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CLARINDA CLOUD and JOHNNY'S ADVENTURE MAKES READING FUN by Jodi Desautels are Free on Kindle 3/5-3/7 2015

3/5/2015

Hello everyone! Today, I am happy to announce that two of my children's books are FREE on Kindle today, tomorrow, and Saturday (3/5-3/7 2015).

Clarinda Cloud

CLARINDA CLOUD is an adorable little cloud who changes colors as her feelings change. The book is a great resource to practice and discuss the identification of basic feelings and colors. It also has repetitive text and whimsical illustrations to encourage early readers.

Best for ages 2-5

Johnny's Adventure Makes Reading Fun

JOHNNY doesn't like to read. By the end of the story, with the help of Mom, that all changes. The book is a great resource for parents, grandparents, daycare providers, and early educators for young children who don't like to read. However, it is great for all children. After all, you are never too young for an adventure.

Best for ages 4-7

CLARINDA CLOUD and JOHNNY'S ADVENTURE MAKES READING FUN are both meant to be positive books with a role model for good outlooks and mental health, as well as educational. They are meant to be fun and relatable.

If you have one of the books and like it, please consider letting me know by writing a review.

Just as a reminder, if you are interested in purchasing a signed copy, feel free to contact me. I am also available for author visits, virtual author visits, book signings, guest speaking, and workshops. Thank you.

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Jodi Desautels has a Rewarding Author Visit at Local Nursing Home

10/1/2014

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Hi everyone. I want to share with you about an author visit I did today. I was nervous beforehand, but ended up having a wonderful time. I am excited to tell you that I did a volunteer author visit at a local nursing home.
Like I said, I was originally very nervous. I hadn't done a presentation for older people before. So, I didn't know what to expect. Plus, my mother-in-law had gone to that nursing home a few times for respite care. I was kind of concerned that I might be a little emotional.

It originally came about when I was looking for ways to get out and maybe do some volunteer work. I got to talking that I was a children's author. And, it was suggested that I come and read a couple of my books. Then, I could also get some ideas for future children's books by asking about the residences' childhood experiences.
I brought my books and my Clarinda Cloud products. I set up a little display. Then, as people drizzled in, I spoke with people informally. The first book I chose to read was "There Were Always Noises." (That is a book of mine that is no longer published. It is due to be republished again some day. I hope it will be soon.) I chose that one, because it is based upon one of my own childhood experiences. (That was kind of the theme of the presentation.)
People were so kind and interested in my books. I ended up reading "Clarinda Cloud" as well. I spoke about how I made the text for "Clarinda Cloud" repetitive and how I made the illustrations picture cues for beginning readers.
After I did my readings, I opened it up for people to share some of their childhood experiences. It was a wonderful journey back into the past. I enjoyed listening to some wonderful stories. And, who knows… maybe one of their stories will be the theme for one of my books. (Yes…I told them that would be a possibility when I asked for their stories.)
I think everyone had a great time. I was asked to come back.
If you have any childhood experiences or rewarding author visits you would like to share, please comment below. Thank you.

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Jodi Desautels Announces the Relaunching of "Clarinda Cloud" and Gives Some Background about the Book

9/17/2014

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I have good news, everyone! "Clarinda Cloud" has been relaunched and is better than ever. It has the same great text encouraging young children to identify and share their feelings with more professional looking illustrations. Not only will I give you the sell links to this book. I also want to tell you a little bit about the background. I want to tell you a little bit about why I re-illustrated it and why I wrote it as I did.
I have come a long way since I first wrote and illustrated "Clarinda Cloud." The illustrations were done in a "crayon" brush in an illustrating program. I thought the crayon look might look nice in a children's book, since mostly young children color with crayons. However, I don't believe that was the case. The crayon-look made the illustrations look sloppy. They were amateurish.
I do think the crayon look could have been pulled off, if I had more experience. But at the time, I did not. The new illustrations make the images "pop" better. They are more eye catching and more appealing.
I am happy to say that the text is still repetitive and easy for young children to follow along. As an educator, I made it that way. I know how it important it is for children at that age to feel they are "learning to read." In actuality, more often than not, they are really memorizing the text both from the repetition and through picture cues. However, don't be fooled. This leads to real reading!
Why is "Clarinda Cloud" so important to get for a young child? Let me tell you. There are so many problems that stem from people not identifying and sharing their feelings in a healthy way. Bullying, family violence, abuse, fighting… would all drop tremendously if we were all taught at a young age how to identify and share our feelings in a healthy way. This is where "Clarinda Cloud" comes in. "Clarinda Cloud" encourages young children to identify and share their feelings. It is a basic book at a basic level. However, it helps in so many ways!
Okay, as promised, here are the sell links for the book. I hope you enjoy it. If you do, I would love a review and of course, share it will all your friends. Thank you.
Buy at Create Space
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy on Kindle
Buy at Barnesandnoble.com

