So What is it About Inspiration?

Inspiration is a cloud of smoke, hard to get through and so worthwhile when you do.  I am asked often about the concept.  Where does it come from?  Do you have to conjure it up?  Are there times when it goes away?  I decided to give an illustration through a vignette.  

And speaking of illustrations, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the marvelous illustrator/water colorist of the Bella and Britt series, Samantha Bell.

Sea Turtle Summer came to me, not on a glorious beach with glimmering white sand but in a stark utilitarian hospital room.  Talk about being led by your muse.  She had to work wonders with this one.
 
My husband was recovering from back surgery (happily, he's fine now.)  I sat in his room, net book on lap and waited for inspiration to come calling.  And she did, demanding another Bella and Britt book.   About sea turtles.

So I began Sea Turtle Summer on a frigid February morning in St. Louis and was instantly transported to Clearwater Beach, where the weather was balmy, and the beach was getting busy.  

A female Loggerhead sea turtle was heading back to the sea, but I knew her nest was in trouble.  Enter Britt and Bella, and the girls and I were off and running.

It's a funny thing, inspiration.  Sea Turtle Summer, I know, was a combination of my many early morning walks on Clearwater Beach, all the conversations about the plight of sea turtles and time on my hands that winter morning, willing my muse to conjure up a worthy story.  She hardly ever fails.

Once it began, the book came quickly, and I was able to get the main story in place by the time my husband went home.  Some books do that, I find.  Some do not.  But whichever way they begin, the end game is the goal.  Oh, that and something wonderful and magical in the pages between.  Let's hope my muse or inspiration or spark continues.  It is such a positive thing!

Two Loggerhead Sea Turtles Released After One Year in Rehab

Two loggerhead sea turtles rescued on Isle of Palms at the  have been released following a year's worth of rehabilitation thanks to the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program.

Jammer Before and After

Both turtles were brought to the center near death, according to an Aquarium news release. After a full recovery, the Aquarium is partnering with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission.

Here is a bit of information on each turtle:



Heading Home

Jammer is a 93-pound juvenile loggerhead sea turtle. S/he was rescued on the Isle of Palms near the Windjammer beach bar in April of last year. When brought into the hospital by SCDNR, Jammer was extremely debilitated, suffering from emaciation, dehydration, and had a heart rate of only 7 beats per minute.

  Upon admittance, there was concern that Jammer had neurological damage because s/he was swimming in circles in the same direction, but after several weeks of intensive care, Jammer began swimming normally. Treatment included antibiotics, fluids, vitamin injections, barnacle removal and treatment for shell damage due to secondary infection. After more than a year of treatment, Jammer is finally ready for the journey back into the Atlantic Ocean!

Celebration for All

Hamlin Creek is a 75-pound juvenile

loggerhead sea turtle found in Hamlin Creek, also located on the Isle of Palms. S/he was rescued in June of last year suffering from severe dermatitis, dehydration, and had poor blood work.

  Treatment for Hamlin Creek included fluids, vitamin injections, and antibiotics. Since being admitted to the Sea Turtle Hospital, Hamlin Creek has gained weight and his/her skin has fully healed. Feisty and healthy, Hamlin Creek is ready to venture back into the open ocean.

Sea Turtle Summer Wins Children's Literary Classic's Seal of Approval

I am delighted and honored to accept the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval for Sea Turtle Summer.  The book is the second in the Bella and Britt Series.  One Pelican at a Time also won the seal.

Below is the Children's Classics review of Sea Turtle Summer.  Thank you again for this amazing honor!

Sea Turtle Summer is the story of two brave young girls who simply won't take 'no' for an answer when it comes to saving a clutch of young turtle eggs. --After witnessing a turtle laying eggs on the beach, they rush to tell the ranger so no harm will come to the eggs. Upon discovering that the ranger is out sick for the day, the girls take matters into their own hands. Despite numerous obstacles, the girls insist upon helping ensure the safety of the eggs. In the end, they are rewarded for their efforts when, months later, they have the opportunity to help guide the hatchlings safely to sea.

