Chris Minich's Blog

Dear Princess Sydney Fans,

Earlier this month, I learned that my publisher would be shutting its doors May 31, 2016. I am forever grateful that they took a chance on a new author like me and published two books about a Princess who didn’t know she was a dog.

Unfortunately, this means that the books are no longer available from retailers, including Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes/iBooks.

The good news is, I will be self-publishing these books (including future Princess Sydney misadventures) with some exciting updates, and they will be available very soon.

I want to thank you, my readers, for your support over these last two years. It has meant the world to me.  Please stay tuned and watch this spot for announcements about the re-launch of the books.

Until we read again,

Chris, Princess Sydney, and Buddy (the Terrier surprise)

The post Starting a new chapter appeared first on Chris Minich | Author - Middle Grade.

I am excited to share the new cover from my friend and fellow Booktrope author, Kandi J Wyatt’s latest in the Dragon’s Courage series today!

Dragon’s Revenge:

In search of his place in the world, Kyn visits his new friend, Ben’hyamene. Together, they meet an ailing dragon rider from the marshes of a land called the Carr. The rider recounts a people beset by anger, depression, and despair. After befriending and healing the rider, the group travels to the rider’s home. There they discover a breed of wild dragons, called drakes, which have been at war with humans for four hundred years.

One sleepless night, Ben’hyamene uses his new abilities to communicate with the lead drake. This sets Kyn and Ben’hyamene on a path that could bring peace to a conflict that’s nearly destroyed a whole people. Can revenge be set aside and enemies be called friends?

Find out in the exciting third book of the Dragon Courage series, Dragon’s Revenge by Kandi J Wyatt.

Check out the book trailer, here!

Kandi is a wife, mom of five, teacher, artist and author.  In her free time, she enjoys writing fantasy, writing Christmas programs, drawing using graphite and colored pencils. Portraits are her specialty. She also enjoys photography. Thank you to her photographer husband who has let her join his journey in photography as well. She is both his model and apprentice. (She still think he does a better job than her.) On occasion she’s his assistant when working with clients and when he needs a “light stand with feet”.

You learn more about Kandi and her books here:

webpage: http://kandijwyatt.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/kandijwyatt/

Google: http://plus.google.com/u/0/+KandiWyatt/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kandijwyatt/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/kandijwyatt/

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Act now! While supplies last!

We’ve all seen the ads on TV encouraging you to buy their “thing-a-ma-jig” right NOW to get the best deal. Annoying, I know.  But I thought I would share with you this chance to download – FOR FREE – several middle grade books. No risks, just rewards!  These books are available on iTunes for Free, or on Amazon for $0.99.

Not only are the Princess Sydney books $0.99 or less, there are a number of other great middle grade reads to discover, by authors like Jenna Zark, Gary Schwartz, Kandi J Wyatt, and James C. Struck, just to name a few.

So – what are you waiting for? Prices go back up on February 11th. So run, don’t walk to your nearest technology device and order some today! (and share with your friends!)

Check out the list of Free Middle Grade Books here and find some new free reads!

Find Misadventures of Princess Sydney: Have Parentals Will Travel on iTunes or Amazon

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I am pleased to host fellow Middle-Grade author, Jenna Zark on my blog today. Her newest book, “The Beat on Ruby’s Street” is launching today, and is available on Amazon.com. Thank you Jenna, for stopping by!

Seven Questions

by Jenna Zark

Travel writer. Nightclub singer. Actor. These are some of the things I’d list if you asked what my favorite job would be. But one of Mark Helprin’s characters in A Winter’s Tale tops the list. She got to walk around the city every day, meet different people and collect stories.

I do some of that in my current job; but I’d like to do more. I became a writer because there were too many days when I feel like a helicopter, hovering, but unable to land. I want to find stories—mine and yours.

I’m not looking for the Ultimate Drama (though being a playwright I tend to like those). Because drama can be in anything and often is. The older couple in my neighborhood who spent years in an African leper colony as missionaries. The boy who starts boxing lessons because the kids at school are teasing him. The woman who faces an unexpected divorce and has to recreate herself and redefine what she thinks about family. All these are stories I know.

