FIRST CHAPTER PLUS Silent Night Is Not Just for Christmas… December…just the end of the year? Siblings - A Short Story by Susan Violante
I Have Something To Say Press First Two Books Launch - video
The Barefoot Librarian Corner
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Silent Night Is Not Just for Christmas… Page 5 Featured Books and Authors Page 3 December…just the end of the year? Page 8 Indie Books! Pages 6-10-1520-28- 32. Interview with B. A. Bellec Author of “Pulse” Page 22 Siblings - A Short Story by Susan Violante Page 12 Book Videos Page 20-21 IHSTSP Books Launch Video - Page 26 Inside Scoop Live Podcast of the Month Page 23 The Barefoot Librarian Corner Page 30
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Table of Contents - Featured Books and Authors
15 The Three Tree Our three has been stolen! How will we ever be able to count to five again?”The A little girl will decide if she is the strongest, bravest, smartest person in the land. Then she’ll have to prove it – to her people and to herself.
27 Dr. Calvin James author of “The Colored Water Fountain” Dr. Calvin James took an interest in writing around 2011 and gradually shifted his focus away from music to writing children’s stories. Once he finished graduate school in 2018, he decided to share all the music and stories he had written and founded Calvin James Creates in 2019... His first children’s book is “The Colored Water Fountain” released on December 1st, 2021.
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Editor’s Note Born and raised in Venezuela of Italian immigrants, Susan completed a BA in Political Science and Business Administration before moving to the US . Although she built a career as a Business Analyst/Accountant, she also kept herself active as a freelance writer in the US; publishing articles, poetry, children’s stories, and illustrations since 1996. She published her first book in 2009, and released her revised edition: Innocent War: Behind An Immigrant’s Past – Book 1 in 2011. Her picture book: Tuma: The Tribe’s Little Princess was published in early 2013 under her own label. Currently, Susan Violante is the Managing Editor/CEO/ Partner of I Have Something to Say Press and Book By Book Publicity, Author, Reviewer, Publicist and Publisher. She resides in Austin, TX with her husband Michel and her dogs, Canela, Karina, and Nutela. Susan is mother of two adult daughters, Arianna and Nicolette, and caregiver to her father. She enjoys cooking, reading, knitting, painting, writing, gardening, and any outdoor activity.
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Published by I Have Something To Say Press 11900 Jollyville Rd. #201673 Austin, Texas 78759.
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Silent Night Is Not Just for Christmas… Since I was a little girl growing up in Venezuela, Christmas for me was about getting together. The whole family (I had 10 cousins) would come together on Christmas Eve and exchange gifts at midnight. Then we would go home to find presents from Santa under the tree. The next day we would wake up late and get together again to continue the celebration. It was loud, chaotic, fun, and filled with love. As I grew up to a young woman, I began searching for meaning to the celebration. As a catholic I knew it was about the birth of Jesus but somehow it felt more than a religious celebration to me. I remember staring perplexed at the chaos, laughs, hugs and giving. What was it about the holiday that made us act like we never do every other day of the year? It wasn’t until my mid-twenties, when a friend of the family passed right before Christmas that I understood. Celebration that year was canceled. My parents were grieving, and so was I. I couldn’t sleep, so I got up and sat on the couch of the family room and stared at the tree lights. Everyone home was asleep, my brain just bringing up previous Christmases. Sitting in the dark silently I found the meaning of the holiday season. A silent night…a night when I sat down and appreciated a celebration past, people now gone, kindness and love given and received. May you all have many silent nights this Holiday Season and the new year!
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Featured Authors Marjorie L. Anderson Marjorie Anderson is a native Virgin islander, retired bank executive, cofunder and former executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Minority Business Strategic Alliance. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Morgan State University, a Master of Science in Management from La Salle University, and is a graduate of the Wharton’s School Management Program of the University of Pennsylvania. Her book “The Key” is a Reader Views Literary Awards Winner. Marjorie currently lives in Liberty Hill, Texas.
View Book Video Here
La Clave shares the author’s financial knowledge and experience to help teens get a head start in life. The book presents readers with basic financial knowledge and life changing know-how tips on how to manage money to make the most of their income to build a successful future. But Anderson does not stop there, she also teaches young people to invest in their communities by buying local products and donating to help others. La Clave is the Spanish translation of Marjorie L. Anderson’s Reader Views Award winner “The Key.”
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La Clave Marjorie L. Anderson I Have something To Say Press (2021, 2022) ISBN 9780985430825 Tradeback - 100 pages - $16.00 Nonfiction - Spanish/YA-Teen
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he skills teens develop in this workbook can be applicable to all aspects of their lives, not just finances.
