It's time for the IWSG post of the month. The question is, "What's going on in your life?"
Well...
I'm not sure you really want to know what's going on in my personal life. It's been rough. But I will say that my children, ex, and I have survived the virus, and we're just fine. It blows my mind that all these people are dying from it.
Lots going on with writing: I finished the first draft of the 3rd book of my Bubba and Squirt series. It's called, Bubba and Squirt's City of Bones (set in Paris). I also started writing the 4th one, Bubba and Squirt's Shield of Athena (set in Athens, Greece). The second one, Bubba and Squirt's Mayan Adventure comes out on September 15th. And Voyagers: The Third Ghost comes out in May. I have a story in that anthology. Lots of marketing going on and preparations for those releases!
Since we've all been quarantined, the music lessons I teach have all been online. That's interesting, for sure! Somehow it works. All of my orchestra performances have been canceled. Sad about that, but life goes on. Hopefully, this social-distancing won't last into the summer!
My son, Bubba, recently went to a zoo up in North Georgia.
When you think of zoos, I'm sure you picture lions, tigers, bears, elephants, giraffes, and hippos. There were absolutely none of these creatures at the zoo. What was at the zoo were chickens. Free-range chickens. And there were some dogs. In cages. And some cows and ponies. And a couple of wolves and an owl. Maybe the wolves made it a zoo. I don't know. This zoo even had a zoo guide. Like the kids who went really needed a guide to tell them what a chicken was!
All I have to say is that I hope the chickens had the sense to stay away from the wolves, or things could get a little messy!
And now for something completely unrelated. Since many of you are home because of covid-19, I thought I'd share a video from a recent performance I did with the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra. I am playing the Bruch Double Concerto for Viola and Clarinet. The clarinetist is my friend, Diane Hargreaves. (I'm the violist.) I hope it entertains you!
Today, I have special guest, Tara Tyler, at my pad talking about bullying. She's the author of the Beast World series.
Taking Back Beast World, Phase 2.Disney/Pixar's Onward comes out Mar 6 with a setting eerily close to BEAST WORLD. It's time to speak out again--in a positive way!
I'm so glad I've gotten to know Sherry IRL. She's a strong, determined woman with a huge heart -- and you can see it in her fabulous stories! So happy for your successes and your triumphs, Sherry. And thanks for helping me out with my campaign.
Aww, thanks, Tara! I'm so glad I've gotten to know you, too!
I've taught kids from Urban Atlanta to Rural Ohio and tons of Suburban Meccas in between. And I can tell you one thing: teens are essentially the same.
I became a Math Teacher to help kids who inherently dislike math (I know some of you groaned when I mentioned my paying job!) But as a teacher, I see and help with so much more than just academics.
Teens struggle in many ways. I've pulled apart fights, reported weapons and suicidal thoughts, and listened to so many hearts being poured out needing to be heard. It's in my nature to help, and I wish I could do more. But it's just little ol' me - what can I do?
So I put together an anti-bully "Stand Up for Yourself" presentation! Here's a sample (one of my first... sort of a dress rehearsal):
I've only done a few with my busy schedule (and now full-time job) but I'm going to keep at it! I'm determined to reach as many kids as I can. Through my teaching, presentations, and books I hope to inspire and motivate our youth who need more encouragement that they can overcome and accomplish anything!
Ever done/thought of doing a school presentation? Kids are wonderful--how can we show them?
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 novel 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!
Here's my review of Windy Hollow, the third book in her series:
Windy Hollow is the third book of the Beast World series. Gabe, a goblin, and his assortment of friends, are invited to a wedding. Little do they know that an announcement will be made that humans and beasts are interacting with each other, even though it is forbidden. On top of that, they learn that an evil scientist is conducting ruthless experiments on beasts. It's a recipe for a whole lot of trouble.
Excitement and adventure abound in this creative tale of teenage friends who learn that friendship, courage, and trust can save the day. Recommended for middle grade readers.
This month's question is, "Have you ever used a family tradition in one of your books?"
Short answer: No.
Then I did some thinking. What family traditions do I have other than holiday traditions? The only thing I could think of was celebrating half-birthdays. I baked cakes for my kids when they were exactly x.5 years old. That's it. So boring! What about you? Have you ever used a family tradition in one of your books? Do you even have a family tradition other than whatever you do to celebrate the holidays? If so, what is it?
Before I go, I'd like to let you know I'm a guest on the When Angels Fly blog. If you have a moment, please stop by and visit.
