Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wise Words from Tate Author Barb Smitherman
Click here to read ideas and suggestions from Tate Author Barb Smitherman.
Local Artist Wins International Award
Local Artist Wins International Award
His entry, titled “Post Destruction,” was painted using Photoshop CS4, and he created it as an environmental concept for the post destruction of Earth.
“Expertly rendered and executed, you can almost hear the silence in this piece,” Gregory Staples, a judge for the competition, said.
The Digital Artist Awards are conducted by leading art and design magazines, such as “Computer Arts,” “Computer Arts Projects,” “ImagineFX,” “3D World” and “.net,” in association with Intel. The 2009 Digital Artist Awards ceremony was conducted in
A resident of Chickasha, Oklahoma, Jones currently serves as an Illustrations Associate at Tate Publishing and Enterprises in Mustang, Oklahoma. He is the author and illustrator of “A Tree Tale,” which explains a tree’s life journey and growth to young readers.
Kentucky Authors Win National Award
Songwriter Jackie Alley, of
Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available at any bookstore nationwide or can be ordered through the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore or by visiting barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com or target.com. This is also an eLIVE title, meaning each copy contains a code redeemable for a free audio version from TatePublishing.com.
Other winning books in the “Young Adult Fiction – Religion/Spirituality” category were “Redefining Beautiful,” by Jenna Lucado with Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson), which won the Gold Award, and “Night of the Indigo,” by Michael Holgate (MacMillan Caribbean), which was awarded the Silver distinction.
This is the third annual Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, presented by Jenkins Group and Independent Publisher Online. The Moonbeam Awards ceremony took place on October 10, 2009, as part of the West Virginia Book Festival in
Friday, October 16, 2009
Freelance Writing Tip
We get a lot of requests from authors to have their book reviewed by magazines, especially national magazines. Yes, many magazines do reviews, but authors seeking them are faced with at least 2 challenges:
1) There are 8000 books released every week. No magazine can possibly review them all.
2) Reviews are a flash in the pan, so they don’t often turn into large sales.
Fortunately for the enterprising author, there is a better way to get exposure from magazines: become a freelance writer. Magazines use freelance writers all the time, and they often pay for articles they print. When you write an article, you get to write your own bio, and you can use that bio to plug your book. Here’s an example:
Bob Smith is the author of The Book You Can’t Put Down, published by Tate Publishing and available at stores or at tatepublishing.com/bookstore. He is a lifelong reader and has enjoyed writing since college. He lives with his wife, 3 kids, 2 dogs and his favorite pen in Anywhere,
The more you do this well, the more you’ll be asked to do it. One of our authors has just gotten her second regular columnist job.
Rebecca Ingram Powell (www.rebeccapowell.com) is the author of Season of Change: Parenting Your Middle Schooler with Passion and Purpose. Listen to the great news she just shared with us: “My family will be featured on the cover of ‘Home Educating Family’ magazine, the Nov/Dec 2009 issue. There will also be an article about us and our ministries. My books, including Season of Change, will be promoted in a sidebar.”
As great as all that news is, it’s still just a one-time feature that’s here today and gone tomorrow. Now here’s the best part: “I have also accepted a position with this magazine beginning in January as a columnist. I will write a monthly feature called, ‘The Middle School Mom.’ The magazine will also be promoting my book at 26 home education conferences during the spring and summer of 2010.”
This is a perfect example of what doors are open to you now that you are a published author.
Fiction authors, don’t think this is only for non-fiction. There are plenty of magazines that feature short stories, which can help you keep your skills sharp while you’re marketing your book. Furthermore, you wrote your book to make at least one point, and it is an illustration of your main theme. Identify your main theme and your sub-themes, and now you have key words for non-fiction magazine articles.
That doesn’t mean it is easy, however. The best way to start is to identify a few key words for your book. Type them into your favorite search engine followed by the word “magazine”. The results that come up will give you a great place to start positioning yourself as a recognized expert in your field. After all, you wrote the book on it!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Author Idea!
