Danny in a Newfangled World

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.

Danny in a Newfangled World is in a Store Near You

// March 25th, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

I just received some great news!  Indigo will be stocking Danny in a Newfangled World in all Chapters and Indigo stores across Toronto from Oshawa to Kitchener/Waterloo.  So, the next time someone asks me where to buy the book, the answer is easier than ever.  WHEREVER YOU WANT!

Also, remember, supporting Indendents is just as important.  My book is available in downtown Toronto at Ben McNally Books (what a wonderful store!) and in downtown Oakville at Pick of the Crop, and lastly in downtown Burlington at A Different Drummer.

I am hoping that the fantastic kids’ book store, Mabel’s Fables, has my book on their shelves shortly.  If you live near this shop, perhaps you can give the owners a very polite nudge  

I am slated for many book signings in and around the west end of the city.  I’d love to see you!  Click HERE for more details on dates and places.

Book Signings Coming Up

// January 20th, 2011 // 1 Comment » // Books

I’m looking forward to meeting more fabulous kids at these upcoming book signings:

February 6 – Chapters Square One, Mississauga 1-3pm.  I’ll be alongside some great local authors selling their own works, too.

February 12 – Indigo Erin Mills 1-3pm.  Have you been to this beautiful new store?  Here’s your chance! Lots for the kids to see and do.  I’ll be reading from my book and providing fun activities for the kids.

February 19 – Chapters Waterloo & Kitchener.  Waterloo is 10:30-12:30, Kitchener is 1:30pm- 3:30pm.  Also, you’ll meet fabulous local authors alongside my book!

Here are the other authors (who are promoting adult books) that I’ll be working alongside on February 6 and 19:

• Steve Liddell “Honest Lee” www.honest-lee.net/index.html
• Carla Johnson “Cooking With Sin” www.CookingWithSin.com www.CarlaJohnson.ca 
• Steve Wilson “Been There Done That” www.ludzy.com
• Mark Loeffler “Investing in Rent to Own Properties” www.theversatileinvestor.com/

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.

Time to Think Like a Publisher

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

Two nights ago I lay awake in my bed feeling anxious.  When I began my journey to publish Danny in a Newfangled World, my final goal was to find a commercial publisher.  A knight in shining armour who could carry me with my gleaming book to a paradise called bestsellerdom where demand for my books was high and I’d no longer have to spend half my working hours marketing and selling.  It is every writer’s dream.  But that night, I came to the realization that I may never find a publisher knocking down my door to represent me and my books.  I may, in fact, become a full-fledged publisher as I continue to write my kids’ series and, in the process, create other books for different age groups (I have a list of ideas!)

It’s not that I’m afraid of hard work.  In fact, I don’t recommend that anyone consider writing and publishing a book unless he or she has a heavy streak of tenacity.   The source of my anxiety is likely that of any new business owner who, during different stages of growth, must continually remind oneself of the viability and future success of the venture.  Unfortunately, insomnia tends to amplify those concerns. 

Thankfully, I have slowly been altering and expanding my business plan to include a more variable source of income than just book sales.  Yet, as gratifying as building my business has been, it brings with it plenty of risk – both financially and personally.   

The next morning, I woke up feeling slightly refreshed and more confident in my potential to become both the writer and publisher, and media literacy speaker (I told you I had expanded my business plan) that I envision myself being.  And, while a small part of me still hopes to entice to publisher to scoop my book up, my entrepreneurial journey is only beginning.  And anyways, being the boss has its perks.

Thanks to Everyone Helping Sell My Book

// October 19th, 2010 // No Comments » // Books

I recognize that Danny in a Newfangled World is a perfect story for today’s video gaming-online surfing-digital obssessed kids… Okay, maybe they’re not that obssessed, but you know what I mean.  Unfortunately, all the New York Literary Agents I queried didn’t agree with me.  Nor did the few publishers I queried (those few that actually open unsolicited manuscripts.)  I found it baffling that these experts in selling books couldn’t see how a middle grade book that is both a thrilling “cyber” adventure and a cautionary tale about the internet wasn’t worth investigating further.  Of course, that’s why I decided to stop wasting time trying to convince the editors and published it myself.

I have had enthusiastic feedback from so many parents and teachers about my book.  They agree that the kids’ market is ripe for this story.  A Montessori school in Oakville has even included Danny in a Newfangled World in their book fair this week.  I also had a fantastic conversation with the consignment manager at Oakville’s Chapters bookstore yesterday.  She is excited to put out a unique book that will help kids understand the internet, rather than scare kids from using the internet (’cause let’s face it… kids are going to be online whether we like it or not.)

To all those parents, teachers, kids, and bookstores who are helping bring this book to its readers… Thank you!