Junebug Tales Publishing

06/15/2024

I got some originals in the mail today! Here’s a few. I LOVE Hiruni’s work.

Reminder today and tomorrow is the promotion to download a free eBook of The Silent Tree Remembers. (See previous post.)

06/13/2024

Hi FB friends! Please help me reach my goal for Amazon reviews on The Silent Tree Remembers. I'm still short of my goal.

Here's how you can help:
1. This Friday & Saturday (June 14th & 15th) download The Silent Tree Remembers eBook for FREE. The link is below. (Once you get to the Amazon page, look for "Buy for $0.00" under Kindle. It is to the right of the page. You don't have to have Kindle to download the book.)
2. Take time to read it.
3. Return to Amazon and write a review.
To get to where you create the review: After you click on the link, scroll way down until you see "Customer Reviews" and then select "Write a Customer Review."
4. Please share with your friends and family too!

If you downloaded the book during my last promotion, but forgot to write the review, it's not too late. Please use this as a reminder to do it now.

Reviews are so important on Amazon. Just a sentence or two is fine and each one can truly make a difference.

Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Tree.../dp/B0CW1HBPV2/

Thank you!!! I appreciate your support on my author journey!!

The Silent Tree Remembers: Conversation from a Tree's Perspective (The Silent Tree Remembers Book & Activity Book Set 1)

06/12/2024

My books are at Gallrein Farms and Mulberry Orchard! When you visit these special and unique spots in Shelbyville, be sure to check out my children’s books too!

06/12/2024

When you head out to Gallrein’s, be sure to check out those children’s books at the counter! Thank you Ellen for setting up such a nice display!

06/11/2024

Some people have a hard time when they retire. I can honestly say that I LOVE retirement. June 1st marked two years since I retired from teaching. I loved being a teacher partly because I loved learning. So in retirement, I'm still learning and accomplishing things I never had time for while I worked. I don't have time to get bored.

At this two year anniversary, it was fun to reflect on just a few accomplishments.

1. Growing a vegetable garden. Now I have time to actually take care of a garden. YouTube became a good friend as I tried to learn the secret to growing beans and finding the perfect time to pick melons. I even learned to can green beans (thanks to my friend Debbie). Working in my garden not only provides a good workout but also a peaceful afternoon. (That is, until Winnie comes along with her stick and barks at me until I throw it.)

2. Cleaning old gravestones. I started this hobby a few years before I retired, but now I have even more time to wander through the cemetery and pick out a stone to clean. I also have time to try to learn about the person whose stone I'm cleaning or at least about the time period when they lived. I love cleaning the old stones from the 1800s and early 1900s best. Cleaning gravestones is another rewarding and relaxing endeavor.

3. Publishing children's books. Although the thought was in the back of my mind for years, until I retired I hadn't enough time to make this happen. Since retirement, I've published two children's books and I'm getting started with my illustrator on number three. (Watch for Sled Ride Down Unrue Street in time for Christmas.) Becoming a children's book author is such an exciting adventure. I have learned so much and still have so much more to learn.

4. Reading the Bible. I've spent time reading the Bible for many years now, but until I retired I didn't have the focus and clear mind to really read and study. So a couple of years ago, I started at Genesis and, just recently, finished Revelation. As I always do when I read to learn, I underlined and made notes as I read. I admit there is much I did not understand, but there was also much I could connect to and enjoy. I love going back to re-read and ponder. I especially love it when a preacher in the stand gives me more understanding or a different perspective, making me want to go read again.

So I think one secret to enjoying retirement is to never stop learning. I am so thankful that the Lord has given me this time with good health and a mind to learn so that I can enjoy whatever adventure comes my way.

06/04/2024

Central Kentucky & surrounding area folks:
Don't miss this informative presentation using the book "7 Keys to Comprehension." We all know that reading to and with your kids is so important. We know that being able to read is the key to success in school and beyond. This book takes it to the next level and provides so many easy to do ideas for helping your kids become successful readers.
June 18th 5:30-7:30 Carnegie Center, Lexington.
Cost $50 includes your own copy of "7 Keys to Comprehension"
Please share with anyone you think might be interested.
Register here: https://carnegiecenterlex.org/.../help-your-child-become.../

05/30/2024

Don't miss opening day at Mulberry Orchard this Saturday, June 1st! Browse all the market has to offer and check out the outdoor fun for kids. And while you're there, be sure to look for the books from Junebug Tales Publishing!