She ordered signs for her vehicle from a company called Fast Signs. She found them online and then located them in her area. They were reasonably priced and had the signs finished in a few days. They also did the lettering for the back of her car. She said the lettering was very affordable!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Author Judy Drewett Featured in Local Paper
Retired elementary school teacher writes children’s book
By CHERIL VERNONThe Palestine Herald
A local retired school teacher has started her second career — writing children’s books.
Judy Perry Drewett, who retired after 28 years of teaching elementary school — including 21 years at Northside Early Childhood Center, has written a full-color children’s book called “’Til the Cows Come Home.”
“This book was inspired by a kindergarten student’s curiosity — a little boy with a vivid imagination,” Drewett said. “Thomas, the little boy in the book, begins to see cows everywhere he goes.”
While the book won’t be officially released until Nov. 10, a book signing will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at Northside Early Childhood Center’s library.
Drewett got the idea to write the book from a kindergarten student who wasn’t paying attention to his work in class. She told him to start doing his work or he wouldn’t get finished ‘til the cows came home.
The little boy then raised his hand and asked “What does it mean ‘when the cows come home’?”
In the book, for example, he’s not paying attention when the teacher asks him to get in the line to leave the playground. When the little boy looks at the other students already in line, they are all cows — even the teacher.
“As a teacher, I know young children are mesmerized by books with animals dressed like humans,” Drewett said. “That’s why I wanted to write this book.”
“’Til the Cows Come Home” is appropriate for children ages 3 to 9, Drewett said, but will appeal to all ages.
Drewett was born in Abilene to parents who were missionaries — traveling all over from place to place. Even so, Drewett has lived in Texas for 32 years.
While getting her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Harding University in Searcy, Ark., she met her husband, Roy Drewett. They married in 1969 and have been married for 40 years.
Drewett began her career teaching first grade in Memphis, Tenn. and later second grade in Concord, Ark.
She then stopped teaching for a few years to rear her children. For 15 years of their marriage, her husband was a preacher. Their daughter, Jennifer, was born in Rome, Italy while they were serving as missionaries. They then moved to Texas and a son, Roy Drewett Jr., was born in Hearne.
When the children were older, Drewett went back to teaching — first for a private school in Athens, then spending one year teaching music in Dallas.
They moved to Palestine in 1986 when her husband got a job as a probation officer.
“Then I started 22 years of teaching in Texas schools — first one year at Athens teaching fifth grade and then I started my 21 years of teaching at Northside.”
At Northside, she taught second grade for 12 years and kindergarten for her last nine years.
She retired last May from teaching. Her husband also retired last year as the director of adult probation.
“It’s been a lifelong dream — wanting to write — but after teaching at Northside I knew I wanted to write children’s books,” Drewett said. “And that’s why I wanted to have the book signing at Northside — because of my principal Barbara Dutton.”
Her book, published by Tate Publishing Co. in Oklahoma City, will be available to order from major book chains including Barnes & Noble, Border and Amazon, among others.
Drewett also has a new Web site in the works where you can pre-order the book: www.judyperrydrewett.com
“This is a second career for me and I hope to continue as long as I can. I want to keep writing,” Drewett said, noting she hopes to do rhyming books in the future.
Drewett and her husband enjoy spending time with their family — daughter Jennifer and Mike Austin of Tyler and their children, Drew Austin, Julia Austin and Claire Shultz; and son Roy Drewett Jr. and wife Meredith of Gresham and their children, Anna Grace Drewett and Abigail Drewett.
“I love reading to my grandchildren, baking, spending time with my 88-year-old mother and teaching Sunday school to kindergarten and first graders,” Drewett said.
Drewett attends Court Drive Church of Christ and is a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma teacher sorority.