— Nico Neak Social worker/Children and Teen Therapist
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. his is an invaluable resource
for the financial preparation of our adolescents to ensure an economical, stable and successful future.
— Juliana Leal-Belloso Preschool teacher and mother of a teenager
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Read First Chapter Here View on Amazon Here
December…just the end of the year? by Susan Violante
December marks the end of a year. But it is also the month for reflection and looking forward. However, with all the holiday chaos we seldom find time to sit by ourselves and re-run our year in our minds. Did we achieve any personal and professional goal we set out for the year at the beginning of 2021? What and who did we lose? What blessings did we get to keep? What have we learned and how have we changed? What do we want and who do we want to be next year? What was our legacy for the year? Without looking back, and self-analyzing our year, we will not be able to grow. We remain stuck making the same mistakes, taking our blessings for granted and living for others and not for ourselves. We won’t be able to realize how we have affected others and thus exist without a legacy. We simply will exist without mindfulness and miss out on life next year. Below are some tips on how to start the new year refreshed, with purpose, and with gratitude: • During quiet times this month plan time to sit alone with a notebook and reflect about your year. Ask yourself some of the questions stated in the first paragraph and write down the answer. • Once you have reflected on what has passed, reflect on the positives and negatives you have experienced. What story would your loved ones tell of you if asked? What have you learned? What have you let go and what have you kept in your mind and heart? How do you feel about those moments lived? Write down your answers. • Read and reflect on your answers and imagine how you would like the new year story to go. •
Now you are ready to plan 2022!
Many of us wait until January to create vision boards, goal lists and envision what we want our lives to be in the new year, and that is ok. But, take December to reflect on the ending year, so that in January you are able to plan properly, and manifest what you truly desire you life to be.
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Check out the Sponsors for the 2021-2022 Reader Views Literary Awards!
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Featured Authors Bineta Ngom Bineta Ngom was born in Senegal, West Africa in 1964. She grew up without her father, who died when she was a little over four years old. She was raised by her mother who taught her how to appreciate life and serve people in need even when the family was enduring hardship. She came to America in 1994 to pursuit her dream, to give her children the opportunity she never had as a child, and to empower the global community She never stops learning and always strive to be best role model to her children. She decided to write her book “Becoming an Angel of Change” to share her stories with the world to inspire parents, immigrants and women to make positive change within themselves, their homes, their work places as well as their communities.
Through a collection of inspirational stories, Bineta Ngom details her journey exploring her life’s purpose, helping others in need. From her beginnings as an eight-year-old philanthropist in Senegal, to her adult life establishing outreach programs in the United States, readers will be inspired to discover their strength, uniqueness, and purpose in her recent memoir “Becoming an Angel of Change.” View Book Video Here 10
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Becoming an Angel of Change Bineta Ngom I Have Something To Say Press (2021,2022) ISBN 9781647751784 Tradeback - 186 pages - $16.00 Nonfiction - Memoir / Self-Help
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ineta shows us all how we, too, can develop the spiritual depth to become angels of change. A fast-paced, inspiring read!” .
— Donna Winters author of the Great Lakes Romances Series®
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. resented in three parts,
‘Becoming an Angel of Change’ is a fascinating story and one that encourages hope, positivity, and gratitude…
— Sheri Hoyte Reader Views
Read First Chapter Here View on Amazon Here
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SIBLINGS - A SHORT STORY BY SUSAN VIOLANTE
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usan knew this was going to happen. She expected it every time she had to travel. But she was not used to it. She hated every minute of it. The sweaty palms. The butterflies in her stomach. The nausea… She reached for her bag hanging at the back of her chair, and searched for a Dramamine. It was almost 8:00 am. They would surely call her flight any minute now. She picked up the Dramamine and swallowed it with water. “What’s wrong Susan? Are you getting the chills?” Tony, her brother, loved to make fun of her airplane phobia. “Oh, shut up Tony. I’m not in the mood.” Susan signaled the server for the check, realizing that meeting Tony at the airport may have not been the best idea. Tony was a Senior at Stephen’s Tech. in New Jersey. He was majoring in Civil Engineer. Susan was a Junior at Boston University, and her major was English Literature. They both agreed to meet at the JFK International airport and fly together to Florida to spend the Holidays with their parents. Their parents were the only thing they had in common. That, and their love for books. For the last hour, they both sat at Starbucks sipping coffee and reading paperbacks. Tony enjoyed science fiction. Susan preferred mysteries. No words exchanged between the two of them whatsoever, and that’s how Susan intended to keep her rapport with Tony, at least until this flying business was over with. They heard the announcement of their flight. “It’s time to go, come on,” said Tony as he started towards the gate. “Excuse me! Aren’t you going to help me? Asked Susan, standing next to her carryon and her backpack. “I didn’t bring just one bag to carry yours. Sorry.” And he headed off to the boarding gate. Susan had no choice but to help herself. The phobic symptoms she was going through were bad enough. But she would also have Tony next to her for the next few hours, making fun of her fears. What could be worse? She finally went through the gate into the plane and followed the flight attendant’s instructions to her seat. When she got there, she found Tony sitting on the aisle seat. “Tony. Could you move over?” “You can go through…” He pulled his legs up, giving her space to walk through to the middle seat.
