Tag Archives: Virginia Wright Blog

February 17, 2013 – Author Interview With Joe Pranaitis

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Today my guest author is Joe Pranaitis. Please give Joe a big round of applause (clap – clap, woo hoo !)  Thanks everyone for stopping by my blog. As you know, now and again I have been hosting guest authors, as I wanted to bring various authors and genres to my followers. With every interview – I ask authors to do a giveaway.  Joe has graciously said he will be giving away four of his books and (1) $25 Amazon gift card to commenters. I’m thrilled with his generous offer. Please enjoy the interview, and stop by Joe’s social media sites now and again to give him a shout-out.  Don’t forget to comment at the end of this interview for your chance of winning one of Joe’s gifts he is giving away.
On with the interview…

-Virginia Wright


Joe Pranaitis

I was born in East Chicago Indiana, I graduated from Calumet College of St. Joseph with a degree in business management, which helps since I am a co-founder of Shareef Entertainment LLC a company which will produce movies and TV shows. And all of this is because I began writing the concepts for my first book in 1996 when my art teacher at EC Central gave me the assignment to create a comic book but during the summer between the time that I graduated high school and started college I adapted those stories into a trilogy and now that first story is the first chapter of my first book.

How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing since I was a kid but everything did’t come together until my junior and senior years in high school when my art teacher assigned me to create my own comic book, I ended up writing and drawing two comic books the first was a sequel to a story that I had yet to write and the second was the last in a trilogy that when I adapted both stories into a full blown short story trilogy in summer of 1996 everything began to spark brighter than it had with the other stories that had I written.
Probably your art teacher saw the potential in you…and gave you that assignment on purpose!
Where does the inspiration come from for your stories? My inspiration for most of my stories come from ideas that I would like to try or settings that I can’t stop thinking about.
I love the ideas that come from waking up at night after dreaming!
Are you a fiction or non-fiction writer? I am a fiction writer, and now I can include screenwriter into that as well since I just co-wrote my first screenplay.
That is wonderful to hear that you just co-wrote your first screenplay–I wish you all the best with it!
Could you tell us about your latest writing project? My latest writing project was a screenplay that I co-wrote but I can’t give out any details yet because a couple of studio’s are currently looking at it.
I won’t pry. However, when it is okay for you talk about it, I’d love to have you come back with an update!
When writing do you prefer silence or do you like listening to music? I like listening to music because it keeps me focused on the project whether it’s a short story or a chapter or a screenplay I have to have music to focus my thoughts.
I definitely like to listen to music when I am working on illustrations, however, sometimes music is not my best friend when I try to concentrate on a particular thought for my stories. :-)
Where online can viewers find you e.g., web, blog, social media sites?
Viewers can find me on facebook, twitter,  goodreads, and I am posting new short stories on figment.com. To purchase books go to Amazon.com.
Thank you for stopping by Joe, I wish you all the best with your screenplay, as well as Infinite Possibilities!

 

Comments are now open…

February 10, 2013 – Author Interview and Giveaway with Jodi Desautels

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Hi everyone, thanks for stopping by my blog! It is my pleasure to introduce to you my friend, and an awesome Author, Illustrator, and Educator,  Jodi Desautels. Jodi is giving away her newest book, Clarinda Cloud, to (1) commenter. Please enjoy this interview and don’t forget to comment for your chance to win Jodi’s book.

Judy is an educator, when you comment, enrich her brain! Enjoy the challenge. :-)

And on with the interview…

-Virginia Wright, Author, Illustrator, & Queen of Recipe Adaptation

 

Jodi Desautels is a wife and mother.  She is a life-long learner who has two rules to live by:  “The Golden Rule” and “Live. Laugh. Love.”  She loves family, friends, and nature.  Passions include caring for people, education, writing, illustrating, and photography.

Jodi’s latest release on eBook, Clarinda Cloud, can be found at Amazon.com.

Clarinda Cloud, Paperback. at Amazon.com. 

 

Please tell us the title of your latest release and give us a brief synopsis?

My newest title is a concept book of feelings and colors for young children called, “Clarinda Cloud.”

Clarinda Cloud sounds like a wonderful concept book!

With that said, please tell us where the inspiration comes from when writing and illustrating.

I usually get my inspiration for writing from childhood experiences; either mine or those of someone I know.  I like to write stories that are relatable, fun, and often educational.  However, with “Clarinda Cloud,” it was a little different.  That inspiration came from the desire to try illustrating.  I have had difficulty getting illustrations for my other stories and I used to enjoy drawing as a child, so I started creating simple drawings and posting them on Facebook.  That is when a friend, you actually, suggested that I try writing a story that would fit my drawing skills.  So, I created “Clarinda Cloud.”  (Thank you for that by the way.  LOL!)

