Tag: literacy
Countdown to Literacy, Lost and Monkey Around!
December 30, 2021– I hope that everyone is doing well! It’s almost the new year, can you believe it? Thank you for joining us in our Countdown to Literacy this month. I hope you’ve enjoyed the stories we’ve shared from Pandamonium Publishing House authors. Check out our story of the day, Lost and Monkey Around by Rachel Adema-Hannes, illustrated by Erin Cutler! https://youtu.be/_ToKkhEjNI4
Benefits of Public Speaking
July 12, 2021-I hope you’re enjoying our theme this month of public speaking for authors and that you’re learning a lot!
Today we’ll talk about 3 benefits of public speaking for authors, let’s dive in:
1) Career advancement-You never know who will be in your audience! Maybe there’s a new client, a new reader, or someone that can book you for a speaking engagement at their company. The possibilities are endless and overnight your career can advance if you put on an engaging, exciting, and interactive chat. Plus, public speaking is a great way to build credibility as an author and be seen as an expert in your field.
2) Boost Confidence-By doing the things that scare us the most (public speaking for 90% of people), our confidence grows. Public speaking is just the thing that can take authors out of their comfort zones and help them grow and flourish in their writing careers. We turn our weaknesses into strengths by pushing the limits of what we find uncomfortable and doing it despite the discomfort.
3) Better Writing-Preparing a speech or developing a presentation is no easy feat even though we are professional writers. We need to have a message, but we also need to tailor that message to meet the needs of our audience so that they get a ton of value from what we’re saying. By sitting down and working out the details of our speech, we become better writers who are more concise, fluid, and organized in our thoughts and what we need to accomplish.
You can open yourself up to a whole world of opportunity, by publicly speaking as an author, that can quite literally take you and your books around the globe. Tomorrow, we’ll talk about how to write a speech and best practices. Stay tuned!
YET.
June 17, 2021-As we continue our theme of author mindset this month, let’s look at the power of yet in this epic YouTube video! https://youtu.be/hiiEeMN7vbQ with Carol Dweck. This will translate to your writing life as an author by reminding yourself through every challenge-not yet!
Imposter Syndrome
June 7, 2021– We are talking about Author Mindset all this month and I’m excited to dig into some really cool stuff about the brain, beliefs, and what’s potentially holding you back from living our best author life.
I’ve been so fortunate to have the opportunity to work on some really fabulous projects with incredibly talented authors. The topics that have been presented have been fascinating and one in particular had me flying down the rabbit hole at lightning speed; the subject matter was energy and limiting beliefs.
How you see yourself as an author has a HUGE impact on your success and by believing that you’re less than you are, doesn’t serve you.
Imposter syndrome (feeling like you’re not good enough and an imposter in your field/believing that others see you as incompetent) is common among authors here’s why:
1) Compare-When we start comparing ourselves to other authors, that’s when we give up our power! You are who you are and you write how you write, that is enough!
2) Focus-When we focus on our past failures we tend to feel like imposters. It’s important to forget the past, learn from it and move on. Don’t focus on the things that didn’t work out, focus on your achievements to date and what you hope to achieve in the future.
3) Perfection– If we wait for perfection, we’ll never begin. Your writing doesn’t need to be perfect and guess what? It never will be and neither will you, but who cares? Focus on improvement, not perfection and you’ll never feel like an imposter.
Be your authentic self as an author and don’t worry about how others see you; all that matters is how you see yourself!
Not In My House
May 15, 2021-Since were talking about writing for kids this month, I thought I’d post an interesting link about what a lot of people think of celebrity kid’s books. Turns out I’ve been right all along…kids want chaos, fun, danger, bright colours, and larger than life characters and ideas!
Check out this father’s take on kid lit written by celebrities below:
Pandamonium Publishing House International Book Club 2021!
December 30, 2020– I’m so excited to announce our book club lineup for 2021! We’ll be reading books from our very OWN authors at Pandamonium Publishing House. Here’s what you can look forward to and the best part? If you’re a book box subscription member, you’ll get all of our book club selections included!
