You are currently browsing the monthly archive for January 2013.
Thanks to all of you who stopped by my blog last week to read about my new coloring book, “God Is So Good.” I’m really grateful that my post even inspired some to try this route in getting published!
My son helped by choosing a name out of the bag. And the winner is…. (imagine a drum roll)
SARAH HEYWOOD!
Congratulations, Sarah! And I’ll be getting in touch with you.
Last week my writer friend Barbara Bockman awarded my blog the Sunshine Award. Thanks so much, Barbara!
“I am now extending this honor of the Sunshine Award to 3 more Bloggers.”
This prize is given to “bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere.” As an award winner, here are some suggestions to follow for this Award.
1. Thank the person who gave this award in the beginning part of a post about it.
2. Answer the questions below about your favorite things.
3. Pass the award on to fabulous bloggers who bring sunshine into your life, link their blogs, and let them know you have awarded them in your post
These are some of my favorite things:
Favorite Color –pink
Favorite Animal –hamster
Favorite Number –9
Favorite Drink – Dr. Pepper
Facebook or Twitter – Facebook
Your Passions –Writing/Reading/Learning about God
Giving or getting presents – Both
Favorite Day –Saturday (My son calls it a Nothing Day)
Favorite Flowers –pink roses
The blogs I have awarded are listed below. A huge hug and thank you to each of these bloggers for inspiring me with their knowledge, humor, and creativity:
Story Patch Blog by Carrie Finison, my writing friend
Kathy Ellen Writes by Kathy Ellen Davis, another writing peep
Design of the Picture Book by Carter Higgins, who teaches fabulous design principles
I was blog tagged by Tracy Campbell to participate in “The Next Big Thing Blog Hop.” These answers pertain to my book, which was just released by Warner Press in January 2013. After the questions, I tag other authors, where you can read about their “Next Big Thing!” Please join us!
Here are the questions.
What is the working title of your book? God Is So Good Coloring Book,
written by Tina Cho, illustrated by Debbie Meyer
Where did the idea come from for the book?
I read an ad that Warner Press accepted manuscripts for coloring books. I researched the publisher’s other coloring books and thought of an idea that fit with their line of existing coloring books. My son was 3 years old at the time, and I wanted a way to show him and other young children how God could be good.
What genre does your book fall under? children’s activity books
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Well, this isn’t your typical book. But if it were a cartoon, my children and their friends could represent the kids in the illustrations.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
In this coloring book, children learn how God is good in every day situations.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
This book was published by Warner Press as work-for-hire.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I wrote it in one day in December 2008, submitted it November 2009, and it wasn’t accepted until April 2012, and published January 2013!
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? other coloring books
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
As I said above, I wanted a way to explain God’s goodness to little kids, especially my own.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
It’s cheap, and a fun way for kids to learn about God. It’s based on the popular song, “God Is so Good.” One line in the book says “God helped me be brave when Mommy pulled my tooth.” At that time, my daughter had many loose teeth, and it was a very emotional time for her.
Please continue reading “The Next Big Thing Blog Hop” at my writing mentor’s site:
and at one of my critique partner’s sites Stories a la Mode
Barbara Bockman’s Stories a la Mode
You have the chance to win this coloring book. If you want to enter, please leave a message stating how God is good to you.
I’ll put names in a hat and have one of my kids pick. The coloring book is available through Warner Press and Christian Book Distributors. Thanks for stopping by!
I’m ecstatic about this new year 2013 and all it beholds! Why? I have some books coming out this year, which I’ve already alluded to in previous posts. More about that in upcoming posts.
I’m also involved in the 12×12 again, headed by Julie Hedlund. If’ you’re interested, you can register here. We are picture book writers who will attempt to write one new story each month. I participated last year and now have 12 manuscripts to revise.
One of my goals or words for 2013 is PROACTIVE. I learned this from Stephen Covey’s book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Being proactive is a character quality of effective people and leaders. If you want to be published, you have to be proactive. I wrote about this on Debbie Ohi’s blog in November here. So this year, I want to submit my stories more and think of new queries and/or proposals. I’m also learning about new venues in which to write. Currently, I’m writing for middle school distance learning, go figure!
I’m also reading two books on the craft of writing: Second Sight by Cheryl Klein and Yes You Can Learn How to Write Beginning Readers and Chapter Books by Nancy I. Sanders.
All my writing wouldn’t be possible without inspiration. God has led me on this journey. I have a devotional blog here.
May this be a successful writing year for each one of you. I leave you with a quote from another author…
“The writing you don’t do today is lost forever. Tomorrow’s may be better–but it may depend on the less exciting groundwork you can lay today.” by Kristi Holl
Go forth and write!
Tina's Tidbits 