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“Come on, Tony. You know I’ll get claustrophobic if I don’t sit in the aisle.” “My ticket says 18-C. That’s where I’m sitting.” He kept his legs up for me to pass through. Susan realized people were already staring. “Thanks a lot!” She threw her carry-on inside the compartment on top of them. Then sat in the middle and placed her backpack under the front seat, making sure Tony could feel every movement she made. “If no one sits in the window seat, I’ll move there so you can have the aisle, but I won’t sit in the middle.” Tony just finished his sentence when a tall lady with a long duffle bag stopped next to him. She had long, straight, black hair. Tall. Very slim. She was wearing bleached skinny Levy’s and a white fine cotton t-shirt. No bra. Great tan. She looked at her ticket, then the seat number, and smiled at Tony. There was something about her that didn’t seem quite right to Susan. She approached her window seat and tried to fit her bag under the front chair, pushing it with her feet, while lookinge for something inside her huge boho bag. “Tony.” “Yes Susan…” “The lady next to me… not only pulled down her mask, she is also about to light a cigarette!” “So?” said Tony, “You are vaccinated and I’m sure the flight attendant will tell her to put her cigarette out if she lights it.” “That is, if the plane doesn’t blow up first…” muttered Susan. “Susan, I can’t believe you! You always turn into a pain in the butt when we fly. If you really think the plane could blow up, YOU tell her! I’m trying to read.” He whispered, and went back to his paperback… “Excuse me,” Susan tapped the young woman sitting next to her on the shoulder. “Yes?” she answered with a cigarette in her mouth and her hand searching inside her purse. “You are not supposed to smoke here.” Said Susan. “Oh. I knew that.” She took the cigarette out of her mouth and finger played with it, turning her head away from Susan. “I hope you are happy. You made her uncomfortable,” said Tony. (continues on page 14)
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(Siblings...continuation from page 13)
“Oh, shut up! If you knew how to use your brain, you would realize that she is acting extremely suspicious. Plus, she has a weird accent.” Susan snapped at her brother. “Don’t be ridiculous,” he replied as Susan stared at the passenger next to her. “Look! She is going to light a cigarette again!” Susan elbowed Tony. “SHHHHHH! She is going to hear you,” Tony mumbled, tightening his jaw. “Of course, she will!” Susan turned to the passenger again, “Excuse me, but you just can’t light that cigarette on a plane!” The lady gave Susan an annoyed look and took the cigarette out of her mouth again, as the plane moved away from the gate. “I’m telling you Tony, she is suspicious.” “Please fasten your seat belts, we will be taking off soon.” said the flight attendant as she walked down the plane's corridor. “What time is it?”- The woman at tthe winsiw seat asked Susan. “It’s 9:15”- She replied. “Tony…” “Whaaaat!” “She has a watch.” “So what, Susan!” “Why would she want me to tell her the time, if she is wearing a watch?” The captain announced take off, and Susan sunk into her seat as Tony ignored her question, and the young woman’s trembling hand grabbed an e-cigarette this time. Then, as soon as the plane's wheels left the ground, she unbuckled her seatbelt, jumped to her feet, and rushed to the bathroom toward the back of the cabin, carrying her big boho bag and e-cigarette on hand. “Tony, what is she doing?” Susan was beyond herself. “The fasten seatbelt sign is still on!” “Obviously, she must need the bathroom. Calm down…” he answered. Time passed. The fasten seatbelt light was no longer lit, and the mysterious young woman was not back yet. After fifteen minutes, Susan turned around and sees a line forming for the bathroom. Ten more minutes go by… “She’s a terrorist.”
