Aspiring Authors

June 11 2011

There's more to publishing a book than writing a good story!

Over the years many of you have told me you're thinking about writing a book, but don't know how to go about getting it published. If you fall into that category, I have good news for you. A colleague of mine and I are now offering workshops on how to get published.

Frances Keiser, an award-winning author of children's books, and I will be sharing some of the tricks of the trade on a variety of topics related to writing, publishing and marketing at conferences, the University of North Florida's Division of Continuing Education, and other venues.

Listed below are three upcoming workshops that can be helpful to aspiring authors. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about any of these sessions. And check out our website at http://www.getbooksavvy.com.

June 17, 10:00am - 12:00pm
I'm Writing a Book...What's Next?
Duval Teacher Supply Depot, Jacksonville

We'll be discussing publishing options, design tips, business essentials and marketing strategies.
For more information and to register, contact me at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), $39. Space is limited.

July 16, Workshop from 9:00am - 4:00pm
(Food and networking from 8:00-9:00am and 4:00-5:00pm)
Get Book Savvy at the Beach - A Writers Retreat
Beach-front location on Crescent Beach, Florida

Six hours of sessions on writing, publishing and marketing books will be taught by Frances Keiser and me. This retreat will also include a continental breakfast, a gourmet lunch, and a wine and hors d'oeuvres happy hour. Dining and breaks will take place on decks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Morning and evening walks on the beach will be encouraged.

We are limiting this workshop to a small group, so reserve your spot early.
To register, contact me at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), $145

July 28, Continuing Education Course at UNF from 6:00pm - 8:00pm
The Nuts and Bolts of Constructing Your Book
UNF University Center
For more information and to register, go to UNF's Division of Continuing Education Learn Jacksonville.

Mom’s Choice Award #4

April 01 2011

I was recently notified that my fourth book, Ghosts on the Coast: A Visit to Savannah and the Low Country, has received the Mom's Choice Award. This is a national award that recognizes "quality family-friendly products." I'm thrilled that all four of my juvenile fiction books have received this award.

April and May - On the Road Again!
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April 2 - I'll be on Amelia Island this Saturday, signing books and celebrating the Old Town Bicentennial. Old Town is featured in my book Adventures on Amelia Island: A Pirate, A Princess, and Buried Treasure. The organizers of this event have planned many activities to help make "history come alive" for kids and adults. Visit: http://oldtownfernandina.org/bicentennial/index.html

April 16 - The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island will be shell-e-brating Earth Day and I'll be there! This is a great place to take kids! Activities will include games, crafts, demonstrations and stage programs. To learn more about the Center, go to: http://www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org


April 30 - With more than twenty other authors, I'll be presenting at the April is for Authors event in West Palm Beach. Teachers, students and families are invited to meet their favorite authors at this free event. If you live in the West Palm Beach area, check it out. For more information, go to: http://www.aprilisforauthors.org

May 12-14 - I'll be speaking at the Scribbler's Retreat and Writer's Conference on St. Simon's Island, Georgia. Sessions are designed for "budding authors and published authors of all ages" and include: Query Letter Writing, Historical Fiction, Point of View, Creating Credible Characters, Writing Poetry, Revving up your Narrative Drive, and How to Write a Novel in your Spare Time. I'll be speaking about Schools: A Niche Market. For registration information, visit http://scribblersretreatwritersconference.com

May 20 - I'll be joining other authors with books about the environment at An Evening at Whitney Labs at Marineland in Flagler Beach. Book signings will be held from 7:00-7:30 PM, following a program and other activities that begin at 5:00. http://www.scenica1a.org/EnvironmentalEducationForum.aspx

By Popular Request - Publishing Workshops Offered ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am often asked by aspiring authors if I would help them get a book published. I'm now in a position to offer them some support.

Frances Keiser, award-winning children's author, and I will be offering a series of courses through the University of North Florida's Division of Continuing Education. Our first course, The Business Side of Self-Publishing, will be offered on May 17, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the UNF campus. Two separate publishing courses will be offered on June 4 and July 28.

