a message anytime. We'd love to connect! We'll send you some freebies to go with the books.

 

And for fun, something that not a lot of people know about you. 

 I was born in a car! I was in a hurry to get out, so my mom only made it to the parking lot of the nearest hospital. I saved my parents a lot of money on hospital fees.

 

 

Website:

https://www.kimtsbooks.com

Order form for all books: https://forms.gle/83D1YbMGB9vMEpQK8

Universal Amazon Links:

https://mybook.to/RedCuda

https://mybook.to/FeelingAllMyFeelings

https://mybook.to/FeelingAllMyAnger

 

Social media:

https://instagram.com/KimT.S.Books 

https://facebook.com/KimT.S.Books 

https://www.tiktok.com/@kimtsbooks   

https://twitter.com/KimTSBooks 

youtube.com/@kimtsbooks

 

An Interview With Andrea Coke, author of the Molly Morningstar Collection.

Today,  THE STORYTELLER'S SCROLL welcomes Andrea Coke. award-winning author of the Molly Morningstar Collection. So happy to have you join us today, Andrea. I'm sure we'll all learn something new from you.

Can you tell us your latest news?

A year ago this month, I published my first book and now I’m launching the 3rd book in my Molly Morningstar series. It’s hard to believe how much has been packed into just one year. 

What an exciting year. 

 

What was your first published title and what was it about?

 My debut book was Molly Morningstar, A Doll for Me. In this story, spunky Molly Morningstar creates her own doll that celebrates all who she is when she searches the toy aisle, and finds, doll after doll, they all look the same. 

Interesting concept. I'm sure many children feel that way. Hope your book inspires them to create their own too.

 

What inspired you to write your first Molly Morningstar, A Doll for Me?

One day my daughter said to me “I wish I had a doll that looks like me.” and it broke my heart.   Her comment echoed the desire of so many children - the need to feel they matter and that they belong. When children don’t see themselves represented in their toy room, in books or on TV, they start to believe the lie that they don’t matter. But they do. Creating this story was my way of honoring the voice of children who have been underrepresented in children’s literature. 

Excellent motivation and what a great gift to all little girls.

 

 How long did your journey take to publication and what were some significant events along the way?

Though the time span was short - from draft to published in one year - it was intense. Late nights, lots of tea, expensive mistakes and a steep learning curve. Every author will tell you that writing the story is the easy part. Getting people to know about your book, otherwise known as marketing, is the hardest part. 

Oh, yes. All authors know that, that's why I invited you to The Storyteller's Scroll. Hopefully you'll get some exposure to help you with Molly Morningstar.

 

 Who/what were your sources of inspiration along the way? How did it/ he/she/they help you the most? 

Like many, I have a love/hate relationship with social media. It’s time consuming, saps your creativity and is a nuisance. But it’s also where I was able to connect with amazing mentors who helped me with every aspect of publishing my series. April Cox and her team of editors and graphic designers were instrumental in helping me get a polished book ready. Laurie Wright showed me how to stop wasting time searching ‘how to sell your book’ and instead develop a marketing strategy that makes my book brand stand out and attracts my perfect readers.  No more ‘Google University’, as she calls it.  Finding people who don’t just make promises but actually show you the steps to achieve what you want, is priceless. I’m grateful for them. 

Good advice for all authors.

 

What was the best thing about getting your first book published?

The best thing was how my family rallied around me. It was my vision but it truly was the vision of my whole family.  My husband, children, nieces and nephews, sisters and parents all played an important role in making my first book come together. Whether it was words of encouragement, sharing my book with their friends or helping me figure out all the tech pieces, they stepped up.  

  What was the hardest thing?

The technical part of publishing was difficult. Learning how to set up a website, uploading books to online platforms, and creating digital products to accompany my books, was a struggle. I’m still learning!

Aren't we all! I'm sure my readers will be inspired by your dedication and hard work.

 

What is your most recently released book about?

Molly on Ice is inspired by my niece who was a competitive skater. Molly Morningstar yearns to jump on ice during the skating show, but she’s frustrated by what she can't do... YET!  After falling again and again, Molly learns that the fun begins when she gets back up.

It’s a fun story about developing a growth mindset.  

How have you changed from your first published book to now?

 

I’ve learned to focus on my goals and on my readers. As an author, you don’t need to follow every publishing trend, gimmick or suggestion. I’m the only one who can tell my stories. My journey, my timelines and my achievements might look different than others but that’s okay. Social media makes it difficult not to compare yourself to others but the biggest gift you can give yourself is to stop doing it.  It’s a hard lesson but one I’m getting better at putting into practice. 

Sound advice. Only the creative can write their story, and no one else's will be the same, even if there are others out there on the same topic. Yours and mine, and any author's story will be different.

 What are your current projects?

I’m currently working on the next three books in the Molly Morningstar series. My awesome illustrator, M. Fernanda Orozco, is doing her magic with the illustrations.  We’ll release the remaining books over the next year. 