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“Hahaha, you are really nuts, Susan! “Think about it. She was so nervous she almost lit a cigarette inside the plane. Then she rushed to the bathroom as soon as the plane took off with a big bag. What if she is setting up a bomb in the bathroom?” “You really lost it! You need to stop it.” Tony was serious. After a while, Susan turned her attention to the duffle bag the young woman stuck under the seat. She looked down towards the back of the plane. The bathroom line was longer. She looked down at the duffle bag and up at Tony, who keept reading. She sighed and slowly unbuckled her seatbelt. She stretched her arms over her head, stood up… “What are you doing?” asked Tony, looking up at Susan. “Just stretching,” she replied casually. As soon as Tony went back to his reading, Susan quickly looked around to see if anyone was watching; and within a second, she dropped on the floor, reached out to the duffle bag, and zipped it open. As she was sticking her hands in it to to investigate Tony jumped out of his seat, grabbed her by the left arm, and pulled her out of there. “What the heck, Susan! What is wrong with you?” He pushed her onto his aisle seat, bent down and zipped the duffle bag back up, then sat in the middle seat, still frowning at her. Just as Susan was going to respond to him, “Excuse me, can I get through to my seat?” the mystery woman was back. “Sure,” Susan stood up, “I need the restroom,” and rushed towards the back of the plane to search for a bomb in the bathrooms. Thirty minutes later, after standing in line twice and checking both bathrooms for bombs, Susan returned, defeated, and embarrassed to find Tony and the mystery woman chatting away. She silently sat on the aisle seat, which Tony was gracious enough to give her. (continues on page 18) The Three Tree By Madison Farkas Friesen Press (2021) - ISBN 9781525591563 Early Reader - kindle- 28 pages - $3.99 ”Our three has been stolen! How will we ever be able to count to five again?”The residents of a peaceful town love nothing more than to count to five. But when the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician sneaks into their town and steals their magical number three, someone must journey to his castle in the clouds to rescue it. A little girl will decide if she is the strongest, bravest, smartest person in the land. Then she’ll have to prove it – to her people and to herself.
READ First Chapter
View on Amazon
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READER VIEWS B O OK OF THE MONTH Sins of Man: The Ivy League Chronicles Book Two By E.K. Prescott Fiction - Cozy Mystery Paper Raven Books (2021) ISBN 9781736680629 Reviewed by: Ashley Hooker for Reader Views (12/2021)
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.K. Prescott does not disappoint her readers with the second book in her Ivy league Chronicles series, “Sins of Man.” If anything, she has increased the level of mystery and sprinkled her story with some infatuation. “Sins of Man” is the continuation of her first book, “Nine Squares.” Professor Wikki is still working at Yale and still has possession of the elusive amulet. Maize is still the young pwoman attending Yale, hoping for a chance to be a famous investigative reporter. Scott is still the adored big brother to Maize. Professor Wikki, Scott, and Maize are attending the famous Yale football game against Harvard when a student named Tad is found dead. Professor Wikki goes into detective mode and learns the dead student has died from some bad alcohol. This student won’t be the last to die from a bad batch. Maize is enlisted to help investigate since she is a student on campus. During her investigation, a boy named Tommy develops a crush. Tommy is a member of a family gang that delivers alcohol, and they don’t like Maize. The story continues with new developments regarding bad batches of alcohol and the continuing investigation of the amulet. Professor Wikki tries to piece the puzzle together about what he saw in the previous book and what that has to do with an amulet. While I am intrigued by the author’s story line, I am more impressed by her analysis of the time period. The Ivy League Chronicles are set in the Roaring Twenties... I give “Sins of Man” five stars because Prescott has put together a story line that will keep you turning pages. She knows how to execute the art of suspense in her writing. Best of all, the editing is impeccable. Her character development is fantastic. I always feel like I could sit down with Professor Wikki or Maize and have the best conversations. Her storyline is entertaining while thought-provoking. To read complete review click here or visit www.readerviews.com.