Awww! You are welcome. I remember when you started posting your illustrations on Facebook…and we discussed your desire to illustrate your own books—yes, I did suggest you write a story for early learners, as I felt your illustrations would be perfect for that age range.

How long have you been writing books? I have been writing them for quite some time–20 years maybe.  Although, it wasn’t until 6 or 7 months ago that I was first published.  It was right before then, that I found out Angie Harris was first published.  She and I became great friends and she encouraged me to get published.  We have sort of learned and progressed together since then… along with two other wonderful authors in our original group.

It is always wonderful to have other author friends to encourage us.

What makes writing and illustrating so enjoyable for you? Well… not only do I enjoy writing, illustrating, and creating… I also like that the writing and illustrating community seems so friendly.   Most authors and illustrators are happy to take a minute to share writing/illustrating tips, ideas, and resources… or to read over a quick piece and give some feedback.  Many authors and illustrators have shared ideas with me, helped me, asked me for help, encouraged me, and inspired me.

I am a huge believer in authors helping authors.

Tell us about your next book. I haven’t decided yet.  I have a few stories written that I may try to illustrate.  I also have a couple of activity book ideas in the works.  I hope you don’t mind if I elaborate for a minute.

No, I do not mind at all. Go ahead and elaborate on your book ideas.

One idea is an activity book based on “Clarinda Cloud.”  I already have some of the activity pages created.  The other is an informational word search book about authors and illustrators.  Each author/illustrator would have a page which includes… maybe a short bio, list of book/works, their websites/blogs, etc. and a word search.  I am hoping to get enough participants.  They would send me the info.  I would create the word search based upon the search words they send me and format the page with their information.  I think it would be a fun and unique way for us all to get more publicity for our work!  (Anyone interested can contact me through my Facebook page or my website.)

Sounds like a great idea! I would love to have an author page in your book.

When writing do you prefer silence or listening to music? I don’t think I have a preference.  I have done both.  It depends on the mood.

That is exactly how I feel!

Do you have a favorite time of day to write? No, I don’t think so.  I am not a morning person, so it isn’t morning.  But… other than that, I don’t think I have a favorite time.  LOL!

I am more alert in the morning, however I write whenever the mood strikes me.

Where can people purchase your books? I have two books out at the moment…. “Johnny’s Adventure Makes Reading Fun” and my newest one, “Clarinda Cloud.”  They are both available at Amazon.com and other online retailers.  They are also available in Kindle version.

That is wonderful!

Please let everyone know where they can find you online. I am on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest under Jodi Desautels.  You can be sure it is me from this author picture or a picture of me sitting on my husband’s Harley.  You can also find me at my websites/blogs at www.duolearning.weebly.com and www.smallreadsbookcorner.weebly.com.  Give me a little time and I will be elsewhere as well.  For example, I am setting up an Author Page at Amazon.com and creating a lens on Squidoo.com.  There will probably be more to come.

It is definitely important to be out there– to reach potential followers/readers of your blog. I might have to check out Squidoo.com, myself.

Is there anything else you would like to say about your writing and illustrating experience? I have found that writing/illustrating is a great release for me.  It has also helped me to grow and gain more self-confidence.  So many people have been so supportive… always starting and ending with my husband.  I have tried new things… pushed myself out of my comfort zone.  Even this interview is something that is usually out of my comfort zone.  (I don’t like to talk about myself publicly.)  Sometimes it still surprises me that I am a published author… I have written books, illustrated and formatted a book, created book trailers, and learned all kinds of other related skills!  I want to thank everyone who has encouraged me and helped me along the way!  I also want to thank you for this interview!

From what I have seen, you are doing wonderful thus far!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jodi’s other book, Johnny’s Adventure Makes Reading Fun

Interview with Illustrator and Author, Tracy Campbell

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Hi everyone, thanks for stopping by my blog! It is my pleasure to introduce to you my friend, and an awesome Artist, Illustrator, and Author, Tracy Campbell. Tracy is displaying her whimsical illustrations on greeting cards for us today, as well as on the cover of a book she has written.

Please read through the interview as it will reveal what her giveaway is, and what she wants from you as a commenter! Hint: Tickle her fancy.

 

Tracy Campbell is a published writer and artist, sells greeting cards, and writes for children, tweens, and teens. With the help of her wacky butterfly and pooch muses, she blogs about topics that appeal to parents and pet-lovers. Tracy lives with her husband in an 1841 farmhouse nestled high on a hill in Ontario, Canada.

 

 

 

You write and you also illustrate. Please tell us a little bit about what type of art and design you do?

I’d love to, Virginia. I sharpen pencils, flip open paint lids, and yank off marker caps so I can draw and paint whimsical works of art.

Signs of a true artist.

With that said, please tell us where the inspiration comes from when illustrating?

