MMGM with WINDY HOLLOW by Tara Tyler & a GIVEAWAY!

I was recently reminded about the magic that middle grade literature possess. How it keeps adults young and the young inspired, motivated, and encouraged.

On that note, I have such a fantastic new middle grade release for you today!

*A brief side note - this author has taken quite the journey to get this book into the hands of readers, so let's give her a round of applause and a cheerful Hooray as I introduce her awesome story!

Isn't this cover amazing?!!

WINDY HOLLOW

Beast World MG Fantasy Series, book #3

by Tara Tyler

Available NOW!

In BROKEN BRANCH FALLS, Gabe and his friends go on a quest to save their school, blowing up all the rules, and discover their origins.

Then they go to CRADLE ROCK and meet some real live humans, scaring them into attack mode. The Beasts realize they have to spread the truth ASAP.

Now, school's out, and Gabe is ready for a break from all the drama...

Gabe and his friends fly over the Great Sea for the wedding of the century: a dragon prince and a beautiful harpy. But Gabe can't relax on this vacation. Besides competing in rigorous wedding events, he overhears the nearby human village WINDY HOLLOW is in danger from an evil human scientist and a vengeful were-ogre experimenting on beasts. Gabe and his friends risk crossing the mountains to help, despite several warnings. 

Maybe he's going too far this time, but he's in too deep to quit. It's do or die, hopefully not die!

Paperback ~~~ Ebook

Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over the US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her husband and one boy left in the nest. She has two series, Pop Travel (sci-fi detective thrillers) and Beast World (fantasy adventures), plus her UnPrincess novella series where the maidens save themselves. She's a commended blogger, contributed to several anthologies, and to fit in all these projects, she economizes her time, aka the Lazy Housewife—someday she might write a book on that... Make every day an adventure!

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | NEWSLETTER

Check out the WINDY HOLLOW Release Blog Tour schedule:

6/20 - Heather Holden - How does she Create such Awesome Art?
6/22 - Ellen Jacobson - Interview
6/24 - Patricia Lynne - Keeping Magic Alive
6/26 - MJ Fifield - Fantasy World-Building
6/30 - SA Larsen - Special Newsletter & a Vlog?!
7/1 - Tara's IWSG post with updates and a Special Guest!
7/3 - Alex J. Cavanaugh - IWSG Day - Fantasy Movies
7/4 - Tonja Drecker - Kids in Books
7/8 - Christine Rains - Levels of Romance
7/10 - Heather M. Gardner - Binge Watching TV
7/15 - Tyrean Martinson - Hiking!
7/17 - Julie Flanders - Gotta Have Friends

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Okay, so I have to ask - have you ever seen a wolf like that? Love!

Interested in being part of MMGM ~ Shannon Messenger's genius plan to give middle grade reads their just due? Click HERE to join in and for the other participants.

MMGM ~ Roger Mantis by Author Tom Alan Brosz & a Giveaway!

Monday's are a favorite day for me when I get to participate in Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays! And this Monday I have a really sweet middle grade read to share.

Psst . . . and you get to read an excerpt! Remember to enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post.

Meet Roger Mantis and his creature Author Tom Alan Brosz.

Google Play | BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon
 B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

Roger Mantis by Tom Alan Brosz

Publication Date: April 2, 2019

Publisher: Tantrum Books

Baseball is Roger McGillicutty’s whole life. That is until he wakes one Saturday to find he is no longer a normal eleven-year-old boy. He's a five-foot-tall praying mantis.

Roger has school on Monday, the carnival comes to town next week, and his baseball team is poised to play their biggest rival in one week. Being a giant bug will seriously cramp Roger’s style!

To Roger’s surprise, his parents and friends are supportive. Even his dog isn’t spooked. But not everyone’s thrilled about Roger’s change. Some people are frightened and others would like nothing more than to squash him into the ground like the bug he is.

And when Little League officials oust Roger from baseball, his world collapses.