I also want to find the ones I don’t know.

I don’t usually share much about myself because I tend to think the stories I make up are more interesting. But if I were to ask someone for a story, I’d probably start with seven questions:

Who are you? Town, city, country, likes, dislikes, what do you do?
What do you wish you could do?
Are you in love with someone? Ever have been?
Who?
Religion? God? No God? Why or why not?
What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done or want to do?
How are you going to do it?

Me:

Writer, mom, wife, born in Brooklyn, New York, went to college in Boston, lived in San Francisco, Hammond, Indiana and the Twin Cities. Traveled in Ireland, Israel, France, Switzerland, Canada and Mexico. Besides writing plays and my first novel for young readers, The Beat on Ruby’s Street, I also write for Augustana Care, which allows me to meet incredible people and write their stories.


I probably answered this question already – except I’d really love to travel more—starting with all the countries that start with the letter I.


Yes, yes and yes.


First was my singing and writing partner. I love singers because when they do it right, God is in the house. Reader, I married him. Had one child, divorced 13 years later. Then – some years later — fell in love with my wise, funny, artistic, athletic, amazing friend. Reader, I married him, too. Still married. Still a great guy.


Jewish. Wrestle with God (a lot) so I must believe. Right?


Scariest thing I’ve ever done is sing onstage. But still managed to sing in a band called The Seizures. (Briefly Grand Mal and the Seizures). Couple of shows and cabarets, too. Miss that most in my writing life.


Will I do it again? Don’t know. Right now, I like watching my son sing onstage (opera and musical theater).

What about you, what are your answers? Any more questions? Send ’em here or write to me at www.jennazark.com. Or stop by my blog at therubystreet.blogspot.com.

The post Guest Post by Jenna Zark – Seven Questions appeared first on Chris Minich | Author - Middle Grade.

I’m pleased to be able to share with you the cover of my fellow UpDrift author, Sherilyn Putnam, today! Her new book, “The Dragon Child” will be available soon. Congratulations, Sherilyn!

Book Description:

When a gypsy boy stumbles over an egg near the ocean he doesn’t know just how much it will change his life. Once the egg hatches, the boy’s world will never be the same, nor will it be for the creature that comes out of the egg. Named Dane after the boy’s father, the creature will begin a journey to find his own family. Along the way, he’ll learn that family is sometimes who you choose, not who you are born to.

About Sherilyn:

Sherilyn Putnam is the pen name of an author who decided holding in the stories for younger people just wasn’t an option. Thus a whole new persona emerged, ready to share her love of fantastical beings and adventurous characters with the young readers of the world. Sherilyn is almost exactly like the ‘other’ author, being she lives in the deep south, has two daughters, a hero husband and lives in a tiny house ruled by two insane cats and a miniature dachshund with a Napoleon complex.

Her books for young readers almost always have the same message, one she feels very strongly about, “be who you are, not who others think you should be.”

You can find out more about Sherilyn by following her on Facebook, Twitter, or her blog.

 

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The Summer of Sydney, also known as two thousand fifteen is now winding to a close. Youngsters are getting ready for school and pre-season football is almost over – Go Hawks!

When seasons change, I tend to reflect on the times passing and times yet to come. The last few months have been a roller coaster ride of emotions for me. In June, it became clear the job I was in was coming to an end. It was a difficult transition for me as well as my co-workers. What’s that saying, “when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.” It turns out this was the right summer in the Pacific Northwest for lemonade. Not only days, but weeks in the nineties with no rain in the forecast. Even the fourth of July was sunny and warm. Around here, that’s saying something.

I continued making lemonade and while searching for my next chapter in my career I also made time for finishing up another type of chapter. In July, I completed the manuscript for my second book and by the end of that month, I submitted it to my publisher. In early August, I began the edit process and as of this blog post, the book is now ready for the proof read. “Misadventures of Princess Sydney | Have Parentals Will Travel” should be out by late November/early December. Just in time for the holiday season.