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Announcing a Precious Event: Levi's Book Party and Fundraiser 2014

8/27/2014

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  Hello everyone. Today, I want to tell you about an event in which I have blessed to play a small part. The virtual event, on September 20th, 7am to 11pm PST, is called “Levi’s Book Party and Fundraiser!” It is to raise money for a 17-month-old little boy, named Levi, with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome and his family.
     This fundraiser will be in the form of an USBorne Book Party and will take place on the “Levi’s Book Party and Fundraiser” Facebook event page. Linsey Poore and Nat Davis will host the event. The event itself sounds exciting with games, prizes, music, and contests. The cause is unbelievably meaningful for this family.
     For more information about Levi and his progress, visit his Facebook page at Team Levi.
     So, how can you help? Join the party! If you would like some Usborne products in support of this family, you can do it by clicking on this buy link. If you would prefer by giving a donation, you can do it on the “Team Levi Support Fund” page on Go Fund Me.
     At the beginning of the post, I said I am playing a small part in this event. So… let me tell you what I am doing. I designed the poster you see at the top of this post. Also, I am donating three “Clarinda Cloud” books to the following- - 1. Levi, 2. Nat Davis’ daughter, Lanae, and 3. Ronald McDonald House. And, I hope to pop in at the event, at least for a little while, if I am free on that day.
     If you would like more information, or to donate something, or to some how be a part of this very special cause, please contact Nat Davis on Facebook or on her website, Davis Professionals.
    Aw! It touches my heart, when I hear about a child so young and innocent going through something that the rest of us would find unbelievably difficult. God bless!

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Jodi Desautels Tells "What is New with Jodi Desautels?"

5/28/2014

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Hello everyone. The title of this blog is "What is New with Jodi Desautels?" so I thought I would let you in on some things that I am doing.
Actually, I have quite a few pots in the fire right now. First, I am looking to broaden my exposure for my books and sites. I am currently working to get my books approved to go into a local chain. I am so excited about that! Also, I am looking for author interviews, book reviews, and places to post my books.
I have started researching ways to develop and sell character products as well. I would love to brand Clarinda Cloud! She would make a wonderful character for various products. I have an email into a company that makes stuffed book characters now. If any of you know anything about product development, I would love to hear from you.
Oh, and did you know that she is a spokescloud on bullying prevention and anti-bullying causes? I will continue to promote her as such. Bullying is an issue that has touched my heart. I want to do what I can to help prevent it.
After a long hiatus, I have started illustrating again. I am currently working on an illustration for a book that I first published, but had to buy back the publishing rights. I am looking forward to re-illustrating and re-publishing this book.
I have also been adding to and tweaking my websites. I have added an "events" tab to my website. If you would like to have me speak at your school, library, bookstore, or event, please feel free to contact me.
I am also running a sale on my online tutoring services. The discounted price ends June 15th, so sign up now! This is great for summertime learning, renewing skills, learning new skills, or just having help with homework. I help people of all ages and abilities. Also, it would be great for aspiring children's authors who may want some individualized help and encouragement.
And, did I tell you that I lost the last game of backgammon between my husband and I? Ugh, and I lost the last game of pinochle too! I guess my game playing hasn't been what it has been. Maybe it is because my creative mind has been overpowering my game playing mind. LOL!