When a reporter from the city comes snooping around rumors of a man-sized baseball-playing praying mantis, Roger must choose between hiding his true self or being the hero he's always wanted to be.

Doesn't this story sound like such a hoot for an adventurous middle grade reader you know?!!! Here's a snippet from Roger's story:

Slowly, carefully, and as quietly as possible, Roger staggered across the room to the mirror over his dresser.

As prepared as he was, it was still a shock. A triangular emerald-green head looked back at him, with two enormously round green compound eyes on either side. Two long, thin antennae stuck out of the top of his head. He could move them around if he tried, kind of like wiggling his ears (which he didn’t have anymore and couldn’t wiggle when he did). His mouth was … he didn’t know what the heck his mouth was. It was a weird mess of powerful-looking cutting and crunching things and some even weirder tentacle things. Roger wiggled the many separate bits around and then quickly stopped, deciding it wasn’t quite as gross if he wasn’t moving it.

He folded his arms tightly together in front of him, side by side. He had done it without really thinking about it, but his odd posture suddenly made him realize what he had become.

“I’m a praying mantis,” he said in his new buzzy voice. “A big, frigging praying mantis.”

Tom Alan Brosz actually is a rocket scientist (sort of), having done design and engineering work in the private space industry back before the private space industry was cool. His qualifications for writing this book are that he has experience in raising children who like bugs, and raising pet mantises for those children. Normal-sized mantises, of course.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

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Interested in being part of MMGM ~ Shannon Messenger's genius plan to give middle grade reads their just due? Click HERE to join in and for the other participants.

Want to read more excerpts or interviews with Roger and his creature? Follow the Roger Mantis BlogTour!  Blog Tour Schedule

Have you read a middle grade story where the main character turns into an insect? An animal? Something else? Please share!

Literary Classics Winners Announced!

It's a precious thing to a writer when books are held up to the spotlight of appreciation and honor.

The 2017 Literary Classics Book Awards have been announced. I'm ecstatic to share that Motley Education has been awarded a Gold Medal for excellence in Grade School literature. Knowing that Ebony and Fleishman are touching the hearts and imagination of readers is a dream come true for me.

Winners have been invited to attend a four-day celebration Labor Day Weekend in Rapid City South Dakota, where The Great American Book Festival is being held! They have all sorts of activities for the winners and even a gala event the night the awards are physically given out. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to attend. It's just too far away and too many expenses to incur at this time. But no worries! This just fuels my writing verve to win again someday, so maybe then I'll be able to attend.

I want to thank Literary Classics for this amazing honor and a BIG Gouda Cheese of congrats goes out to all my fellow award winners. Your work is fantastic! The thought of being grouped with you is very humbling.

Here's my little graphic I designed to celebrate the announcement.

I've only shared this on Instagram, so I'd love it if you'd hop over there and Like it and even repost it!

It was suggested for this post that I share a little about Motley and about myself. Most of you have been blogging with me forever, so I won't bore you. BUT for those who are new visitors (YAY for new visitors! Welcome to the Alleyway!) feel free to take a gander over to my website to find out more about Motley Education ... about Me.

I will mention that the pre-order link for MARKED BEAUTY, my young adult contemporary fantasy/romance, will be available the 3rd week in July! But you can add it now to your Goodreads To-Be-Read List. Please and many thank yous! 

This is a list some of the winners. I highly recommend you visit them and see their wonderful work! You won't be sorry.

Carmela Dutra ~ A Blog for your Thoughts

Lisa Anne Novelline ~ Piccadilly and Her Magical World

S.A. Larsen ~ Writer’s Alley

M.J. Evans ~ The Centaur Chronicles

Stephan von Clinkerhoffen ~ The Hidden City of Chelldrah-ham

C.M. Huddleston ~ Adventures in Time series

Chess Desalls ~ The Call to Search Everywhen

Sheila Wall Slavich

Patricia Reding

Lynne Stringer ~ the Verindon Trilogy and Once Confronted

Molly and Gary Whitney - Thistle Downe, a Tale of Trolls and Fairies

But there's MORE! Remember the HD Tablet and 24 book giveaway I announced here a few weeks ago? Well, we have a winner!