January- Machinia by Paul A. Moscarella Cybersecurity officer Damon Maxwell wakes from cryogenic sleep expecting to be ten years into his future but instead finds himself in the root ruled empire of Machinia, 2156! Welcomed by Machinia’s omnipotent leader, the Universal, Damon learns that his extraordinary journey is part of a complex plan by the Universal to bait Machinia’s deadly enemy, the Underground, into action. But the Universal’s brilliant robot aide, Nepcar, fears his leader’s dangerous scheme and pairs Damon with the beautiful and mysterious Cynthia Lhan hoping their union can prevent a catastrophe. Yet, even as the Universal’s plans fall into place an enigmatic figure appears in Damon’s life that even the mighty Universal is powerless to control. Will Damon ultimately be the destroyer of the robot race or its saviour? Machinia – Pandamonium Publishing House
February- Life Supports by K.G. Watson Is it because we don’t have stuff anymore that we feel so lost in a place like this? I ask myself this all the time. When we give up those memory chains Hiram spoke of, do we lose the anchor they connected us to? I don’t think I feel it as keenly as some others here. I have my organ and wall of memories for refuge when I feel unable to bear the loneliness of others about me as well as my own. It is the time between concerts, like now, when I find myself most strongly in retreat. “Life supports by K.G. Watson is a wonderful reminder of what matters most and his work asks us to think about what our legacy will be.” Life Supports – Pandamonium Publishing House
March-Once Upon a Vision by Gina Collins Ramkissoon and Lindsay V. Rose Becky hoped for a life full of adventure in New York City, but after a failed marriage and business, she returns to her childhood roots in Savannah, Georgia, to start over. Unsure of what her future holds, she settles into a charming loft above a Carriage House on a beautiful estate where she meets the Riley Family members. Was it by chance, or was it meant to be? Instinct draws her to read Tarot at a quaint Tea House down by the river. Becky finds her inner-self emerging. One day a mysterious woman comes into her life, and then another. Is there a connection between these two women? Will Becky’s intuition expose a hidden family secret? Will Becky trust her inner strength to unfold the mystery? Once Upon a Vision: Amazon.ca: Collins Ramkissoon, Gina, Rose, Lindsay V: Books
April-Becoming James Cass by L.L. Colling The prequel to Obsessed with Her, Becoming James Cass, is finally here. Find out what makes James the man he is today and what life-changing events forced him to take inventory of his life. Will he become the man he needs to be, or will he be left with no options except to fight his way out of the cage that he’s built around himself? This psychological thriller from L.L. Colling will make you question human behaviour and will leave you wondering just how much one person can take. Rated R for violence, language, and explicit content. Becoming James Cass – Pandamonium Publishing House
May-Duty’s Dad by K.G. Watson Duty’s Dad is a story of bravery, loss, life and love. It accompanies the book, Duty’s Son, by K.G. Watson. “Watson,” he said without preamble, “I want you to print up a poster offering a reward for the apprehension of Mr. William Lyon Mackenzie and his rebel leaders-one thousand pounds for Mackenzie and five hundred pounds for the others!” Richard was stunned by the size of the rewards. That sort of money was a life-long pension that would keep any family in comfort. He flashed back to his youth in Limerick when similar rewards for rebels or their weapons were shouted out in the parade square of Limerick Castle. He recalled the silent response, hundreds strong, from his neighbours facing the regiment and its gold-braided Colonel. He remembered that not one person claimed the reward. Would it be the same here? Would your barn ever be safe if you turned in any one of them? Duty’s Dad – Pandamonium Publishing House
June-Duty’s Son by K.G. Watson A delightful, historical fiction novel that Hamiltonians will enjoy! Lots of entertaining facts about the city as well as major events that shaped Canada. Dundurn Castle, Niagara Falls, and The Great Western Railway are just a few of the places featured. Duty’s Son by K.G. Watson is a wonderful trip back in time. John Harvey Watson was a courageous soldier, a gentleman, and a man of duty. This is his story. Duty’s Son – Pandamonium Publishing House
