Danny in a Newfangled World

Awesome New Review

// March 14th, 2012 // No Comments » // Books

I’m thrilled to have received a five-star review by a Readers Favourite Reviewer. Check it out at their website.

Here it is below:

Reviewed by Author Anna del C. Dye. for Readers Favorite

This is a very enjoyable story for kids in Kindergarten to fifth grade. It has cartoon drawings here and there to optimize visualization. The language is age appropriate, witty and fast moving. I like it because it is written in an easy English which will be a plus to help readers in the lower levels to read. The story is well-developed and interesting for kids of that age.

Danny is a computer gamer and he is good at it. The only obstacles that keep him from more mature and fun games are his parents. He thinks, breathes and eats computer games, that is until he is ten-years-old, when he decides that the games have become boring. He is ready for the next level, but his mother always says he needs to stay with the safe ones. That has stopped him many times before but not today. He is swallowed up by his computer and finds himself in a place where everything is computer games. Yes! He is now in heaven. But that is until the most ugly monster in that place threatens to eat him. Now, he not only has to play what he likes, but also win a real fight for his life. These terrors will continue until he figures out how to return safely back home to his family.

This book should relate quite well with kids who are in elementary school now. It addresses a theme that they know about and will have experienced many times in their own lives. It is clean and very enjoyable. It will make a great catch for any school or home library.

Sequel to Young Middle-Grade Chapter Book

// January 1st, 2012 // No Comments » // Books

Happy New Year! This day, January 1st, 2012, I have resolved to get serious about self-publishing the sequel to Danny in a Newfangled World in the coming months. Finding good books for boys has never been easier, yet still there are no other books in the marketplace that combine kids’ love of video games with their love of reading the way Danny in a Newfangled World does.

Parents and teachers can appreciate the underlying messages about internet safety, while kids can take pleasure in reading about an ultimate fantasy – getting sucked inside their favourite video games.

Additionally, for all the new owners of iPads and e-readers, buying books for kids online is easier than ever. Danny in a Newfangled World can be ordered online through Amazon or iTunes bookstore for super cheap! Looking for an ebook for boys and girls that will keep their eyes glued to a screen (in a good way)? Check out this link:

Amazon ebook $0.99 each

If you read on your iPad or iPod, download the version available in iTunes iBookstore.

A Book Signing at Scarborough Chapters Includes Scavenger Hunt

// September 13th, 2011 // 1 Comment » // Books

Winston Churchill and a Good Horoscope

// May 26th, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

I was up past midnight — way later than my usual bedtime – compiling an exhaustive list of literary agents who are accepting submissions for middle grade fiction. Now that I’ve polished the sequel to Danny in a Newfangled World, it’s time to find it a home.  Since I’m not knew to querying for either fiction or non-fiction books, I am girding myself for a torrent of rejections. I’ve been down this road before.

Having self-published Danny in a Newfangled World, I feel much more prepared to tackle this daunting task this time around. For one thing, I now recognize how hard, hard, hard it is to market and sell a book. I’m fortunate to have published a book that Chapters-Indigo believes in. But getting the book on their shelves (fabulous as it is!) is just one step. Spreading the word about this awesome book for kids is a huge challenge – more so for an author without a big publisher’s name to back her. So, I can honestly admit that I am more motivated than ever to find a publisher. My face can handle a lot of door slams.

Today I will craft the “perfect” query letter (whatever that is) and send it out to literary agents. My goal is a few queries per day. I know, from experience, that agents are quick to reply. Publishers, on the other hand, prefer to keep you hanging… often indefinitely.  As I embark on this stage of my writing journey, I thought it seemed a perfect time to read my horoscope. I haven’t read it in about six months and I need some extra special guidance and motivation today.

So glad I read it:

You will face many challenges over the next few days but with Mars in your sign you have what it takes to survive and thrive (yeah!!) Think of new ways to make a name for yourself – but make sure it’s a good one (I’m on it!)

Not much later, I stepped into my office to turn on my laptop and just happened to look to my left where I hang all sorts of papers that are meant to remind me of stuff that, well, I don’t remember.  A wonderful quote by Winston Churchill caught my eye (did I put that there??)  Here it is:

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.

Now. I’m ready.

Just About Finished the Sequel!

// May 20th, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

I’m adding the finishing touches to the sequel. The story is another crazy ride for Danny through cyberspace where he meets a crazy new friend, named Tula. Together, they try to find Danny’s mischievous little brother who is wandering somewhere inside the computer… likely causing all sorts of raucous!

Get a sneak preview of the first two chapters HERE.

Next week, I begin my search for a literary agent or publisher to represent both my books. I’m girding myself for the responses… this part of the job is never easy. Come back for updates on how things are turning out.

A Tough but Rewarding Gig: Publishing Alone

// May 3rd, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

Almost a year ago, I decided to stop trying to sway agents and publishers in favour of my kids’ chapter book and take a chance with self-publishing.  I did it partly because I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur and partly because I figured I had as good a chance as any small press author.  I also truly believed in the quality of my book and the market for this kind of kids’ story (and still do, by the way).

