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It's the first Wednesday of the month and I'm delighted to announce the awesome #IWSG co-hosts for February 2016...
Allison GammonsTamara NarayanEva E. SolarRachel PattisonAnn V. Friend!
This month I'm focusing on....
Definition: noun
1.the quality of being authentic; genuineness. To live one's life with authenticity is to be true to one's self and to let your talents bloom. Don't compare yourself to others, for that will certainly stall you in your quest for success. Can we live a life with authenticity beyond the scope of our professional talents? Of course we can. It's important to strive to live a life of pure genuineness in all that we do. From the simplest most mundane tasks to the more complicated tasks in our lives, if we strive for authenticity it will put a spring in our step and our hearts desire will soar.
Here's to your authenticity!!
Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
Kicking off and getting back into the groove of blogging is the monthly post for the Insecure Writer's Support Group - #IWSG.
A great big round of applause for our co-hosts....
L.G. KeltnerDenise CoveySheri LarsenJ.Q. RoseChemist KenMichelle Wallace
and don't forget to visit the #IWSG participants through their links at....
and be sure to check out the announcement of the anthology winners!
What better way to celebrate #IWSG then with a word of encouragement...
A simple act of giving a few words of encouragement go a long way. When you share your positive words of someone's accomplishments or struggles, watch them stand a wee bit taller when you offer your encouragement.
Something as simple as saying...
"good job"
"I'm here for you"
"I like how you are developing this scene, may I offer a suggestion"
will often change a person's self-doubt to a positive. Try it, today and everyday and brighten someone's day!
Thanks for visiting and commenting. You have certainly brightened my day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!Connect with
Donna McDine on Google+Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
Welcome to the last installment of 2015 for the Insecure Writer's Support Group - #IWSG.
A great big shout out to t
he awesome co-hosts for the December 2 posting of the IWSG will be Sandra Hoover, Mark Koopmans, Doreen McGettigan, Megan Morgan, and Melodie Campbell!
Don't forget to visit fellow #IWSG at...
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html This month (or should I say every month) I'm dealing with my insecurity of holding a book launch signing event. I'm taking baby steps in overcoming my fear of envisioning an empty room with crickets chirping with little old me standing in the front of the room. I feel like a shrinking violet with my heart practically pounding out of my chest and sweat pouring down my back. I'm mentally begging for someone to show up besides my husband and daughters. Please Lord don't let me wither away!
Now it's time to strap on my big girl boots and get over myself. I've placed my initial outreach to four different locales for a book launch signing event to occur. I'm patiently or should I say impatiently waiting to hear back. Even though my latest children's picture book,
Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters is due for release this month, I'm forecasting an event for January 2016 after the hubbub of the Christmas season. I'll keep you posted!
A bit about #IWSG...
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officiallyInsecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewPowder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewHockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewThe Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
Another month has flown by and it's time for the writer's in the Insecure Writer's Support Group to post about our insecurities.
In the words of our fearless leader, Alex Cavanaugh...
When posting for IWSG day, remember to stay on topic – either post about your insecurities, struggles, or challenges or post something of encouragement for other writers. Most important – be sure to visit other IWSG members! This day is about coming together for support and encouragement.
The co-hosts for November are:
We need co-hosts for December 2 and January 6! If you can co-host, please let me know.
Please visit fellow #IWSG members today!
Thanks and let’s rock it on November 4!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today, I'd like to chat offering words of encouragement. I know I have allowed myself one too many times to second guess my path of writing when I don't get a good old, "way to go!" from someone that is riding the roller coaster ride of writing and publishing.
A simple act of giving a few words of encouragement go a long way. When you share your positive words of someone's accomplishments or struggles, watch them stand a wee bit taller when you offer your encouragement.
Something as simple as saying...
"good job"
"I'm here for you"
"I like how you are developing this scene, may I offer a suggestion"
will often change a person's self-doubt to a positive. Try it, today and everyday and brighten someone's day!