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READER VIEWS KIDS B O OK OF THE MONTH The Tocks on the Clock
By Jozef K. Richards Early Reader - Ages 6 To 8 Kintou Media Company (2021) ISBN 9781737705611
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Reviewed byLydia (age 7) for Reader Views Kids (12/2021)
id you know that the numbers on a clock have creatures that live in them? I learned that in the story “The Tocks on the Clock,” by Jozef Richards. A little girl named Desi and her pet cat and pet dog explore the land inside a clock where the Tocks live. The pictures are neat to look at for each of the Tocks; they are colorful, and the creatures look crazy! Desi and her pets go on an adventure with each monster. Each of the Tocks is different from the others; some are scarier looking than others. Some not scary ones are Lo, Slee, Mive, Drix, and Thevin. Some of the scarier-looking ones are Gloor, Yeven, Yate, and Sline. None of them are super-scary but just scary enough that you wouldn’t want to meet them in real life. Desi says that the first Tock is the Phloon at noon who sings sad songs into a spoon that isn’t very scary. While reading through “The Tocks on the Clock,” I noticed that it is a rhyming book which makes the story easier to understand. I like that the hands on the clocks are monsters – it makes the clock more interesting! I can read this book by myself, but I still ask my mom to read it to me a lot. Kids my age or older will enjoy this book and ask to read it over and over! A Note from Mom: I found some similarities in this story to Dr. Seuss’s books with the rhyming and absurd storylines, although “The Tocks on the Clock” is not as long as many of his stories are. The illustrations seemed retro and modern; the monsters on the cover and inside looked like similar color schemes and drawings as “The Hungry Thing” by Ann Seidler and Jan Slepian. The inside illustrated people looked like modern-day cartoons, such as in “Family Guy” or “American Dad.” It looked to me that a picture of Kanye West’s face was on a blimp in one of the pictures. The creature Gloor gave me “Star Wars” vibes. I tried to look for more Easter eggs throughout the book. A Fun fantasy, there is something for all ages in this book!
To read more kids’ reviews click here or visit www.readerviewskids.com.
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(Siblings...continuation from page 15)
“Hey Susan, this is Lisa. She is from Australia and is meeting her boyfriend in Miami,” said Tony. “Hello there,” said Lisa, smiling at her. “What happened to you in the bathroom? We were worried about you,” Susan said, returning the smile and ignoring Tony’s angry look at her. “Yes, it seems my delay created quite a fuss, according to the flight attendant,” giggled Lisa. “I have been traveling for almost 24 hours thanks to COVID aftermath flight cancelations and delays, so I wanted to freshen up before we got to Miami and didn’t have time to do so at the airport, because I barely made the flight.” “Yeah, the whole air travel system is messed up these days.” Tony continued the conversation while Susan sunk again in her seat, wishing she could disappear for the remainder of the trip. When they finally landed at Miami, Susan couldn’t get off the plane soon enough. During their time in Florida Tony didn’t mention Susan’s dramatic episode at all and the holiday week went by quickly and painlessly. When it was time to fly back, Susan' s anxiety returned. she could feel it in her stomach as she got in the car to head to the airport. She and Tony were flying back to New York city where each would then head to their different final destinations. They sat at a café at the terminal in Miami waiting for their flight number’s gate call. They were both reading until they heard the call. Tony stood up and grabbed Susan’s carry-on. “I got this,” he smiled at Susan. “Thank you?” she responded suspiciously. Susan followed Tony through the gate and into the plane toward their assigned seats, focusing on the seat’s numbers. They reached their aisle and… “Well, hello.” Lisa, the Australian mystery woman, was sitting in the window seat. Tony smiled at Susan and signaled her to sit in the aisle seat while he sat in the middle. The three of them laughed and talked about their holidays. At the end of the flight to New York, they exchanged social media contacts. Once out of the plane, Susan hugged her brother. “I’m sorry I was such a nut case on our way to Florida.” Said Susan. “I’m sorry I didn’t make it easier for you.” Tony responded. They smiled at each other like only siblings can, and they each went their separate ways.
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Featured Authors B.A. Bellec A graduate of Lights Film School and a proud recipient of a grant from The Canada Council for the Arts, B.A. Bellec has shown a knack for utilizing his skills and background to cast a wide net and attract talented partners. He has completed two very different novels and produced an eclectic mix of songs to accompany them. Come find him on YouTube, Twitter, or Instagram to keep up-to-date with his projects.
Someone’s Story is literally Someone’s story, as in a first-person narrative of a teenager that calls himself Someone.
As he struggles to find a new footing in a new space, we encounter the many ups and downs of modern teenage life, the difficulties that adjusting to adult feelings bring, and a few tear-jerking surprises along the way. The endearing debut novel from B.A. Bellec is a coming-of-age story you won’t forget anytime soon.
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Someone’s Story B.A. Bellec B.A. Bellec (2020) ASIN B089M43TS2 eBook - 328 pages - $3.99 Fiction - YA-16
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A. Bellec has crafted a masterpiece of emotive and well-rounded young adult fiction.
— K.C. Finn Author
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. A. Bellec has truly created
a masterpiece that deserves worldwide recognition, awards and so much more.
