Jodi Stone's Blog - Posts Tagged "wendy-nystrom"

I have been so fortunate after years of rejection letters and re-tries to find a place in the publishing world. The first to notice my work was Solstice Publishing, where I still have several book out. Yet every now and then something crosses our path that was even more meant to be than we might realize. I am speaking of my newest venture, and that is the path I am on with Anchor Group Publishing. Had it not been for my author/friend Wendy Nystrom, I would not have known to send in work to Anchor Group, but luckily she always has my back and suggested I send material to them. Even though I have been published now for two years with Solstice, it is still scary to put yourself out there, but I did once again and was more than thrilled when I received an acceptance to become published with Anchor Group. Little did I know, that the journey through Anchor Group would lead me to more happiness in the publishing world than I could have ever dreamed of...and that speaks volumes seeing how my first book with Anchor Group hasn't been released. That's right...this group that includes the lovely Wendy Nystrom is the most supportive, loving and genuine group of people I have ever known in my life. Stacey Rourke, the Publisher and Melissa Ringsted, the editor help to lead each author that enters Anchor Group on a path to success. Authors are booking signings, attending major book expos and finding such happiness...all because Stacey Rourke, who is an author herself of The Gryphon Series, had a dream to create a publishing company different from any other. Point being made, I don't know how I got so lucky to be on this journey. This group inspired me to take some of my illustrations and create greeting cards...they all are an amazing group of people and authors...talented to no end and hearts that I am sure contain gold. Like I said, I'm not sure how I came to deserve being a part of such an amazing group of people, but I hope I am with them forever, and I pray anyone out there working as an author/illustrator finds that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow as I have found.

Take a look at my newest venture: my greeting card line below...and until next time...happy writing!





Browse other gifts from Zazzle.

I have been traveling this journey called "writing" for awhile now, and am very happy with the path I am on. You see, my path was not always an easy one towards the road to publication. There were plenty of rejections, and some brutal. But something kept pushing me, and here I am with the greatest publisher in the world...Anchor Group Publishing. I might not have turned down Anchor Group's avenue though if it weren't for the blessings of Author Wendy Nystrom. I believe in fate, and that the writing Gods brought my path to cross over that of Wendy's. You see, Wendy and I met about two years ago while her book was at a different publisher and where I still have several titles. We crossed paths, as Wendy was always so encouraging to my writing. I read the stories she had there too, and fell in love with her writing style and her characters, and thus a new friendship was born. Wendy and I continued communicating our writing dilemmas. You see, Wendy suggested that I send my material to another group she had discovered and heard great things about, Anchor Group. I had come to value her opinion, and so I did just that...worked on a new book and submitted it. After acceptance for publication to Anchor Group came...I was thrilled. I looked up the website before submitting and was so happy with what I had seen. There was a variety of authors, and their books looked terrific. Not only that, but Anchor Group was gaining a strong lead in the publishing world. After I signed a contract, Wendy decided to join Anchor Group as well, and here we are again at Anchor Group, but I assure you, happier than ever.

It's not everyday that you meet another author...one who will support your own writing as much as their own...one who will inspire you...one who will become not just an acquaintance or co-worker of sorts, but one you can truly call friend. So I say with pride to the writing world, Wendy Nystrom is funny, witty, intelligent, and extremely creative. If you don't read her books, join her blog...you are guaranteed to miss out on a laugh, a smile...a journey to imagination.

I loved Wendy's writing even before I could call her friend, so I promise I am not bias. Okay, I'm a little bias, but read her work and you'll see why.

Wendy's first release is the children's book entitled, 'James Saves the Moon' and is about a young boy named James who takes a truly magical journey while meeting wonderful friends that will last a lifetime. Set in Iceland, the journey takes unexpected leaps and bounds, but who wouldn't love to take a trip to the moon? The writing style is so strong, you will feel like you are truly on that magical trip with James and each character that is introduced throughout. Please read and I am sure you will love it as I do! H

Here's where you can find Wendy and more information about her books:

http://wendysbookcase.com/2012/11/17/...

http://www.amazon.com/James-Saves-the...

