This week we're celebrating...

It's Friday again. That means we write about whatever we're celebrating. Thanks to VikLit for starting this group. Be sure to stop by: www.VikLit.blogspot.com to check out what everyone has to say.
Here's what we're cheering about this week..

• My talented author friend, Janice Spina's book, Lamby the Lonely Lamb, won the silver medal in the Mom's Choice Awards! Congratulations Janice and her husband, John, who illustrates their books! It's an adorable story, well-deserving of the award.

• The weather is beautiful today, after the rain yesterday. I think it reminds us that no matter what is happening in our lives, things will improve.
• Just found out my book, Tails of Sweetbrier, is a finalist in the CLIPP Awards contest! I'm so excited. Hope you all have a little celebration with us. Here's the link if you'd like to find out more about the contest:
• http://www.clippaward.com/finalists/

Wishing you all a blessed weekend.

Website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com.

How can you find ideas?

As you may be aware, on the first Wednesday of each month, we write about our worries and insecurities. If we don't have any, we try to offer advice or encouragement to other writers. Since I don't have new worries, I'll try to offer some suggestions to you.
As authors,we need ideas to keep our creative energies going. If we don't have them, what can we write about?
Here are my thoughts on the subject:

• Your past experiences: I can imagine all of you cringing at this idea because you probably think no one would be interested in your boring, adventures. But you'd be mistaken about this. Many people write about their own life and are extremely successful. Of course, many famous people, such as presidents, write memoirs of their lives as the chief executive. Even though we know a great deal about those who are renown, we don't know everything, so authors can weave little known facts into their stories. For example, many people don't know that George Washington hated wearing wigs. He found them itchy and uncomfortable. You may also be unaware that Theodore Roosevelt was a sickly child, who suffered from asthma. But instead of moping about while he was under the weather, he read. He discovered that he loved Science. I  remember thinking no one would be interested in my own experiences before I wrote Tails of Sweetbrier. But I kept thinking I should try writing it anyway and it ended up winning the Feathered Quill Book Awards' silver medal! You never know what might happen.
• Your pets: Most people love animals and they adore their pets' personalities. It's easy to write about your pets because they're part of the family. You can include humorous adventure of  your pets, too.
• Your hobbies: Perhaps you love skiing or swimming. Have you had interesting experiences? Maybe you're a competitive swimmer and you can talk about winning a race when no one expected you would even qualify.
• Your children: Children are such fun and they have wonderful imaginations. Surely you remember something amusing that they did  or said. You can always start by asking what if? See where your imagination takes you.
• Write what you know: When I took my first writing course, one of the most important things the instructor shared was, "Write what you know." If you know a lot about sports, share that knowledge. Whatever subject you are most familiar with, start with that and see what develops.

I hope these suggestions give you some great ideas! Thanks for stopping by to check out this blog. Special thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh, for starting this wonderful group.

website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

New Review of Tails of Sweetbrier from Kubukireads.com!

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Having participated in horse shows as a child, I was immediately drawn into Deanie Humphrys-Dunne’s book Tails of Sweetbrier.   The story details the challenges and excitement of horse showing for those who have done it and defines the horse terms for those who have not.  Ultimately, however, Sweetbrier is not a story about horseshows or horses, but about facing the challenges that life brings us.

The author reveals her own personal battle with a physical handicap and her endless determination to succeed in her personal endeavors.  In Sweetbrier the reader spends time with Deanie as she falls and falls…but never refers to her falls as “fails”.  She just brushes herself off and tries again with the endless support of her father.

The family motto was “The Humphrys don’t give up.” Daddy would pick me up,

give me a kiss, put me back on and start again.

Later in the story, Deanie faces surgery, but again she meets the challenge with a positive and determined mindset:

I’ll be able to ride better than ever.  I’ll be able to walk more like other

people…The doctor said I would be in the hospital for two weeks.

My goal was to come home in ten days.

Tails of Sweetbrier leads the reader through the challenges of having a physical handicap, solutions, recovery and determination in a positive way.  While Deanie loves to win ribbons at her shows, it is clear that her biggest wins are her positive attitude and strength of character.  Deanie tells the reader to keep trying and to meet every trial that life presents head on.  A positive life-lesson story for children ages 8-12.

Learn more about Deanie Humphrys-Dunne and her books at:www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com.