— Rebecca Ryan Reedsy
Read First Chapter Here View on Amazon Here
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INTERVIEW WITH B. A. BELLEC AUTHOR OF “PULSE”
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.A. Bellec’s debut novel, Someone’s Story, won the Reader Views Reader’s Choice Literary Award for Young Adult Book of the Year. Someone’s Story is a young adult coming-of-age book and has seen good support over Instagram, YouTube, and Goodreads. One of the aspects that makes Bellec’s projects unique is he includes musicians in his novels and then he actually produces the songs as his book goes through the editing stages. Bellec was born in Richmond, BC, and raised in Langley, BC, before settling in Winnipeg, MB. His first adventure was a career in Finance, where he spent 15 years developing his business skills. His highest achievement was the Certified Payroll Manager designation. He currently still consults with businesses on their systems and processes. Over that period of time, he also attended Lights Film School where he started to nurture his early creative abilities. A self-starter always interested in research, he taught himself many of the aspects of storytelling through reading books, screenplays, and material online. Whenever he found an inspirational piece of art, he quickly went to the source to find the story behind the artist who
created the work. It took many years after attending film school for him to finally combine his creative skills with his life experience and tell these stories he had been holding back. Hi B.A., Welcome to Reader Views! Tell us about your latest novel, Pulse. Pulse all started way back when I was a teenager. I watched all kinds of sci-fi horror with my family and friends. Things like Alien, X-Files, and The Thing. In my late twenties, I attended film school and some of the early Pulse concepts started as scripts to short films. This Pulse project was too ambitious and I had to shelve it for a few years so I could grow the necessary skills to write the story the way I saw it in my mind. If you are into creepy creatures, the dangers of corporations, politics, and technology, and cinematic writing, then this one is for you! One of the many unique aspects of Pulse is that it’s written using some screenplay formatting elements. What is your ultimate goal for Pulse – do you have plans to pitch it for the big screen? 100% yes! My writing is more influenced by screenplays than novels for sure. This was an intentional choice that my editors and I discussed a few times. Ultimately, the goal for Pulse was to tell a story. Is it a novel? Maybe. Is it 22
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a story? Yes! I attended an online filmmaking program and my dream project is to try and adapt Pulse. I am networking in the indie film community already but the full pitch won’t be until the sequel is closer to done. I know that getting a self-published book adapted is almost unheard of, but “the times they are a-changin” (Bob Dylan) and I just might pioneer a new trend. All I can do is try. You are also using some powerful original graphics to promote Pulse. Tell us about the visual development of the creature. Did you work with an illustrator? There is no way I could draw this stuff. I have been working with the same illustrator for over two years. There is a chapter from Someone’s Story with images similar to what a graphic
novel might look like. Anyways, I had this idea to just do one chapter as a sample because it isn’t cheap or easy to make these, but doing one chapter helps my pitches down the road by showing proof of concept on the idea and style I have in mind. I started a search and connected with an artist named MidKnight Comics: https://www.instagram.com/midknightcomics/ As we were wrapping up the Someone’s Story project, I pitched my Pulse idea. I said I need someone to draw me the creature because this thing is the centerpiece of the new story. I shared some of the writing and handed over a couple dozen nuggets on what I needed out of the drawing. We designed this fun little fellow:
Read the full interview with B.A. Bellec By Sheri Hoyte
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B O OK VIDEOS The best way to check out a book!
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ometimes we need a little bit more than an endorsement, book review or book cover to get a feeling for the story and decide on whether to purchase or not a title. For me, the little something is a book video. A book video not only brings to life the main story or topic for the reader, it can also portray a feeling on who the Author is and what message he or she wants to share. Below are some things I get from book videos that help make the decision to read the book but also gives me insight on its contents, improving in many cases, my reading experience. • The images – unlike movie trailers which use previews from the movie, the book video images could be off putting when reading the story, as the characters looks and settings will be a combined result of the descriptions, and the readers’ imagination. But images that do not mess with such specifics and instead reflect the message, topic, or plot are perfect as a preview of a book, because it helps us to visualize in a short time the content of the book. • Background music and narrator’s voice – The sound allows the possible reader to feel the mood of the story. Is it thrilling? Mysterious? Romantic? • Finally, but not least is the script of the slides or voice narration. Here is where we learn what the book is all about, and other information like endorsements, Author website, and where to get the book. What is awesome about book videos is that we get all the above information in one minute or less! Check out some book videos we included here by clicking on the cover!
