Update on My Stories

Hi, all.

You may remember that I wrote a middle grade fantasy about magical sled dogs. I did pitch my manuscript of The Galdur Snow Dog to two publishers, but unfortunately, neither of them accepted it. Oh well, welcome to the writing life.

I’m keeping my eye out for other possible publishers, but in the meantime, I wrote a manuscript for a middle grade short story. It’s a retelling of the Ugly Duckling, and instead of a duckling, the main character is an Arctic fox pup. She’s raised by a family of King Charles Spaniels, but she’s the oddball of the bunch. Unlike her siblings, she loves diving nose-first into the snow, and a touch of her tail has accidentally shocked others with super static. She later finds out that she’s not only a fox, but she’s also a fox who contributes to the Northern Lights. If you’re familiar with Elf Pets: A Fox Cub’s Christmas Tale, you would have an idea of what that kind of fox is like.

I submitted my fairy tale retelling to a publisher who accepts short stories, so now it’s wait and see.

Write Away, Friends

Hi, all.

Don’t forget my writing challenge, which I posted last week. I actually wrote my own little tale in the comments (and you’re free to add another scene to it if you want).

Here’s the button that leads to the post.

Want to Write Your Own Story?

Want to Write Your Own Story?

How about a fun activity, you all?

Try writing a story in 100 words or less. You choose any genre you want (Fantasy, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, and science fiction. Or a mashup of any of them).

You can get inspiration from any of these pictures below, or from all six. All photos are from Unsplash.com.

Share your story in the comments below. It doesn’t have to be as refined as a novel; you can just write a summary of a potential novel if you’d like. No crude or foul language please, and keep the story friendly for nine to twelve-year-olds (or younger if you want *smile*).

Feel free to comment on others’ creations, too, but be nice and be encouraging.

Fantasy Books for Homeschooling

Does your child love fantasy, and you want to incorporate more kid-friendly fantasy books to your homeschooling curriculum? More importantly, do you want more books that strengthen your child’s faith?

Middle Grade author Allen Brokken offers literacy materials based on his Towers of Light series, which whisks kids from frontier, prairie life to a fantastical world. You can use the literacy tools with your homeschooled students, and they’re also useful for book clubs you may organize. The Towers of Light website even offers tools on how to help your reluctant reader and how to get children plugged into God’s Word.

To learn more about Allen Brokken and his books, check out the following link:

Allen Brokken on Amazon

If you want to purchase the complementary lessons (including audio players for narrating Bible stories and more), then you may click on the button below.

Christian Home School Curriculum at Towers of Light

A Song for Deep Thinking

Are your kids back to school? Maybe you’ve just started college, or you’re working at your job like you always do.

Whatever situation you’re in, there is room for stillness, and Jesus can be with you through it. Ask Him to forgive you of all the wrong things you’ve done and trust that He’s forgiven you. Follow His guidance, and He’ll strengthen you through the stillness, no matter how light or dark it is.

This fantasy-themed video by Clamavi De Profundis illustrates the goodness of stillness.

Meet a Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

M Liz Boyle is at it again. This time, she introduces us to someone who writes both young adult and middle grade. Let Boyle introduce you to fantasy author Candice Pedraza Yamnitz.

Interview with Candice Pedraza Yamnitz (and a FREE novella link)

Book Review: The Groundworld Heroes, Book One

Have you wondered when I’m going to post another book review? Well, here’s the newest one, posted on Jennifer Hallmark’s blog.

It’s the first of the new middle-grade series, The Groundworld Heroes, written by Adrian So.

The Groundworld Heroes Book Review

I also listed links to order a copy.

The Groundworld Heroes on Amazon
The Groundworld Heroes on Barnes and Noble

Just Graduated from High School? -The Author Conservatory

Hi, all.

Did your teen just graduate from high school, or will in 2025? Do they want to pursue the field of writing but don’t want to be a starving artist?

Check out the writing program The Author Conservatory, where students will learn from writers like Brett Harris (coauthor of Do Hard Things), Tricia Goyer (author and coauthor of many fiction and nonfiction books), and Kara Swanson (author of Dust, Shadow, and Ignite). It’s an online program where they master the craft of writing and pitching novels as well as the skill of starting their own writing business.

If this sounds like a dream come true, check out the link below. Just remember that a student is expected to work 15-20 hours per week, so make sure your teen is committed to the time involved.

The Author Conservatory

Hot Dog by Mark Sperring (Children’s Book)

Hi, all.

Here’s a picture book to watch before summer vacation ends. It’s Hot Dog by Mark Sperring, illustrated by Sophie Corrigan. Imagine a hot dog turning into a loveable pet as Storytime Playtime reads us this story.

I’m Back! Plus More Ideas for Your Reading List

Hi, all.

I’m officially back to my little blog. I hope you are all doing well. My experience with Realm Makers’ virtual conference was fantastic, and I pitched my Galdur Snow Dog book to a couple of publishers. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

But regardless of what happens, I gained great knowledge from speakers like Nadine Brandes, Steve Laube, Donald Maas, and Rowena Kuo, and I even had virtual one-on-one times with mentors. So, I would definitely recommend this conference to you writers out there. It has classes for anyone, from beginning writers to seasoned ones in the publishing business.

In the meantime, here are more ideas to add to your reading list, courtesy of Lou Allen, aka Christian Faith and Fiction.

Christian Fiction Book Reviews — July #beachesandbooks2024 wrap-up (Podcast E209)