Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Goals for 2014



Goal setting is so important for writers. I've written numerous articles about the advantages of setting S.M.A.R.T. goals, productivity, and organization for writers.

Toward the end of 2013, I realized I allowed my schedule to get away from me. I overloaded my days all year with tasks that stole my writing time and left me feeling harried. That's when I began to consider ideas that would create a greater sense of peace and accomplishment for 2014. Here are the changes I am making for the new year and the goals I have set so far.


  • Daily Bible reading between 8 and 8:30 a.m. I wanted to add daily Bible reading to my schedule this year, but I didn't stick to it. I now realize, if I don't do it first thing in the morning, it won't happen. Once I am on the computer and working, time slips away. Bible reading before I go to my office makes more sense.
  • Reduce blogging/reviewing duties. Up until the last quarter of 2011, my blogging and reviewing schedule was manageable. Then I forgot how to say no to people. I took on too many requests. More virtual book tour companies contacted me and I started hosting more authors. That's why this blog--my personal blog--got neglected. That's why I stopped writing new books in June. That's why I planned to participate in Picture Book Idea Month this November and didn't even manage one idea. I simply had too much on my plate. So, I've announced at my main blog that I'm reducing the number of virtual book tours I participate in for 2014 and I'm focusing on my TBR pile instead of taking on new requests. Another advantage to this is I'll have more time to promote my own writing.
  • Complete the first draft of my middle grade historical Amelia's Mission by February 28th. This might be ambitious. It needs a lot of work and I haven't looked at it in a while. I'm about 14 chapters in, so I don't think this goal is unrealistic, but I'm also trying to find a part-time job. 
  • Research one new publisher/agent a month. I want to submit more often. I've started this off right by sending off a query to my current publisher tonight. I have several picture books already written and a few of them are ready to go. I simply need to find appropriate houses for them or agent representation. 
  • Write one short story for submission each quarter. Again, this is ambitious. I'm not really fond of short stories, but they will make me a better writer overall, and they could help me increase my writing income if I follow through on submitting more often. 
If you would like to check out my articles on goal setting, productivity, and organization, you can visit the Time and Stress Management section of Writer2Writer at http://time-management.writer2writer.com/

Blogging at Christian Children's Authors



Today, I'm blogging at Christian Children's Authors. My topic: New Year's Resolutions. It's probably not what you'll expect. Check it out at http://christianchildrensauthors.com/2013/12/31/new-years-resolutions/

Sunday, December 29, 2013

A Christmas Kindness Tour Highlights



Below are highlights from my tour for A Christmas Kindness. The printed version of this book is available under my pen name, C. C. Gevry, while the digital version was released this fall under my actual name. Hopefully the printed version will be released under my actual name soon too.



Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who has only one request for Santa, Robert is confused over what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?


A Christmas Kindness is a chapter book suitable for children in grades 2-4. It can be used to challenge your children’s reading skills as well as a family read along. Either way, it is sure to initiate discussion on what Christmas is all about.
Recommended.

–By the Book

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It is not often that a simple children’s book can nearly bring me to tears, but this one succeeded.

–My Devotional Thoughts

A Christmas Kindness is a short chapter book that teaches compassion, humility, love, and so much more. I read it by myself before reading it to my five-year-old, and I’m so glad I did because I had to take a break to get a tissue box.

–IE Mommy

This sweet, heartwarming story was a delight to read. It is the perfect book to read by the fire with your kids during the holidays.

–Mayra’s Secret Bookcase

This adorable story, as well as the beautiful illustrations by Caroline Mabey, will warm the heart of the stingiest of Scrooges. It’s sure to become a Christmas favorite for your family, as it has for mine.

–Lynn’s Corner

This book has a great story and a very timely message.

–Maureen’s Musings

This was a very lovely chapter book teaches children and reminds adults the true meaning for Christmas. It captures the heart and spirit of what this season is all about in a very moving and delightful way.

–Our Families Adventure

A Christmas Kindness is a sweet and touching story that looks at the needs of others rather than ourselves, and it is a message that will touch the lives of your children and/or grandchildren. A powerful message of kindness is found within these 15 pages.

–Blooming with Books

A Christmas Kindness is a welcome introduction to giving and caring for others during the Christmas Season…This would be a great book to add to your Christmas book selections and if you do Advent in your family it might be a great introduction to a family service project.

–Classic Children’s Books

Friday, December 20, 2013

Blogging at Christian Children's Authors



Today, I conclude my series that studies the Advent vignettes created by Steve Case. You can find my post at http://christianchildrensauthors.com/2013/12/20/teaching-the-christmas-story-in-a-fresh-way-part-3/

I hope you have enjoyed it. If you wish to leave feedback on this lesson or the series, please do so at Christian Children's Authors or comment on this post.