July-Duty’s Daughter by K.G. Watson Duty’s Daughter is a remarkable story about a courageous young woman who refuses to play by the rules. She is vibrant, fearless, and defiant. This historical fiction novel by author K.G. Watson is part of a series that includes Duty’s Son and Duty’s Dad. Duty’s Daughter – Pandamonium Publishing House
August-Obsessed with Her by L.L. Colling What would you do if your child was missing? How far would you go to find out the truth about what happened to her? Obsessed with Her is every parent’s worst nightmare; with twists and turns so shocking, it will leave you breathless until the very last page. “Totally shocking, disturbing and NOT for the easily offended or squeamish.”-Goodreads “Thrilling, scary, jump off the edge of your seat entertaining. “-Goodreads “Four stars for scaring the bejeezus out of me.”-Goodreads “Don’t read this when home alone if you are bothered by gore.”-Goodreads Obsessed with Her Novel – Pandamonium Publishing House
September-DJ the terrible by Samantha Nemeth This hilarious middle-grade novel will make you stand up and cheer for DJ the Terrible and her equally terrible cat, Godfrey. Djeaneauth (D.J) decides to go undercover with her sidekick Godfrey the Super Cat to assimilate with her new neighbours, AKA “The Borings”, gain their trust, then turn the town on its head! The only thing is…blending in simply isn’t DJ’s strong suit. With her inventive, mischievous mind, wild hair, and clumsy demeanour, Terrible trouble follows this Terrible girl wherever she goes! DJ (Djeaneautha) The Terrible! – Pandamonium Publishing House
October-Unfrogged by Tamara Botting Her parents are gone, she’s a klutz, and her cousin hates her. Plus, there’s a weird frog! This is the story of Princess Meredith and her unforgettable adventure of friendship, courage, and tea with three shakes of pepper and a pinch of hot sauce. This is definitely not a typical fairy tale! Unfrogged – Pandamonium Publishing House
November-From One Christmas to the Next by K.G. Watson He hadn’t counted on going in. He’d just been too darned lonely house-sitting the place while its owner studied overseas. He really resented the inane or gratuitously violent TV offerings. So, after his TV dinner, he’d just gone out, walking, till he got tired enough to sleep – just like every other night for the past six months. But who counted? He had seen the bustle from a block away. Cars had been trying to get into the plugged parking lot. Lines of bundled-up families chatted excitedly and called to each other as they converged. Bright light bathed the spire and filled the windows. He found himself trapped between clumps of people ahead and behind and fenced in by the solid row of parked cars to his left. The human tide simply herded him off the sidewalk with them and up the broader approach to the double doors. Rather than step out of the line into the knee-deep snowbanks, he decided he’d just go with the flow. It wasn’t that he didn’t know the drill. It was Christmas Eve. How many similar services had he conducted through his lifetime? It’s just he couldn’t do it anymore. And he had nobody to not do it with either since Margaret had died back in the Spring. From One Christmas to the Next – Pandamonium Publishing House
December-Acts of Remembrance by K.G. Watson Revolution is in our land. In Amsterdam and Rotterdam, cannons stand on every street corner. A Curfew is at 7:30, but the people are standing by the front door listening to others who are rioting. The rioters are so fed up with things they are marching through the street singing. For punishment, they have no light or water. It was not smart. Many were shot. Now, what do you do? A death sentence is carried out on everyone who does not obey. These words are straight from the pages of a young girl’s (Engelina Aasman Hummel) diary during the Second World War. They are true, haunting, and raw. Acts of Remembrance is a book that you’ll never forget. Acts of Remembrance by K.G. Watson and Engelina (Aasman) Hummel – Pandamonium Publishing House
We hope that you’ll join us for this year’s line up as we celebrate Canadian authors! For more information please email us at pandapublishing8@gmail.com
The Benefits of Reading Books
October 18, 2020– Check out this infographic on Reading, the Road to Success! I know that we’re Canadian, but sadly, our numbers are close enough to these ones in the United States. Literacy matters.
