Danny in a Newfangled World

Awesome New Review

// March 14th, 2012 // 1 Comment » // 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.

Dear Literary Agent

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

First of all, thank you so much for dropping in for a visit.  Seeing as you have arrived, I assume that you have recently received a query for my two books: Danny in a Newfangled World and Saving Ivan.  To help you better understand me and my books, I’ve compiled a list of personal facts:

1. I only send queries to agents whom I have researched and feel certain that my book has the potential to fit into their roster of books.
2. I have been toiling over my most recent synopsis re-write for an entire day (admittedly my day ends at 3:30pm when my boys race through the front door) and will continue to “perfect” it today.  I’m serious about my writing.
3. One prominent literary agent asked me for a partial review of both my manuscripts.  However, as patient as I am (and hopeful), I’ve decided that after 2 months with no response, it is time to resume my search for representation.  I still await their response and will apprise all queried agents of any change in the status of my manuscript.
4. Saving Ivan is, in fact, the fourth novel I have written. My first – a somewhat cheesy teen novel was completed back in 2000 when I was 29. I cringe when I read it now.
5. I have a small piece of paper hanging to the left of my desk with the words: Rejection Tally – Go up to 100. (I’d prefer to stop anywhere closer to 50, so feel free to help me out with that.)
6. Although self-publishing Danny in a Newfangled World may have ultimately hurt my chances to find a publisher now, I don’t regret it because I am a better author, speaker, book seller, and risk-taker now than I was over a year ago when I decided to go for it.
7. I now realize selling books is harder than writing them.  Way harder.
8. I actually think my sequel, Saving Ivan, is funnier and more exciting than Danny in a Newfangled World – which is strange because when I started writing it, I didn’t think I could live up to the first book’s standard.
9. I take criticism very, very, very well.  I may sit in my room sulk for a bit after I hear it (pity party!), but then I suck it up and make the changes, knowing they are creating a better story, article, assignment.
10. I am now reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (yep, for the first time).

I hope you feel you know me a bit better now.  Thanks for stopping by and it would be so lovely to receive a personal response, rather than a form letter, but I understand your predicament. So, no hard feelings if things don’t work out between us.

A Book Signing at Scarborough Chapters Includes Scavenger Hunt

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

Change Can Be Good

// January 13th, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

I am excited to share that Danny in a Newfangled World has completed its mini-makeover.  I think everyone will appreciate its subtle changes.  The back cover now offers a mini-biography of its author (that’s me), and the social media logos, Facebook and Twitter, are gone.  After some careful thought, I decided they didn’t belong on the cover of a kids’ book.  Heck, I don’t let my kids join facebook, so I don’t want kids or parents to believe that I’m encouraging kids to join the social network.  However, kids and/or their parents are still welcome to become fans on the book’s facebook page, where I post regular updates about the book, its sequel, and book signings.  The more, the merrier!

The margins have also expanded to make the reading a bit easier on young eyes.  As a result, the final page count has gone up from 105 to 120.  Lastly, the illustrations will appear sharper in the newest edition.  Having just spoken to my printer, my next big print run will use 100% recycled paper.  I’m very pumped about that!

It hasn’t been easy, but my pledge to write one chapter every day (excluding weekends) has been going well this week.  I am now on Chapter 7, and by the end of tomorrow… should be done Chapter 8.   The downside to such a schedule is that my first draft will be a bit rougher than I’m used to.  The upside is that I will have the entire first draft complete by mid-February, at which time I can concentrate on major re-writes and smoothing out some of the sticky plot issues I am encountering along the way. 

The second book is turning out to be one fantastic cyber-story, so kids have much to look forward to!  Still haven’t thought of a title, though.  That’s always a tough call.  Hoping to get that ‘eureka’ moment in a few more chapters.

Another Bazaar Gig Down

// November 20th, 2010 // No Comments » // Books

Two weeks after a successful run selling books at the Iroquois Ridge Marketplace, I was back selling to a craft-craving crowd today.  As with last time, my favourite aspect of the experience was meeting some fantastic people – both customers and vendors. 

Although my sales weren’t as stellar as I’d hoped, I’m happy that more kids will soon have Danny in a Newfangled World in their hands – if not today, then on Christmas morning.  When I wasn’t talking the ear off a potential book buyer, I was chatting with the vendors around me.  

Their stories about what and why they are selling are always interesting.  Being a personal fan of gourmet sauces, I was drawn to the culinary offerings of Moose River Preserves.  Colin has been building his gourmet business for 8 years and I think his products have a lot of potential.  (Although I told him he needs to get a Fan page on Facebook!  How else are customers to find out about where to buy his delectables?)

