The Hopeful Author Continued ...

Did you know ... that Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the movie, was financed by Quaker Oats for the sole purpose of promoting a candy bar that would last forever?  That's right!  Quaker Oats hoped to enter the chocolate candy bar business and was sold on the idea of using a movie to make their candy bar a household name.  Movie producers worked with Quaker Oats who put up a million dollars in 1970 to turn the book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, into a movie on a mission.

The name of the candy bar was cleverly inserted into the movie's title for better recognition.  The scary tone of the book was softened, much to Roald Dahl's dismay.  The evil foe Mr. Slugworth was concocted by movie producers since the book had no true antagonist.

Quaker Oats released the Wonka Bar to coincide with the release of the movie.  However there was a problem with the candy bar formula and the bars soon melted.  They were quickly pulled from the shelves.  The Wonka Bar's life was short lived, while the movie has endured over four decades!

Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and several other children's books, has attributed his success in writing to conspiring with children AGAINST adults.

Moral of the story, when common interests collide, the results can be uncommonly good!  I hope to use a simular strategy by aligning myself with those of common interests.

The Hopeful Author

Did you know ... Dr. Seuss was born Theodore Seuss Geisel on March 2, 1904 in Springfield, MA. After attending Dartmouth College and Oxford University, he began a career in advertising. His first children's book "And to Think I saw It on Mulberry Street" appeared on the market in 1937 (after being REJECTED by the first 43 publishers)!

This little known fact is listed in the special features section on my DVD of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Imagine being rejected 43 times and then turning into a sensational writer where decades later, an entire month is dedicated to the master. He turned nonsensical gibberish into genius code talk and was as good as GOLD!!

Okay here's the inspiring part ... back in 1937 Dr. Seuss was rejected 43 times before finding someone that would help him bring his vision to life ... how much harder is it today to find someone that will help you bring YOUR vision to life? Food for thought.

Moral of the story - don't ever give up! If you have a dream or vision, find someone to help make it a reality.

Making Everything Beautiful

I love this time of year every.  As I look down the road, Christmas has come to every door on the street.  Single candles on the sill, wreaths rocking on the door knocker, ribbons and bows curling around the stair wells, and lights in the yard ... it looks like Christmas is on the way! 

We recently added to our outdoor decorations.  We received several handmade pieces from some dear friends.  A beautiful lighted nativity scene that used to grace a 102 year old widow's yard now sits peacefully glowing in ours.  We miss you very much Ms. Lola, Kyle sends his love!

Our handmade snow family, reindeer and sleigh also sit out on the lawn.  I think Christmas inspires creativity.  For the past few years - we have been steadily adding to our collection.  Brent wants to add a lighted sailboat, one day ... but for now I think we're done.  That's a project for next year.  

See the glow?

A Peek Into Dark Dawn ...

First couple of paragraphs in Chapter 1, Dark Dawn, Book 5

Black shadows loomed in a sea of darkness.  Wind blew the heavy tree branches outside as leaves swung in the breeze.  Bits of light shone in from the street lamp and a tiny speck danced around Dad’s model boat sitting on the mantel of the fireplace.  The clock in the McCartney’s living room ticked back and forth.  Tick, Tock, Tickety, Tock … Tick, Tock, Tickety, Tock.  Kyle tossed and turned in his bunk bed.  Beads of sweat rolled off his brow.  His blonde hair was matted in thick chunks across the top of his head.  His bed shirt was soaking wet.  He fought with his blankets in his sleep.  “Mom!  Mom!” he shouted from some distant land.  “Save me!  I can’t keep my head above the water!” he cried.  “Mom, don’t let go!” he pleaded.

But for all his tossing and turning, little Kyle didn’t wake from his dream.  Water poured in all around him.  It filled his room to the ceiling and spilled out the edges of his bedroom door.  The water gurgled and churned as Kyle gasped for breath.  He went under.  An Irish Sea Sprite, named Maeve, swam in from the darkest corner and took Kyle by the hand.  Her blue hair floated around her.  Her sea green eyes locked on Kyle. 

“Kyle, please try to remember.  You have Meridian blood flowing thru your veins.  You are always welcome even in the stormiest of seas,” she spoke though her lips did not move.  She calmed his frightening thoughts and worst fears.  Kyle’s clenched fists relaxed and he let go of the crumpled sheets.  Maeve’s gentle words soothed Kyle’s tired mind. 