05/29/2024

Morning walks are the best for clearing your mind.

05/24/2024

Hey everyone. HELP ME CREATE A NEW REEL. Share a picture of you, your kiddos, your pets, etc. with Potatoes, Papaw, and Me or the Silent Tree Remembers. Post here, or share in messenger, or email to [email protected].

05/20/2024

Take some time to travel down memory lane

05/17/2024

Bagdad Day is tomorrow and the weather is expected to be awesome! The parade is always fun for kids (at 10:00). Stop by my booth to check out Potatoes, Papaw, and Me and The Silent Tree Remembers along with their companion coloring & activity books! It is sure to be a fun day to visit Bagdad, KY! See you there!

05/16/2024

Some of my favorite memories with trees are in the fall when the leave turn to radiant reds, oranges, and yellows. It wasn't long until the maple trees in our front yard filled the ground with leaves. We couldn't wait to rake them up into the biggest pile we could make only to run and jump into them rolling in the soft pile. Then we'd rake some more and do it again.

What about you? What are some of your favorite memories with trees?

*Picture from The Silent Tree Remembers.

05/15/2024

MY WHY.

With any new adventure I take to accomplish, I always start with learning. I love to learn new stuff and I love to reflect on what I’m learning. Like the energizer bunny, learning motivates me to keep going and going. So as I continue on my author journey, although I’ve learned A LOT, I still have much to learn. I read. I listen. I talk to new author friends. I attend conferences. I reflect on reviews and what you tell me.

The book I’m currently reading for new authors, by Stephanie Feger, advises that MY WHY should drive everything I do - what I write, how I write, how I build my author platform, how I share.

So what’s MY WHY? It starts with how I love seeing an idea grow from a spark, to some words on paper, to a poem, to a book plan, and finally to a published picture book. I especially love hearing about it when others, young and not so young, enjoy reading those words.

But that’s just the beginning of MY WHY. While I consider myself a life-long learner, I’m also always a teacher. I want my books to help children become good readers and writers. I want to give parents and teachers a book that is not only entertaining to read, but also provides guidance in using the book to strengthen children’s reading and writing abilities. I want kids to love reading. I want my books to inspire kids to write. This is my overarching WHY. This will guide my author journey.

I appreciate all of you because you have a role in my author journey and I just wanted to let you know MY WHY.

05/10/2024

Excited to be heading to Stargazer Plaza, Main Street, Shelbyville to read in the Kids Zone tomorrow! Hope to see you there! Reading at 10:30 and 1:00.

04/30/2024

My perfect spot to think and write.

04/26/2024

Looking forward to the Bluegrass Writers Coalition Conference of Writers!! I can’t wait to learn from local authors and to get to share my books in the Authors Shop!

04/20/2024

Hi Facebook friends! Please help me reach my goal for reviews on Amazon of my new children's book, The Silent Tree Remembers. Reviews are so VERY important on Amazon.

You may downloaded the free ebook during my weekend promotion earlier this month, purchased a book online, or purchased from me. If you did and you enjoyed the book, please take a moment to write a short review. Just a sentence or two will do.

Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Tree-Remembers-Conversation-Perspective-ebook/dp/B0CW1HBPV2/

After you click on the link, scroll way down until you see "Customer Reviews" and then "Write a Customer Review."

Thank you!!!

The Silent Tree Remembers: Conversation from a Tree's Perspective (The Silent Tree Remembers Book & Activity Book Set 1)

04/11/2024

Those of you in the Shelbyville area, be sure to stop in to see me and several local authors at the Shelby County Library Carnegie Center. 10:00 to Noon. Hope to see you there!

04/06/2024

Just a reminder that today or tomorrow you can download my eBook for free! My new children's book, The Silent Tree Remembers: Conversation from a Tree's Perspective is now published and live on Amazon and other online bookstores.

My hope is that if you like the book, you will help me reach my goal of 40 reviews on Amazon.

Here's how:
1. This Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (April 5-7), download my eBook for FREE from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Tree.../dp/B0CW1HBPV2/ (Under Kindle, you should see $0.00 to buy and can click there.)

2. Allow a few hours or a day or so to read it.

3. Return to Amazon and complete a review. (Scroll down to where you see "Write a Customer Review.")

If you love trees, you are sure to enjoy this little story written in poetic style. It is a story of a man contemplating cutting down a tall beautiful tree but the tree reminds the man of the many experiences they've shared. Also keeping to my brand, in the last pages you'll find guidance for parents & teachers to use the book to help children become better readers and writers.