Excellent. Wishing you the best of luck.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I can’t explain how in a year I’ve published three books. All I know is that being an award-winning author was impossible, until it wasn’t. Here’s the truth: we all  have the potential to achieve what doesn’t seem possible. 

 Bit of wisdom to share: 

Diverse and inclusive books are a great way to help all children learn that life is all about possibilities. Keep reading. And learning. 

 

 And for fun, something that not a lot of people know about you. 

 

I have 4 children, 3 degrees and have traveled to 5 continents and more than 30 countries so yeah, family and travel are my inspiration. 

 

Andrea has graciously offered to donate a $10.00 Amazon gift card to 3 lucky teachers.

For a chance to win:

    1. Follow this blog. (winners will be posted on The Storyteller's Scroll in one week)

    2. Comment below.

Andrea's links:

IG @abcbooknookinc

FB @abcbooknook

website www.abcbooknook.com

Molly on Ice, Amazon US https://amzn.to/3U2E5HK

Molly on Ice, Amazon Canada  https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BG65LFWK

 

 

Monstermania on The Storyteller's Scroll - A List of Halloween Monsters

 

Monstermania

• boogeyman
• gargoyle
• genie
• ghoul 
• goblin 
• manticore
• ogres 
• phooka 
• shapeshifter
• skeleton
• sorceress
• troll 
• vampire
• warlock
• werewolf/werecat
• will-o-the wisp 
• witch
• wraith

FALL WRITING FRENZY ENTRY- 2022

FALL WRITING FRENZY 2022

WICKED SHADOWS

 

“Bwah-ha-ha-ha!” The screeching laugh surrounds us like the cold wind biting our skin. 

“Hurry Max, they said to reach the safehouse before the stars shine.”

“We’re moving as fast as we can, Bobby. Marna twisted her ankle in the woods.”

“But the sky’s already gray.” He runs back. “We only have minutes. We’ll move faster if we both help her.” 

“No, you go knock on the safehouse door. Tell them we’re coming. Get yourself to safety.” 

“What about you and Marna?”

“I’ll carry her. Go!”

Bobby charges up the slippery slates in the center of town guided by the orange light at the safehouse. 

Marna clings to my neck and I walk as fast as I can.

Garlic hangs on every door we pass. Fear of the Dark Ones has grown more intense.

Every full moon for the last six months, girls have been found, who’ll never wake again-- two bite marks on their necks. 

Fathers lock their daughters' windows and boys stoke the family fireplace to prevent the beasts from entering through the hearth.

Suddenly, Marna is yanked from my grip. I spin to see her floating back into the woods.

“M-A-A-X!” she screams.

“Bwah-ha-ha-ha! She’s mine now.”

 

 199 words

Simple Answers to Questions for the Kid Lit Writer

 As we a just getting back to "normal" with book festivals, book signings, and school visits, I thought I'd take the opportunity to share some of the questions and answers that I, along with a kid lit panel of greats such as Jodi Meadows (The Orphan Queen series) and Noniqua Ramos (Beauty Woke) answered for prospective writers at the Rocktown Authorfest in April of this year.

             

How do you as an adult create stories that are appropriate, authentic, and engaging for 

children and teens?  Can you discuss content and themes? 

VOICE - pictures

PB – a title comes to mind. If I pursue it, it’s usually rhyming. Fantasy.

MG/YA – My characters come first. I think about them for a while, and then I start writing. 

I am a PANSTER not a PLOTTER.

Let’s talk about love, sex, and violence in young adult novels.  How explicit should scenes be?

 

Sex scenes in my YA novels are sensual, but not sexual. I describe the character’s feelings, 

but not their actions, unless it’s a kiss.

 

My battle scenes are not gory, though there is some blood.

 

How do an illustrator and writer collaborate to create a picture book?  

 

When you write a picture book, you must leave room for the illustrator, as it’s a collaborative effort. 

If you must, you can use an ART NOTE, but only for something unique that the

 illustrator wouldn’t understand.

 

Typically, with traditional publishers you do not have any say in the illustrations.

 

Since picture books rely on adults to read them to your intended audience do you 

have to think about the “reader” differently?

 

Yes, picture books should be layered. Interest for both children and adults who read.

 

Perspective shift: What are some tips for adults to craft authentic young adult characters? 

 

I don’t generally switch POV’s. Usually I writer in first person, unless in MG where 

I might do every other chapter from 2 different characters.

 

Tropes? Good or bad?  What tropes appear in your books? Why did you choose to 

include them?

 

Twins – mystery within the context of the story – kickass girl protagonists – love interest that 

isn’t main part of the story. Independent girl characters. Sarcastic humor.

To what extent do popular culture, the latest trends, and best sellers influence your work?

Ignore trends because what’s hot today will be rejected a year from now.

What are resources you use to hone your craft? What resources do you recommend to 

prepub authors?

Writers Helping Writers – Writer’s Thesaurus’s. – Critique Groups –Writing Seminars

 

Hope that answered some of your questions.

I've just been invited to participate in Rocktown Authorfest again in 2023. Looking forward to it. Met my new critique group through this wonderful event.