CONGRATULATIONS to Nikki Simon!!!

Enjoy your Fire Tablet & 24 books!

A huge thanks goes out to all who entered. We plan on doing this again, maybe late fall so stay tuned!

MMGM~Dr. Fell and the Playground of Doom by David Neilsen & #Giveaway

I've got a wonderful book to share on this Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! #ILoveMG I also have the author here to share a bit about his writing journey & an awesome chance for you to win a signed copy of his book! But first, let's peek at the story he's created.

Dr. Fell and the Playground of Doom

by David Neilsen

GENRE: Middle Grade Creepy / Silly
PUBLISHER: Crown Books for Young Readers 
RELEASE DATE: August 9, 2016.

FAVORITE LINE: "A supremely pleasant good morning to you, urchins," announced the man slowly in a high-pitched, weak, warbling voice. "Are you residents of this fine enclave of humanity?"

DESCRIPTION: "When the mysterious Dr. Fell moves into the abandoned house that had once been the neighborhood kids’ hangout, he immediately builds a playground to win them over. But as the ever-changing play space becomes bigger and more elaborate, the children and their parents fall deeper under the doctor’s spell.


Only Jerry, Nancy, and Gail are immune to the lure of his extravagant wonderland. And they alone notice that when the injuries begin to pile up on the jungle gym, somehow Dr. Fell is able to heal each one with miraculous speed. Now the three children must find a way to uncover the doctor’s secret power without being captivated by his trickery."

Isn't this an awesome cover for a middle grade tale?!!!

Welcome to the Alleyway, David! We're excited to have you here. 

Alleywalkers wave & give cheerful 'hellos'. 

Why don't we start with what inspired you to write this story.
The inspiration to write Dr. Fell and the Playground of Doom came from a single image. The late children's illustrator Trina Schart Hyman drew a black-and-white illustration for charity depicting an old man in a top hat leering down at little girl while on his back, he carries a basket filled with hands, feet, and heads of little children. It is labeled "Dr. Fell." I'd seen this picture on my mother-in-law's wall for years before finally being driven to know more. I discovered the genesis of her image came from a four-line poem written in the 1600's. "I do not like thee Dr. Fell - The reason why I cannot tell - But this I know and know full well - I do not like thee Dr. Fell." 

Oh wow, that's quite inspiring. I love it when visual images stir so much creativity. 

Give us a sneak peek into one of your favorite characters.
The main antagonist is, of course, Dr. Fell. When I began writing him, what jumped out at me was his use of language. It is unlike anything I've ever written, and I quickly grew to admire the way he uses vocabulary to feel superior to others. He is manipulative and cruel on the inside while remaining sunny and pleasant on the outside.

What is your favorite part of this story?
My favorite part of the story is near the end, and I don't want to give anything away. However, what makes it special for me is that I always knew my editor and publisher would question me over this section and probably ask me to remove it. I took pains to explain my reasoning behind what I'd written and they eventually agreed to keep this particular section in the book.

That's admirable. I think it shows readers how hard you've worked on this story and how important this ending is to you. <3 

If you don't mind, tell your readers something quirky or unexpected about yourself.
In addition to writing, I work as a professional storyteller in Sleepy Hollow, NY and spend much of October frightening little children.

Sleepy Hollow ... Love it!

What can your fans expect from you next?
This August, my second book, Beyond the Doors, is being published. This is not a sequel to Dr. Fell, but a new, mysterious story about four children who wind up in the care of a family member they never knew existed. She's odd, but her house is even more odd, as it is large, round, and has no doors anywhere. When they eventually discover what has happened to all the doors, they enter a whole new world of adventure.