New review for Tails of Sweetbrier

Tails of Sweetbrier

This is an autobiography of an amazing little girl who is born with some physical challenges which were thought to permanently limit her activities.  But not for this girl!  She is determined to overcome all through hard work and fortitude.  With the help of her never tiring father she learns not only to walk, but goes on to become competitive horse rider.  This was not a result of wishful thinking but of trying and falling and trying again. 

This story will inspire anyone who reads it.  Apart from teaching children what it takes to become a horse rider, it also shows children how to love and care for their special animals and how to truly be a friend to all. 

I like that it is written in a very gentle voice which helps children to see that anyone can achieve great things if only they never give up.

Reviewed by author,  Anna Tshekeche

www.authoranna.com

Children's author show broadcast!

Children's author show broadcast today, March 12,2014 and tomorrow Mar. 13! You can tune in anytime to listen to the interview about this award-winning book. Host Don McCauley asks questions about this true story. I hope you tune in and enjoy the interview. Thank you in advance.

www.thechildrensauthorshow.com

Tails of Sweetbrier Takes the Sliver medal!

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne writes captivating books that teach children life lessons. ‘Tails of Sweetbrier’ took the Silver Medal in the 2014 Awards Program in the Juvenile/YA Nonfiction category

Goshen, MA  Feb, 26, 2014  Author Deanie Humphrys-Dunne has taken the Silver Medal in the Feathered Quill Book Awards in the Juvenile/YA Nonfiction category for ‘Tails of Sweetbrier’.

‘Tails of Sweetbrier’ is a true story about a little girl who dreams of becoming a champion horseback rider. Deanie was born with a handicap, which made walking difficult. When doctors say she will never be able to walk, her dad decides to teach her to ride horses. This inspirational story shows children that nothing is impossible “if you don’t quit.”

“I’m honored,” Deanie stated, “that my children’s non-fiction book, ‘Tails of Sweetbrier’ received the Silver Medal in the Feathered Quill Annual Writer’s Contest. It was my first experience with entering a contest, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to receive this award. I can honestly say this is a dream come true for me.”

Deanie believes the message that perseverance is the key to accomplishing amazing things is one that can benefit every child. Through her inspiring, real life and fictional works, children will learn that anything is possible if they refuse to give up on their dreams. Through her works, children are reminded that tenacity is the key to success. They will see proof that obstacles can be overcome and that quitting only guarantees failure.

Deanie wants to be a positive influence to children. She loves to write entertaining stories that emphasize important values such as; never giving up, setting goals, and working together to realize great things. Her objective is to write books that build self-esteem and confidence in children. She works tirelessly to write books that would appeal to children and also teach them valuable lessons, presented in an engaging manner. Other books written by Deanie include ‘Charlene The Star’, ‘Charlene The Star And Hattie's Heroes’ and ‘Charlie The Horse’.

“Young readers,” Deanie continued, “will enjoy ‘Tails of Sweetbrier’ because it’s full of exciting experiences from my childhood. They will find out what decision my dad made that changed my whole life. The story is proof that all things are possible, if they follow their dreams and refuse to quit. Children will be encouraged because they will realize that they can succeed, even against the odds.”

One reviewer stated, “. . .Deanie Humphrys-Dunne encourages discipline, high self-esteem, and a positive attitude throughout this compelling story. The author motivates children to overcome their fears, achieve their goals, and follow their dreams. ‘Tails Of Sweetbrier’ tugs at the heart, is as captivating as ‘Radio’ and as inspiring as ‘Forrest Gump' . . .’

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below, or by email at dhdunnebooks@gmail.com. All of her books are available at Amazon. More information is available at her website at http://www.ChildrensBooksWithLifeLessons.com.

Profile:

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is a children’s author with 4 published books. All of her books are beautifully illustrated by her sister, Holly Humphrys-Bajaj.

Deanie and Holly specialize in books that promote positive, character building messages for children.

Deanie is a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature. She has been featured on several author websites and received top billing in one of her interviews with renowned author, Amb. Claire Power Murphy on womensradio.com. In addition she has been honored with numerous blogging awards and nominations including: The Sunshine Award, The Best Moment Award, The Super Sweet Award, The Very Inspiring Blogger Award, The Sisterhood of the World Award, and the I’m Part of the WordPress Family Award.

Contact:

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

http://www.ChildrensBooksWithLifeLessons.com

dhdunnebooks@gmail.com