“The Aqua Defenders need you.  You are the one hope to end the war.  R~e~m~e~m~b~e~r…” her voice trailed off and Kyle was back in Aquatica. 

King Neptune was bidding farewell to the Aqua Defenders sitting around the Circle of Trust.  “May the tides be with you on your journey home,” his deep voice echoed.   

Maeve sat reading a bit of parchment as a Ray Rider stood by her side.  Delphina, the oracle, wrapped her arm around Kyle, leaned over and whispered ever so slightly in his ear.  “You must know that your compass is invaluable.  For it will point you in a direction to the nearest Meridian and even assist you with finding Aquatica on your own, should you ever need to,” Delphina’s golden eyes flickered in the shadows.  “And lastly, your belt will fight valiantly - should you need protection … wear it always.” 

With a whoosh, Kyle found himself in his bed.  He opened his eyes and looked around and fell back into his pillow.  He reached down and touched the buckle of his electric eel belt.  Its green eyes shimmered in the darkness.  He smiled.  Wear it always … also meant wearing it to bed.  He was safe.  He rolled over and grabbed his trusty bear, Capt’n Black Bear and went back to sleep.      

Diggin' In

Alright the phone is turned OFF, the fax is turned OFF, kids are back at school and I am hunkering down to work on my book.  I've totally re-written the first chapter of book 5 and now I'm finally happy with the mysterious picture it paints.  That's not to say there won't be more revisions to it ... but it is truer to the story that's in my head.     

Each one of my books builds on the other books in the series.  But they are also a book unto themselves.  I've caught the readers up through a dream sequence at the beginning of the story which is somewhat frightening to Kyle (in the book).  My 9 year old, actually loves this chapter.  Whenever I see him close his DS, I know I've got his attention!  I started reading and the DS closed!! 

So that's not a fool proof plan for critiquing my work, but it is an observation of mine. 

I am trying to 'recruit' other young readers to help me critique my work.  The editor's son at Spin Sheet Magazine actually wrote the book review that will be appearing in their December edition.  It's online.  I thought that was just so sweet, having the 11 year old son of the editor write the book review!  

Check it out!

The gravy on top!

I've had my PC for a little over a year.  Before that I used the phone or actually hand wrote a note.  Needless to say, I didn't keep in contact with everyone all that well.  I recently sent holiday emails out to all my friends, some of which live overseas ... didn't occur to me that Thanksgiving is an American holiday!  Boy do I feel foolish.

Here's my husband's holiday joke:  What do you get if you cross a turkey with an octopus?  Drumsticks for EVERYONE!  :-)   

Revised Query Letter

I've revised my query letter, trying to summarize my vision for The Nautical Mile Series.  I think adding a bit more about the story line and what I hope to achieve will shine through this revised letter ...

Revised Query Letter:

Sam,

The Nautical Mile Series is a story struggling to be told.  It is one that is baptized in water, shrouded in mystery and as old as salt itself.  It begins unassuming enough with a simple tale about a family and four brothers in Salty Summer.  Readers meet the McCartney boys and follow them on one nautical adventure after another.  Characters grow in depth in Fishy Fall, where Kyle stands out as the little hero that could.  The plot thickens in Wild Winter as Kyle is hailed as the water child after meeting a ghostly Indian with a strange and mysterious warning.  A new beginning beckons in Secret Spring as Kyle is transported to the king’s court to meet the Aqua Defenders.  Mysteries trapped under a million gallons of water, finally surface in Dark Dawn as the boys discover their grandmother’s hidden diary and Kyle investigates the Rise of the Stinging Nettles.  Mirror Image shows the other half and in doing so, reveals the totality.  This story totally flips, giving readers a glimpse at an age old battle between good and evil.  The Nautical Mile Series is just beginning, so hop onboard for a ride! 

My nautically themed stories are written for 3^rd – 5^th graders and resemble the Magic Tree House Series in writing style and audience.  At this point, The Nautical Mile Series consists of 6 books: Salty Summer, Book 1; Fishy Fall, Book 2; Wild Winter, Book 3; Secret Spring, Book 4, Dark Dawn, Book 5 (presently being written); and Mirror Image, Book 6 (just a sketch at this point). Each juvenile reader is just over 10,000 words in length.  I envision the series growing to an indefinite number of books, with the possibility of an educational companion series entitled Nautical Know How.  I have also sketched out an entire product line to go with the series.  My mission is to help children discover the mysteries of the Chesapeake Bay in a fun and fantastic way.  My market research has led me to believe there is no other children’s series quite like it on the market and it is being presented as a total package to you.   