This summer I also had time to spend with family and friends. My wife works from home and I learned to stay out of her way during her “office” hours and when not to barge in while she’s on a conference call. I spent time watching my muse and her brother as I jot down ideas for book three in the Sydney series. I even had an awesome two week trial come up where I got to meet some great people and make new connections as my job search continued. Skill sets didn’t align and that trial ended but I am forever thankful for the opportunity.

This past weekend our family celebrated my wife’s birthday with a party for family and friends. Princess Sydney and I set out the afternoon of the event to pick up supplies. For the first time in quite some time, moisture began falling from the sky. Yes, it was rain and there was a lot of it. Running my errands through Issaquah, WA it became clear people forgot what moisture from the sky was like, and more importantly, how to drive in it. Cars seemingly stopped in the middle of the street, no wait they did, and glanced up at the sky. Windshield wipers – turn them on and move along. Easier said than done but my handy dandy navigator helped guide me through and we made it home just in time to celebrate. Happy Birthday, Beautiful!

I’m actually ready for fall. I’m ready for that rain. I’m ready for that change of season. I’m ready to face the road ahead. I’m lucky to have the most beautiful woman by my side. Two crafty and crazy dogs to share our home. Wonderful family and friends that enrich my life. Thankfully, I’ve got plenty of lemonade to go around. Want some?

The post Although Deep Down I Wished it Would Rain (making lemonade out of lemons) appeared first on Chris Minich | Author - Middle Grade.

Nerves, we all have them. The best are what people call the “nerves of steel.” We feel invincible. You know what I mean? Running right into the line of fire, bring it on. Ready to take on anything that comes our way. Timid? I don’t think so. Brave, proud and strong; that’s what feeds that fearless attitude.

So what about the rest of the time when the nerves become full blown nervousness? For me it’s an ongoing struggle. I like to analyze things. Encounter a problem or scenario, break it down and digest it. What happened and why? How to handle a situation? Process the details and make a concise decision for next steps. This process is great in the “working” world. I always have trouble with it in the “personal” world.

I’ve had this type of nerves before. My best example revolved around finding someone to spend time with. I used the past tense of example as I found the most beautiful woman in the world. When I’m with her, I have those nerves of steel that I talked about above. She didn’t give certain traits to me. What she did was even better; she woke up those nerves that were in me all along. She brings out the best in me. For example, the first time I spoke to her on the phone was the best hour of my life. The hour before it was the worst.

Why? Well, I analyze everything. I broke down all the possibilities of how our conversation might go. What I might say, her response and my answer. So much analysis the nerves of steel didn’t exist. I was a nervous wreck. Would she like me? Would we connect? Would; that one word all but stopped me in my tracks. I had so many nerves that I delayed calling her that very first time. I had to stop my analysis, pull back and not do the one thing that was the hardest for me – thinking. It’s great to be prepared but with anything, you can only do so much. On that night, it was time to act. I picked up my phone and called this girl that I had only previously chatted with online. I ventured into the great wide open. Since that beautiful woman has come into my life, I’ve been blessed with very good days. The night of our first call will stay with me all the days of my life. To this day, I love chatting with her on the phone. When she travels for work, we talk to stay in touch. I love the sound of her voice. Goose bumps, even now.

Why is all of this important? This week I will put all the analysis down and venture into a new opportunity for myself. New people, new challenges, new direction. I’m cautious by nature, but through my wife, I’ve learned I am also strong, brave, determined and confident. All of these qualities will need to be up front and center as a new chapter begins. I don’t know what the future will bring. I do know that analysis can help you to prepare. I also know you need to take action. Step up and show the world those nerves of steel. Is it scary, sure? Is it worth it, absolutely?

Let’s do this!

The post A Rebel without a Clue (Nerves of Steel) appeared first on Chris Minich | Author - Middle Grade.

Pretty exciting news this week from the Minich household. I just submitted the manuscript for my second book, “Misadventures of Princess Sydney – Have Parentals Will Travel.” You would think that once the book is off an away to the editor the hard part is over. The story you’ve worked on, the character development, key plot points and of course – how it will end. Those details finally done and it’s time to rest and relax. This is the part of the blog where you would hear the needle scratching across your mother’s copy of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. If you don’t know what records are, remind me and we can chat about that next time.