The public is invited to attend the book signing at Northside’s library on Sept. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. During the event, her books will be sold for $10 (normally the price is $10.99 plus tax). Refreshments will be available.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Sharecropping in North Louisiana: A Family's Struggle Through the Great Depression Featured in Local Paper
By Linda Duff Niemeir
Sharecropping in North Louisiana: A Family's Struggle Through the Great Depression is the
true story of my mother's growing-up years on farms in Caldwell and Richland Parishes as a sharecropper's daughter. It was a hard life for a poor family and was complicated by the depression of the 30s and WWII in the 40s. Mama was one of five girls born to Clarence and Eliza Laird, but only three of the daughters lived to adulthood. Grandpa did not own any land, any tools or a team of mules. He and grandma worked land which belonged to other people and then shared the income from the harvested crops with the landowners. Usually this was a cotton crop and the landlord's share was half of the profit. Grandpa moved the family a lot because he kept looking for better land, or a better house or possibly a job with a closer location to town, church or school for the girls. Mama told me the stories of her younger life all my life and I was fascinated by the way her family lived. They were poor, but worked hard and did the best they could. I asked mama to help me write the manuscript so our children, and grandchildren would know of that era of our history and how the family coped with hard times during the Great Depression and WWII. It was friends and neighbors who encouraged us to find a publisher so the story could be shared with more people. The book tells of the family's daily life, their sorrows and the love they had for each other, as well as many historical events which happened during the 20s, 30s and 40s. Most readers are so fascinated with the details in the book, they say they read it without putting it down. We invite all ages of the community to come to the lectures in Lake Providence on Oct. 2nd to hear about this heartwarming story as told by Lillian in the book. We will be at the Louisiana Cotton Museum on Friday, Oct. 2nd from 10:00 until noon. Then we will be at the local public library that afternoon from 2 pm - 3:30. The lectures will start at the earlier times with a book-signing to follow.
I live in Camden, AR and my mother lives in Bastrop. She does not hear well over the phone, so I usually handle phone interviews. Attached are a few pictures, so feel free to use any of them as you prepare an article for the paper. Other book events from the past year can be found on line if you google the title of the book, or google our names. We have a website at www.niemeir-duff.com and a blog at niemeir.blogspot.com. Our publisher is Tate Publishing out of Mustang, OK. Thanks for your time. Linda Duff Niemeir, Co-Author
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Tate Author Donna Vinke
http://daily-journal.com/archives/dj/display.php?id=445429&query=vinke
By Phil Angelo with The Daily Journal
It is one of life's greater tragedies -- coping with the death of a child.
"It never goes away," says Donna Eden Vinke, of the pain.
Vinke, now 65, lives in
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tate Author Janet Lee Scott
http://www.petmd.com/blogs/hauteornot/2009/september/16
Author Janet Lee Scott's book featured on Pet MD site!
Heather Hollis featured on WCLO
Author Heather Hollis was interviewed recently on WCLO
For more information on "Meet Annie" visit http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/search.php?search=Heather+J.+Scharlau-+Hollis
Author Jill Connett featured on ABC
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=7010172
By Tisha Powell
By Tisha Powell
SOUTHERN PINES (WTVD) -- A Southern Pines Army wife has found a special way to share her story with others, and she is this week's Person of the Week.
She is one of many who honored a loved one on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
On September 11, 2001, Jill Connett lost a special friend -- someone who was like family.
In the military, people who become an important part of your life often come and go, but Connett hopes that by sharing her story of joy and pain she can inspire others.
Home is where the army sends us," Connett explained. "Japan, Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Leavenworth, KS, Fort Carson, Colorado, Stuttgart Germany, Fort Benning, Columbus, GA, Patrick Henry Village, Heidelburg, Germany and we're back here to Fort Bragg NC."
Connett and her family have moved eight times in 15 years, but that's not unusual because it's the Army way of life.
Her story is a love story that started when a young lieutenant swept her, a young Alabama teacher, off her feet. He promised her the world, beginning with Okinawa, Japan.
"That was huge," she said. "I have to say I cried for about two months because I thought what am I doing in another country where I can't even speak the language, but at that point I decided I could either learn to love this lifestyle. Or I can be miserable. "
Connett decided to explore her new surroundings, get out and meet people and make the most of every move.
