A Children's Christmas Book by Stephanie Burkhart

My warmest welcome today to children's author, Stephanie Burkhart. 4RV Publishing released her beautiful book called Joseph's Cradle just in time for Christmas. Scroll to the bottom of this post for my personal review.

 

Joseph and his wife, Mary, expect a baby. With all that is happening, including the government requiring a census, Joseph feels a little overwhelmed and a bit left out of the preparations for the baby. Is there something he can do?

 

 Reviews: “Artist Mathew Hughes' soft, time-friendly paintings take us back to Biblical times. This is a sweet Christmas book that could start a discussion about what a young child might like to give the Christ Child for Christmas.” – Patricia Karwatowicz

 

The Christmas story about the birth of Jesus is one of the most popular and well known stories around the world. We can only imagine how anxious Joseph and Mary were when they arrived in Bethlehem. Throughout the story, Mary carries herself with dignity and grace. Joseph is steadfast and loyal. Becoming a parent isn’t easy and both Mary and Joseph have to find their own way.

 

#1: What inspired you to write the story?

 

STEPHANIE: I wanted to write the Christmas story from the view of being expectant parents.  I wanted to show how Joseph grew into fatherhood. I think these are all aspects of life we all can identify with.

 

#2: How long did it take?

 

STEPHANIE: The story took about a day to write.  After editing, I’d say it took about a week.

 

#3: Did you pick the illustrator?

 

STEPHANIE: No, I did not.  4RV Publishing selected the illustrator.  I think Matthew Hughes did a fantastic job with the illustrations.  They have a very soft hearted feel and compliment the story well.

 

#4: What makes this book special?

 

STEPHANIE: It’s a look at the Christmas story from a different perspective.

 

#5: How long have you been writing children's books?

 

STEPHANIE: About 5 years now. My first children's book, "The Giving Meadow" was published with 4RV Publishing in 2010. It has a great message about sharing and caring for young children as well as telling about Caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly. It's perfect for Easter as it helps young children understand Jesus' story.

 

 

Stephanie Burkhart was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, but now calls California her home. She currently works for LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher. Stephanie has been writing since she was five, when she crafted homemade comic books on the kitchen table. Her previous books with 4RV Publishing include: The Giving Meadow, and First Flag of New Hampshire.  Stephanie enjoys coffee, adores chocolate and is currently the Den Leader for her son's Cub Scout Den.

 

JOSEPH’S CRADLE:  is available in print from 4RV Publishing.

 

BUY LINKS:

 4RV PUBLISHING BOOKSTORE: http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/burkhart.php

 

AMAZON:

 http://www.amazon.com/Josephs-Cradle-Stephanie-Burkhart/dp/1940310342/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1446519672&sr=8-18&keywords=stephanie+burkhart

 

 

Find Stephanie at:

 

WEBSITE:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

 

TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

 

FACEBOOK:

 

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

 

 

GOOD READS:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

 

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:

http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

 

PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

 

A Different Perspective

By: Stephanie Burkhart

 

Have you only believed there was one way to do a task and when you learned there was another way, you were surprised? That’s happened to me a couple of times. Every time I’m always amazed. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

 

The Christmas story with Mary ad Joseph is one of the oldest, memorable stories in the world. In the Bible, Luke and Matthew share their accounts. We know Mary and Joseph traveled a good distance while Mary was about to have her baby. What an inconvenience that must have been! We discover how Mary embodies dignity and grace and we learn the depth of Joseph’s faith when he listens to the angel who visits him. Once they say ‘yes’ to God, what happens next?

 

I wanted to show another perspective of the story, one more personal and one we can all relate too. Mary and Joseph are going to be parents. The thought can be overwhelming. What must it have been like for them preparing for a baby? “Joseph’s Cradle” shows how Mary and Joseph approach parenthood. I hope you enjoy the story!

 My review:

I love the fresh perspective of Joseph's Cradle. In a day when a father's role is too often downplayed, a story from Joseph's point of view is perfect. Burkhart offers a tender tale about gifts for the Christ child, and Hughes gives delightful illustrations. I highly recommend this book for the children on your Christmas list.
 

 

Thank you for stopping by, Stephanie. Here's a question that Stephanie would like to ask you.

 

What gift would you give Jesus for Christmas?

 

 

A Visit with Children's Author, Donna M. McDine

I'm so excited to have as my guest award-winning children's author, Donna M. McDine. I first "met" Donna online when I submitted to her my article about dreaming. She published it in her newsletter "Write What Inspires You." I subscribed to the newsletter and have been a fan of Donna's ever since.

Donna offered to write an article today about How a Book Comes to Be, so here it is. Be sure to scroll all the way down because Donna has a free offer for you.

 

One of the most popular questions children ask me when conducting author visits is “How do you come up with your ideas?” Today, I’m sharing just that…

 

The creation of a book starts at the basics, an idea…

 

·         Imagination

·         Playing Games

·         World History

·         Music

·         News Articles

·         Art

·         Playing Sports

 

The list is endless.