I really appreciate you stopping by for a visit, David. It's been wonderful! All the best to you with Dr. Fell and all your future projects. Feel free to drop by anytime...

Alleywalkers ... don't forget to enter David's giveaway. It'd be great if you'd share, too. TY!

~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~

David Neilsen is a classically trained actor/storyteller, a journalist, and a theater/improvisation teacher for children and adults. During the Halloween season, David can be found telling spooky tales to audiences of all ages throughout New York’s Hudson Valley, or performing one of his one-man shows based on the stories of horror author H.P. Lovecraft. David lives in Tarrytown, NY with his family. Dr. Fell and the Playground of Doom is his first novel. His second, Beyond the Doors, will be published in August, 2017. Visit him at https://david-neilsen.com.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Amazon | Twitter 

~GIVEAWAY~

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Want to be part of MMGM ~ Shannon Messenger's genius plan to give middle grade reads their just due? Click HERE to join in and for the other participants.

What stirs you when you look at this book cover?

Your Must Middle Grade Holiday Reading List!

This time of year is all about caring, sharing, and giving back. Although I've personally suffered a few cuts and bruises throughout 2016, I do have lots to be grateful for. One of my favorites is having been part of an amazingly supportive group of 2016 debut authors. So I want to give back. 
Welcome to my first of four fabulous @TheSweet16s middle grade reads installments, my next contribution to Shannon Messenger's MMGM genius plan to give middle grade reads their just due! Click HERE for the other participants.
My first spotlight: 

THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM by Kathleen Burkinshaw
Publisher: Sky Pony Press Release Date: August 2, 2016 Pages: 240
Description: Following the seventieth anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, this is a new, very personal story to join Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes.
Yuriko was happy growing up in Hiroshima when it was just her and Papa. But her aunt Kimiko and her cousin Genji are living with them now, and the family is only getting bigger with talk of a double marriage! And while things are changing at home, the world beyond their doors is even more unpredictable. World War II is coming to an end, and Japan's fate is not entirely clear, with any battle losses being hidden fom its people. Yuriko is used to the sirens and the air-raid drills, but things start to feel more real when the neighbors who have left to fight stop coming home. 
When the bomb hits Hiroshima, it’s through Yuriko’s twelve-year-old eyes that we witness the devastation and horror.
This is a story that offers young readers insight into how children lived during the war, while also introducing them to Japanese culture. Based loosely on author Kathleen Burkinshaw’s mother’s firsthand experience surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, The Last Cherry Blossom hopes to warn readers of the immense damage nuclear war can bring, while reminding them that the “enemy” in any war is often not so different from ourselves. My Splats: Sweet at times. Heart-breaking at other times.
The true-to-life historical foundation created at the onset of the story ignites the human curiosity we all possess. School kids of this age group will go bonkers over the realness of the history. Told from the view of one their age, one who was there. I mean, there were so many interesting historically-based details I never knew about, and I'm a huge history buff! This will be a fabulous tool for teachers in schools to share this era. 
But this story is more than mere history. It explores the physical, emotional, and economic impact of one of mankind's most devastating and self-created tragedies - war - through the innocent yet courageous voice of a young girl. Such a great way to share this segment of our world's history. The reader feels the fear, confusion, and threat of war through Yuriko, and then experiences the horror of its aftermath. This story gets even more personal, though. Woven within its fibers is a tale of family traditions, culture, and secrets that change all involved. 
My next spotlight: 

