Win a signed book of Princess & Missy's Magical Adventures

by

Michelle Nicole Martin

Princess and Missy's Magical Adventures is an excellent children's book that teaches the importance of faith amidst adversity. Children learn that they can overcome even the worst of situations as long as they remain positive and believe that they are strong enough to do so. This book is perfect for children/parents who are looking for a sweet story that touches on the issues of grief or any of life's struggles.

The story follows Princess -- a young poodle with a loving spirit who’s “cute, chubby and short”, after she finds herself homeless one day after her family suddenly disappears. Follow her on a journey through an enchanted forest full of wonderful surprises.

Share her excitement when she meets Missy, the magical butterfly who gives Princess the Crystal Heart and asks for Princess' help to accomplish her important work. Will Missy and Princess be able to overcome the wicked plans of Jaith the Joy Stealer? Find out as Princess and her new friends set forth on a magical adventure!

“The lesson I am trying to convey,” says author Martin, “is even if all seems lost, when you walk through the pain, unexpected gifts and inner strength appear.”

Kinra’s illustrations embellish this message in Martin’s text with their simple, aesthetic images that quickly catch children’s attention while still conveying the emotion and character of the story. Richa Kinra is the internationally published illustrator of children's books.

If you've been searching for the perfect children's book that helps bridge the communication gap in discussing things like homelessness, getting/being lost, or the importance of friendship, you have found the perfect story that makes it easier to discuss these issues and many others.

You and your children are sure to love this perfect children's book for many years ahead. We're even offering the ability to Preview Princess and Missy's Magical Adventures online for FREE and if you don't like it, there's no risk on your part! What have you got to lose?

Hello everyone! Thank you Louise for this time on your blog. I appreciate it.

Click for the interview:

Hi, Michelle and welcome to Wise Words. Let's start at the beginning, what inspired you to write?
I have been inspired to write since I was a child. My grandma Imogene was a writer and editor. She always wanted to write a novel, but never did. I guess I have her passion for writing in my blood. At thirteen years old, I became interested in writing poetry. I started writing children’s stories when I was thirty one years old. I also do a lot of journaling. I was working on my autobiography, but I haven’t decided if I will ever publish that. I love writing. I especially like when fresh ideas come to my mind.

Tell us a little about your main character? Is she someone you’d like to meet?
My main character Princess is partly real and fantasy. I once had a dog named Princess. She is my character in the book. One of my friends brought her to me. Princess was wondering the streets in the rain. I tried finding her home, but I didn’t have any success. So, I adopted her and I thought up things she might say. I also made her a hero in the book.

Can we have a snippet from the book?
In the beginning of the book, there is a poem dedicated to all children and to the readers. Princess and Missy’s Magical Adventures is a chapter book. It is about fantasy, but also has realistic problems that people face these days.

Princess loses her family and becomes homeless. She is scared, but fights her fears by loving others. She helps Nicole find her way home. She then saves two children’s lives. Princess has a big heart. Missy, a magical butterfly has been watching her. Missy appears and rewards Princess with a necklace that has magical powers. Princess meets the other animals in the enchanted forest. They go on adventures and help people. Will they overcome Jaith the Joy Stealer’s wicked plans?

How many unpublished books do you have lurking under your bed?
As far as children’s stories, I have about 12 unpublished books. There are five pictures books that I have had Louise Munroe Foley (children’s author) edit. I have also written the second and third series of Princess and Missy’s Magical Adventures. I also have a book of poetry. I have a collection of short pieces that maybe one day will become a story of my life.

How did you find the publisher/agent?
I self-published my first book. I also don’t have an agent at this time. I am basically just starting out. I attended the 26th Annual Writing Conference in San Louis Obispo this past summer. I learned how to write proper query letters. After my book tour is over, I will be working on trying to get an agent. The journey has been hard at times. It has also been beautiful. Writing has impacted my life in a wonderful way. It has also helped put a smile on someone’s face or helped them in one way or another.

How do your juggle a writing schedule with real-life work, or are you a full time writer?
I don’t have a regular job. I write as much as I can. I have obtained a business license for entertaining children. I learned a few magic tricks. I take a balloon twisting class. In the beginning of the year, I will start taking keyboard classes. I wanted to combine those skills along with my reading stories. I haven’t decided when this will take place. The name of the business is Aaaaaaabsoultely Magical Kid Parties.

What's the best/worst part of being a writer?
There are two things main reasons why I love to write. When inspiration comes to my mind, I feel free and so alive. I love when I start a new project. Fresh ideas come to me and it awakens my soul. The other reason why I love to write is that I like sharing my stories with both children and adults. Many people have told me that they love the way I write. There have been many occasions when a child reads my book. Later I find out that they hated reading, but they like reading my stories. People have also asked me, “When is this book going to become a movie? Every time I get a compliment on my writing, it brightens my day.

What is the most productive time of the day for you to write?
The time I write varies from day to day. I do some volunteering and I try helping people whenever I can. I also have a lot of errands to do for my business. I usually write in the afternoon or later at night.

Do you start your projects writing with paper and pen or is it all on the computer?
Wherever I go, I bring a journal and pens. I usually start a project in my journal. I then finish my work on my computer at home.


What/who do you draw inspiration from?
Inspiration comes to me in so many different ways. There has been a time that someone smiled at me. Then a light bulb came on and I started writing a story. A couple times when I was driving or on a road trip, images entered my mind. I have many friends. Some of them are unusual and that helps me greatly with ideas. Other times, I am outside in nature. I feel the sun on my face and then I just start writing. Sometimes I don’t know what I am going to write until I have the pen in my hand. I love the power of the pen.

Do you set yourself goals when you sit down to write such as word count?
I don’t worry too much about word count. I write as much as I can. Some days, I can write all day long. Other times are short and brief. Every day is a different day.

Are you a published or a self-published author and how do you come up with your cover art?
So far, I am only a self published author. I found a beautiful illustrator, Richa Kinra for my first book. I posted an add on craigslist. She emailed me. I looked at her work and I was amazed at how much detail she puts in each picture. Richa lives in India. I enjoyed working with her.

What are you working on now that you can talk about?
Right now, I have been working on my Virtual Book Tour. When I am not doing that, I am journaling or writing poetry. I hope to find an agent this year. I will be putting a lot of energy into accomplishing this goal.


How do/did you deal with rejection letters?
Receiving rejection letters has been difficult for me. My mentor Don has told me many stories of how a writer had to submit many manuscripts. They never gave up and eventually became famous. I have hope in my heart that this will happen to me to.

What's your advice about getting an agent?
I don’t have an agent yet, so I am not the best person to answer this question. I learned in writing workshops to tailor the query letter to each agent. I was also taught to do research and figure out who would be the best agent for you.

Do you have a critique partner?
Yes, I have two. I went to a children’s writing workshop several years ago. I pay the teacher to edit my work. I also have a mentor that helps me.

Thank you so much for your time! I hope your 2011 is as sweet as heaven.

Thank you Michelle, it's been a pleasure. Readers, I have a SIGNED copy of Princess and Missy's Magical Adventure on my desk. It is a beautifully written book, and the illustrations are wonderful. There is even a little game at the end of the book for the children to play.

In order to WIN the copy (and I only have one, so there will be only one winner) please answer in the comment section something heroic that your canine little friend has done (or feline, I'm not animalist!). Keep it short and snappy, and leave your email address so you can be contacted for shipping details if you win. I will invite an author already featured on my blog to judge the winner. 

Contest ends 5th Feb 2011

Contact:
http://outskirtspress.com/princessandmissy