Thanks for visiting and commenting. You have certainly brightened my day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Pre-Order Today
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
Wow! It's September 2nd! Where the heck did the summer go? Welcome to another installment of the Insecure Writer's Support Group...
The awesome co-hosts for the the September 2 posting of the IWSG will be Julie Flanders, Murees Dupé, Dolorah at Book Lover, Christine Rains, and Heather Gardner! Please take a gander at each of their wonderful blogs and show your support by leaving comments and of course the other participants links can be viewed at www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html.
This month I'd like to chat about nurturing yourself. With all the pressures of work, home, family, friends, etc., do you take the time out to nurture your body and soul?
For the longest time I would put my needs last (like so many) and would take care of everyone else. And where did that get me! Absolutely nowhere, except absolutely exhausted, both mentally and physically. And when this happens I feel like a frazzled Bugs Bunny!Over the course of the last several years, I'm proud to say I don't say "yes" to every request or need so fast. I typically count to ten silently and ponder quickly if saying "yes" would be in my best interest. I've become more of a 50/50 to others needs. Not that I don't love my "circle" ~ I feel it's important to see them fly on their own.
Make sure your priority is healthy eating, exercise and plenty of sleep. This way you nurture what inspires you... the choices are endless... writing, art, knitting, photography, etc. You name it the sky is the limit.
Like my Nana would always say, "happy mama and daddy, happy family!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!
Connect with
Donna McDine on Google+A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
I can hardly believe it's August 5th and it's our 26th wedding anniversary! The roller-coaster of life has certainly kept things interesting all these years and I wouldn't want to be on this ride with anyone else but my hubby, Tom. Love you sweetie!
Now onto #IWSG!
The awesome co-hosts for the the August 5 posting of the IWSG will be Nancy Gideon, Bob R Milne, Doreen McGettigan, Chrys Fey, Bish Denham, and Pat Garcia!
My writing has taken the backseat for quite some time now, but thankfully my fifth children's book is due to be released December 2015 and I'm working on the marketing plan as we speak. But as for writing anything new, it's been nothing, nada, zip! I'm not going to beat myself up about it, but rather take care of myself both physically and mentally to help re-spark my writing bug!
I hope you are all doing well and inspiration continues to flourish through you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!Connect with
Donna McDine on Google+A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
By:
Donna McDine,
on 7/1/2015
Blog:
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I'm delighted to back with celebrating the Insecure Writer's Support Group the first of the month after several months of hiatus.
Applause all around for the awesome co-hosts for the the July 1 posting of the IWSG will be Charity Bradford, S.A. Larsen, AJ, Tamara Narayan, Allison Gammons, and Tanya Miranda!
I wish I could say my hiatus was for something fun like traveling the world and hitting lottery.... alas it was not to be.
Much to our shock the doctor's discovered that my husband developed squamous cell skin carcinoma on his eyeball, inside his lower eyelid and eye socket. After three surgeries and plenty of down time, my husband is now back to work after a little more than two months of recovery time. Thankfully the brilliant surgeons were able to save his eyeball and with extensive reconstructive surgery he is just dealing with a lazy eyelid and a bit of blurry vision this time. I urge you all the protect yourself and your loved one's from the harmful sun. I'm not saying not to enjoy the great outdoors, but be sure to wear sunscreen, sunglasses and hats!
Now, how do I get back into the groove of my writing and book promotion? I feel like I've lost a tremendous amount of progress in both categories. I've been taking the time over the last few days to get myself reorganized and plan on getting my July newsletter out before the July 4th holiday.
Does anyone have any suggestions in not loosing one's mojo when dealing with a family crisis without exhausting one's self? I blogged a couple of times and actually released my June newsletter, but otherwise I took the easy way out and put my writing and book promotion on the back burner. My day job was and still is a fantastic support during my husband's health crisis and I'm eternally grateful for The Salvation Army, where I began work in January of this year.
Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated!
