Happy dance time!!! State of Successes cover arrived last night

Heather has been a busy young lady (I still can't believe she is only 16 years old). Not only has she completely done "Train of Clues" from illustrations to layout/design and cover, she has been working on getting the next book in the series completed. Sometime this weekend she sent me three illustrations which are to go on the cover, and what a difference a little color makes, even though I do know the illustrations I got were not complete. So last night I get an email from Heather and it says - Look what I got for ya! - and it was the front and back cover (incomplete back cover but I know why she did that so she would have everything ready to put on the back cover) - and all I can say is - Woohooo!!!!! - You Go, Heather! - Excellent job and I can't wait to see the interior illustrations.

So for your viewing pleasure - here's the cover for State of Successes -

Drop me a line and let me know what you think of it or if you feel so inclined to drop Heather a note personally, you can reach her on her website - I'll pass all the comments to Heather as well





Now that I have a cover, I'm running a preorder special for the remaining books in the series on my website. Orders can be placed from my website for only $419 (this is a savings of $98). This will include the accompanying study guide for each book and each book will be autographed to whomever you indicate when placing your order - one child, all children or to the family. As a new title comes out, you will be one of the first to receive your copy. See you all in the postings - Mrs. E :)

Reservations' first review

Cheryl Malandrinos from The Children's and Teens' Book Connection has posted the first review for State of Reservations. Overall, the review was good other than comments about the illustrations (Cheryl stated what I feel about them) and the back cover having Jolene's name misspelled twice and missing the word "Detective" from Junior Geography Squad. For the complete review, go here. Enjoy - Mrs. E :)

Proof arrived

I've been about town showing it off to folks - the post office people, the librarians, the workers at the dentist office who are fans and following my series. I got home and started checking it more closely and dang if I didn't goof. I kept looking at the wig illustration, thinking "I know Heather moved it down since it was so high on the page" but thought maybe it just wasn't moved enough and showed up different. I started reading the inside and the bio page and realized I uploaded the wrong "final" version of the interior I had in my files. So I have to re-order my proof hopefully tomorrow and next week I'll be able to do a complete order of 50 for the first run. But I do like how it looks. Thank you, Heather. She was the first person I called when I opened the package. I can't wait for her to see the final book. She is going to work out well for the series.

She did assure me that she is working on the covers for "Successes" and "Heights" and hopes to have them to me soon and so I may have new covers to share with you all. Stay tuned - Mrs. E :)

Impressive turnaround for Train of Clues proof

I sent the order for the proof this morning about 8:30 or 9:00 EST. Got my email notifications that the order had been placed. I've got it to do the slowest shipping which states I should have my order by July 23. I left about 10:45 to go to bank and run a couple of errands before heading to College to teach class (well actually had to meet a student to get her started on transcription). After class, went to the grocery store as we had no groceries in the house really to speak of. (Bear definitely needs to start providing grocery money for the summer since I can't do it all.) Came home, unloaded the car and checked my emails. I had one that says my proof has been shipped - So looks like I should have my proof copy Monday or Tuesday or Wednesay at the latest - lol. Talk about quick - I hope it's as good as it should be and I can't wait to get that one in my hands. So next week I should have proof copy. A 50-copy order will be placed on the 22nd so should have those the following week. I'll be happy to sign copies for anyone who is wanting one. Contact me via my website or directly by email for your copy (see profile for email addy). Remember to let me know who to make the books to. Until next time - Mrs. E :)

Modern day pirates: aka smugglers

Max Anderson, an acquaintance from several forums, writes books geared for boys. His latest will be available August 1 - check it out.

Lost Island Smugglers is a new action-adventure that kids will love. Find out more here.



Endorsements
"Sam Cooper Adventures are like good, family movies . . . as an ordinary kid finds himself in exciting and extra-ordinary adventures!" Bill Myers - author

"Max Elliot Anderson brings a lifetime of dramatic film and video production to the pages of his action adventures and mysteries." Jerry B. Jenkins, Author

PS. You can also go to the Lost Island Smugglers UPDATE page for more information.


*The above was taken from Max's blog. For more information about Max and his works, follow the links noted above.

"Train of Clues" proof

So Thursday, when I get paid a small check (work had a change in paydays recently due to a merge) I get to order the proof copy of "Train of Clues." According to createspace.com, I should have the proof by about the 21st or so and then I can place an order if everything looks good. A 50-print run will be placed on or about July 22nd, if everything looks good, and I should have books in hand by August 2. I'm so excited to see how quickly this booklet came together. "Train of Clues" is 32 pages long and will be sold via my website or email only - for $5. This is the story that started it all. I'm looking forward to seeing the completed book and to start promoting it. "Train of Clues" is available for preorder on my website and will be shipped to anyone who orders a copy the day they arrive in my hand.

Heather is diligently working on covers for State of Successes and State of Heights, so hopefully before too long I'll have two new covers to show everyone. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Heather's work as I'm pleased as punch with the interior of "Train of Clues."

I'm also starting my search for some homeschool conferences coming in 2011, so if anyone knows of any in their area and would like to see the JGDS series participate as an exhibitor/vendor, please drop me a line and let me know so I can start making contacts about exhibitor spots. I also will do my "Writing Roads" workshop for the kids at any homeschool conference I participate in, if vendor workshops are available. I'd like to stay within the southern states for now until I can really build my readership and have some income from the books to support me instead of me supporting the books, but if it looks to be a good one and looks to be doable on my end (expenses are not too high), then I will be happy to consider it. - See you all in the postings - Mrs. E :)

MoonZeLent - a new vampire novel

My new illustrator, Heather Paye, has an interview with one of "my favorite authors" (per her) on her blog. Check it out on her blog. The cover for this new novel can be found on her website. Make sure to leave her a comment.

She will be working on covers for State of Successes and State of Heights over the next week or so, and then I get to share more good stuff with you. I'm really looking forward to more from Heather as the JGDS series progresses. Heather is aspiring to work with Disney/Pixar and hopefully by doing covers and inside illustrations for my series along with the other projects she takes on she will have a decent start to getting her foot in the door.

See you all in the postings - Mrs. E :) & the JGDS