Each book is set in and around the Chesapeake Bay.  As you know, the Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and has been the topic of hot political debate.  Water conservation for the next generation weighs heavily on every educators mind.  In fact, the creation of the Mid-Atlantic Elementary and Secondary Education Environmental Literacy Campaign is presently underway.  My stories are woven around various nautical themes but the central theme is that Kyle becomes a water child and a member of an elite conservation force known as the Aqua Defenders.  Every story is wrapped in layers that are both educational and fantastic.   

I have developed a web page at www.nauticalmilebooks.com to showcase my work.  My blog is receiving international attention (nauticalmileseries.blogspot.com).  While the numbers are still low, readers from over 10 countries visit my site.  I am presently sponsoring the Chesapeake Bay Revival Coloring Contest, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, Chesapeake Conservation Corp, and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

In my excitement to be a ‘real’ author, I have made several missteps.  The first book, Salty Summer, was published by Tate Publishing and released October 25, 2011.  After investing a total of $4,000 in publishing the book, I have come to realize that Tate Publishing is not a traditional publisher with mainstream marketing ties.  It seems to be a hybrid self-publisher of sorts.  I uploaded books 1-4 onto Kindle on October 29, 2011.  But in wanting to bring my story to children everywhere, I know that it will have to be published in mainstream media.     

I am including a writing sample for your review.  If you feel this is something that your agency would like to help me perfect and market, please feel free to contact me.      

Wishing You Well,

Donna D. McCartney

PB & Jellyfish

I've been looking up jellyfish specific to the Chesapeake Bay.  There are the sea nettles - the little stinging variety that haunt book 5 during the 'rise of the stinging nettles', lion's mane jellies, moon jellies with pink four leaf clovers inside the bell (those are strung up with rainbow jellyfish to make a bio-luminescent chandelier in Neptune's temple - book 4), mushroom cap jellyfish, occasionally a Portuguese man of war will wander in (bluish/purple balloon like jellies bobbing up and down in the water waiting for its unsuspecting prey), and the very cool cannonball jelly (a large softball shaped jellyfish)  ... I can almost see warriors launching the cannonball jellies through the dangerously dark waters in the heat of battle. 

Nature is full of things way cooler than fiction can ever imagine!  Prepare for the Rise of the Stinging Nettles in Dark Dawn, Book 5!

Comfy?

I'm camped out in the middle of my bed, under two green blankets, trying to move Dark Dawn along.  I'm about half way thru with that book.  I set it aside searching for just the right words.  My goal is to have it completed by January.  I usually get done and let the story marinate for about a month.  Then pick it back up and start with revisions.    

Good Morning!

Happy Thanksgiving

I am making it my solemn vow to be truly thankful for all that I have.  I will not be bitter or remorseful for the things that I don't have, instead I will concentrate my energy on making the things that I do have ... that much better. 

For the family members and friends who are actively engaged in my life - thank you ... you know who you are.  We've held out another year!  We haven't lost our home, Brent is still gainfully employed, and our children are healthy. 

There is still so much to look forward to.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

 

Under the Cover

Alright, an original cover created just for me will cost between $700 - $600 per book.  I don't have that right now.  So I will keep the illustrators information and set that aside, he is on my to do list - but it will have to wait until after the holidays.  Hopefully by then, I will have a better understanding of where my series is going and maybe I'll have that literary agent I've been praying for.  But if not, I am gathering various professionals to help me go it on my own.   

I've been researching how to write my query letter to agents and realized that I've been doing it all wrong!  Of course!  That's how I always do things ... at first.  But I take it in stride, I've given myself permission to make mistakes (as long as I LEARN from them).  So I will throw out my original draft of the dreaded query letter.  Okay (so it's really the 3rd draft) but its still not quite right.

Time to get to work...

Branding

For the cover of book 1, I knew exactly what I wanted.  I wanted the wavy header, I wanted to see the title in white, I had a say in the overall coloring of the book cover and even various little details on the boys, themselves. 

With the covers of books 2, 3, and 4 - I did the best I could with what I could find.  I purchased royalty free pictures and dropped in the text.  Now - I do like those covers, but they are not the same as book 1.  Therein lies the problem.  In creating a BRAND or product recognition, people need to know what they're buying and that it's all related.  But I simply don't have the artistic ability to create something similar, myself.  So I may look into what a cover illustrator would charge me to create original book covers for the rest of my series.