For details and registration information for these very affordable workshops, go to: http://www.ce.unf.edu/showcalendar.awp.

An Evening with Ernest Hemingway - May 21 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Florida Heritage Book Festival will bring to life the "Hemingway Era" by hosting an evening infused with music, drink and Cuban-inspired hors d'oeuvres. The entertainment includes a Hemingway look-alike contest and a Mojito-tasting competition! Book lovers will enjoy this special event at the Flagler College campus in historic St. Augustine, Florida. Early bird registration ends on April 21, 2011. For tickets, go to: http://www.fhbookfest.com

Educators: Schedule an Author Visit to Your School
If you're interested in having me visit your school, give me a call at 904-268-9572 or send me an e-mail at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Oh, the Places You and Your Kids Can Go!

February 01 2011

Spring is on the way and there are many upcoming events in Florida and Georgia over the next two months that relate to my books.

Many of them are free and great for families. Check ‘em out.

Amelia Island Book Festival, Feb 18-19
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The Amelia Island Book Festival is this weekend and I will be one of the presenting authors. I’ll be speaking about Self-Publishing: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly with fellow author Frances Keiser at the Writer’s Workshop on Friday at 3:30 PM at the Florida State College campus.
I’ll also be part of the Children’s Chapter on Saturday from 9:00-3:00 PM. Amelia Island is located in Northeast Florida where my book Adventures on Amelia Island: A Pirate, A Princess, and Buried Treasure takes place. Check out the festival at http://www.ameliaislandbookfestival.com for details.
The Manatee Observation and Education Center, Feb 26
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The Manatee Observation and Education Center in Ft. Pierce, Florida, is hosting its Nest Fest 2011 on Saturday, February 26, from 10:00-4:00 PM. I’ll be doing a reading from my book Trouble on the St. Johns River at 12:30 PM, and signing books throughout the rest of the day at this fun family event. To learn more about this facility and event, visit http://www.manateecenter.com.
 
Florida Heritage Book Festival Writer’s Workshop, March 5
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The Florida Heritage Book Festival is sponsoring a Writer’s Workshop and Luncheon featuring best-selling author Steve Berry on March 5, from 9:30-3:30 PM at the World Golf Village near St. Augustine, Florida. If you are an aspiring author, you can learn valuable information about the publishing world from Steve.
 
I’ve heard him speak many times and can highly recommend his presentation. For more information, go to http://www.fhbookfest.com.
 
The Children’s Chapter, March 19
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The Children’s Chapter, an event to benefit the Jacksonville Public Library, will be held on March 19, at the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville. I will be reading from my book Adventures on Amelia Island: A Pirate, A Princess and Buried Treasure. This free event will also feature authors Catherine Burkee, author of Me and Green, and Katie Monnin, who will speak about Teaching Graphic Novels.
 
League of Environmental Educators in Florida Conference, Mar 24-27
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The League of Environmental Educators in Florida, an organization committed to environmentally educating Florida’s citizens, will host its annual conference on March 24-27, in Starke, Florida.  Fellow author Frances Keiser and I will be presenting a workshop called Read Them a Story! Introducing Environmental Education with Literature at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 26.  For more details, visit http://leef-florida.org.
 
Old Town Fernandina Bicentennial Celebration, April 2
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Old Town Fernandina, which is featured in my book Adventures on Amelia Island: A Pirate, A Princess and Buried Treasure, was given the name of Fernandina by Spanish Governor Enrique White on January 1, 1811. This small community will celebrate its bicentenniel on April 2, with walking tours, archeological explorations, re-enactors, music, dancing and plenty of kids’ activities, including a treasure hunt, a pirate school and a pirates’ weapon display. For more information, visit http://www.oldtownfernandina.org.
 