Sea Turtle Summer offers an inspiring message of empowerment while fostering a love for nature and wildlife. Nancy Stewart, bestselling author of the Bella and Britt Beach Series children's books, has created another heartwarming tale of hope and determination which is sure to instill positive values in the minds of young readers.

Sea Turtle Summer earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval, a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.
 

The Relevance of Sea Turtle Summer (Children's Book Week)

Please have a look at the trailer for Sea Turtle Summer at the post's end.  Also, please sign up below to win gifts. And, take a look at the six blogs of the other Guardian Angel authors participating in the Children's Book Week Celebration listed at the end of this post.

Why a book called Sea Turtle Summer?  So much is written about sea turtles.  Another one?

The answer, of course, is a resounding yes!  Sea turtles have been on this earth for over fifty million years.  They breathed the same air as dinosaurs, and now they, too, are threatened.  Not by a giant meteor but by humans.  But we humans can do something about the fate of these wondrous sea creatures.


Enter Bella and Britt.  In the series, I try to address marine animals that are in peril, generally because of human interference. 

 The girls find a female Loggerhead sea turtle (the largest of them all) on their beach in the middle of the day. Realizing she needs to return safely to the sea, the girls wait until she's back in the water then turn their attention to her nest.

Dusk is coming, and a light rain begins to fall. They have to return home. Marking the nest as best as they can, they fretfully leave it, vowing to return early the next morning.  What happens next is an adventure and a growth process for them.

Through the book, Britt and Bella learn to become empowered, realizing they must make decisions some adults will not like.  What they do to try and save the nest takes courage and perseverance.  Can they do it?

Sea turtles are certainly worthy of the attention given to them today.  Some species are even making a small comeback with the help of volunteers who stand guard and guide hatchlings into the silvery sea by moonlight.  Much more needs to be done to help preserve these ancient creatures. 

In the words of the girls...

Be careful, Little Ones, whispered Britt. She gently helped two hatchlings slide over a small silvery wave.

Yeah, Bella said softly. Saving you is the best part of living by the beach.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Entry during the Children's Book Week celebration by Guardian Angel Publishing does not guarantee winning the FREE tote bag of Guardian Angel Publishing books, or the FREE picture book manuscript critique by Margot Finke. Winner of the FREE picture book manuscript critique by Margot Finke shall not hold Ms. Finke liable in publication success of submitted picture book manuscrip

Guardian Angel Publishing Author Blogs:

Mayra Calvani - www.mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com

Margo Dill - www.margodill.com/blog

Margot Finke – www.hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com

Donna McDine - www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

Nancy Stewart - www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com

Kai Strand - www.kaistrand.blogspot.com

Nicole Weaver - www.mysisterismybestfriend.blogspot.com

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins in Florida

Florida wildlife officials are warning beachgoers to watch out for sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.Loggerhead, leatherback and green sea turtles regularly nest on Florida beaches from March through October. All three are federally protected species.

Green sea turtle

(Please see video of green sea turtle laying her eggs in video at end of post.)


Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials warn beachgoers to leave the turtles and their nests alone.

Sea turtle eggs typically incubate for 45 to 60 days, and the vulnerable hatchlings will emerge through November.

Bella and Britt guiding loggerhead turtles safely to sea

Officials urge people to turn off or shield outdoor lights that face the ocean, because the artificial lights can disorient hatchlings heading toward the water.

 The commission says 2011 was an exceptional year for sea turtles in Florida, with a record number of green turtle nests and a high number of leatherback turtle nests.  

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/15/2694923/sea-turtle-nesting-season-begins.html#storyli

First Stop on Tour is Between the Covers Blog

This morning kicks off my continued Sea Turtle Summer Tour with Pump Up Your Book.  We are going to Between the Covers, a thoughtful and terrific blog.