I AM DRUMS by Mike Grosso
Publisher: Clarion Books Release Date: September 6, 2016 Pages: 256
Description: Sam knows she wants to be a drummer. But she doesn’t know how to afford a drum kit, or why budget cuts end her school’s music program, or why her parents argue so much, or even how to explain her dream to other people.
But drums sound all the time in Sam’s head, and she’d do just about anything to play them out loud—even lie to her family if she has to. Will the cost of chasing her dream be too high?
My Splats: Totally rockin'!
Sam has a great voice - authentic and flows with ease. Basically, she breaths off the page. Like most kids her age (heck, myself included), she questions much about herself and her world, constantly exploring to find her place. Sam experiences loads of inner conflict, which just adds to the way others misunderstand her, her mannerisms, her loves, her hopes, and her dreams. She's a thinker, which I love! The author does a great job showing and exploring the stereotypes of this age by peers and even adults, and the effects. 
The element that Sam wants something and is willing to work hard to get it is a great plus for this story. Granted, she might - I said might because I don't want to feed you any spoilers ;) - go about achieving her goal in a few less desirable ways than she should have. But those are all learning opportunities for both Sam and the reader. The longer she works the more she sees value in reaching a goal in her own power. Lastly, the adult role models' speeches, choices, and intimate conversations with Sam and others are lifelike. Some are supportive, while others leave Sam feeling deserted. Like I said - life. And, of course, there's tons of musical references! Very, very cool...  
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Personal Splat: I know I've been MIA on the blogging scene for a few months. My plan is to eek my way back into a regularly schedule to start off 2017. Thanks for understanding. <3 

TRICK or TREAT Blog Hunt!

As much as I adore my faith, one would think that Christmas is my favorite holiday.  Nope. I am a MAJOR fangirl of everything spooky, creepy, and eerily odd. 
via GIPHY

I LOVE HALLOWEEN!

Everything about it from pumpkins to cooler weather, and costumes to graveyards. I mean, really. You can't be surprised. Motley Education - my middle grade novel that released two weeks ago - is basically set in a graveyard. #clears throat 

Sorry, it's basically set in a boneyard - according to Ebony Charmed, main character of ME.

And what better way to celebrate Halloween set in a boneyard than to play trick or treat? Want to see what's up for treats? 

A creepy-awesome black canvas tote bag with a cool skull on the cover, filled with each of the books noted below as well as bookmarks and other great book swag. You will also win all of the treats that the author's list on their pages PLUS a bunch of other candy treats all in a black plastic cauldron. You'll even get the cute little plastic skulls shown in the prize photo. 

LIST OF PARTICIPATING AUTHORS and their AWESOME BOOKS!
Amy McNulty - NOBODY'S GODDESS (advanced paperback)
Kiran Oliver - DAYBREAK RISING (ebook)
Dorothy Dreyer - SCARE ME TO SLEEP (Kindle ebook)
Jodie Andrefski - THE SOCIETY (signed paperback)
Julia Ember - UNICORN TRACKS (paperback)
Julie Reece - THE ARTISANS (signed paperback)
Nina Rossing - FJORD BLUE (signed paperback)
Pat Edsen - BEYOND YOUR TOUCH
Pintip Dunn - FORGET TOMORROW (signed paperback)
S.A.Larsen - MOTLEY EDUCATION (signed paperback)
Suzanne van Rooyen - OBSCURA BURNING (Releases 11/10 ebook)
Vanessa Barneveld - THIS IS YOUR AFTERLIFE (Kindle ebook)
Vicki Weavil - FACSIMILE (signed paperback)

Here's how it works: 

Visit each of the THIRTEEN participating author websites. You will find the name of the candy/treat they are giving away, as well as what BOOK they are offering as part of the PRIZE PACK!  Be sure to write down the name of the treat, you'll need it later. Each author will provide a link to another author website on the hunt. 

When you have collected the names of all 13 author "TREATS", head on over to complete the Trick or Treat Hunt Page Google Forms doc and enter the correct treat next to the corresponding author name. You can enter for BONUS chances to win via the Rafflecopter found on each author's website, by doing things like following them on Twitter or following their Goodreads page, or tweeting about the Hunt!

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The contest runs from Friday October 28th, 2016 through Midnight, October 31st, 2016 (EST)

Winner will be announced November 1st.

Contest is US only. Thank you for your understanding.