After settling into a new home in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, meeting her new neighbors was at the top of her list of things to do.
"When we moved in, I got out a plastic plate -- it happened to be green -- and I made some cookies and took them over to my neighbor to say hello and meet them," Connett explained. "And when I did, a tall man answered the door. His name was Dwayne Williams and that was the day that our friendship with me and his wife started."
The Connetts and the Williams became fast friends and for 10 months continued to pass the green plate filled with goodies from one home back to the other.
"When we moved, she didn't like to say goodbye, so she decided you know what I'm not going to say goodbye -- but she came over when the moving truck was about to pull out and said this started our relationship and I know it's plastic and I know it's just a plate, but I want you to keep it," Connett recalled. "So I kinda laughed, we cried [and] we said goodbye."
Three months later Dwayne Williams, who was just beginning his new assignment at the Pentagon, was killed on 9/11.
"At that point that plastic plate became like a little monument in my kitchen" she said. "I now put it out in my kitchen to remind me that you know what, you can't waste time. I knew I was only in Fort Leavenworth for 10 months, but I'm so glad I got to know that wonderful family and spend time with them."
Connett writes about the Williams family and military life in The Green Plate -- a book she hopes will inspire others to extend a hand of kindness, cherish those you hold dear and make the most of everyday.
"The green plate reminds me that whenever I have to move and start over again that you know what, I can be the one to get out and meet somebody and start my life over," Connett said.
And if you happen to be on the receiving end of a greeting from new neighbors, Connett says, ""What I like to get out to people who aren't military is you can be a part of making up feel welcome. You can be a part of recognizing a new kid on the block and new kid in the school. Teach your children to welcome those new kids and make them part of your school, your community because that means a lot to us."
There will be a book signing at Borders Books on Walnut Street in Cary Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. Connett will be there signing copies of her book. If you would like to buy a copy for yourself or donate one to a wounded warrior, visitthegreenplate.net.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Author Danny Kofke Featured on Local FOX Channel
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/good_day_xtra/Teaching_Kids_Money_Sense_091509
ATLANTA - Many of us wish we had made smarter choices with our money through the years -- especially in these tight times. Well, if you're a parent, one of the greatest gifts you can offer your child might just be money skills.
Local Special Education teacher Danny Kofke has written the book, " How to Survive (and perhaps thrive) On A Teacher's Salary ."
Kofke has some tips on how to translate valuable money lessons into habits your kids will really understand, and even enjoy.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Author's Newsletter Idea!
Tate Author Jim Baumgardner has seen a lot of success emailing a monthly newsletter to his readers. When his third novel, Sarah’s Escape, became available in pre-release, he already had over 100 books sold before he bought them because of his newsletter.
The newsletter’s content expands on the characters and setting of his novels. Each newsletter includes the following elements:
Interesting Facts such as:
A horse over 9 years old is considered 'aged'.
A "bomb-proof" horse is one that doesn't spook. In Sarah's next adventure she becomes the owner of a bomb-proof horse.
(Note how Jim uses the second fact to stir up interest in his next book.)
A Question of the Month that may be a trivia question (Example: What was a 19th Century pound cake, and why was it called by that name?) or a question about one of his books.
Answers to Last Month’s Question of the Month. Jim prints the answer and the names of everyone who got it right.
Comments from readers. Primarily, these are raving reviews about the book.
Words of Wisdom. Some of Jim’s favorite quotes.
Note to New Readers. Jim brings forward some facts from past newsletters.
His marketing rep, Jim Miller, asked him a few questions about the newsletter that may help other authors.
JM: Do you design it yourself? What program do you use?
JB: I use Bravenet for my website and newsletter. All I do is fill in the areas with information I want to send to my readers.
JM: I’m guessing you send them a handful at a time in the BCC box, since your own email is in the “To” field.
