Introducing Janice Spina's two new children's books!

Guess what everyone? Today we have a marvelous surprise just for you. We're going to learn about Janice Spina's wonderful new children's books: Davey & Derek Junior Detectives (The Case of the Missing Cell Phone) and Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey. I know you're anxious to find out about them so we'll get on with the questions.

• Janice, many of your fans know you’re an award-winning author, but they may not know about your newest creations; Davey and Derek: Junior Detectives, and Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey.

Please tell us about them. 

Davey & Derek Junior Detectives (The Case of the Missing Cell Phone) is book 1 of a middle-grade series. I wanted to branch out to middle graders and give them something to read. This series is about twin brothers who are not identical in appearance and also not in personalities. They like to play detective and look for cases to solve.  They each have their own set of skills that they take into each case. Davey, an intellectual, loves to read and has a photographic memory and likes to take things apart to see how they work. Derek is a thinker and likes to be in control of each situation but is always getting into trouble. They work well together and support each other. 

This story is such fun to read and includes mystery and unexpected events. Your readers will love it.

Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey is a story for young children PS-Grade 1.  Sebastian goes to the zoo one day to see the monkeys and watch them climb trees. Something amazing happens when Sebastian's toy phone suddenly begins to play music. 

I just reviewed your adorable book, Janice. Little children will be fascinated with it. I can certainly see why your grandson Sebastian loves it.

• How did you get the ideas for these stories?

 I heard about someone who had lost his cell phone and it gave me the idea to write a story about young boy detectives who would solve the case.  Davey & Derek are based on my two middle grandsons who are not twins but two years' apart soon to be nine and eleven. I wanted them to have something to read. My other children's books were getting too young for them.  

Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey is dedicated to my youngest grandson, Sebastian, who loves monkeys. His favorite stuffed animal is a monkey. 

Your middle grandsons will be so intrigued by the story, Janice and so honored that you wrote it for them. When Sebastian is older he'll be thrilled to tell his friends about the story you wrote for him.

Do the stories have a message you share with the readers?

 Yes, each of my stories carries life lessons. In Davey & Derek the lesson is bullying is not acceptable, be kind to others, and family is important.

 In Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey the lesson is to be kind to animals. I think it is important to impart important life lessons to young children for they learn what they read.  

Those are very important lessons for today's young people, Janice.

• What ages do you think they’re most suited for?

 Davey & Derek is written for middle-grade students from ages 9-12. Sebastian is best suited for younger children ages 2-5. I read this book to my grandson and he really enjoyed it. His favorite part was the end where my husband/illustrator puts the main characters in all my children's books with the back end showing, in other words, their bum. After I read it to my grandson (19 months) he laughed and pointed to the bum. So adorable to see he enjoyed it!

I can imagine Sebastian laughing when you read the story to him!

 Would you like to share advice for other authors or aspiring authors?

 Write, write and write some more and do all you can to learn your craft. You will find with more practice you will get better and gain confidence. I find I learn something new every day. Never give up your dream to be an author. It is true we can’t all be like J K Rowling but at least we can be happy doing something we love to do every day.

That's great advice, Janice. We should always follow are dreams and keep trying to improve our skills.

• What’s the most exciting thing to happen in your writing career so far?

The most exciting thing that has happened to me is when my book, Lamby the Lonely Lamb, won a Silver Medal from the Mom's Choice Awards. I was extremely excited. It meant a lot to me to have my work vindicated.

I know how thrilled you must have felt with your well-deserved award. Congratulations. :)

 • Do you have any new projects?

 Yes, I am currently working on book 2 of the Davey & Derek Junior Detective Series. This one is about a mysterious cat and some magic. I also will be editing a YA fantasy I wrote five years ago.

 There will be more books coming next year (2016) to look for – children’s books about a cat, and other animals and two more books in the Davey & Derek series. Hopefully I will be able to complete these books and another novel.

 I can't wait to read them, Janice!

• Would you please share the purchase links with us?

 Amazon Author Page: (All Jemsbooks are listed here.)

http://www.amazon.com/Janice-Spina/e/B00HNET4HG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1433352534&sr=1-2-ent

 Amazon link to Davey & Derek: http://www.amazon.com/Davey-Derek-Junior-Detectives-Missing-ebook/dp/B00X4RDMWO/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Create Space: https://www.createspace.com/5390264 (Davey & Derek)

Barnes & Noble Author Page: (All Jemsbooks are listed here.) http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Janice-Spina?store=book&keyword=Janice+Spina

http://www.amazon.com/Sebastian-Meets-Marvin-Monkey-Janice-ebook/dp/B00Y5R4QY0/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

 Create Space:  https://www.createspace.com/5504047 (Sebastian)

• Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I want to thank you, Deanie, for having me on your blog and for your unending support and friendship. 

It's such an honor to be your friend, Janice and I love spending time with you.

 I would like to add that I am available as a copy editor for anyone who needs assistance with their books. Also, I do author interviews and guest posts on my blog if anyone is interested. I am a staunch supporter of other authors. Please check out my blog and contact me at jjspina@myfairpoint.net.  http://jemsbooks.wordpress.com

I want to express my appreciation for all who have purchased and reviewed my books. Writing is what I love to do and I will continue to write and create new stories for all ages. I am truly thankful to God for the ability to do what I love to do every day.