Beside me was Karen selling citrus-inspired creams, soaps, and balms.  She is also an author who specializes in gerontology issues and solutions for caregivers.  Was great talking to her during those lulls.  

Other vendors I enjoyed hanging out with include a girls’ accessories business (www.operationpink.net) and comfort products (www.comfeeLiving.com). 

While I would have preferred to sell to a more receptive crowd (a lot were parents with grown up kids), I’m always happy to add more experiences to my professional journey.  After all, they make great stories…

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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Book Signing Party was Fun

// October 23rd, 2010 // No Comments » // Books

Thanks to all the wonderful guests who came to purchase signed books yesterday.  It seemed like everyone had a great time… Homebaked cookies for the kids, wine for the adults, and great company!  Fittingly, the kids alternated between running around madly (inside & outside) and playing video games.  Today’s kids are always straddling two worlds – digital entertainment and old fashioned kid fun.  It makes Danny in a Newfangled World so perfect a read! 

Here are a few pics from the event.

Author (right) and Illustrator

Some young guests listen to the author read.

Signing a book

Pounding the Pavement to Get Book in Stores

// October 14th, 2010 // No Comments » // Books

It’s a good thing that all my experience as a writer has thickened my skin.  I’ve gotten rather used to the rejection letters, in a good way, that is.  I get ticked off for about ten minutes, curse the publisher/agent/magazine, then get back to work on whatever it is I’m writing.  I decided long ago that if I wanted to be a successful writer, I couldn’t let a small thing like rejection get in my way.

Now I’ve published this fantastic kids’ chapter book (if I may say so myself.)  Countless hours upon hours were spent crafting this work from writing the very first sentence to proofreading the final pdf.  So, my work is done, right?

Wrong.

Sales and marketing is proving as challenging as writing.  I’m thankful that I started selling jewellery last year to help pay for my publishing expenses.  And that’s not just because I’ve earned some decent income from it, but rather I’ve absorbed some of the skills needed to get out and sell something… Something that not everyone necessarily wants to buy – without a little coercion, anyways.

My biggest challenge in sales, these days, isn’t in generating interest among kids and parents who want to purchase the book.  It’s trying to convince stores that this book should be on their shelves.  I’m busy visiting various stores across the GTA, and while I’ve had some wonderful experiences with Chapters stores, I’ve learned a hard truth – my book will likely be shut out of the Christmas buying crowd.  I contacted them too late in the season to sell my book on consignment (or do book signings).  And I have no one to blame but me for that.  Thankfully, there are some great opportunities for book signings in the new year which I look forward to.  **QUICK PLUG – BOOK SIGNING AT OAKVILLE CHAPTERS JAN 15**  But I need to sell some books now, while Santa’s still building toys. 

I plan to rely on local Christmas Craft Shows, online sales, and some wonderful independent book stores (yes there are still a few of those left.)   I’m sure these book store owners will find room on their shelves for this ambitious (and highly engaging) author’s book this holiday season.  What can I say… I’m hopeful.  But then again, I am a writer, and it’s often hope alone that keeps us writing.

Danny in a Newfangled World on Kindle

// October 9th, 2010 // No Comments » // Books

I have joined the ereader revolution!  Yesterday my kind husband showed up at home with a brand new Kindle for me.  I’d been thinking about buying one, so it was a great surprise to finally have one to play with.  I’ve been reading a super sized book, End of the World, by Ken Follett, and it is ridiculously heavy to carry from one place to another.  It would be so much easier to transport with me if it was in a Kindle. 

Of course, my first download had to be my very own book, Danny in a Newfangled World.  It looks fantastic!  I highly recommend any young readers with e-readers to try out this electronic version of the book.  By mistake, someone (maybe me?) also downloaded a book called The Monk and the Riddle for $9.95.  Never heard of it, but it was too late to cancel the purchase because by the time I noticed it had been purchased, my credit card was charged.  Thankfully, it looks like a really great read for entrepreneurs – something I’m trying to be these days.  So, turns out that I have an extra book on my reading list. 

I’ve also learned an important lesson: After making an online purchase, log off my Amazon account immediately.  It’s too easy to mistakenly buy something (especially when my 10 year old is playing with it.)

Danny’s Going to the Printer

// August 29th, 2010 // No Comments » // Books

The book is ready to go!  It clocks in at 105 pages long.  That includes a few pages worth of pictures, too.  I will be printing a few digital copies to test drive the book in the next couple of weeks.  But the book, Danny in a Newfangled World, will be available to the WORLD by October.  Perfect timing for Christmas.  It will be available at select book stores in the GTA and through Amazon.com.  More details will follow in September.