Certainly, taking on the small business aspect of selling books has been the roller coaster ride that I’d expected. There are real highs (Val King ordering my books for Chapters Indigo), and painful lows (being told I’m not a real author by literary associations).  I also empathize with publishers more than ever. It’s hard to make a living selling books! Just ask my accountant (also known as my husband).

Not unlike most first-time authors, I’ve had to hustle to book signings at bookstores, cajoled kids and parents to take a chance on a great new book, send press releases to newspapers and blogs, and uh, find additional means for income (jewellery anyone?)

I’ve learned more than I’d ever have imagined through this process and met some amazing authors who must, in my mind, be among the hardest working authors out there.  For anyone considering taking the self-publishing leap, here’s some advice:

• Be prepared to work hard. Really, really hard.
• Believe in your book. If you don’t, you’ll have a hard time convincing others of its worth.
• Get over any fear of sales. You’re not just a writer, you’re a salesperson.
• Get over any fear of performing. You’re not just a salesperson, you’re a performer.
• Do it on a shoe-string budget without sacrificing quality. It is possible, with some creativity and willingness to learn.

I have enjoyed the experience… enough so that I’ve written the book’s sequel, Danny in a Newfangled World: Saving Ivan.  I will publish it myself… unless an agent realizes its fabulousness and chooses to represent me. This time around, I think the odds are in my favour – whatever the outcome.

My Son, the Editor

// February 23rd, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

Writing my sequel is going a bit slower than I’d hoped.  It’s funny how life gets in the way of things.  Thankfully, I am more than three-quarters finished, well, I WAS three-quarters finished until my son read through my manusript.  He is a voracious reader at eight years old (almost nine) and recently asked if he could read my sequel from my laptop.  A couple of months earlier, I’d read the first eight chapters to him and he was curious to find out what happened in the subsequent seven chapters that I’d completed since.

Always thrilled to share my writing with any of my boys, I opened up the document and left him alone.  His initial comments were typical of any young boy.  “It was great!”  But I’m no fool.  As any good editor or writer will admit, there is always room for improvement (especially when it’s a first draft!)

A couple days later, he and I were hanging out at a Tim Horton’s together and I forced him to elaborate further on his critique of my book.  Hey – I could use the help, after all, this is free consulting advice from my target reader group.

It didn’t take a lot of prodding to get the kid to ‘fess up.  His biggest issue was with my latest chapter.  It’s LAME.  I’d written a video game scene where Danny had to outwit and outplay his opponents in an effort to learn some tricks of the online world (these traits he acquires will later help him to complete his quest).  Well, it needs a re-write.  We discussed what kinds’ of things would be best.  Peter drummed up: dragons, mythology, or the elements (fire, ice, earth).  All neat ideas. 

So, it’s back to work for me.  This time, I’m going to make it awesome.  But if I don’t — I’m not too worried, my son will let me know.

Opportunities to Get a Signed Book

// October 25th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Books

While the book will not be hitting book stores until another month, parents and kids can still get their hands on a signed copy at holiday events.  Here are two upcoming book signings:

Tuesday, November 2 – Holiday Open House at the author’s house.   All are welcome to come, 1-3 pm and 7-9pm, at my home where I will be selling signed copies of my book alongside talented Mom entrepreneurs selling Silpada Designs, Magz-Bagz, Kathy & Kim Originals, and ParyLite.  There will be nibbles and refreshments.  Great chance to get some holiday shopping in!  For more details email dani.leonard5@gmail.com

Saturday, November 6 Iroquois Ridge Holiday Marketplace at Iroquois Ridge High School in Oakville.  Open 10am to 4pm.  1123 Glenashton Drive.

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A Lot of Buzz About Boys Books

// September 24th, 2010 // No Comments » // Books

There is much debate raging on the blogosphere about the quality of boy’s reading these days.  My own opinion is to let the boys read what the boys want to read – even if it includes page after page of toilet humour.  My household seems to exist with day after day of potty talk.  At least when they’re reading it, I don’t have to hear it. 

However, I also believe that kids need a limit to how much they should read on the subject.  I decided about a year ago to take Zombie Butts from Uranus from their hands and have yet to return it.  That is one book that had too much influence of their topics of discussion (poo, poo, and more poo.) 

When it’s time for the boys to be exposed to some classics, I read a book aloud.  It’s incredible that even a 10 year old still enjoys listening to his mother read a story.  So my advice to parents who are worried their their boys are being overexposed to “crappy” literature?  Just mix it up… Like dessert after dinner, introduce a new dish and encourage them to try it.  Once they realize it’s pretty good after all, let them have their dessert.

Here’s an interesting post on the topic

Book for Sale on Amazon

// September 17th, 2010 // No Comments » // Books

While the paperback will not be available in Canada (and locally) for another couple of weeks, my book Danny in a Newfangled World, is now up on Amazon.com as both a paperback and e-book.  You can purchase it through my e-store or from Amazon.com’s retail site.

E-store   

Amazon.com   (only the kindle is available here at this point, but the paperback will be there in another day or two)

Canadians will be able to purchase the book at select stores in the near future, as well as through paypal on this site in another three weeks.