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

http://www.facebook.com/Wendysbookcase

First of all, let me thank, Janet Mclaughlin, author of the awesome books "Get Psyched" and her newest "Psyched out" for inviting me along on this book tour. Here you'll have a chance to follow along and meet authors of all genres. This will be a Q&A where you will get to know a little more about me. I usually introduce other authors, so letting you all know a little about who I am is a rarity. I hope you enjoy, and make sure to follow the next author on the tour, Wendy Nystrom. Her links you'll find below after my Q&A.

Q&A with Jodi Brooks Stone, Children's Book Author and Illustrator

1. What is the working title of your next book?
'An Easter Bonnet for Lily' is the most recent publication. It was just released on March 1st with Anchor Group Publishing.

2. Where did the idea come for the book?
Something my close friends and family know about me is that I am a huge party planner. I am always looking for an excuse to throw a party. Well, I was actually planning a Christmas party, and feeling a little sad knowing Christmas would soon be over. I couldn't help but think, okay next major holiday will be Easter, so I will be able to plan an Easter party for my girls. My youngest daughter, Savannah walked up to me as I was making a list, and I was telling her all about some party ideas, and the first thing to pop out of her mouth was, "I must have a fancy dress this Easter, mama." Somehow that was all the inspiration I needed to begin the draft of this book. Of course, it took some modifying, but eventually the book came to life.

3. Genre?
This book is a children's book, specifically geared for ages between 4-8, but I've had ten year old children tell me they loved it. I think reading is crucial at any age, so that makes me very happy.

4. What, if any actors would you star to play in a movie version of this book?
In my writings, all I can see is my own daughters, perhaps because they are always what inspires the stories I create. I am not sure I can envision a movie, but I would love to see a cartoon made from the Stone Sisters Series.

5. What is a one sentence synopsis of the book?
If you can believe in yourself and magic, the magic will believe in you.

6. Who is the publisher of the book?
This book is published through Anchor Group Publishing. They are a traditional publisher made up of an amazing group of authors. http://www.anchorgrouppublishing.com

7. Would you compare your books to others out there, and if so what books are yours most like?
I am frequently asked this question, but I am a humble person so it's hard to answer. I like to think I'm unique, but have been compared to Pinkalicious and Fancy Nancy which is a huge compliment.

8. Who inspired this book?
This book was most definitely inspired by my three amazing daughters: Brooke, Lexi and Savannah. They give me inspiration for everything I do.

9. What else would the reader maybe like to know, or what might pique their interest?
I am a huge believer of many things: I believe in God and in the love and faith of family and friends. I believe in magic and fairies and that holding onto any and all things imagination are crucial to life, and a happy one at that. I believe in the power of a great book, and the fact that for a moment you can be swept into a magical world simply through a turn of a page and someone's creation. I just believe.

I hope you all have enjoyed a little about me, and my newest book, 'An Easter Bonnet for Lily'. It can be found on Amazon. I am currently working on illustrations for three more books I've written, and look forward to sharing them and any future works with the world. I pray that this writer's mind continues to grow, and that if there is anything my children receive out of the gifts I have put onto paper, it is that every bit of the love and effort made was for them. Thanks to Janet Mclaughlin, author of an amazing group of YA books for inviting me to this tour. You can find her links below as well. And now, I will introduce and hand off to Wendy Nystrom, one of my favorite children's book authors...her books are so lovely, you won't want to miss them.

http://www.amazon.com/An-Easter-Bonne...

http://www.facebook.com/jodistone.chi...

Janet Mclaughlin:

http://www.amazon.com/Psyched-Out-Get...

Wendy Nystrom is up next...her books can be found at:

http://www.amazon.com/Helga-Returns-J...

http://www.amazon.com/James-Saves-the...