Meet Author Jennifer Greenleaf!

Maine Living: One Writer's Perspective:

Can you give my readers a synopsis?
This book is a compilation of articles I wrote in 2001 that have since grown stale on the Internet. My goal: gather them all up, and breath new life into them. I wanted to give my readers a glimpse into what it's like to live in this great State of Maine from "one writer's perspective." Readers will walk away with information, bits of history, entertainment, and diary-style writing.

You have several titles, Jenn what made this one special for you?
This particular title is special for me because each piece of writing featured in this text was written as events were unfolding in my life, as I wanted to learn new things, and as I experienced new things. I was a young mother, so each piece of writing also holds memories of what I was doing and how I was caring for my children at the time.

What were some of your biggest challenges while writing Maine Living?
When these pieces were originally written, I was living in a small duplex in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. While it's a beautiful area filled with excellent touristy things to do, it's a difficult place for locals to live "off season." We experienced a lot of power-outages from ice storms, we had to do a lot of walking with babies in strollers because our car was unreliable, and things like that. Each time I sat down to write, I used those challenges to fuel whatever I planned to complete that day.

After the project's completion, did you think later about something you should have included?
I should've done more town and city features because there are a lot of interesting and unheard of corners in Maine that deserve some attention.
Who is your biggest cheerleader?
My children! They want to bring my books in to show their classes during "sharing time" and "show 'n tell."

What blogs do you like to read?
My list is lengthy, so I'll give you the short and sweet version:
http://www.creativelyselfemployed.com/blog.htm
http://therenegadewriter.com/
http://thewritermama.wordpress.com/
http://somethingshewrote.blogspot.com/
http://flibbitygibbet.blogspot.com/

Were your parents creative types as well?
My mother used to be a "crafter" and worked the Maine Made Craft shows. My father used to be a computer science teacher, but he liked to draw when he was very young.

We know what you do well; what is something you struggle with?
Time management is my biggest hiccup right now. I find myself focusing on doing things for others or for the household during the majority of the day, which ultimately leads to very little writing time. This is a problem I'm consistently working toward fixing, though.

Jenn has a busy life as a mother of two, a stepmother to one, and soon will be a "kitty mommy" of three kittens!

She adds: My family inspires the majority of my writing and book ideas, which is such a gratifying feeling. Each time I hold a copy of one of my books, or see something published online, I can't help thinking, "I wouldn't have been able to accomplish this if it wasn't for them."

Please ask for Jenn's books at your library, and visit her sites to learn more about this hard working and creative lady!

Jenn's Facebook Fan page


Side Note: Check back in the next few weeks to learn a little something about one of this author's other titles.

101 Mixed-Media Art Projects, How-To's & Ideas: A Beginner's Guide to Art With No Rules!

Writing Blog:
12 Publications in 12 Months Blog:
Happy 2010 Jenn~ I'm wishing you great success!

Meet Author K. M. Groshek

Recently, I had the opportunity to get to know Kim Groshek, she is a beautiful, creative and driven woman. I asked her a few questions about her book release Bug's Trip to The Store and I'm so glad she could share some time with me enabling my readers to get to know her somewhat too!

What prompted you to write the book?
I’ve always wanted to write a children’s book since i was little. I almost forgot about it for many years, it would come up in conversations during the past over 26 years, then two years ago, I set a goal to run a half marathon in 25 states. Through the journey accomplishing this goal (in 2 years) I attended a writing workshop in Colorado, which helped me realize that I could write creatively. I have 6 professional technical articles published, for my career but that is much different. So, during my travels, I journaled and an idea hit me on my way to Vermont. This is when I wrote my first draft of the first book in the series. From there I illustrated and refined the draft several times. I knew this was going to be good when, after my half marathon, eating my fresh soup in a restaurant overlooking Lake Champlain, I read my draft to an 8 year old and ask him to give me his honest opinion, if I read my manuscript to him. I watched as I read my book to him and he was very intent and listening, absorbing every word. After I was done reading it, he nodded profusely, saying he really liked it. So, then I followed the rest of the publishing process as other authors/illustrators do.
Were you able to have insight to illustrator or illustrations used?
Yes, I have an art background. It was something I went to school in college for a short while over 20 years ago. I basically put my art on the back burner since then, doing many craft type projects (selling things at craft shows and so on, but that was the extent). I brought my art out again this past year, because it was time. Yes, I illustrated my book, I used magic marker, then transferred into Photoshop and did the rest in Photoshop.


What is your favorite part of the book?
Favorite part of the book, really all of it, since the bug character, is really coming alive from my imagination. That is the neat part about it! I do have a picture that is really cool, I’ll see If I can attach it so you can see how that rings true in the picture.

Are you working on other projects involving writing?
Other projects, yes, I have 2 more books in the works, the 2nd book, called Bug meets his friend is going to be published in Feb and the 3rd book Bug goes through the maze is all illustrated, I am working on the manuscript as we speak. I also have a fire prevention series, called Floyd the Fire Truck series, which I am presenting to the insurance industry in January, which will include an online book and some games. I am also starting to kick off writing a Y/A novel, ideas are being kicked around, not sure if this will be a series or one book. I plan on working on the Y/A project during 2010. This will be my main focus besides traveling for promoting my book.

Kim's Message: I feel the message in my book is a good one and that is important to me to help readers learn perseverance, determination and resiliency will help them overcome any obstacle. Staying strong and being creative in the process.

Closing:I'd like to ask my readers to go to their local library and ask for Bug's Trip to the Store by K.M. Groshek, let's help her get the word out and her book in more libraries!
Please visit Kim's site's to get to know her further along with two new covers for upcoming books, which can also be pre-ordered!
http://www.kmgroshek.com
Blog: http://www.kgroshek.blogspot.com
Facebook author page: http://www.facebook.com/kmgroshek