I'll be offering up a SIGNED paperback copy of Motley Education, bookmark, a set of trading cards & stickers! In honor of my main character's total obsession with anything cheese, I'll also throwing in a bag of Cheese Doodles! *Got to love the middle grade diet!*

To continue hunting for your next treat, make a pitstop at the fabulous Dorothy Dreyer's cyber home and abode! She writes young adult novels that usually have some element of magic or the supernatural in them. (How fun!) 

Her latest story happens to be part of an anthology The First Mourning  - Brothers Cain and Abel come to life once more in Dorothy Dreyer’s The First Mourning – a haunting tale of sibling rivalry bound by insecurities, the need for parental approval and affection, and the precarious line between love and hate. Some sins can’t be erased.

But before you head out, don't forget to write down the name of my treat, and  enter to win via the rafflecopter below. Feel free to leave a comment telling me YOUR favorite Halloween treat for another entry. Remember, you can tweet daily about the contest for another chance to win. Happy hunting, and good luck!! Thanks for stopping by my blog! =)

It's My Book Birthday!!! #WIN

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | INDIGO
BARNES & NOBLE | INDIEBOUND
ALIBRIS | BOOK DEPOSITORY
 ADD TO GOODREADS 

So it's finally here! Motley Education, my middle grade fantasy-adventure has been born, thrust into the wild of the book world and all its wonder. I'd love it if you'd join in my celebration, sharing via a few pre-made tweets I've created! Just choose one and tweet away:

Get schooled in Norse Mythology & corpse-raising adventure! #MotleyEducation OUT TODAY! @SA_Larsen #mglit @Leapbks http://amzn.to/2cyZJ4g 

A boneyard vacant of spirits? Uncover why in Norse Mythology #MotleyEducation OUT TODAY!!! http://amzn.to/2cyZJ4g #mglit @SA_Larsen

Happy Book Birthday #MotleyEducation! "A corpse-raising adventure steeped in Norse Mythology." @SA_Larsen @Leapbks http://amzn.to/2cyZJ4g

Thank you goes out to all those who've supported me along my publishing journey. You know who you are. I'd like to use this opportunity as a springboard to you - the newbie writer or the one still waiting, slugging it out in the verbal trenches: you are worth it. You're story is worth it. And I can't wait to share cheer in your success. 
It. Will. Happen.
Remember when I named Motley's cover Daphne? Well, I did. So, to celebrate her full release, I'm unveiling a visual of her story. Here's Motley Education's Book Trailer:
  

What do you think of the trailer? Not perfect, but I did create it myself. 

And if you love middle grade or know someone who does, please enter my giveaway for your chance to win your very own copy of MOTLEY EDUCATION & a set of MOTLEY MULISHA Playing Cards! I'd be forever grateful if you'd share the giveaway.
Starting today and ending on Sunday the 16th I also have a separate ARC giveaway going on through Twitter tagged with @TheSweet16s & @SA_Larsen. Feel free to enter that, too!

To JOIN INClick HERE!

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Pre-Release Sneak Peek #1 At Motley Education

Can you believe Motley Education releases in fifteen days? No, I can't either. But to quell a bit of my own excitement - I hope it helps yours, too - I'm releasing a teaser here and there over the next two weeks.  
As promised, here's your first sneak peek into the world of Motley Education.  And who better to greet you than the driving force for the story? 
Meet Ebony 'Jade' Charmed:

I'd tell you about her, but she's insisted on sharing the deets about herself her way. Nothing like a know-it-all tween, eh? So I'll let the back of her trading card speak her words: 

There you have it! STAY TUNED next week, when I share sneak peek #2 with you. 
Want to be part of MMGM ~ Shannon Messenger's genius plan to give middle grade reads their just due? Click HERE to join in and for the other participants.
What do you think of Ebony? (Be care what you say because she can find you ... even once you're a ghost.) 