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Book Videos on this page were provided by https://www. youtube.com/user/ReaderViews - For information on how to place your bookvideo here email us at admin@firstchapterplus.com
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I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY PRESS FIRST TWO BOOKS LAUNCH December was an exciting month for I Have Something To Say Press as we presented our first two books and their authors to the world though a virtual book launch even now streaming on social media and our website. "Becoming An Angel of Change" by Bineta Ngom and "La Clave" by Marjorie L. Anderson are our pride and joy as they represent the perfect example of mission. We invite to view the book launch by clicking the video below, and meet these two wonderful Authors and be inspired by their commitment to make change by sharing their life lessons. We also would like to invite writers with unpublished finished and edited manuscripts to query us by email at admin@ihavesometiongtosaypress.com. Please visit our website and learn about us and what we look for before emailing us at: www.ihavesomeyhingtosaypress.com
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INSIDE SCO OP LIVE POD CAST OF THE MONTH
Dr. Calvin James began his creative journey when he was nineteen. He taught himself how to play guitar, started writing music, and founded a record company, Climax Records, Inc. in 2001. He released his first album, “City” in 2004. Around 2011, he took an interest in writing and gradually shifted his focus away from music to writing children’s stories. Once he finished graduate school in 2018, he decided to share all the music and stories he had written and founded Calvin James Creates in 2019. The mission statement of his company is to share children’s stories, novels, and music that promote the values of truth, kindness, friendship, love, and hope. The first two music videos released under the Calvin James Creates brand were “Hurricane” on October 16th, 2020 and “Listless Christmas” on December 4th, 2020. The first children’s book that will be released is “The Colored Water Fountain” on December 1st, 2021. For more information about Dr. Calvin James and his work, visit his website at:
Click Here To Listen to Podcast
https://calvinjamescreates.com/
Topics of Conversation • Creating a series for children about social issues from a different perspective • Building a world outside our reality to show how crazy the concept of judging someone by their skin color is • Diversity in children's books • Favorite books and inspiration • Music, Children's Books and Novels • What's next?
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Featured Authors Kevin Kunkel Kevin Kunkel believes people are good. He hopes his books help unlock that goodness. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and two boys, which means he can never see a movie featuring snow without commenting that “Hollywood doesn’t understand real cold.” Kevin is a former stand-up comedian who is fully committed to fixing the screen door by fall or next spring at the latest.
Winner of The Book By Book Award for Best Children’s Picture Book 2020/2021 - focuses on the good things about our planet and encourages—and empowers!—kids to make our future even brighter. Cable news often reports on the bad things that happen every day, but we can choose a positive story and make it a reality. This uplifting children’s book reminds us all that we can choose a better world.
View Book Video Here
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The World We Choose By Kevin Kunkel Kevin Kunkel (2020) ISBN 9781643438962 Hard Cover - 24 pages - $17.95 Fiction - Early Reader (5-7 years old)
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ngaging, relevant, and fun. "The World We Choose" made a timely appearance and shines a much-needed light on the positive in our world.... — Eve Panzer Barefoot Librarian
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ncouragement, inspiration, and positive vibes fill these pages and remind that life is full of hope and just as many good things (if not more) than bad. — Tonja Dreckerw Bookworm for Kids
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Read First Chapter Here
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BAREFO OT LIBRARIA N CORNER Eve Panzer reviews books for Reader Views Kids as well as her own business, Barefoot Librarian. Monthly she publishes the Barefoot Librarian Newsletter. She sells children’s books published by Barefoot Books and Usborne Books & More at book fairs, educational conferences, community events, and online. She earned her Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Texas in Austin and worked as a school librarian before retiring to start her own business. www.barefootlibrarian.com Eve Panzer
Make Giving a Year-Round Tradition By the time you are reading this article, most of your Christmas preparations will be well underway or completed. As we enjoy our families and friends, our gifts, our safe and comfortable homes, and delicious feasts, we are reminded that others cannot afford these things. So, we dig into our pockets and give so others can share in these same joys. It is wonderful how so many people step up at this time of year to ensure that those in need can have a happy holiday season. Many of the donations we make this time of year fill immediate needs –trees, toys, and turkeys. But what happens after the tree goes out to the curb, the toys break, and the last of the turkey leftovers are gone? Perhaps, in addition to these donations, we should think about more long-ranging contributions we can make. For example, pairing a toy with fun gloves, hats, coats, backpacks, etc., will make more of an impact. And of course, as a librarian giving books is top of my list. There is much evidence that having ready access to books in the home leads to success for those children in the future. And books are a gift that keeps on giving every time a child reads them. There are so many ways to support literacy now and throughout the year. Organizations such as Reading is Fundamental, First Books, and Reach Out and Read are just a few. There is no specific season for need. People, animals, planet Earth all need help year-round. So, consider pledging a monthly donation to your favorite charities. And as you gather with family this holiday season, take some time to discuss what else you can do throughout the new year to make the world a better place. To get the discussion started, share a few good books that focus on those less fortunate than us or provide suggestions on things we can do to make a difference. Then, open your hearts and share your good fortune with others all year long. I have made some book suggestions to help you get started. Wishing you happy reading and a healthy, joyous holiday season, Eve - Barefoot Librarian
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THE BAREFO OT LIBRARIAN B O OKS OF THE MONTH Helping Our Planet By Jane Bingham Usborne Books & More (2019) - ISBN 9780794551100 ( 8 + years old ) - Paperback - 240 pages - $6.99
You CAN make a difference! This helpful guide provides practical ways to care for the Earth. Included are “planet-friendly” ways to eat, shop, and travel, tips on saving energy and cutting waste, and “… advice on getting drastic about plastic…”. In addition, links to websites for additional information are provided.