I'll let you know what happens and how that works.  

Creating Focus thru a Mission Statement

Creating focus thru a mission statement.  Yes, that sounds very businesslike - doesn't it?  How does it impact my writing?  Well for starters, it makes things very clear for what I hope to achieve with my series - in one simple sentence.  Everything I do should resonate with this central idea.  My theme, my anthem, my mission statement ... they are all one in the same.   

Here's my mission statement: Helping children discover the mysteries of the Chesapeake Bay in a fun and fantastic way. 

I think that sums it up.  Now I didn't write book 1, Salty Summer, with this as a vision for the series.  But by book 2, I had already decided to do the coloring contest and that's where the idea was born.  Elements specific to the Chesapeake Bay keep creeping in my storyline, whether by design or sheer dumb luck.  And all brilliant ideas are really a mixture of BOTH.  So I am embracing this theme and will use it to give myself clarity.  It is a map for my mind that tells me where I'm going. 

In creating this as my 'mission' and understanding that there is an educational component that goes along with this vision - I may end up doing some revisions to my stories.  Or maybe this will assist me in creating educational companion books for my stories - not unlike what the Magic Tree House Series did. 

This idea goes hand in hand with selecting my audience and writing specifically for them.  Because your book, any book, is not really for EVERYBODY.  It is for a certain genre, a specific audience and everything you do from conception, to writing, to marketing needs to be geared in the direction of your audience.

I have updated my website to include my mission statement in the header.  It tells everyone that visits my sight exactly what I am writing about in a single glance! 

Brilliant!  {one tiny eye opening moment at a time and it will hopefully make all the difference in the world}

Researching in the wee hours of the morning

I am researching the Wind Gods.  It's really quite fascinating ...  winged gods in various myths conjured up storms, created rolling fog, poured out the rain, and abducted fair maidens.  The four brothers of the wind are always whisking up some sort of mischief. 
         
Their is Boreas - the north wind, usually known as the coldest, most powerful wind, various myths depict Boreas as abducting the king's daughter Oreithyia and later destroying the Persian fleet

Zephyrus - the west wind, was a very pleasant wind and seen as the protector of plants
 
Notus - the south wind is a stormy, dangerous wind especially when sailing, attributed with pouring out rain and creating fog ... he is believed to work with theives by helping to hide them with his trecherous fog 
 
Eurus - the east wind also brought in storms and rain, but was more kind than his brothers Boreas and Notus, his brings in a refreshing rain

I wonder if any of them are specifically known as the 'winds of change'?  And which one is responsible for blowing down 20 trees on my property two years ago.  Okay guys - time to fess up ... who did it? 

Brent 's words of wisdom

If you're following Donna's blog here - thank you. You are one of her readers from over 13 different countries. Send us a line every now and then, I enjoy hearing from far away lands. I served in the US Navy for a number of years and enjoy telling my family about my time spent out in the real world. As you can probably tell I am not, nor will ever be a writer.  That's Donna's job. 

Many fish throughout the sea start their lives right here, so help us take care of our play ground, the Chesapeake Bay.

Maybe I'll stop in from time to time and post again.  Let me know if any of y'all want to chat or just want a few hints to some of the secrets that were put in the books.

Brent

Writing as procrastination?

About 5,000 words into the book about my boys time at Fork Union Military Academy - my husband comes to me and tells me he thinks I am wasting my time, because I am supposed to be developing the Nautical Mile Series.  He thinks that I am using 'Geeks, Bullies, and Global Dictators', that's the title by the way, as a means to procrastinate ... instead of working on Dark Dawn! 

Well, he's probably right.  Shhhhhhhh.  He's always right.  But don't tell him that!  It is the most annoying quality of all and if you have a spouse that is ALWAYS right, then you know what I mean. 

So, I will leave 'Geeks, Bullies, and Global Dictators' sitting in the recesses of my mind for now.  Maybe when he's not around, I'll tinker with the storyline.  I have all the chapters and characters mapped out, as well as the opening scene.  But that's about it.  Now to business at hand .... drum roll please, Dum De Dum ... Dark Dawn, Book 5 in the Nautical Mile Series. 

Oh and good morning.  Get that cup of coffee that's calling to you.  Yes, I can hear it - because it's calling me too!

