MARCH INTO SPRING
WITH A SPRING IN YOUR WRITING STEP Part V
This week closes out my march into spring series looking at various book genres that meet my criteria of educational reading—while enhancing our writing skills. I’ve chosen the genre of Children’s Books because—as a parent, grandparent, great-grandparent—I’ve learned so much from our children and the books they love reading. However, I must warn you. Should you, too, delve into the shelves of Children’s book section of library or bookstore, you may get stuck there, too. With so many excellent books to tell you about, I’ve had difficulty selecting just a few.
A Day at the Dog Park by Justene Presley is fun to read, educational for children (and adults) 
and gives writers a peek into “ordinary days” that just might be useful in “scene development” for your novels.
Everyone loves to imagine a child enjoying the day with a favorite pet dog. Meet Carter and his dog, Snickers. Carter’s mom takes them to the dog park, and their enjoyable day provides fun as well as practical lessons about the best way to make new dog friends. Carter explains that there are lots of different types of dogs, and goes through a six-step method for meeting a new dog. Carter also shares advice about what not to do.
Author Barbara Bryan has published several books including this one titled: FROM SCRATCH, Three Short Stories. The theme is “Everyone Needs a Helping Hand.” I love this concept because I’ve always found it hard to ask for help. AND YET, being a writer/author I, too, have sought help to develop writing skills from character development to book marketing and more. But it’s not always easy to admit that we need help…and it’s valuable to learn when to offer help, too.
In these three wise and charming stories, Bryan explores the idea of helping from different viewpoints. You’ll meet three characters who fit this common theme in different ways. Catherine needs help, but doesn’t know how to ask for it…and she finds it in an unexpected way. Rooster gets some complaints about his cock-a-doodle behavior, but he realizes what’s really important when he’s called upon to save his family. And Wiley finds out that being rude and unhelpful to others can leave you out in the cold…literally. DID you notice that word viewpoints? Understanding the perspective of the characters we’re creating is a key component to making our novels great!
I just had to add this book: WE ALL MATTER by Angel McGowan. Not only is this an 
excellent story about a boy who is being overlooked and ignored by his classmates, which makes him feel all alone, it is authored by a young woman I would love to meet someday. McGowan broke into the publishing world at the age of fifteen and has been winning awards ever since. Her ability to expose the bare bones of issues that are harmful to our children (of all ages) will make a big difference in the lives of future generations!
As you turn to the next page of Mikey’s story he is so overwhelmed that he breaks his silence and blurts out exactly how lonely he’s been feeling. What happens next… (Oops! Better not give that away.)
Each of these books are written from passionate hearts—from writers who see the world with a unique perspective—like you. Don’t hold back! Write! Publish! Offer the world another chance to learn. ⚓︎
ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.
Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.
The first example I’ve selected today is by author Eane Huff. I must admit that I was drawn to the book by the author’s last name because of my friendship with a husband and wife writing team who share that name. I have no idea if they are related. However, Eane Huff’s book Wednesdays with Jerry, definitely fits my friends’ concept of encouraging others.
moments it reveals. However, by honestly sharing the events in her son’s life it is the author’s hope that—as people read the pages of their family’s true story—they will find the support and encouragement needed to go beyond surviving the moments of their own difficulties to find the brighter days of tomorrow.
this genre. Author Rachel Dupree-Grant offers her true life story—Being Strong in the Faith—that demonstrates it is possible to rise from poverty and climb the ladder of success no matter the obstacles or abuses or storms that are thrown against you. Through every situation she believes God is a Healer and a mountain mover. Rachel includes Scriptures and prayers that help us all grow in Faith and “be strong.”
Author, Mary Johnson-Gordon, writes of her personal experiences in Revealing Divine Mysteries of the LORD of Mercy. With boldness she informs us that her book publishing is mandated by God so that all people will know of His extreme—and very real—love for us. Detailing her visions and transport into Heavenly realms where she is taught many things we close the book praying for such a close walk with God. The revelations are, indeed, inspiring and have led me to consider my own writer’s calling—the skills God has planted in me to be an active part of His plans.
Marrandette offers us sensible Biblical principles in Life’s Too Short To Eat Bad Cheese, as she shows us how to restore and maintain our health and vitality. I love her quote on Amazon: “…people needlessly consume ‘sticks and twigs’ or drink tasteless protein shakes when God has already given us a perfect dietary plan in Genesis.” I don’t know about you, but all my life I’ve heard that “if you just quit eating chocolate and cheese you’ll lose weight.” Finding this author’s book give a whole new perspective for me.
Just recently I discovered the author Valentine Cardinale—wondering if that is a pseudonym—then discovering it’s his real name and a memorable author’s name it is, indeed. His most recent book release is BREAKAWAY staring Father Richard Bianchi who can’t help but become a “private” investigator in the drama surrounding 
The second novel I’ve recently found is 
Biography/Memoir: A Woman of Valor, A Woman of Strength: The Latchmin Bridgelall Story. This story is heralded as a “touching story” written by the son of an “amazing family matriarch whose sacrifice, courage and wisdom shaped a generation of children.” AND…I will add…will continue shaping generations of children yet to be born.
Self Publishing Advisor 