My Panda Sweater Written by Gilles Baum - illustrated by Barroux Barefoot Books (2020) - ISBN 9781782859802
Age: 4 - 8 years old - Paperback - 24 pages - $8.99
A young girl loves dancing in her unique Panda sweater, despite being teased by her classmates. Inevitably she outgrows her beloved Panda sweater and decides to donate it so someone in need can wear it and enjoy it as much as she did. A new classmate, an immigrant whose family seeks a safe place to live, shows up in the Panda sweater, and the young girl knows they are destined to be friends. This book provides opportunities to discuss topics such as self-esteem, bullying, friendship, empathy, and immigration.
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Featured Authors Sandra Brown Lindstedt Sandra Brown Lindstedt was born and raised on the south-side of Chicago. As a black girl growing up in poverty, with virtually no role models, she struggled. But with the help of her grandmother’s abiding faith in God and in her, she graduated from Lewis & Clark College with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and English. Today she resides in Gothenburg, Sweden, with her husband Christer, working as the drama director for Smyrna International. Sandy has an invisible secret weapon. It’s activated by her grandmother to ward off the evil she’d face, moving to Chicago to live with her mother. Though it was tiny, it was the most powerful thing in the Universe. When darkness was out of control, it was strong enough to turn a bully like Gorilla Girl into her friend. It was the Firefly. If she could keep it glowing inside her, she could conquer anything. - A multi-award-winning children’s book: * 2021 International Book Awards Winner Children’s Mind/Body/Spirit * 2021 International Book Awards Finalist - Children’s Religious * Reader Views’ Grand Prize for Best Fiction 2020. * Reader Views’ Gold Medal - Young Readers Category 2020 * Reader Views’ Gold Medal - Teen Category 2020 * Reader Views’ Regional Awards - South Winner 2020 * Readers’ Favorite - 5-star Seal * The AME Award - Best Debut Fiction 2020
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Life of a Firefly By Sandra Brown Lindstedt Fiction - Juvenile / Young Reader (8-12 years old) Independently published by Sandra Brown Lindstedt(2020) ISBN 9798679133327 Tradeback - 157 pages - $9.85
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andra Brown-Lindstedt says simply and ingenuously that it is “particularly suited for ages 8–12.” I’m afraid that’s like saying To Kill A Mockingbird is at heart a children’s book just because it’s narrated by a child. So is Life of a Firefly. But the child, a young girl named Sandy Forte, is every bit the storyteller and every bit as literate as Scout. This book is every whit as powerful, as emotive, and as profoundly evocative and compelling as its more-famous classic cousin. Sandy Forte is one of the most appealing characters ever to appear in contemporary fiction. — Joel R. Dennstedt Readers’ Favorite I loved this book! When I first picked it up I was afraid it would be too “young” for me but Sandy is a character that captured my attention immediately and I soon found myself taking any chance I could to break away from everything and read. Sandy is hilarious and had me laughing out loud throughout the whole book. Her personality is as big as life – she says what’s on her mind and that often gets her into trouble, but sometimes it’s her inner thoughts that are the funniest. — Amy C. Reader Views Kids
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FIRST CHAPTER PLUS Connecting Readers to Indie Books www.firstchapterplus.com
e-magazine . December 2021 volume 12 . issue 12
Published by I Have Something to Say Press