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Jodi Desautels Promotes Herself, Her Books, Her Websites, and Her Links

5/14/2014

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Hello everyone. I decided that I would market myself and my books today. I haven't done it in quite a while. So, I thought I would take a moment to tell you what I am up to now a days.
I currently have three published books as you can see from the poster. I hope you will check them out. I am also running a chance to win one of my books OR get ONE HOUR of FREE ONLINE TUTORING. You can check out DUO Education's Learning Blog for more information.
Speaking of online tutoring, now is the time to sign up for extra help during the summer. Don't let your child fall behind or lose skills during the summer. Sign up now!
I currently post three blogs a week. I have this author blog, DUO Education's Learning Blog, and Story Starters and Writing Prompts. I hope you will check them out each week.
I am still working on a new schedule for myself, as well as new ways promoting myself and my work. If you have any ideas, I am happy to hear them. Also, in case you don't have them, here is a list of my links. I hope you will get in touch. Thank you.

My Links:
Websites:
www.AuthorJodiDesautels.com
www.ClarindaCloud.com
www.DUOEducation.com

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/jodi.desautels.author.illustrator.educator
www.facebook.com/Author.Illustrator.Educator.JodiDesautels
www.facebook.com/pages/DUO-Education/421960901218609

Twitter:
www.twitter.com/J_Desautels

Google+:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/108130827656213063141/posts

About.me:
http://about.me/jodidesautels

Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/jodidesautels/

Author Page on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Jodi-Desautels/e/B00B4BXUS8

Sell Links:
Clarinda Cloud:
http://www.amazon.com/Clarinda-Cloud-Jodi-Desautels/dp/1482010607

Clarinda Cloud Activity Book:
http://www.amazon.com/Clarinda-Cloud-Activity-Book-Desautels/dp/1490399011

Johnny’s Adventure Makes Reading Fun:
http://www.amazon.com/Johnnys-Adventure-Makes-Reading-Fun/dp/148398835X

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Some of My Favorite Songs

3/12/2014

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Hi everyone! Sometimes we can get to know a person by the type of songs they like. I thought that I would share some of my favorite songs with you. There is quite an array of them and these are just a few. I listen to and enjoy songs for various reasons.
I enjoy this first song, "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace," because it is a prayer. To me, it feels like a prayer for the meek and a prayer for a nature lover. And…I try to be a peaceful and caring person…so it is right up my alley.

Like the last song, "Here I Am Lord," is a prayer from a servant of the Lord. I try to follow God's word and His plan for my life. Like the previous song, it is a great reminder of how strive to live my life.

"Thank God I'm a Country Boy" by John Denver is one of my all time favorite songs. I have enjoyed this one for almost my entire life. I am not a "country boy," however, I am a "county girl."

Probably for the same reason that I like the last song, I enjoy "You're Lookin At Country" by Loretta Lynn. Loretta Lynn is one of my favorite old time country singers.

Hymns and country music isn't all that I listen to… I enjoy the old time rock and roll too! Who doesn't enjoy a good dancing song?!? I would love to "Rock Around the Clock" more often.

No, I am not a rebel like the poor mother portrayed in this song. However, I do think we all judge way too much in life. I believe the world would be a nicer place if we all left the judging up to God.

Yes, I have some announcements today.

*Two of my books: "Clarinda Cloud" and "Johnny's Adventure Makes Reading Fun" are free today and tomorrow on Kindle.

*I am interviewed at "Grace & Faith 4 U" today. If you get a chance, please check it out.

*Please explore DUO Education, my education site. I have done quite a bit of work on the site lately. Thank you.

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Introducing "Jam with Jodi" Monthly Newsletter

1/29/2014

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Hello everyone! Today's post will be brief. I am introducing my new "Jam with Jodi" Monthly Newsletter. It has my work at a glance. It highlights certain things for my books, my author site, my DUO Education site, and my character site. It also provides some links to make it easier to keep in touch. This is just my author page.
Again, please explore all the sites as this is just a highlight. It would also be too time consuming to add every link for every post. And, to make it easier for you to enjoy all editions of the newsletter, I created the "Jam with Jodi" Monthly Newsletter Gallery page.
I hope you enjoy it. Please feel free to connect with me in as many places as you would like.

Also, note that I have a new "celebrity" page or "fan" page on Facebook. The link is in the "Jam with Jodi" Monthly Newsletter. Although, I thought I would give it to you here as well. You can find it at www.Facebook.com/author.illustrator.educator.Jodi.Desautels. It is also another great way to stay connected with me and my work. Thank you!