Seeking Support

Writing is often a lonely task.  And for me, critical feedback is hard to find.  I guess because I turn to family.  Of course they love me and don't want to be overly critical of my work. 

So in striving to create the best storyline possible - I am seeking a mentor.  Someone who knows the business, knows what works and what doesn't.  Does such a person exist?  I don't know, but the search is on.  This could be a literary agent that acts as an editor or an experienced author, both of whom could offer valuable insight into the trade and help me perfect the Nautical Mile Series.

Happy Hunting! 

Contest Deadline Extended

The Chesapeake Bay Revival Coloring Contest Deadline has been extended to January 15, 2012 ... giving schools another month to submit entries from young artists. 

Inspire the next generation of water conservationists and get your school involved in the contest - TODAY!  The contest is open to schools within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (VA, MD, WV, DE, PA and NY).  Wonderful artwork has already been received.  For complete details check out http://www.nauticalmilebooks.com/, you can also preview a 'sneak peek' of the artwork under the photo gallery tab. 

Good Luck!

Ramblings

Lately, I've been surfing other author's blogs to find out just how they write.  I've discovered that we all do it slightly differently.  But you basically have to invest yourself in your ideas and develope them over time to create something new and exciting.

Before I started working on The Nautical Mile Series, I just wrote whatever popped into my head.  Actually Salty Summer, Book 1 - is written like that.  I didn't know anything about main plot arcs, obstacles of increasing intensity, protagonists, antagonists, or voice.  But in writing and reading about writing, I am learning and growing.  Hopefully that growth can be seen while reading the books in The Nautical Mile Series. 

I did a fair amount of research on Greek and Arthurian Legends while working on Secret Spring, Book 4.  I incorporated some of those elements into my story line.  The Circle of Trust is modeled after The Round Table.  Of course, mine has a Sea Horse mosiac in the center and sits in a hidden chamber of an underwater pyramid in Aquatica.  But the inspiration for it came from the Knights of the Round Table.  As did the Aqua Defenders, well they are sort of a blend of Knights of the Round Table and the League of Extraordinary Men. 

Wild Winter, Book 3 - also includes elements from Indian folklore.  A rainbow warrior is summoned when the Earth is in danger.  The character that comes to Kyle, 'Lone Feather' is modeled after this rainbow warrior.

I also like to include enviromental themes into the storyline.  Kyle is hailed as the water child and is sought out by King Neptune to help with the Chesapeake Bay.  The Bay incodentally is the gateway to Aquatica ... the underwater realm of Neptune.  Books 2, 3, 4, and 5 have various natural and fantasy elements fused together for a touch of magical realism.

Times up kiddies ... got errands to run.  I'll pop in again later.  Bye!       

Whoever you are, where ever you are - Thank You!

Someone recently read Secret Spring, Book 4.  I can't tell you what it feels like to know that your book has been read by someone for the first time.  But that's just what happened.  Somewhere ... someone read my book! 

Before publishing Secret Spring as an ebook, no one (I mean no one - outside of family) had read that book.  It was a secret, transporting the boys to a magical place.

So whoever you are, where ever you are - I hope you enjoyed the read.  And thank you for choosing my book.  I'm truly flattered.  Most people need a brand name to decide what to read.  In the writing world ... I am a little nobody.  One of the vast unknown.  So thank you lone reader, I will share the magic with you!     

Multi Tasking ... Again

I'm reading about writing, while 'A Muppets Christmas - Letters to Santa' is playing behind me.  Kasey ... the littlest McCartney, who is now 4 yrs old, is watching it wide eyed.  But it works because I am a perpetual child.  I never really wanted to grow up.  Who does?  Childhood memories are the fondest!  Hold on to them with both hands.  

Writing, writing and more writing

I decided last night to start working on another book.  A book that chronicles the time my boys spent at Fork Union Military Academy.  This was a trying time for all of us.  But for none more so than Kevin and Triston.  My two oldest boys.  Kevin is almost a man at 17 years old.  Really weird.  Where did the time go?  I blinked and he went from a sweet little baby to a challenging teenager.  And Triston, well I never had him as a baby - he was 5 when I first 'met' him, even still ... he went from 5 to 15 lickety split!

My family is a bunch of misfits.  A mix of rescue animals (both cats and dogs) and kids from 2 families.  I have been raising Triston since the death of my sister.  Tragically she was murdered by her husband ... God rest her soul.  The tragedy of Lacey Peterson happened after her time ... but it was just like that, all the worst parts of it, anyway.  And I am the biggest misfit of all - having come from a broken home, landed in foster care and got stuck in the 'system'. 