Submitting the manuscript is just step one in a several month process before the book hits the streets and is ready for you to read and enjoy. But if you don’t see this blog and miss the word on the upcoming book, how do you know it’s out there? How do you know about the first book in the Princess Sydney series? Easy, you read reviews online when you’re searching for new reading material. Here are some ways on how I bet you discover a new book.

A friend’s personal recommendation
An endorsement from a person whose opinion you value
A book review published in a source you respect

Of these noted above, the one with the most reach these days is that book review. Sites like Amazon or GoodReads are perfect locations for readers who pop in and out looking for new books or that are searching for one recommended by that friend in the first bullet point. We all do it. We look at those reviews. How many does a book have? How many stars/ratings does it have? What are people saying about it? Ultimately, in this busy world that we live in do we have time to invest in a new read? These reviews go a long way in our decision making process.

“All true,” you might say to yourself. “But why is Chris bringing this up in his post today? Uh oh, he wants me to do something.”

Honestly, I do. I won’t be shy about it. Hundreds of books are released every single day. All right there just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed as the author had intended. I’m no different. I too have a book sitting out there in that gigantic online bookstore waiting for my target audience, the kids, to find.

However, my audience isn’t online yet and isn’t able to seek out the books and write those key reviews. Ah, but you the parent are. You hear about books, read reviews and make choices for you and your family. Well, I’m asking for you to do the same for my first book, “Misadventures of Princess Sydney.” I wrote this book with the hope that kids would find it, read it, laugh at the antics of two little dogs and most important, learn a little too. If you haven’t read it yet, I encourage you to stop by the site and take a peek. If you have, I would encourage you to take a minute and write a review. I would love to hear what the kids think as well. Ask them what they thought. Are they on Team Sydney or Team Buddy? Believe it or not, this is a real thing. To those of you that have already provided a review, thank you. I truly appreciate all of your support.

Honesty is always the best policy. No need to sugar coat this or any review that you give. Be honest, it you didn’t like it share. If you did, share. If you found areas for improvement, by all means share. Today we are more connected than ever. We have access to information at our finger tips, twenty four seven, three hundred and sixty five days of the year, sixty six next year. It only takes a couple of lines to post your thought. It takes a couple of minutes for someone to find that review. A good story – well that stays with you for a very long time.

Alright, ready break!

Amazon Reviews for “Misadventures of Princess Sydney”

Goodreads Reviews for “Misadventures of Princess Sydney”

 

 

The post It’s Always Been That Way, Just a Pocketbook Brando (Write a review to support your local author) appeared first on Chris Minich | Author - Middle Grade.

I have an awesome job. In today’s busy world how often do you read that, let alone say it? Well, mine is the best. Last year I published my first book, “Misadventures of Princess Sydney,” and have happily taken to this new role as author. Any new project placed out there in the world starts small, my book is no different. I have the best family and friends who continue to support me and the book as I now work toward the completion of the second book in the series. In a world filled with endless amounts of media for us to consume, different avenues to spread the word are needed.

Today is all about social media; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and blogging. By the way, thanks for taking the time to read this particular blog post. These hourly, daily and weekly updates help to put an author’s name and product out there for the online world to find. In the last year, my beautiful wife has been fabulous in helping to spread that word. My job is the writing; she pretty much handles everything else. She’s also super cute – so it works out. Always scouring the Twitterverse and Facebook secret pages, my wife found a new and exciting discovery. (Just so you know, the internet can also be used for good.)

The site is Woof Now What?  A great site for everything you could possibly want to know about dogs. I encourage you to check out the site – you’ll be happy you did. A copy of my book was sent to our new friends and I’m happy to say is included in the Lil’ WOOF Corner Summer Reading Program for Kids and Pets. This is an honor for me and a wonderful experience. Wow, you might say. Go ahead, I will wait a second. Yes Chris, Wow! Indeed, it is but the highlight so far related to this opportunity has to be the super cool pictures that Zoe and Stephanie completed based on the illustrations from the first book as done by my beautiful wife.