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Happy New Year! Follow Your Heart in 2014!

1/1/2014

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Hello everyone! It is a brand new year with many brand new beginnings. I wish you and yours a happy and healthy year.
I am looking forward to 2014 as I like new beginnings and think this one will be a great one! I do plan on following my heart this year! I hope you do as well.
I have so many new plans for 2014! I hope to have more posts on all of my sites. DUO Education, my education site, is going to have a blog on Mondays that contains story starters and writing prompts. All of my writing friends might enjoy that feature! Clarinda Cloud will be asking for children to draw pictures depicting feelings and sending them in. On this site, I hope to be offering children's book proofreading services. And...that is just a glimpse.
Oh...and...this blog will be more geared towards my thoughts and whims...not just author and illustrating topics. I hope to have another blog on this site where I provide author and illustrator interviews and the like.
See? There are many, many changes in store for 2014! I plan on following my heart! What about you? I would love to hear about some of your plans, ideas, etc. Have a great year!

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An Author Interview with Gloria Repp

12/18/2013

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Hello everyone! Today, I am welcoming author Gloria Repp. Please help her feel comfortable.

Now, let's learn a little about this author.

Gloria, please, tell us a little about yourself.

As I think about my books, I realize that they all have elements of adventure or mystery, and they often include wild creatures. I grew up in the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific Northwest, and it was there I learned a love for wilderness and the ocean. Over the years, my experiences gained from raising three children, teaching school, and editing have made useful contributions to my work.

After writing twelve children’s books, I transitioned from traditional publishing to Indie publishing, and I have found it a happy but challenging experience. I take frequent research trips to explore New Jersey’s beautiful Pine Barrens—my latest setting inspiration—and have found it a wonderful location for my series about a brave little treefrog: Tales of Friendship Bog.



What is the title of your book? What is it about?

My most recent book is Catch a Robber, Book 4 in the Tales of Friendship Bog series. In this story, Pibbin, a tiny but courageous treefrog, takes two friends with him to track down the sneaky lizard-robber who has disappeared into Shadow Swamp. http://www.amazon.com/Catch-Robber-Tale-Friendship-Tales-ebook/dp/B00FIBM1CQ/

What inspired you to write this book?

One spring, I heard the Pine Barrens Treefrogs singing, wonk-wonk-wonk, and I held one of the little creatures in my hand. I asked myself, “Could anything so tiny also be brave? What adventures might he have?”

The idea grew. I would write about the adventures of Pibbin, a Pine Barrens Treefrog, beautifully colored in green, lavender, orange, and white. He would live in a bog I’d visited, near the near the ruins of a town named Friendship. Although no bigger than my thumb, he would be brave, a frog who dared anything on behalf of his friends.

Drawing on my experience as a teacher, I wrote about Pibbin’s adventures with simple words and sentences so that children who were beginning to read could enjoy them. I called the series Tales of Friendship Bog.

You write for children. Is it easy?

Writing for children is often considered a good place for the novice writer to start, but in reality, the genre is both difficult and demanding. It is difficult because of limitations on vocabulary, sentence structure, and concept, and the need for good presentation (sufficient white space and illustrations). Entire books have been written on each of these subjects. It is demanding because of the dual audiences involved. Children want a story that is exciting or compelling or fun, as well as easy to read. Parents and educators want the story to have intrinsic value. Many adults will use the story as a springboard for discussion and teaching about traits such as generosity, friendship, or compassion.

Stories for children abound that are shallow or silly or muddled, but the best children’s book writers will have a vision for excellence—and follow it.

(As a children's author myself, I can totally relate to this!)

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for about thirty-five years. I wrote my first story for my youngest son, and my eldest son illustrated it. The result was less than professional, but it was a start.

Where do you market your books?

I market my Indie-published books exclusively on Amazon, for the time being. Amazon does an excellent job of printing and digitizing my books, and I have so many more books to write that I don’t want to spend precious minutes on other marketing venues.

Do you have other books?

I have several other books for children, from ages 5 to 12 and up; the best place to see them is on my website: http://gloriarepp.com/

What is your hope for your book?