Thank you so much for your support. Mostly, I really hope you enjoy my new children's book! Happy reading!

PLEASE SHARE to help me reach my goal!

04/03/2024

Hi everyone! I'm so excited to share that my new children's book, The Silent Tree Remembers: Conversation from a Tree's Perspective is now published and live on Amazon and other online bookstores.

As a promotion, this weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) you can download the eBook for FREE. And my hope is that if you like the book, you'll be willing to write a review on Amazon. My goal is 40 reviews on Amazon by April 15th.

To help me reach my goal:

1. This Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, download my eBook for free from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Tree-Remembers-Conversation-Perspective-ebook/dp/B0CW1HBPV2/ (Under Kindle, you should see $0.00 to buy and can click there.)

2. Allow a few hours or a day or so to read it.

3. Return to Amazon and complete a review. (Scroll down to where you see "Write a Customer Review.")

If you love trees, you are sure to enjoy this little story written in poetic style. It is a story of a man contemplating cutting down a tall beautiful tree but the tree reminds the man of the many experiences they've shared. Also keeping to my brand, in the last pages you'll find guidance for parents & teachers to use the book to help children become better readers and writers.

Thank you so much for your support. Mostly, I really hope you enjoy my new children's book! Happy reading!

PLEASE SHARE to help me reach my goal!

03/22/2024

My proof for book 2 came today! I just LOVE Hiruni’s attention to detail. This is one of my favorite pages. Notice the baby bird peeking out while the mother bird shelters it from the storm. The Silent Tree Remembers will be live in Amazon on April 1st-just in time for Arbor Day and Earth Day!

03/19/2024

I've never left a Writing Project conference short on ideas!

03/15/2024

That face at an author visit when I shared, “Oh, I taught your dad in 6th grade science.” 💕

03/13/2024

Exciting news! Book 2, The Silent Tree Remembers, is almost complete. Here is the DRAFT (a couple of edits to be yet made) front and back cover. I personally really like this little story and think it will be engaging for kindergarten through adult. The illustrations are just so beautiful and bring the story alive. Still being the teacher I am, the final pages provide ways for parents to interact with children while reading and then provides a prompt for writing based on the story. I hope you will check it out!

If you are interested in signing up for my email list (and get a FREE Potatoes, Papaw, and Me read aloud video) you can sign up here: https://forms.gle/Ld5RrccTx7twss727

03/10/2024

Loved spending the morning with students at Painted Stone last week. They were so engaged and fun to be with.

03/08/2024

Sneak peak #1 of The Silent Tree Remembers: Conversation From a Tree's Perspective. The man walks up to the tree, with saw in hand, pondering the idea of cutting it down. Can the tree convince the man otherwise by sharing the many delightful moments they've shared over the years? What do you think?

03/06/2024

This stump in the woods along my hiking trail was the perfect place to refine the text for book #2. Being surrounded by trees along with the sights and sounds of the woods is always inspiring to me. Watch for The Silent Tree Remembers: Conversation From a Tree’s Perspective in April just in time for Arbor Day. Stay tuned for sneak peaks!

Have you signed up for Junebug Tales’ email list? Sign up and get a FREE Potatoes, Papaw, and Me read aloud video. Here's the link:
https://forms.gle/836R1nrTWhFmDvM56

03/02/2024

Reading time with a grandchild can be a precious time and is sure to create special memories a child will cherish many years to come. I love that this grandfather picked Potatoes, Papaw, and Me to share with his granddaughter! One reviewer wrote, "Papaws will LOVE it!" and I hope this papaw and granddaughter love it as well.

02/28/2024

For those of you in the Frankfort and Shelbyville area, come join me at these library events the next two Saturdays! I'll be sharing Potatoes, Papaw, and Me in the children's department in Frankfort this Saturday, March 2, and at the Shelby County Library's Carnegie Center, next Saturday, March 9.

02/24/2024

I just LOVE seeing comments on my Potatoes, Papaw, and Me read aloud video! What wonderful ideas for sharing! I definitely believe picture books are for all ages to enjoy! I certainly have my own collection. I've heard so many times how this little poem brought sweet memories to mind! That's the goal indeed!

If you haven't signed up for Junebug Tales' email list and are interested, here's the link: https://forms.gle/J3APdDrJCf8GbhBQA You'll get the free read aloud video as a thank you.