I love these pictures. I love that the kids took time to color and leave messages for me. Including one from Zoe who noted, “can’t wait to read your book.” I can’t leave out Stephanie who “thinks it’s pretty neat that Sydney starts with an S like her.” Thank you Zoe and Stephanie, you made my day. I’d love to know what you both think about Sydney and Buddy once you’ve completed the book.

It warms my heart that children are finding the book, reading it and hopefully enjoying it. Being a writer, I think it’s only natural to want people to read your work. I always appreciate kind words, or words in general about the book. I must say, when I receive those notes from my target audience, it fills me with a sense of pride. I have a good job, I like what I do and I’m proud to share it all with each and every one of you – wherever you might be. Now, back to my day job – finishing Sydney and Buddy’s next adventure, I mean misadventure. Happy reading!

Note: If you would like to download your own pictures from the book and color them in, you can find the link here. Send them to Chris and we will post them on the website!

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My blog post title for this week comes courtesy of my sister in-law Ember. She and her husband Andrew came over to spend the holiday with my wife, our dogs and me. To set the stage for you, I was outside on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in the great Pacific Northwest. We are currently in the midst of a heat wave.

Normally, the fourth of July in the Seattle area consists of clouds, rain and perhaps a high of sixty degrees. For well over a week now, and counting, the temperature here has hovered in the low to mid-nineties. For our part of this beautiful nation, that is late August weather. We had a mild winter and could have a record high heat for our summer. I’ve been wearing shorts since February. As my wife can verify.

Naturally, on a gorgeous Saturday I was out washing the car – naturally. The automobile, Crystal Red and proudly made here in the good old USA. The speaker pumping out some old fashioned rock and roll circa the late nineteen seventies with a little David Lee Roth on the microphone in his first tenure with the mighty Van Halen. All that was missing at this particular point in the afternoon was my mom and some apple pie. This year, cheesecake would have to do – and it did.

Good food has become a tradition at our house for this, and every holiday. I live with an award winning chef. She is beautiful, she is talented, she can smoke the heck out of ribs and she’s the best wife in the world.

Yes, multiple award winner. Note, I don’t particularly care for ribs, sticky fingers, but I can appreciate a good smoke ring when I see it. Not only did she smoke ribs this weekend but hamburgers, she whipped up a potato salad and as I type this, she is preparing homemade chocolate chip cookies – need to make sure my gym membership is current.

We not only celebrated our independence day with good food, good company and good conversation but also the nineteen ninety-six masterpiece, “Independence Day.” Okay, I use the word “masterpiece” loosely. Sorry Bill Pullman, your best work was a year early with Sandy B in While You We’re Sleeping.

No sleep for us on this night, yes I happily went there. On this night, the neighbors emerge from their homes about ten o’clock to light up the  sky. Though pretty to look at, it can also be scary given our current hot/dry weather. It is also unsettling for our two dogs. Princess Sydney handled herself well with the occasional bark but it was our other dog, Buddy, who had some issues. The poor little guy hid under a blanket for well over an hour.

 I’m starting to think she’s the Meryl Streep of the housewife world – what can’t she do?Tweet

With the sunlight gone, he began to shake as the volume of fireworks increased. Luckily, my wife is trained for such instances. I’m starting to think she’s the Meryl Streep of the housewife world – what can’t she do? She wrapped the little Bud-man up in a “ThunderShirt” and with a little extra TLC he stopped shaking and was finally able to rest.

Sunday morning we said hello to Steve and his donuts but goodbye to Andrew and Ember. Blessed to have them in our life, we are also blessed to have good friends who came over to visit Friday night and later in the day Sunday afternoon and dine on yet more smoked meat prepared by my wife. Man, I really need to take up a hobby and pull my weight around here.

This weekend we spent time with family and friends as we celebrated this great nation of ours. Happy Birthday, America – or as we kept saying – “’Merica!”

Ember, you were spot on. This is what the fourth of July is all about.

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