Q&A with an Author~Jennie Brown, Poppy Mayberry - The Monday

Mondays are all about celebrating middle grade books over here on Writer's Alley, and wait 'til you see what I have for you today. 
Please welcome fellow @TheSweet16s author and all around total sweetheart Jennie K. Brown and her fabulous debut novel Poppy Mayberry, The Monday!

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B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks | Goodreads

POPPY MAYBERRY, THE MONDAY by Jennie K. Brown
Release Date: September 13, 2016 Publisher: Tantrum Books
Description: What if your teacher could read your mind just because she was born on a Thursday? Or the kid next to you in class could turn back the clock just because he was a ‘Wednesday”? In the quirky town of Nova, all of this is normal, but one thing is not—Poppy Mayberry. As an almost-eleven-year-old Monday, she should be able to pass notes in class or brush her dog, Pickle, without lifting a finger. But her Monday telekinesis still has some kinks, and that plate of spaghetti she’s passing may just end up on someone’s head. And if that’s not hard enough, practically perfect Ellie Preston is out to get her, and Principal Wible wants to send her to remedial summer school to work on her powers! It’s enough to make a girl want to disappear…if only she were a Friday.
Before we meet Jennie, I want to share that I've read this book; not for this tour, but for the Sweet 16s. The premise is clever, the writing flows, and the characters are diverse. I fell in love with Poppy! 
Hi Jennie! So glad you're visiting the Alleyway! Tell us, What inspired your idea to associate days of the week with special powers? Being a name buff, I'm always intrigued at how authors name their characters. How did you come up with Poppy and her friends' names? I just love this question. In my old house, there was a picture of a field of poppies in my exercise room/office. One day I was on my elliptical and glanced over at the picture and thought, “Poppy would be a really cool girl’s name.” A few days later, the inspiration for Poppy’s town of Nova came about, so I knew then I would use the name Poppy. Other names just popped into my head as I started to write. Some inspired by people I know (Willie is my own brother, for example), and others I just went with when they popped into my head.
And poppies are so sweet! Could you share a writing struggle from your personal journey, one you found a great lesson through?  I felt really defeated after my first agent and I had a list of rejections for POPPY. But I didn’t give up and didn’t turn my back on Poppy or her story. I think that writers need to keep on going. Don’t stop writing, querying, editing, etc.
What's your favorite thing about being a children's author?  Getting to talk to kids about books! What’s better than that?
Bucket List: Name something you'd like to try at least once in your lifetime and one place you'd love to visit? Why?  I’d love to stand on the Globe Theatre stage and recite a line from Shakespeare, and I want to visit the Globe Theatre. Why? Well … because Shakespeare! ;)

Whoa, that's big. How exciting would that be to do?! 

What do you think the biggest challenge for middle graders is today and how can authors help, inspire, encourage? 

Finding their place in the world. Whether that is what they want to do when they grow up, finding their forever friends, or finding people to sit with in the cafeteria. I think authors show kids that their potential is limitless.

TOUR SCHEDULE

It's been great having you here. I'm thrilled you've left your signature in the Alleyway! All the best to you now and always... 

For more about Jennie and Poppy, check out the rest of her tour!

Jennie K. Brown is a high school English teacher by day, freelance magazine writer by night, and middlegrade/young adult author by late-night and weekend. When she isn’t teaching or writing, Jennie can be found reading a good book, traveling, or spending time with her awesome husband, amazing son and super-spoiled yorkie.In 2010, the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) named Jennie the Pennsylvania English teacher of excellence, and she currently serves as President of the Pennsylvania Council for Teachers of English and Language Arts (PCTELA). She is also an active member of SCBWI, NCTE and ALAN. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest

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un/FAIR & Author Steven Harper

TOUR SCHEDULE by the fabulous CHAPTER BY CHAPTER

Exploring the joys, confusion, and questions of middle school is always an adventure. And this next story is no exception. I really love this main character. Please welcome Author Steven Harper, his book baby, and his main drive for this story - Ryan November. 

