Most humans I know, and even a few frogs, don't like Mondays. But I do. It's the start of a whole new week, one that's filled with possibilities. I started work on my new book idea and have been contacting photographers for permission to use some of their super-cool frog photos in it. I received an email from a very nice man in Australia, this morning. It's so much fun to communicate with these great artists from around the world. That's one of the big perks of being a frog author. Frogs, as you probably already know, can come in all colors and paterns. We're found on every continent except Antartica. Some of the the remotest places on earth, like Madagascar and Tibet, have some of the most unusal species. I must admit, I have some pretty amazing relatives. I'm one proud frog! Have a great Monday and check back in with me again soon.
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Wow! It's Friday already...where has the week gone? I've been busy, and productive, so I'm looking forward to a little 'me" time. Today, I'm "hopping" a few errands and then I will do a little research on an idea I had last night for a new book. Then I'm off to a family get-together. I love those. It's so much fun to hang out with everyone and hear all about what they've been up to. My little brother, and all our cousins, are getting ready to go back to froglet school. They're getting really excited to see their friends again. How about you? Do you have BIG plans for the weekend? It's time for me to put on some speed...
See you soon! Being kind to each other and, really, to all living things, is something we should all try to do everyday. I try. I often fail but I keep makig the effort. The thing to remember is that we ALL want the same things; to be loved, respected, and thave dignity. The key, or trick to being kind, is to think of everyone as an honored guest in your house. Don't beat yourself up if you do occaisionally get angry and lose your temper...we all do that from time-to-time. The most important thing is to keep on trying. Kindness spreads. Kindness breeds more kindness. Isn't that something we's all like to have more of? It's far easier to live in peace than to live in turbulence. And don't forget to be kind to all your critter friends, too. We need and deserve respect, just like humans.
A kind word is like a spring day. Enjoy your Thursday, everyone and please be extra kind to someone today! Today is going to be an easy day for me. It's a very hot and humid day here in Land of Lily Pad...not even the flies are moving very fast. After I finish this blog, I'll log into Twitter and see what my friends there are up to. Then, it's off for a nice cool and relaxing swim. Oh, and Mom wants me to help her with a few chores. I like to help out whenever I can. She's a hard worker and deserves a little break. Hey! Maybe I'll invite her to go for a swim with me...I bet she'd like that. See you tomorrow.
Pictures bring a story to life. Illustrations give the reader a clear view of the characters and the action that is taking place. That is why it is so important to find the right artist for your book. The illustrator has a very important job; he/she has to take your idea and turn it into a bright and colorful drawing that expresses exactly the idea you had in mind when you wrote the words. It must be a close collaboration of both the artist and the writer. Today, I am working with the illustrator for my first storybook, Twig Toad's Terrible Trouble. He has read the book and I have given him my vision for the illustrations. Now, it's his job to turn those ideas in wonderful pictures that kids will enjoy seeing as they read the story about an adorable little toad named Twig. Keep reading future posts to find out more about my upcoming book.
I've got a busy weekend planned so I'll close out the week with this nice quote from Vanessa Diffenbaugh, "Some believe that lily of the valley brings a return of happiness."
Here's wishing everyone a big bouquet of lily of the valley! Yep. We certainly are gorgeous and incredible. Did you know that frogs can be found everywhere except in Antartica? It's true!
After a couple of tough days, I am looking forward to getting back to work on my latest book. It's working title is How to be a Frog. It will be a kid's guide to frogs, our habitats, the prolems the problems we're facing, and what you ca do to help us. It'll be filled with beautiful photographs, as well as art work from kids, just like you! After i finish writing a book and submit it for publishing, I order a what is called a "proof copy". This is an actual copy of the book. Once I receive it, I "proof" it which means I read through it and check for any errors in spelling and grammar. if I find errors, then I must go back to the book, make the changes and "proof" it once again. Once I am certain that everything is correct, I approve the book and it then becomes available for people to buy. Yesterday, I received my "proof" copy of Irwin Quagmire Wart Travels Back in Time. I have gone over it and have found a few minor problems. Today, I will make those changes and in a few days, that book will be on Amazon, along with my three other books. Now you know a little more about how a book gets written! It's Friday already...my how time flies. And speaking of flies, I think I'll go catch a few for my breakfast. Every Thursday of Facebook and Twitter, I post a message about kindness. I liked today's message so much that I decided to post it here, too. Cleveland Armory once said, "What this world needs is a new kind of army - the army of the kind." Isn't that a wonderful thought? I have already joined up for a lifetime hitch... and I hope you will, too. Please be kind to everyone today.
I've had such a busy day today, and it's not even lunchtime! I received an email from my human friend Susan Newman. She has asked me to be a guest judge at the annual fall Frogs Are Green art contest for kids! I'm very excited, and deeply honored, to participate in this year's competition. These kids are awesome artists. And if that weren't enough, I've listed 3 of my books on the UK website AUTHORSdb which helps authors and their books reach a bigger audience. And then there were all of my new Twitter followers I needed to thank. What a great day!
Speaking of lunch, I think it's time for a few french flies and a diet croak..... |
AuthorLand of Lily Pad's first published author. I enjoy writing fun and educational books for kids. My blog is for you parents; the kiddos might like some of them, too. As always, everything I write is family-friendly, so don't hesitate to share my messages with everyone. I hope you find them helpful and maybe even inspirational. Cheers! Archives
November 2019
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