Thank you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's AuthorIgnite curiosity in your child through reading! Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewPowder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Purple Dragonfly 2015 Award First Place Historical Fiction and Story Monster Approved 2014 and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewHockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Purple Dragonfly 2015 Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6 & Older and New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewThe Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
By:
Donna McDine,
on 3/4/2015
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It's time to celebrate, it's already March 4th and you know what that means... Spring is on it's way! Yippee!
To celebrate even further, it's the first Wednesday of the month and it's #IWSG day!!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSGThe awesome co-hosts for the March 4 posting of the IWSG will be Chemist Ken, Suzanne Sapseed, and Shannon Lawrence!
For my post this month, I'm not chatting about my writing insecurities, I'm chatting about a cause near and dear to my heart...
Numerous studies from both government and the private sector provide clear evidence that early reading skills are an investment in a child's future. Early reading skill development dramatically affects the quality of life for children as they grow into adulthood. Sadly, a recent article by Carole Dickerson on the Journal Standard website quoted a local social worker who stated that many of the parents in the homes she visits do not own a single children's book.
This is quite shocking to me and in response, I am announcing a children's book drive within my county to support the Rockland County Department of Social Services. I encourage other authors of children's books to do the same or if you have gentle used children's books to please donate to the book drive.
I invite those interested in donating to contact me directly at [email protected].
In my opinion, "the bare essence of learning to read opens up the world of exploration to a child. Across the curriculum it is imperative children grow in their reading capability so success in their classes can be had. Without the fundamentals it is very difficult to progress successfully."
"I believe in ‘paying it forward.' That one book donation may be all it takes to make a difference in a child’s life. By encouraging the love of reading in our young muses their look of wonder as they bubble with excitement on their next reading journey swells my heart."
I urge you to join me in my quest to ignite curiosity in children through reading by donating to the Rockland County Department of Social Services book drive.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you!
P.S. I will comment back to visitors and visit with fellow #IWSG members once I return from work today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's AuthorIgnite curiosity in your child through reading!Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewPowder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewHockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewThe Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
Welcome 2015 and to the first 2015
post of the Insecure Writer's Support Group!
I have always been a planner by nature and I've come to discover I'm allowing myself to be stuck in the planning and not forging forward with my writing. I'm working hard at breaking this "old and bad habit" by staying true to my dreams and focusing on my writing before email, book promotion and social media networking, etc.
How about you, what are you doing daily to achieve your writing dreams?
Wishing you an inspirational and productive 2015!
Interested in staying up to date of my writing world and special offers, join 506 parents, teachers, and publishing colleagues and receive two FREE e-Books... "The Story Behind the Book" and "Marketing Tips e-Book"...
iContact Email Marketing You Can Trust ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading! Connect with Donna McDine on Google+A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewPowder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewHockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewThe Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
For the past year or so it has been my quest to get out of my comfort zone, both personally and professionally. I took baby steps at first, one to never where dresses (except for special events and when I worked in corporate America, which feels like a hundred years ago) I started wearing sundresses on vacations and then it expanded to wearing sundresses for no special reason. For those that know me, I have always been a jeans and capri girl, so yep I've stepped a wee bit out of my comfort zone. Then on vacation in the Dominican Republic I went zip lining. It was exhilarating to say the least.
With my blood pumping and the desire to keep stepping out of my comfort zone. I focused professionally and jumped into researching book fairs and teacher conferences and applied for participating to several area events. Recently I participated in the Collingswood Book Festival and the 19th Annual Rockland Literacy Extravaganza. Both events targeted a different audience and to compare the two, would be liking comparing apples to oranges. The Collingswood Book Festival focused on families in attendance and the 19th Annual Rockland Literacy Extravaganza focused on teachers.
Connections were made at both… At the Collingswood Book Festival I had the opportunity to meet several authors I have never met before and we have made a delightful connection which we continue to expand on. Great big waves to (in no particular order)… Christina Paul, Brad Hecht, Lynmarie McCullough, Louis Romano, Mark C. Collins, Scott Alboum, Karen Scheuer and Dianne Salerni.