Thanks.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Book on Sale!: Mary Elizabeth The Spotless Cow by Salvatore Barbera



 ON SALE THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2013 WHEN YOU BUY MARY ELIZABETH THE SPOTLESS COW FROM THE SWEETLES WEBSITE!

The story of Mary Elizabeth The Spotless Cow takes us on the journey she travels to figure out how to get the cows at a new farm to like and accept her.

While she hopes to find friendship at her new home, instead she learns what it means to be different from everyone else. (Spotless!) Mary Elizabeth uses clever ideas and a sense of humor to help her on her quest for friends at the new farm.

This inspiring tale shows how perseverance in spite of obstacles, using a sound thought process to arrive at solutions and the importance of having fun, using humor and enjoying playtime can build friendships.
When you buy this book, 50% of net proceeds go to Phoenix Children’s Hospital Child Life Program to make a difference in the lives of children with critical and life threatening illnesses.

PRAISE FOR MARY ELIZABETH THE SPOTLESS COW!

I thought this story was very sweet. At first, the other cows seem like mean bullies when they shut poor Mary Elizabeth out of their social circle, but I appreciated that Mary Elizabeth hunkers down with a plan of action. She uses her own ingenuity to take care of the problem and she does it with confidence. And once the other cows realize the error of their ways, they turn out to be not such bad cows after all.
--Alicia Finn Noack

This is a perfect book for preschoolers 4 and up (3 if they can sit and read comfortably). There will be lots of questions and concerns and little kiddos trying to process that there are cows and people out there without spots (or arms) and it's a great book for starting conversations!
--Classic Children's Books



Author Salvatore Barbera tells the story of differences and friendship in a fun way. His illustrations are beautiful and fun. Seth loved them as much as the story. When we finished reading it, he couldn’t wait to read it again.
--Lynn's Corner




Watch the Mary Elizabeth The Spotless Cow video trailer at http://youtu.be/72fOn1tEbDM

Sal is the author and illustrator of “A Sweetles Dream”® book series. As the Creative Director for Hartman-Barbera llc, a family media & entertainment company, he is also an animator, sculptor, painter and all around fun guy. Sal lives the phrase: “A day without laughter is a wasted day”. To that end, he uses his writing, illustrating and animation skills to create endearing characters and comedic stories.

Sal’s sense of humor and empathy for his characters explore personal and social situations in ways that makes it enjoyable for both adults and children to experience together. Born in New York City, Sal moved to North Bergen, NJ where he grew up on a steep hillside neighborhood with his four older sisters. He currently lives in sunny Arizona with his wife and artistic partner, Sheri, who he defines as his inspiration. On any given day Sal might be painting, sculpting, drawing, animating, writing or enjoying one of his favorite pastimes: cooking, television, movies and golf.
Visit Sal Barbera’s website at www.salbarbera.com.


Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Interviewed at Stories from Unknown Authors

Yesterday, I was interviewed by Renee Hand on her wonderful radio show, Stories from Unknown Authors. You can listen to our interview below.

Also, if you would like to leave a comment or a question for me, Renee has a post up at her Crypto-Capers Review blog at http://thecryptocapersseries.blogspot.com/2013/12/interview-with-cheryl-malandrinos-for.html



Discover Books Internet Radio with storiesfromunknownauthors on BlogTalkRadio

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Reviews of A Christmas Kindness



The virtual book tour for A Christmas Kindness has been going great so far. I have to admit even I am surprised by what wonderful reviews the book is getting. Here are blurbs from some of them, along with links if you would like to read the entire text.


A Christmas Kindness is a chapter book suitable for children in grades 2-4. It can be used to challenge your children’s reading skills as well as a family read along. Either way, it is sure to initiate discussion on what Christmas is all about.

Recommended.

--By the Book http://rbclibrary.wordpress.com/2013/12/03/book-review-a-christmas-kindness/


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is not often that a simple children’s book can nearly bring me to tears, but this one succeeded.

--My Devotional Thoughts http://mydevotionalthoughts.net/2013/12/a-christmas-kindness-by-c-c-gevry-book-review.html


A Christmas Kindness is a short chapter book that teaches compassion, humility, love, and so much more. I read it by myself before reading it to my five-year-old, and I’m so glad I did because I had to take a break to get a tissue box.

--IE Mommy http://www.theiemommy.com/2013/12/04/christmas-kindness-cheryl-malandrinos-review-holidaygiftguide/

This sweet, heartwarming story was a delight to read. It is the perfect book to read by the fire with your kids during the holidays.

--Mayra's Secret Bookcase http://mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.be/2013/12/eight-year-old-robert-is-eager-to-share.html


This adorable story, as well as the beautiful illustrations by Caroline Mabey, will warm the heart of the stingiest of Scrooges. It’s sure to become a Christmas favorite for your family, as it has for mine.