JB: Yes, I do. I send out several hundred and break it up with 4 e-mailings. Bravenet has a sign up and I could use that, but I prefer this way.
JM: How do you build your list?
JB: I have a sign up sheet at my book signings. I get a lot of new readers that way.
Jim has some additional tips for a successful newsletter:
1) Always include a note that says, “Forward this email to your friends.” Find ways to customize the note to your book.
2) Make sure every newsletter has links to your website and/or Tate’s website to buy books.
3) Post back issues of your newsletter on your blog or website. This will improve your Google rankings for key words related to your book’s topic.
A newsletter is an excellent way to increase word of mouth and keep your book on the top of your readers’ minds.
Great Report from an Event!
I wanted to let you know that the festival sales were great. It was small with only 19 vendors, including food vendors, but my table stayed busy the whole time. It might have had something to do with the fruit salad I was serving as a sample recipe from the book. I'm working on a possible book signing with the librarian at University of NC. I'll let you know if it goes through.
Martha A. Cheves
http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/search.php?search=cheves
Martha A. Cheves
http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/search.php?search=cheves
Author Heath Sommer Reviewed on Blog
http://goingthroughhimtofindme.blogspot.com/2009/09/manufactured-identity-by-heath-sommer.html
Months after his mysterious disappearance from a routine fishing trip, no one really expects over-the-hill Texas housewife Lory Latchley to find her missing husband—especially her husband. The Manufactured Identity is clinical psychologist Heath Sommer's ever-escalating immersion into the world of unlikely friends who each awaken to find their faithful companions missing without warning or reason. Desperate to find meaning in their pain, they are thrust by the auspices of fate into a common thread of mystery and human frailty. In the end, the fate of all may reside in the unstable hands of rookie pastor John Joe, but ultimately Lory and her newfound partners will uncover a truth so unnerving it makes even infidelity look palatable.
As soon as I picked up this book and read the first chapter, I couldn't put it down. It kept me wondering until the very end. The character development pulls you in and won't let you go. I give this book 4 stars and this one I will probably read again.
As soon as I picked up this book and read the first chapter, I couldn't put it down. It kept me wondering until the very end. The character development pulls you in and won't let you go. I give this book 4 stars and this one I will probably read again.
Danny Kofke mentioned on YAHOO Finance
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Does-pennypinching-pay-brn-3961797966.html?x=0&.v=1
Pinching pennies reduces pain
Danny Kofke, author of "How to Survive (and Perhaps Thrive) on a Teacher's Salary," is a big believer that trimming small expenses can add up to big savings and better spending habits.Kofke and his family of four in Hoschton, Ga., have been able to live exclusively on his $37,000 a year salary -- and save money -- by making adjustments to small expenditures, such as switching to cheaper cell phone plans, using the library instead of buying books and making their own coffee at home.
Saving money on little things has a snowball effect that can lead to better financial habits, he says. Once people cut down on a few things and see the positive financial impact, they are often motivated to cut back on the big stuff.
"Small steps are the best way to form habits that will stick," Kofke says.
Saving money is like losing weight, Kofke says. Trying to make drastic, wholesale changes can quickly become discouraging. However, if you cut back a little at a time, you'll have better success.
While he acknowledges that big expenses can pose outside risks to a person's financial stability, he contends that it's a mistake to overlook the power of trimming back on smaller spending.
"I know many people who got into trouble because they bought big-ticket items they could not afford," Kofke says. "But I think those smaller everyday purchases also played a major role in our country's economic problems.
"Little things do add up."
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Author Anita Russell “The Angel Lady” Featured in The News-Review
http://www.nrtoday.com/article/20090806/NEWS/908059994/1020/NONE&parentprofile=1057
There can never be too many angels in the world, according to Myrtle Creek resident Anita Russell.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Author Lynn Fox Adams Inspires Community
My singing and signing party at church went great. Wonderful singers sang, I spoke and I sold around 70 books.... The
Thanks, 
Tate Author gives first book to former teacher
| Publication:Daily American Republic; | Date:Aug 24, 2009; | Section:Front Page; | Page Number:1A |
By JOHN WILLEY Staff Writer
“When kids are successful, you’ve done your job,” Judith Potter said about one of her former students who has had his first book published.