Georgia Sea Turtle Center, April 16
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The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, located on Jekyll Island, Georgia, and featured in my book Trouble on the St. Johns River, will shell-e-brate Earth Day 2011 on April 16, from 11:00-3:00 PM. This is always a fun event for the whole family with earth-friendly games and crafts, an exhibitor’s venue, demonstrations and stage programs.  And of course, while you’re there, you can tour their educational exhibits and rehabilitation center to learn all about endangered sea turtles.  For more information, visit http://www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org.
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Educators:  Schedule an Author Visit to Your School
Visiting any of these places mentioned above is a great way to make history and learning about the environment come alive for kids. However, the next best thing is to see photographs of these places which is what I do during an Author Visit to a school.
 
If you’re interested in having me visit your school and share pictures of the places featured in my books, give me a call at 904-268-9572 or send me an e-mail at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The Holidays are Here!

December 08 2010

If you're in need of a gift or stocking stuffer for a young reader ages 8-14, consider a good book.

Let them follow the adventures of the Johnson family as they explore Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. They’ll enjoy a good story and learn some history at the same time.
Books can be ordered online or by calling 904-268-9572, and will be signed and personalized to the recipient, making it a unique gift especially for them.

Learning about our Environment
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I’ve had a busy schedule this fall with trips for book signings and school visits to South Carolina, Georgia and South Florida including beautiful Key West.
While in South Florida, I visited several facilities and parks that are dedicated to educating people about endangered species. They include the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon, and the Lee County Manatee Park in Fort Myers.
These are great places to take kids to teach them about protecting and preserving our fragile environment and the plants and animals that live there. Several of these facilities will be carrying my book Trouble on the St. Johns River in their gift shops.

Green Teacher Review
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And speaking about Trouble on the St. Johns River… it was recently reviewed in the fall issue of Green Teacher magazine, a Canadian publication that is distributed internationally.
Green Teacher is published four times a year and helps educators enhance environmental and global education inside and outside of schools. It contains practical articles and ready-to-use activities for various age levels from 6-18, as well as reviews and evaluations of dozens of new books, kits, games and other green resources.
To learn more about Green Teacher magazine, visit http://www.greenteacher.com.

Author Visits to Schools
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I’ve already scheduled many school visits for 2011.  If you’re interested in having me visit your school to discuss my books with your students and share photographs of the places featured in my stories, give me a call at 904-268-9572 or send me an e-mail at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Wishing you a Happy Holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

On the Road Again!

October 01 2010

I'll be traveling from South Carolina to Key West over the next three months, visiting schools, participating in book festivals

I enjoy these events as there’s always excitement whenever book lovers gather. If you’re going to be in any of these areas, I’d love to see you.

October 9, 10:00-4:00 PM - Authors Book Fair, Deltona Regional Library, Deltona, Florida
October 14, 4:30-7:30 PM - Teacher Reception, Barnes & Noble, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
October 16 - 10:00 AM- Noon - Book Signing, My Sister’s Books, Pawleys Island, South Carolina
October 22, 10:00-11:00 AM - Florida Association of Science Teachers conference, St. Augustine, Florida
October 30, 11:00-2:00 PM - Reading and Book signing, Barnes & Noble, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
November 13, 10:00-4:00 PM - Savannah Children’s Book Festival, Forsyth Park, Savannah, Georgia
November 20, 12:00-4:00 PM - Cummer Museum Children’s Book Fair, Jacksonville, Florida
November 26-28, Christmas Made in the South, Prime Osborne Convention Center, Jacksonville, Florida
November 29-Dec 1 - Author Robert Macomber Reader Rendezvous, Key West, Florida

I’ve also got numerous school visits scheduled and am looking forward to meeting teachers, media specialists and young readers in three different states.

If your school would like to schedule an Author Visit, please contact me at 904-268-9572.