Hello, You Beautiful World

This blog spotlights books reviews them.  It's a gorgeous blog.  Come on over, and be a part of Between the Covers!

The photo used here is of baby Loggerhead sea turtles emerging from their nest on the coast of Florida.  These babies all arrived safely to the sea with the help of dedicated volunteers who assisted them in their journey. 

Thank you to everyone who helps in this worthwhile endeavor worldwide.  May the sea turtle populations stabalize through this effort.

Hands Across the Sands!

Sea Turtle Summer Book Tour Continues

Below please find the schedule for my Sea Turtle Summer Book Tour.  I hope you come along with me.  The book will be reviewed at some great blogs, and I'm excited about this tour.  In addition, I'll be posting my regular assortment of offerings on topics from around the world.

(Please view trailer of Sea Turtle at bottom of this post).

Monday, January 16^th

Book excerpt featured at Between the Covers

Tuesday, January 17^th

Book reviewed at Good Family Reads

Wednesday, January 18^th

Book reviewed at Bluerose’s Heart

Book reviewed at Year of Jubilee Reviews

Thursday, January 19^th

Book spotlighted at The Writer’s Life

Friday, January 20^th

Book reviewed at Sweet Peripety

Tuesday, January 24^th

Book reviewed at BookSpark

Wednesday, January 25^th

Guest blogging at Literarily Speaking

Thursday, January 26^th

Book reviewed at Reading, Writing and Ruckus

Friday, January 27^th

Book reviewed at Classic Children’s Books

Sea Turtle Summer Reviewed at Kristi's Book Nook

The book tour for Sea Turtle Summer begins today!  The book for children ages 6 to 9 is being interviewed at Kristi's Book Nook. 

Please stop by and see what is said about the new adventures of Bella and Britt.  The girls are on the beach again, but this time they try to save a Loggerhead sea turtle's nest from destruction.

Will they be able to stand in the face of adult opposition to their plan?  What they propose doing may cause a lessening of beach revenues from tourists. What will happen to the nest and to the girls?

Sold at:  Guardian Angel Publishing, amazon.com, barnes & noble.com
and on my web and blog sites (for autographed copies)

Join us at Kristi's Book Nook today!

Loggerhead Turtles Showcased in Sea Turtle Summer

Loggerhead sea turtles are an ancient species, having been on this earth for up to forty million years.  These turtles have very large heads and strong jaws. They can weigh up to three hundred pounds as adults.

(Please view the sea turtle hatchling rescue at the bottom of the post.)

Loggerheads spend most of their lives in the open ocean and in shallow coastal waters. They rarely come ashore, with the exception of the females' brief visits to build nests and lay eggs.
This turtle is endangered worldwide. Their main enemy is human.  Because of pollution, reduction of habitat, fishing trawls, the population is dwindling.

Many people and organizations are trying to help these majestic creatures. They are protected by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. In the US and in many other parts of the world, disturbing a nest carries large fines. 

I hope my new children's book, Sea Turtle Summer, can do its part to help bring the turtles' plight to the attention of kids and their parents.  Education is the number one factor in conserving our planet.

Sea Turtle Summer is the second book in the Bella and Britt Series. The girls find a female sea turtle laying her eggs on the busiest beach in their town.  They see the female safely back into the sea, but what can they do to save the nest? 

This is not only an ecology book for children.  It is about kid empowerment as well.  Bella and Britt find themselves disagreeing with adults, and that makes for a sensitive situation. 

I would love for your children and grandchildren to read Sea Turtle Summer with you in the hope it will enlighten and uplift everyone who reads it. The book was launched on November 14 and can be found at: 

Sea Turtle Summer can be found at: Guardian Angel Publishing, amazon.com, barnes & noble.com, Fictionwise and at my web and blog sites, where autographed copies can be purchased:  http://nancystewartbooks.com and http://nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com/

Read more: http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-sea-turtle-summer-by/#ixzz1ed8hU3Wx