He was “of my bright shining stars,” she said.
To thank Potter for her encouragement, Nelson presented her with a copy of one of the first editions with a thank you note written on the title page.
Nelson credits Potter for his desire to write. As a 10-year-old student, he began writing stories and gave the first copy of to Potter. When it was read in class, some students liked it and some were critical.
“Mrs. Potter believed in me and encouraged me, “ Nelson said.
It was that encouragement that led Nelson to present Potter with a copy of, “A Night with St. Nick,” which is printed by Tate Publishing and Enterprises.
The story takes place in present day and helps a boy learn about Jesus through Santa Claus. It answers questions about how Santa Claus gets all over the world in one night.
Nelson, who lives in Springfield, has five more books in progress. He said he will work on one until he gets tired of it, then he will pick up one of the others and work on it. Although his first book is borderline juvenile, his other books are adult novels.
He derives his income from working as a bank teller, but he is an author first, teller second.
Nelson said he decided about a year ago that he was going to be published. He had two rejections. Then, the “third time was a charm,” he said.
It was encouragement from his wife, Diana, and Potter that helped him with the project.
“If a child grows up to be successful then a teacher has done their job,” said Potter, who is retired after teaching for 34 1/2 years.
Nelson’s book sells for $12.99 and is available at Barnes and Noble or can be ordered on the Internet at www.tatepublishing.com/ bookstore. A trailer for the book is available on You-Tube.
Photo by- DAR/Corey Matthews Judy Potter recieves a copy of ‘A Night with St. Nick” from Adam Nelson, one of Mrs. Potter’s former students. Nelson credits his success to Mrs. Potter for her encouragement and belief in his writing ability.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Author Mayra Ron Partners With Non-Profit
From Mayra Ron's Newsletter, Mayra is the author of Can You See Me? and Diary of a Crazy Woman.
Sending out a newsletter with the latest happenings with you and your book is a great idea!
Hi, Friends...
Hope the summer treated you well! As usual, Christian Early, our artist, has been going non-stop. He had a very successful art show (see photos) sponsored by CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities). Also, he's had a book signing every weekend. The next one coming up is this Saturday, Aug 22nd at Waldenbooks in
But the most the important news is FINALLY ART POSSIBILITIES IS BEGINNING!!! Registration will begin Tuesday, August 25th from 6 to 8 apm. Art classes will begin modestly - twice a week (first class is August 31). Classes will be held every Monday from 4 to 6pm and every Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30pm in the boardroom (second floor) of the Southwest Regional library...
Remember, Art Possibilities is a non-profit whose purpose is to create jobs for adults with autism thru the arts. If you are a parent and want your son or daughter to participate, please call me (Mayra) at 954-682-3264 so I can schedule a time to meet on the 25th at
This is just the beginning of thinking out of the box for our adults with autism so we can create jobs for them through animation, drawing, cartoons, illustration of books, t-shirt creation, apinting, comic strips…. There is a whole array in the vision so call me so we can talk more. As parents these adults deserve more than just cleaning and filing jobs. Let’s utilize the right side of the brain - the non-verbal side - neglected by the school system and create for them a fulfilling and different future where they may make a living and support themselves while they grow as adults. Every person deserves to keep learning after high school and fulfill their hidden talents and potential. Even if your adult does not draw or show any interest you will be surprised how art is in everything and with the method of Art Possibilities we will bring out the part of art your adult has. If we do not expect anything from our adults we will get just that. Let’s change the future of this generation of adults with autism so that the world may marvel and not neglect them as they do and pave the way for a different future not only for them but for those who come after them. Please help me and so many others who wish this positive change.
Author Dr. Louis H. Campbell Featured on Mississippi Public Radio
Mississippi Edition, August 20, 2009
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