It’s Back-To School Time

August 18 2010

Time to Schedule an Author Visit

As the new school year begins, I want to remind schools I offer discounts to schools on all four of my books. The books are compatible with many schools’ curricula in social studies, language arts, science and character education. Teacher resources are available on my website at http://www.janewoodbooks.com. I have also created Accelerated Reader quizzes for all of my books which you can request at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). 

I am also available to do Author Visits to Schools. I will customize my presentation to meet the specific needs of your students. To schedule a visit, contact me at 904-268-9572.

Florida Heritage Book Festival

I will be a featured author at this year’s Florida Heritage Book Festival in St. Augustine, Florida, on September 24-25, 2010. Children’s author Frances Keiser and I will co-present at Friday’s Writers Workshop, discussing the publishing options available to writers. If you are an aspiring author, the Writers Workshop is a good place to hear published authors share their knowledge about writing and publishing. For more information about the Writers Workshops, visit http://www.fhbookfest.com or call me at 904-268-9572.

I will also present on Saturday at 2:15 PM, discussing how Mystery and Adventure Make Reading Fun for Kids. Florida author Carl Hiaasen will be this year’s Keynote Speaker on Saturday morning and will also be honored at the Literary Legends Banquet on Friday night. The events on Saturday are free to the public and children’s programs will be offered throughout the day.

Ghosts on the Coasts – Kids’ Book Club

This summer I had a great time hosting a Summer Kids’ Book Club at two Jacksonville branch libraries, discussing my newest book, Ghosts on the Coast: A Visit to Savannah and the Low Country. Because of its popularity, I will be hosting another one this fall at the South Mandarin Regional Library in Jacksonville.

The Ghosts on the Coast Kids’ Book Club will meet every Tuesday at 4:30 PM for five weeks, starting on September 7. Young readers interested in participating should register in the Children’s Department at the South Mandarin Library or by calling 904-288-6385.

Blue Spring State Park – Stories at the Spring

On September 11, Blue Spring State park will celebrate Literacy Month with Stories at the Spring.I will be doing a book signing and reading from my book, Trouble on the St. John River, at the celebration of Literacy Month at Blue Spring State Park on September 11, from 11:00-1:00 PM.  Blue Spring State Park, which is where I took many of the photographs of manatees I use in my school presentations, is located in Orange City, Florida, between Daytona Beach and Orlando.

Guests will be admitted free to the park that day by showing a library card or donating a gently-used book that is appropriate for families. For details about this event, call 386-775-3663, or to learn more about Blue Spring State Park, visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/default.cfm.
         

Kids’ Summer Book Club

June 26 2010

This summer I have an exciting opportunity to interact with young readers in the Jacksonville area. Two branches of the Jacksonville Public Library have invited me to lead a discussion on my newest book, Ghosts on the Coast: A Visit to Savannah and the Low Country, over a five-week period. Each week we will focus on five to six chapters, giving special attention to the history, geography, architecture, cuisine and some of the more colorful characters of Savannah, Charleston and Pawleys Island, South Carolina. And of course, there will be more ghost stories. I’ll share photographs of many of the places featured in the book, helping make history come alive for kids.

The Southeast Regional Library on Deerwood Park Boulevard will host its Book Club on Wednesday afternoons at 2:00 PM, starting on June 23. Evening sessions will be held at 7:00 PM at the Mandarin Regional Library on Kori Road, starting on June 29. Kids ages 8-14 are invited to join, but must pre-register in the Children’s Department at each library.

Back to Jekyll Island, Georgia

I helped celebrate Earth Day this year at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s Shell-e-Brate Earth Day event. In my book Trouble on the St. Johns River, my main characters visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and learn about some of these endangered sea creatures, including the large loggerhead sea turtles that nest along the East Coast this time of year. If you’re looking for a great place to take the kids this summer, consider a visit to Jekyll Island. And if you’re there on June 26, come see me at Jekyll Books in the Old Infirmary in the Historic District where I’ll be signing books that afternoon from 2:00-4:00 PM.

 
 

For more information about the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, visit www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org
And remember, summer is a great time for kids to read a good book.