Pandamonium Publishing House International Book Club
October 7, 2020- Each Friday on our Facebook Page (Pandamonium Publishing House), we discuss the book of the month that we’re reading. For the past three months, we’ve chosen a book from 6 of the 7 continents (Antarctica has been impossible to find an author), but we’ve visited South America (Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist), Asia (Bali Kaur Jaswal, Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows), North America (Lawrence Hill, The Book of Negroes) and now, Europe (Alex Michaelidis, The Silent Patient). We’ll be visiting Australia and Africa next! Each week, we discuss themes, political issues, character development, plot, conflict, and narration within the books. We take questions and comments from readers sent in via email to pandapublishing8@gmail.com. If you’ve ever thought of joining a book club, but haven’t had the opportunity, here’s your chance! Send us an email to pandapublishing8@gmail.com, and we’ll add you to our member’s list.
The benefits of book club:
- Reading goals. Did you know that most adults read 1 book or less per year? Yikes, that’s not a good thing! By joining our book club, you’ll be able to set and reach your reading goals!
- Perspective. Since we chat about the book each week, we can get a different perspective on the characters, themes, and plot from everyone who participates in the discussion.
- Unique/Diverse Voices. We choose books that maybe you’d never think of reading because it’s outside your genre, or you’ve never heard of the author. We try to include authors’ unique and diverse voices from a wide range of countries, backgrounds, beliefs, and writing styles.
- Friendship. Joining a book club allows you to chat with other members, find things in common, and forge friendships that will last a lifetime.
We hope that you’ll join our Pandamonium Publishing House International Book Club! We’ve got some exciting new titles for the rest of the year and 2021. Hope to see you online:)
Advice From A Publisher
September 28, 2020-Today, I’ve taken a page out of my book Advice from a Publisher (Insider Secrets to Getting Your Work Published) to talk about Synopsis’. This is critical info if you want a shot at being published!
How to write a synopsis: Do you want to know what will make a publisher absolutely lose their mind and throw their laptop onto their front lawn? Read on to find out. No, I don’t mean read on to find out; I mean, when authors say, “Read the book to find out!” Let me explain: The job of a synopsis is to tell the publisher what happens in your book from beginning to end. It’s a snippet of the big picture and gives us the information that we need to know. If you remember from the previous chapter, How to Properly Query, you’ll know that a query letter is a sales pitch. A synopsis is an overview of your book which allows the publisher to identify any major problems with your manuscript, lets us determine if your book is a good fit, and helps us decide if your work is exciting, intriguing, and fresh enough to publish.
Your synopsis must include:
The main character and why we should care about them. What is at stake, and what motivates this character to take action?
The conflict. How does the main character succeed or fail in dealing with the conflict?
Conflict resolution? How is the conflict resolved, and has the character changed or learned anything? THIS IS THE ENDING! DO NOT PUT READ ON TO FIND OUT because your letter will be recycled, and you’ll never hear from us again. Seriously, this drives us crazy.
DO NOT:
Summarize each scene or every chapter. This will take way too long, and you must get your summary across quickly and concisely.
Write this with the tone of a book jacket or back cover. It’s not a marketing piece for readers that builds excitement.
Make your synopsis longer than one page.
Get weighed down with specifics such as supporting character names, detailed settings, and descriptions.
Talk about character back story. We don’t need to know, and frankly, we don’t care. Yes, even for you sci-fi writers, leave it out!
Get wordy. Don’t use eight words when four will do.
For examples of good and lousy synopsis’ check out chapter 7 in my Amazon Number 1 Best Seller book found here: https://pandamoniumpublishing.com/product/advice-from-a-publisher-insider-secrets-for-getting-your-work-published/
Insider Secret: Write your synopsis in the third person narrative even if your manuscript is told in first person. Write in the present tense and remind the publisher of the category and genre of your work. Reveal EVERYTHING and never use; it was all a dream endings or beginnings.
Best of luck! I can’t wait to read your work.