I’m inspired by all things warm and fuzzy and objects that reflect country living—things like teddy bears, spinning wheels, crock pots, braided rugs, and farm animals. I get my ideas from reading country decorating magazines, browsing gift and antique shops, and from photographs. When I’m hired by a client, they request a theme and that’s when my wacky imagination runs wild. When I write, pictures usually form in my mind.

That is quite an awesome imagination!

How long have you been writing/illustrating?

I seriously began illustrating in 1997, but didn’t begin writing until the fall of 2009.

Your illustrations are absolutely beautiful!

Could you tell us about your latest book or about your illustrations? Where they can be purchased?

I hope you’ll indulge me just for a moment because I’d like to mention both.

Yes, of course!

I’m on the hunt for an agent to represent my unique diaper bag-sized record-keeping book.

I wish you all the best with finding an agent.

Our Story—You & Me will appeal to mommies and expectant mommies who want to capture the milestones of their baby’s first year. The book is sprinkled with quaint quotes and brimming with quirky rhymes that mirror my whimsical works of art. And what makes the book unique is that it elevates a record book to an early-reader storybook a mom can read to her child in the years to follow.

Unique, indeed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And, of course, I sell my one-of-a-kind greeting cards, created from my original paintings, on my Whimsical Online Shop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where online can people find you?

You can find me on my website, on my Wacky World of Writing blog, and on LinkedIn.

My website – www.tracycampbell.net

My blog – www.tracycampbell.net/blog

LinkedIn –  http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=220284014&trk=tab_pro

Virginia, thank you so much for taking the time to interview me. As a small token of my appreciation, I’d like to give away five cards to two of your readers for leaving comments that will make me laugh.

Thank you, Tracy.  I appreciate you stopping by and letting us learn a little bit more about you, your art, and writings. Thank you for your generous giveaway.

Comments are now open!

 

Sunday, January 6, 2013 Interview(s) Update

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There has been a schedule change— with a nice line up of interviews and giveaways later on in the month starting us off with the New Year. The first interview of the month will start on:

January 27, 2013 with Illustrator and Author, Tracy Campbell

Wacky World of Writing Blog: www.tracycampbell.net/blog

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February 3, 2013 with author, Joe McCarthy

Blog: https://www.facebook.com/joe.mccarthy.56232

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February 10, 2013 with Author-Illustrator, Jodi Desautels.

Blog: http://duolearning.weebly.com/

 

Please tell your family and friends to sign up for my blog updates by going to the side bar of my home page (https://www.virginiawright.com/blog). There is a little box that tells you to sign up. I don’t bombard you with too many emails, generally not more than once a week (Unless I have something big to share).

 

 

 

 

 

Do you have preschool to kindergarten age children or grandchildren? If so, go to the Kid’s Corner, and download January’s themed activity page and print it out. Please take notice to the art–my son, Shane Wright, did this art sixteen years ago. He gave me permission to use it on January’s activity page. I love it! Thank you, Shane!

“January” Preschool Projects –  Snowman Theme Activity Page (s) for preschool children – Count how many buttons on the snowman’s belly. Circle the correct number of buttons on the snowman’s belly, draw a snowman.   Number  Recognition, following instructions, plus art.  This is just one of our monthly activity pages for preschool children-  Click here for more lessons.

https://www.virginiawright.com/preschool_projects_january.htm

The next blog update should be on January 20, 2013

Until then, be kind to one another, as it means so much to people…

Hugs,

-Virginia Wright

ANNOUNCEMENT |Winners of December 16th Giveaway…

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Hello…I know everyone has been waiting for my announcement of who won on Sunday. But first I want to say that I enjoyed all the Christmas memories that were shared. It is so important to go back in time and try and pull out those memories, for me, it is a happy place in my life–and I like to go there from time to time.

I decided I would include a photo of myself, my two brothers, and my sister when I was a little girl, and share one of my memories….

Christmas 1966

A fond memory I had was when I was living in Swanville, Maine as a little girl, looking out the kitchen window, out into the field of darkness…only to see, Rudolph, lighting Santa’s way! That’s right, or we assumed it  was Rudolph,  as we could see a light that only his nose could put off as bright as that, hopping all about in the field. :-) Then a knock on the door…I never saw Santa, but I remember being told it was Santa.  I remember running to hide behind my mother’s apron.  But, I’m certain it was Rudolph!

 

Okay, what you all have been waiting for…

The Grand Prize Winner of The Christmas Secret, a $25 Amazon Gift Card, and Two Merck Family Old World Christmas Ornaments is…

Linda Mitchell-Storer

And….

The winner of a paperback copy of The Christmas Secret and a bar of my favorite Organic Chocolate is….

Karen Phillips

And my Christmas gift to everyone else… On Sunday, December 23rd, all my ebooks are going to be available “free” on Kindle for one day only!

I wish you all a Blessed Christmas, and a Happy, Healthy, New Year!

-Virginia Wright