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The 10th of each month, one of our members hosts the Viewpoint segment. This month the host is children's book, Angeline Jellybean, author Crystalee Calderwood and the topic is about authors who self-publish and those who are published with small presses. What is their role in the promotion of their books?

Here is my comment on Crystalee's site:

As a self-published author I can attest to the stigma still attached to this avenue of publishing. I belonged to one writing group and a member actually said self-publishers were cheap and their books were not good enough for the traditional route. This was said generically, she had never seen my book. I was surprised at this rigid view. I do think self-publishers have much more of a stigma attached to their work than small press authors.

While I can understand that there are some authors who self-publish poorly written and unedited work, there are many who use the proper tools to turn out a decent, and sometimes, great book.

But to the question, I think authors need to take charge of their success. That means promotion, promotion, promotion in whatever avenues they can come up with.

I think local and independent book stores should welcome book signings by all authors (after they've reviewed the book and feel it is acceptable). It's a win-win situation, the bookstores have activity and the prospect of sales and the authors have an opportunity to sell. What does the book store have to lose?

As far as schools go, I think if an author approaches their local schools and starts by offering presentations for free, it could work out well. I haven't taken that route yet, having MS limits what commitments I can make. But, I'm thinking that in the fall I may give it a try in pre-schools since my book is a bedtime picture book.

Check out Cryatalee's Viewpoint at: http://crystaleecalderwood.blogspot.com

Be sure to leave a comment!

See you in blog world,
Karen Cioffi

Hi, Crystalee. Thanks for stopping by again. Last post we learned a little about you and your wonderful children's book Angeline Jellybean. Now how about answering a few questions for us.

1. What are you currently working on?

I am currently finishing my thesis for my MFA in Creative Writing. It is a full-length YA novel written entirely in poetry. I also have a couple of picture book ideas that I have been working on for some time now.

2. What is a typical writing day like?

I don't have a "typical" writing day. I'm not one of those people who get up at 5AM every morning to write. I do write a lot, but I tend to get it in during quiet moments during the day, before or after work and class. Some days I write next to nothing, some days I may write a whole picture book. It just depends on what is going on in my life at the time.

3. What made you choose to write children's books?

I was a young poet starting my MFA at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. when I took my first class on writing for children. I had never had any experience writing for children before, but I fell in love with the genre. A year later, I took my second class, a class on writing picture books. After that, I never looked back. I picked up Children's Writing as a dual emphasis in addition to the poetry track.

4. What advise would you give to a children's writer just starting out?

Read, read, read! How are you going to know what's out there for children unless you read the books? Figure out what you like and dislike, which styles, genres and age levels you like to read. You will probably want to experiment writing in these areas as well. Also, I can't stress enough the importance of interacting with children. I have found that reading with children is the best way to get into their worlds, learn their likes and dislikes, and therefore write books that they are going to
enjoy.

And for everyone interested, you can pick up your copy of Angeline Jellybean at: http://www.amazon.com/ and www.4rvpublishingllc.com

You can also visit Crystalee at:
http://www.crystaleecalderwood.blogspot.com/, http://www.crystaleecalderwood.bravehost.com/

If you'd like to email Crystalee her address is: [email protected]

Thanks so much Cyrstalee for sharing with us. And, have fun finishing your thesis.

Stay tuned for Virtual Book Tours next tour scheduled for December 15th. They'll be much more with a number of very talented authors/writers.

See you in blogland,

Karen Cioffi

As part of Virtual Book Tours second tour it is my pleasure to host children’s author, Crystalee Calderwood.

Ms. Calderwood is the author of Angeline Jellybean. This born poet turned children’s writer is a small town girl who moved to the big city. Crystalee moved from Altoona, Pennsylvania, to Pittsburgh when she was twenty-two years old to attend the MFA in Creative Writing program at Chatham University. There she took her first class in writing for children and adolescents, and she's never looked back. As a member of Literacy AmeriCorps Pittsburgh, Crystalee has had the pleasure of interacting with children in the community through the non-profit organization, Beginning with Books. She introduces children to great books in hopes that they fall in love with them the way she has. Crystalee currently teaches computer skills to adults.

ANGELINE JELLYBEAN by Crystalee Calderwood

What child hasn’t gone through a period when he or she latches onto a particular food and that’s all he/she wants to eat. Well, Angeline Jellybean by Crystalee Calderwood is a wonderful and fun book that deals with just a situation.

Angeline wants to eat nothing but jellybeans. Year round, from Easter to Christmas, she asks for her favorite treat. But a strange event teaches Angeline that there's such a thing as too much of a good thing! With colorful, delightful illustrations by Stephen Macquignon, Angeline is sure to win over hearts of young picky eaters everywhere.

Pick up your copy of Angeline Jellybean at: http://www.amazon.com/ and www.4rvpublishingllc.com

You can also visit Crystalee at:
http://www.crystaleecalderwood.blogspot.com/ http://www.crystaleecalderwood.bravehost.com/

You can email Crystalee at: [email protected]

Please don’t forget to come back December 4th for more with Crystalee Calderwood.

If you’d like to join our touring group, please go to Yahoo Groups: Virtual Book Tours.