At the 19th Annual Literacy Extravaganza a special thank you goes out to Dr. Michael Shaw and Deborah Studnitzer for their coordination of this amazing literacy event focused on the common core standards and beyond… I met over 60 teachers and had the opportunity to engage with them at my book signing table. I'm honored to meet each and every one of you! A special shout out to Jennifer Rankin of Barefoot Books, I look forward to staying in touch for the grand opening of your new store in Pearl River, NY and Marcy Schickler of PS 307, whom I met in 2010 at the very same literacy conference. Lovely to see you again, Marcy!
Wishing you an inspirational day and to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone.
Don't forget to check out my announcement RE: purchase one of my books and enter at a chance to win a Kindle Fire HD 6...
http://donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/2014/11/enter-at-chance-to-win-fire-hd-6-table.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's AuthorIgnite curiosity in your child through reading!Connect with Donna McDine on Google+A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewPowder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewHockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Farvorite Five Star ReviewThe Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist 
I'm delighted to participate in the Insecure Writer's Support Group blog hop...
The Importance of Keywords in Your Marketing Toolbox
by Donna M. McDine
Keywords… What’s this you may be asking? Keywords are what people type into search engines (i.e., Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.) when researching a particular topic or product (i.e., Best Jersey Shore vacation spots; cheap airfare; NYC wedding planners, children’s historical fiction books, etc.). The more a keyword is searched the more attraction it has. The list is endless. But, what does this have to do with me as a writer? Absolutely EVERYTHING!
It is imperative your website and blog have strong keywords in titles, text, and in the meta data. Lets break it down a bit further…
Titles - at least one keyword should be included in the title connecting to the content of the article. If your article is about the importance of press releases the title should be something like… “Don’t Give Up On Press Releases.”
Text – whether it’s the description of your website or an article, keywords need to be mentioned throughout. Of course, repetitive keyword mention that does not include true value to the description or article is a waste of time.
Meta Data – this is html jargon for the backend of your website. Within the html code page description (Independent Book Store Listings) and keywords (i.e., sci-fi author, children’s author, how to write a press release.) of the particular page are listed. The meta data is used by browsers search engines (keywords), or other web services to show results when someone conducts a search.
<!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]-->
How to Search for Keywords - A search of keywords is important to setting up the right combination for you. My go to keyword search site is www.keywordeye.com(NOTE: I do not guarantee your success by utilizing this service, this is a FREE/PAID service that I use for my personal needs). Once you create an account the steps are self-explanatory and I’ve included a snapshot of a recent search for “children’s books” with the results of the different keyword combinations.
The above goes well beyond your website and blog, when writing articles for magazines or guest blogger posts, keywords should be at the forefront of your writing. Of course, your byline helps in getting your name out there further, which is extremely helpful if someone searches your name. To show how important it is to get your name out there and keywords associated with you, I’ve included snapshots of “Rockland County Children’s Authors” and “Whale Poachers Children’s Book.”
<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]-->
Keyword Search: Rockland County Children’s Authors
Search results: I’m listed in 3 of the 5 top searches. Not bad.
<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]-->
Keyword Search: whale poachers children’s book
Search results: My latest children’s book, A Sandy Grave is listed in the top 5 searches. How cool is that!
These results have taken me years to establish and I continue to do so on an ongoing basis. For example, when you guest author at a colleague’s blog it market you further. The more material published about you, by you and connected with keywords will help rise you to a top level in the search engines.
Good luck to you as you write informative content with essential keywords!
Bio: Multi award-winning children's author, Donna McDine, ignites curiosity in children through reading.
<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]-->
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Best wishes,Donna M. McDineMulti Award-winning Children's AuthorIgnite curiosity in your child through reading!
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewPowder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star ReviewHockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Farvorite Five Star ReviewThe Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