WE’RE CELEBRATING – TWICE!

February 04 2010

New Book Released

My fourth book, Ghosts on the Coast: A Visit to Savannah and the Low Country, is being released this week.  Aimed at young readers ages 8-14, this book features the same popular characters as in my other three books, only this time they visit Savannah, Charleston and Pawleys Island, South Carolina – all cities rich in history and ghost stories.  Kids love ghost stories, and this book is full of adventure!

I’ll be celebrating its release and signing books at the Barnes & Noble at St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville on Saturday, Feb 6, from 1:00-3:00 PM, and at the Barnes & Noble in Savannah, Georgia, on Saturday Feb 20, at 2:00 PM.  Books may be purchased at these stores, or on my website at www.janewoodbooks.com.  All of my books retail for $8.99, with discounts offered to schools on my website.

Book Wins National Award

And there’s more excitement—I just learned that Voices in St. Augustine has received a 2010 Mom’s Choice Award® in the juvenile fiction category.  This is a national award that recognizes “quality family-friendly” products.  My other two books, Adventures on Amelia Island: A Pirate, A Princess and Buried Treasure and Trouble on the St. Johns River received Mom’s Choice Awards® in 2009.

Amelia Island Book Festival

I will be joining authors Marianne Berkes and Melissa Conroy on a panel, discussing the ABC’s of Writing and Publishing for Children and Young Adults at the Amelia Island Book Festival on February 12, 2010, at 2:15 PM, at the Betty Cook campus in Yulee.  I will also be doing a reading and book signing on Saturday, Feb 13, at the festival site at 8th and Center Streets in Fernandina Beach, Florida.  You can learn more about this wonderful event at www.ameliaislandbookfestival.com. 

It’s here!  My fourth book is hot off the press!

December 10 2009

Ghosts on the Coast: A Visit to Savannah and the Low Country takes Joey, Bobby and Katy to the historic cities of Savannah, Charleston and Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Not only do they learn about the challenges the early settlers faced, the boldness the greedy pirates exhibited, and the determination shown by feisty women who helped save some of the architectural heritage of Savannah and Charleston, but they also encounter numerous ghost stories.  Young readers won’t know they’re learning history; they’ll only know they’re having fun as they follow these kids on their latest adventure. 

Ghosts on the Coast: A Visit to Savannah and the Low Country will be released in February 2010, when it will be available in book stores.  However, advance sales are being offered through my website.  The price is the same as my other two books –

    Retail price - $8.99

    School Discount - $7.00, plus shipping

Books may be ordered on the Shop page at http://www.janewoodbooks.com , via fax at 904-268-8165, or via phone at 904-268-9572.  School Visits may also be scheduled by e-mailing me at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 904-268-9572.

Kids love ghost stories and these books make great stocking stuffers for young readers who follow the antics of Joey, Bobby and Katy.  Happy Holidays!

New Book Coming out Soon!

October 12 2009

And other announcements...

Back-to-school 2009.

I know school budgets are especially tight this year, so I’m offering my own “stimulus package.” Any school that orders 30 books or more before September 30 will receive 5 free books. My books retail for $8.99 each, but I offer schools a discount of $7.00 each. Simply e-mail or phone me to take advantage of this special offer - (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 904-268-9572.

New Book

During my school visits, I’m constantly asked by students, “When are you going to write your next book?” I now have an answer for them. I finished book number four this summer. The new book called Ghosts on the Coast takes Joey, Bobby and Katy to the historic cities of Savannah, Charleston and Pawleys Island, South Carolina. But they learn more than just history on this trip. They hear many of the traditional ghost stories that haunt those areas; and in fact, Bobby has a close encounter with one of them. The book is scheduled for release in November. Stay tuned.

School Visits.
I’m already receiving calls for Author Visits to Schools, so if you’re interested in scheduling one for your school, give me a call - 904-268-9572. Details regarding an Author Visit may be found here

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