Google Play | BAM | Chapters | Amazon
B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks | Goodreads

un/FAIR by Steven Harper
Publisher: Month9Books Release date: September 6, 2016
Description: It's difficult enough to live in the neighborhood "freakazoid" house.  It's even more difficult when you're autistic and neither your family nor best friend really understands you.  So when Ryan November wakes up on his eleventh birthday with the unexpected ability to see the future, he braces himself for trouble.  But even his newfound power doesn't anticipate that the fair folk--undines, salamanders, gnomes, and sylphs--want him dead, dead, dead.  Ryan races to defend himself and his family against unrelenting danger from the fairy realm so he can uncover the truth about his family history--and himself.  Except as Ryan's power grows, the more enticing the fairy realm becomes, forcing him to choose between order and chaos, power and family.  And for an autistic boy, such choices are never cut and dry.
Hi Steven! So glad you could stop by. Firstly, Happy early Book Birthday!!! This is so exciting. Let's start with my personal fascination - Ryan November, your main character. 
Ryan has some thrilling challenges facing him. He also has a few personal ones, like being autistic. How did you go about incorporating this characteristic into the story?  Ryan's autism is like him having two legs or being able to hear.  It permeates everything he sees and does. Ryan doesn't get cured or inspired to "give up" being autistic as part of the story.  He learns more about himself and he gains personal strength, but by the end of the story, he's still autistic.  However, in the fairy realm, Ryan's autism--and his reliance on patterns--turns out to be an advantage, while his neuro-typical friend Alison discovers she's at a disadvantage.  The tables are turned. 
Your explanation is so perfect. It really touched my heart. Although my youngest son doesn't have autism, he does have a common component of autism - apraxia of speech. So I totally understand this. Love that you've shared it! 
What moved you and inspired you to write a story about a fairy realm?  I've also long felt that the original fairies from folklore have been too long ignored by fantasy.  Elves have become tall, majestic people.  Smaller fairies are cute or funny.  In the original stories, though, the fae were frightening creatures with rules of their own. They preyed on humans--stole their sheep, made the cows run dry, poisoned the well, kidnapped children, drove travelers into quicksand.  You didn't want to meet one.  I wanted to write a book that explored this.
You know, that's a great point! #fairiesrule
How did your own experience with reading (as a child, as an adult) influence the creation of this tale?  That's a difficult question to answer.  Everything I've ever read ultimately has an impact on everything I write.  One of the reasons I started writing as a kid, though, was because there weren't enough books of the kind I wanted to read.  Edward Eager wrote only seven fantasy novels, and so did C.S. Lewis. When you read a book in a day like I did, and when the local library had an anti-fantasy bent, there was a definite lack of books to read.  So I started writing them. 
How many times have we heard "Write what you want to read."? Very true...
What is the most important message you send through Ryan to your readers?  Autism might make someone different, but different isn't bad or wrong.  People who are different have lots to offer, even if it's not what we expect.
I wish I had an emoji thumbs-up, right now. :)
What can your readers expect from you next? My YA fantasy novel Bone War just came out.  I'm also working on a YA contemporary novel about a teenaged boy who auditions for a summer theater program, falls for the lead, and finds himself tangled in a difficult murder.  We'll see what happens!
It has been a pleasure having you here, Steven. Thank you so much for leaving your signature in the Alleyway! All the best to you always...
And Readers, want more of Steven and his work? Check this out: Steven Harper/Piziks is the author of multiple fantasy and science fiction novels written for adults, notably the Clockwork Empire and Silent Empire series for Roc as Steven Harper and movie novelizations and tie ins for Pocket Books as Steven Piziks (IDENTITY, THE EXORCIST: THE BEGINNING, GHOST WHISPERER: THE PLAUGE ROOM).  He’s also the father of an autistic son. 

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Please share this book. I think it's that special. TY! 
Have you read a book where the main character has a disability? What was it? How did it affect you?