 

My ideas for my books come to me in different ways…

 

For example, my book Hockey Agony was created from my lifelong interest in sports and watching my children, nieces and nephews compete in one sport or another. I chose hockey because two of my nephews and a niece are passionate hockey players.

 

View the Hockey Agony book trailer… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i5GTVVAkVI&list=UUTdvE0ppCdRwy3U0ULDQ3MA

 

The Golden Pathway and Powder Monkey were created from a publishers call for submissions regarding the Underground Railroad and the Royal Navy Press Gangs.

 

View the book trailers for…

 

The Golden Pathway https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDjCqxStIM4&list=UUTdvE0ppCdRwy3U0ULDQ3MA and

 

Powder Monkey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmFsDPyrsqI&list=UUTdvE0ppCdRwy3U0ULDQ3MA

 

A Sandy Grave came to life from a newspaper article I read about a dead whale that washed ashore of a California beach. What fascinated me about this article was the police needed to guard the whale, until the local marine biology institute could arrive to determine what the whale died from. The reasoning for guarding the whale astounded me. Apparently, poachers would take the opportunity to steal the whale’s teeth to sell to artists to create scrimshaw on the teeth and then sell for a profit.

 

View the book trailer for A Sandy Grave…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ2kb2S-N4o&list=UUTdvE0ppCdRwy3U0ULDQ3MA

 

Once an idea comes to mind the research and outline begin…

 

It’s important to conduct research to stay accurate to the details of true life, especially when it concerns laws or facts.  Just because an author’s story may be fictional, accuracy is a must to make it entertaining and educational at the same time.

 

Create character profiles and conduct character interviews to learn how each character will respond to a certain situation.

Blending the facts with well-written characters and scenes using all the five senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste) will have an enjoyable story leaping from the pages.

 

In the creative writing process it helps to know what you want your character to accomplish even before you write the story…

 

ü      Write a beginning that makes your reader want to keep reading.

ü      The middle of your story should happen in the right order.

ü      The end of your story should make sense.

 

Once you have your first draft written now it’s time to share it with a fellow writer to have a fresh set of eyes to read through your manuscript. Writers often become so invested in their words they don’t see what can be reworded or deleted to make a scene stronger.

 

Editing Process…

 

Don’t be afraid to edit and cut portions of your manuscript. The tighter your manuscript the quicker your story will flow.

 

The road to publication is a long one. Now the waiting truly begins…

 

ü      Once the acceptance contract is received, more edits from the publisher begins with their editing department.

ü      After the final edits the publisher determines the break of scenes for the page layout.

ü      For children’s books an illustrator is then assigned, and the creation of the illustrations begin.

ü      The book marketing process begins well before the release date with the publisher’s marketing department and author.

ü      It is a complete team effort to see the final creation of the book.

 

From acceptance to publication it can take anywhere from six months to two years to hold your published book in your hands. It’s a long time, but oh so worth the wait.

 

Soak up the World Through Books…

 

Embrace the written word and suggestions your teachers may have for your writing. Explore the world at your fingertips through the adventures of reading and writing. The joy of immersing yourself in a good book is one to share with everyone.

 

Special offer, opt-in for my FREE newsletter, Write What Inspires You! http://donnamcdine.com/newsletter.html and receive two FREE e-books:

 

·         The Story Behind the Book

·         Marketing Tips by Donna McDine

 

 

Multi award-winning children’s author, Donna McDine’s creative side laid dormant for many years until her desire to write sparked in 2007. With four early reader children’s picture books to her credit, A Sandy Grave (January 2014), Powder Monkey (May 2013), Hockey Agony (January 2013) and The Golden Pathway (August 2010) and a fifth book in the publishing pipeline with Guardian Angel Publishing her adventures continue as she ignites the curiosity of children through reading. She writes and moms from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, New York State Reading Association and Family Reading Partnership.

 

Keep reading and writing,

 

Donna M. McDine

Award-winning children’s author

www.donnamcdine.com

 

Janet, thank you for hosting me today. It has been a true pleasure and honor to be here.

Thank you, Donna, for being such a wonderful guest. I loved the book trailers, and your words should help a lot of would-be authors that might be viewing today.

I highly recommend subscribing to Donna's newsletter. It's chock full of helpful, inspiring articles. And what a generous free offer, so don't miss out on that.

Any questions or comments for Donna today?

Stephanie Burkhart Talks about Inspiration, Blankies, and Her Latest Book

I added a P. S. from Stephanie at the end of this post. Hint: It pertains to a book giveaway, so don't miss it.