--Lynn's Corner http://lynnmcmo.com/2013/12/04/book-review-a-christmas-kindness/

Purchase information:

Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvW-tUyxDq8

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Blogging at Christian Children's Authors



We had to switch our writing schedules around this month, so I am blogging today at Christian Children's Authors. I'm talking about a series of Advent vignettes that teach the Christmas story in a fresh way. Hope you'll stop by and share your thoughts at http://christianchildrensauthors.com/2013/12/10/teaching-the-christmas-story-in-a-fresh-way-part-1/

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Guest Blogging at Book Beat Babes



I was approached to guest blog at Book Beat Babes this month. Since the topic of pen names is very much on my mind right now, I decided to talk about why my decision to use a nom de plume didn't work and why I'm having A Christmas Kindness reformatted with my actual name. The article also includes a link to an article by Janet Kobobel Grant, founder of Books & Such Literary Management, who wrote an excellent article about pen names.

Hope you'll visit and share your thoughts at http://bookbeatbabes.blogspot.com/2013/12/cheryl-c-malandrinos-shares-her-costly.html

A Christmas Kindness by C. C. Gevry (Book Blast and Giveaway)

Title: A Christmas Kindness
Genre: First chapter reader
Author: Cheryl Malandrinos
Publisher: 4RV Publishing
Pages: 24
Language: English
ISBN – 978-0985266141

Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who has only one request for Santa, Robert is confused over what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?

Excerpt:
Inside the mall, Christmas music and the tinkling of jingle bells tickled Robert’s ears. With his mother, Robert weaved through the crowd of shoppers. He smelled fried food from Burger Mart. The sweet scent of warm chocolate chip cookies from the bakery made his mouth water.

Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvW-tUyxDq8

Purchase your copy:





C.C Gevry is a children’s author from Western Massachusetts. A Christmas Kindness is her first book with 4RV Publishing. She is also a member of the SCBWI. Ms. Gevry is married with two young children and a son who is married. Visit her online at http://ccgevry.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Christmas Kindness Book Blast Schedule

December 4
Book review at IE Mommy
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at Blooming with Books
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at 4 the Love of Books
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at My Devotional Thoughts
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at Lynn’s Corner
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at The Story of a Writer
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at Rose and Beps Blog
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at Naturally Kim



Monday, December 2, 2013

A Christmas Kindness Virtual Book Tour



My book tour for A Christmas Kindness starts today.

About the book:

Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who has only one request for Santa, Robert is confused over what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?

Excerpt:

Inside the mall, Christmas music and the tinkling of jingle bells tickled Robert’s ears. With his mother, Robert weaved through the crowd of shoppers. He smelled fried food from Burger Mart. The sweet scent of warm chocolate chip cookies from the bakery made his mouth water.




A Christmas Kindness Tour Schedule

December 2
December 3
Interview at Writers and Authors
Book review at By the Book
December 4
Book review at IE Mommy
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at Blooming with Books
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at 4 the Love of Books
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at My Devotional Thoughts
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at Lynn’s Corner
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at The Story of a Writer
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at Rose & Beps Blog
Book Blast w/ Giveaway at Naturally Kim
Guest post at Book Beat Babes
December 5
Book review at My Devotional Thoughts
First chapter reveal at Broken Teepee
December 6
Guest post at Marilyn’s Musings
December 7
December 9
Book review at Inside BJ’s Head
December 10
First chapter reveal at Classic Children’s Books
Guest post at Paperback Writer
December 11
Book review at Lynn’s Corner
December 12
December 13
Interview at Examiner
December 16
Book review at Maureen’s Musings
December 17
First chapter reveal at 4 the Love of Books
December 18
Book review at Our Families Adventure
December 19
Guest post at 4 the Love of Books
Book review at Blooming with Books
December 20
December 23
Book tour highlights at The Book Rack

Book review at 4 the Love of Books

Thanks for your support. Wishing you a blessed Christmas season.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Little Shepherd VBT Day 18



Hard to believe that my VBT has already come to a close. The last couple of stops took place Friday, but I was so busy with our annual church bazaar this weekend that I didn't have time to share them until now.

Rose & Beps Blog spotlighted my book and video trailer. You can find that post at http://rosebeps.blogspot.it/2013/11/little-shepherd-by-cheryl-c-malandrinos.html


The tour ended on a wonderful note with this lovely review featured in the Holiday Gift Guide at IEMommy. You can read what she had to say at http://www.theiemommy.com/2013/11/29/shepherd-cheryl-c-malandrinos-review-holidaygiftguide/

I'll be choosing the name to win the set of Little Shepherd mugs this coming week. I'm just trying to catch up from being at church all weekend. I actually sold a couple of books at the bazaar. Look for an announcement here and at my Facebook page.

Thanks to everyone for their support during the tour. I will go back and make sure I answered all comments this week.

My virtual book tour for A Christmas Kindness starts tomorrow, so look for more information on that this week, too.

Many blessings for a wonderful Christmas season.