My hope for the Tales series is twofold. First, I would like children, especially reluctant readers, to simply enjoy a good story. Second, I would like the children to absorb a little about the concept of how a good friend might act.

What is a little known fact about you that you can share?

My family knows this, but not many others: I am a morning person. I like to get up early to write or to read, and I even sing before breakfast. In fact, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.

(Ugh! A morning person! I cannot relate with you on that!)

Besides writing, what are some of your other hobbies or interests?

I like to read—endlessly, omnivorously, every chance I get—it’s almost a character flaw. I have to be stern with myself or we’d have dry cereal every night for supper, except that I like to cook too, and my family enjoys that. I also like the outdoors and such activities as hiking, canoeing, and kayaking.

(I enjoy reading, kayaking, and canoeing as well.)

Do you illustrate your own books?

I do not. If I could, I would—believe me—because I usually have a vision for what each scene should look like, and my artist, who is superb, may look at it a different way. Then I usually take a deep breath and rewrite the story to fit his art.

Do you make your own covers?

For the Tales series, I use an illustration that the artist gives me and design my own covers. For my novels, I hire a professional to design the covers.

What are you working on now?

I have the illustrations for Tale #5 waiting for me to incorporate into the story. I need to do that as soon as I get past the holidays. My hope is to write the rough drafts for Tales #6 and #7 (the last one) this spring.

Do you write in any other genres?

I write Christian novels as well. The Forever Stone is first in The Dumont Chronicles. It is the story of a young widow who, desperate to escape the memories of her abusive husband, joins her aunt’s house-restoration project in the Pine Barrens. She is determined to take a stand for independence, but two men have different plans for her—and so does God. http://www.amazon.com/The-Forever-Stone-Gloria-Repp-ebook/dp/B00AKZO1HI/

I have just released the next in the series: Deep Focus, which centers on an adventurous photographer, another of the Dumont women. http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Focus-The-Dumont-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00H8CKKYE/

What other genre(s) would you like to write some day?

I’d like to write historical fiction, beginning with stories of the Dumont women in Colonial days.

Gloria, thank you for sharing with us today. I hope everyone enjoyed the interview and will check out Gloria's work.

Announcements

Please remember the "Clarinda Cloud" contest...the last one of the year! You can have a chance to win a free copy by just answering two questions...you can pick from the questions on this site and my other blogs:

*Clarinda Cloud's Feelings Blog
*DUO Education Learning Blog

Here are your questions:

1. Please explore the site. What would you like to see offered for readers or authors on this site?
2. What kinds of books and on what topics would you like to see more of for children? Why?

A winner will be chosen from the people who answered at least two questions at the end of the month or beginning of next year. If nobody answers at least two questions, I will donate a book to someone or some place. If you win but would prefer a book to be given elsewhere, please let me know. (U.S. addresses only at this time, please.) Thank you. Good luck!

*Also.... My ebooks are free today (12/18/13) on Kindle. You can click on the titles to take you directly to their listings on Amazon.com. It is a great time to get your copy of "Johnny's Adventure Makes Reading Fun" and "Clarinda Cloud." And... maybe you could even write a review. I would love to hear what you think of the books. Thank you!

Next Wednesday is Christmas, so I won't be blogging on Wednesday. I will do a simple blog on Tuesday to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

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CLARINDA CLOUD and JOHNNY'S ADVENTURE MAKES READING FUN by Jodi Desautels are Free on Kindle 3/5-3/7 2015

Clarinda Cloud

Johnny's Adventure Makes Reading Fun

Jodi Desautels has a Rewarding Author Visit at Local Nursing Home

Jodi Desautels Announces the Relaunching of "Clarinda Cloud" and Gives Some Background about the Book

Announcing a Precious Event: Levi's Book Party and Fundraiser 2014

Jodi Desautels Tells "What is New with Jodi Desautels?"

Jodi Desautels Promotes Herself, Her Books, Her Websites, and Her Links

Some of My Favorite Songs

Introducing "Jam with Jodi" Monthly Newsletter

Happy New Year! Follow Your Heart in 2014!

An Author Interview with Gloria Repp

Announcements

Jodi Desautels

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Jodi Desautels… bringing you books that are inspirational, educational, and relatable!