Inspiration comes in small packages

By: Stephanie Burkhart

 

One of my husband's relatives told me a story about her grandchild who was attached to his blankie.  He left it behind when he was visiting relatives and was having a hard time without it. That brought back memories of the time when I was a young girl and had a blankie.  My blankie was soft blue with silk blue trim.  I loved to rub it against my face. It was very soothing. My blankie was my security net. It was always there for me. I could count on it to relax my ruffled feelings or frustration – until it mysteriously disappeared.  One day, when I was five, my blankie turned up missing.  I had no idea what happened to it. I felt "out of sorts," "uncomfortable," and "anxious." (My mother hid it on me.  She decided it was time for me to learn how to get along without it.)

 Those first couple of days without blankie was rough, but I soon learned other age appropriate coping stragedies. I played with Barbie and her Beach van. I picked up a book. I began coloring. I loved playing with Matchbox cars.  Soon my imagination grew and I didn't need blankie anymore.

Giving up blankie was my first step to growing up.

Stephanie Burkhart was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, but now calls California her home. She currently works for LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher. Stephanie has been writing since she was five, when she crafted homemade comic books on the kitchen table. Her previous books with 4RV Publishing include: The Giving Meadow, and First Flag of New Hampshire.  Stephanie enjoys coffee, adores chocolate and is currently the Den Leader for her son's Cub Scout Den.

 

And, now for my questions:
 

Writing with God's Hope•                Tell us a little about yourself.

 

Steph: I grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire and joined the US Army when I was 18. I spent 7 years stationed overseas in Germany. I earned a BS in Political Science from California Baptist University. I left the military in 1997 and settled in Castaic, CA. I work for LAPD as a 911 dispatcher. I'm married, have 2 boys, love chocolate, adore coffee and I'm a den leader for my son's den. Love scouting, reading, and watching movies.

 

 

Writing with God's Hope•                Did you ever feel like giving up on your writing?  And how did you press through this?

 

Steph: I can't say that I have. I have gotten frustrated when I can't find the time to write because the words won't come, but I never wanted to give up writing.

 

 

Writing with God's Hope•                What gave you the idea for your book?

 

Steph: One of my husband's relatives told me about her grandson who was having a hard time giving up his blankie.  I drew on my own experiences and wrote Brady's Lost Blanket.

 

 

Wrtting with God's Hope•                How do you feel this book will encourage readers, or did you have something in mind like this when you wrote it?

 

Steph: I hope it appeals to other young children who are faced with giving up their blankies.  I think giving up a security net like a blankie is a big step for a little child and their first step to growing up a little.

 

 

Writing with God's Hope•                How did you find your publisher?

 

Steph: Honestly, 4RV found me! LOL!! I showed Vivian at 4RV Publishing my "Giving Meadow" story, and she said she'd like to publish it. I couldn't refuse.

 

 

Writing with God's Hope•                If you were a song, what would it be?

 

Steph: I love anything from Duran Duran's Rio album. I love the word play on that album – and all the videos that came from it.

 

 

Writing with God's Hope•                Anything else you’d like to tell us.      

 

Steph: It's Girl Scout cookie time. My favorite is Samoas. What's your favorite girl scout cookie?

 

  

         How long did it take you to write this book?

STEPHANIE: It took about a week to write the story. I have to thank 4RV Publishing for publishing Brady's Lost Blanket.  It took about 2 weeks back and forth with the editing.

       Did you pick the illustrator?

STEPHANIE: No, I did not.  4RV Publishing selected the illustrator.  I think Bridget McKenna did a great job with the illustrations.  They have a very whimsical feel and compliment the story well.

 

       How long have you been writing children's books?

STEPHANIE: About 5 years now. My first children's book, "The Giving Meadow" was published with 4RV Publishing in 2010. It has a great message about sharing and caring for young children as well as telling about Caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly. It's perfect for Easter as it helps young children  to understand Jesus' story.

BRADY'S LOST BLANKET is available in print from 4RV Publishing.

 Brady is a sensitive young boy who takes his blankie wherever he goes. After traveling with his parents to visit his new cousin, Brady accidently leaves his blanket behind. Can Brady learn to get by without his blankie?

BUY LINKS:

 

4RVPUBLISHING COMPANY
http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/burkhart.php

 

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Bradys-Lost-Blanket-Stephanie-Burkhart/dp/1940310040/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1423445945&sr=8-8&keywords=stephanie+burkhart

 

BARNES & NOBLE:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bradys-lost-blanket-stephanie-burkhart/1121138037?ean=9781940310046

FIND STEPHANIE  AT:

WEBSITE:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

 

TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

 

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

 

GOOD READS:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

 

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:

http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

 

PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

 
Thank you, Stephanie. I loved getting acquainted. The book sounds precious. I believe many a young child will be encouraged by Brady's Lost Blanket.

I still have the tattered blankie used for years by my youngest daughter.

Now, I have a question for those of you reading this. Did you have a blankie when you were a child? Do you know someone who did?

P. S. Stephanie  tells me she plans to give away a free copy of Brady's Lost Blanket. She will draw a name on Tuesday, March 3 from the list of commenters who give us their e-mail address. So click on "post a comment" below & make sure we know how to contact you.