This new book ... seems to be writing itself.  I started this morning and already have the first 2,000 words.  I read somewhere about a contest to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days.  I figured if others can do it - why not me.  So that is my new challenge.  To write this novel with my boys in about a month.  I have a great title for the book.  One I can't really share, yet.  Laughing over here because it REALLY, REALLY fits.  For those who read my blog 'The Disavowed' ... you know the back story.  Of course I had to pull down my blog in trying to resolve matters with the school - no money was made there, by the way.  Enough said about the legal mumbo jumbo ... but I still think I can write a hilarious, fictional book about the boys time there. 

I will keep you posted on my progress.

The Saga Continues

So now in addition to everything else, I am starting my search for a REAL literary agent. 

What does that mean?  You may ask.

Well, for those who may not know - Tate Publishing appears to be a hybrid, self-publisher of sorts.  They claim they are a publishing company hanging with the 'big' dogs.  I can assure you ... they are not.  They are a self-publisher disguised as a publisher.

What is the big difference?

A publisher is interested in making money by selling your story.  They design a product, promote it, and then sell it.  They pay the author for the rights to publish their story and so on.

A self-publisher, publishes your book if you pay for their services.  They assist in designing a product, then sell it back to the author.  They make their money off of hopeful would be authors.

Tate Publishing has their fees disguised as a $4,000 'author investment'.  They want to sell my books back to me - so I can hawk them at the corner bar.  (And yes, they really suggested that.)  

What can a literary agent do?

Hopefully, I will get plucked from the slush pile and my stories will be presented to legitimate publishers.  That's what a literary agent can do.  They can break through the barriers and get behind enemy lines.  Fingers-crossed, on both hands, that an agent can assist me in getting a contract.  And here's the big part, maybe one day The Nautical Mile Series will grace bookshelves in actual bookstores.  Maybe, just maybe - kids everywhere will be reading another McCartney adventure!

On to more serious matters

Despite my incredible and unfailing excitement about being published and getting the word out about my book and the coloring contest ... I am beginning to see how disillusioned I was with Tate Publishing (the company that released Salty Summer). 

I have numerous gripes ... many stemming from the editing, production, and marketing of my book.  A few unprofessional professionals - I was beginning to think that everyone who touched my book was in the process of leaving Tate Publishing by the time they got to me.  So it was a frustrating process to say the least. 

And then - to find out that Tate Publishing did not send out a single blurb to any newspapers the week that my book was released!  Not ONE! 

All the chatter on the Internet is a direct result of hard work coming from MY camp.  That includes just me and my WONDERFUL husband (he doubles as marketing rep., chef extraordinaire, dad, electrician and everything in between).

Nautical Nonsense

In my excitement - I inadvertently thought that Spin Sheet was going to put my book on the cover of their magazine!  Well, they are not.  Isn't it amazing how our subconscious selves come out at all the wrong times.  A couple of laughable emails later - details cleared up.  My, my, my - my inner child must be a bit arrogant.  I explained to the editor that I am, after all, 2 parts kid.  I hope she understood how foolish I felt after my initial email!   One more BIG opps ... along the way.  

Here's the scoop ...

I just received word from Spin Sheet Magazine that they will be running an article about Salty Summer and the Chesapeake Bay Revival Coloring Contest in their December 2011 edition.  Be sure to pick up a copy!

Bay Backpack asked me to be a guest blogger.  I submitted a poem entitled: Colors of the Chesapeake and invited area schools to participate in the coloring contest ... that should be out on their blog next week. 

The Rappahannock Record, The Gloucester Gazette Journal, The Local Scoop and J Boat News Blog have all featured articles about Salty Summer and my little coloring contest.  I am thrilled to be getting the word out.

Check out my new website!

I just set up a website ... this was tougher than I imagined.  But I am steadily learning all the tricks of the trade. 

http://www.nauticalmilebooks.com/

Check it out for yourself! 

The Nautical Mile Series

Salty Summer, Book 1 - is available in print at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.  Books 1 - 4 are also available as e-books available for Kindle and Nook download.

Happy Reading!

Spreading the Word

I am contacting my boating brothers and sailing sisters around the world.  We all share a tie that binds - love of the water.  If I've written to your yacht club recently, read on to discover a salty adventure that's just beginning...