Dear Reader, Love, Author Blog Post

I have posted my letter to the Dear Reader, Love, Author Blog.  Hope you enjoy it!
 
Dear Reader, 

 

Have you ever walked along a beach somewhere on this glorious planet and found instant inspiration, an epiphany of sorts?  Well, that is exactly what happened to me one glorious December day seven years ago on Clearwater Beach, Florida.  Right out of the blue, as it were.  Here’s what happened:  Strolling along on wet sand, I came across the outline of a heart.  But what was written inside stopped mine. Only one word. Bella. It became completely clear that I write a book about a beach girl called Bella. And from that bolt of insight, Bella was born.

 

As sometimes happens, an almost simultaneous incident occurred; this time a terrible one: The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010. The entire world was inundated with wrenching photos of once blue water slicked over by deadly oil, birds drenched and weighted down with the deadly stuff, and BP executives spewing invectives about how it was not their fault. And something snapped in me.  I sat down and wrote One Pelican at a Time: A Story of the Gulf Oil Spill.  Not only was Bella the protagonist.  Her best friend Britt joined her in the effort.  And that book began the Bella and Britt beach series. 

 

My newest offering, Mystery at Manatee Key, is the fourth in the series and features Britt front and center.  It is she alone who must rescue Bella and the ranger from a ring of manatee smugglers.  By now, the series reader is familiar with the ranger, who is warm-hearted and loves all things beachy.  Dwayne Smarr is the bad guy and Britt’s nemesis throughout much of the book.  He is so bad that he’s fun to love to hate.  With kids, black and white rules, and Dwayne has no shades of gray!

 

Throughout the series, I have tried to infuse a love of and respect for nature and Mother Earth, the only home we humans have at this point in our galaxy.  Without being preachy, it is my hope that in reading the books, children will find a fun story, interesting facts, and a love of learning interwoven throughout the pages.  If all that occurs, I’ve been a successful author and have done my intended job.

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!

Bella Saves the Beach Launched on Earth Day, April 22, 2013

My new picture story book, Bella Saves the Beach, is the third in the Bella and Britt series.  It is being launched this week with a blog tour, kicking off on Earth Day, Monday, April 22 at The Children and Teens Book Connection.  

Please view the trailer at the bottom of the post!

There is a back story, though, to this book, which is this:

Bella Saves the Beach was the first book in the series and the one taken by my publisher, Guardian Angel Publishing.  That was in 2010.  Just before it was to go to press, the Deepwater Horizon Gulf Oil Spill happened. 
 
My publisher, Lynda Burch, thought the House needed to have a book for kids on the spill and determined Bella and Britt were the kids to do it.  

Lynda was hoping to have the book, which became One Pelican at a Time, become the first kids' book in the U.S. to deal with the spill--and it was! 

 
Poor Beach Bella was put on hold.  Another in the series, Sea Turtle Summer, was published.  And then it was Beach Bella's turn!  

I am so delighted the book will help celebrate Earth Day and would love if if Britt and Bella helped spread the word about how very important this global celebration will be.  Samantha Bell, the wonderfully talented water-colorist, did the illustrations for the series.  I am so grateful to her for bringing the books to life on the page. 

Samantha Bell--Artist for All Seasons

 It is my great pleasure to have as my guest today, Samantha Bell. She is a fine illustrator of children's books, and she works in many media, including watercolor. Sam was the illustrator who brought Bella and Britt to life in the Bella and Britt series, (Guardian Angel Publishing) for which I am eternally grateful!

As every writer of children's books knows, the written word is only half of the book.  Without the illustrator's talents, the book is not a book at all.  The illustrator brings it to life.  Gives it bones upon which to hang the story.  When I think of Britt and Bella, the words I wrote telling their story are not what comes to mind.  Rather, it is the girls themselves--the lovely, spunky, fearless girls that Sam's creative talent brought to the series.

NS  Please tell us about your earliest illustrating. School, even earlier? How did it happen?

SB  My very earliest illustrations were for a story I wrote when I was about seven years old. The story (or stories, rather -- it was a series!) was about the adventures of a cat named Kitty De Dums. I typed them up on half-sheets of paper and added an illustration to every page.

NS  Your illustrations are so lifelike. Do they come from models, your head, both?

SB   I'm all in favor of reference material! :) I find models for the people I illustrate and use reference photos for the other things in the picture. I love using models, because then the children who pose for me can literally see themselves in the books!

My typical process is this: After reading the manuscript, I work out a story board for each page, deciding what will be in each illustration. I do this with little scribbles, and I'm probably the only one who can tell
what the scribbles are supposed to be. From this, though, I know what I'll need for each illustration -- models, animals, objects, etc. -- and then go from there.

NS   What is a typical day like for an illustrator? Do you have a studio?

I'm not a full-time illustrator, but rather a full-time mom, so I don't think I ever have a typical day. With four children at home, my day might go like this: Wake up, work in some illustrating time, get the family up and going, run through the day's activities of schoolwork, appointments ,lessons, errands, housework, and meals (with a little illustrating time squeezed in again), get folks off to bed, and illustrate some more. I have some really good lighting in my studio, so I can work late at night if I need to. And my studio? A tiny room at the front of our house that used to
be the nursery for my youngest. We just call it the "art room", because sometimes my kids work on projects in there too.
 
NS   You illustrate animals so beautifully, too. Do you use some real animals as models?

SB  It's harder for me to work from life when illustrating an animal; that is, unless it's sleeping! So I find or take my own reference photos, coming up with a collection that shows the animal from lots of different angles so I have enough to work from.

 NS  The illustrations you did for the Bella and Britt series are so gorgeous. I feel that I know these girls as well as my own children. I am always amazed at how well you capture their personalities. How do you do it?
SB  It must be my models! When I meet with the girls, I take along my storyboard and tell them what I need them to do. They are so much fun to work with! They "act out" the story as I take a million photographs --they are so patient!

The Story Behind the Writing of One Pelican at a Time for Children's Book Week

A note before the post...Please take a look at the PBS GulfWatch video on the writing of One Pelican at a Time at the bottom of the post.  Please don't forget to vote, and the other authors' blog addresses are below as well!

One Pelican at a Time is a book that should not have been written.   Strange thing, one might think, for an author to say about her own book.  It is, though, quite true.

The first book in the Bella and Britt Series, Bella Saves the Beach, was slated to launch within weeks, when a major ecological catastrophe occurred in the US.  It was the Deepwater Horizons oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010. 

My publisher Lynda Burch at Guardian Angel Publishing and I agreed that a book had to be done about such an event.  She thought the Bella and Britt series was the perfect vehicle to use and she was right.

  Lynda shelved "Beach Bella," and I went to work on Pelican.  (It was yet to be named.)  We both wanted the book to be the first one in the US, and it was!  We're very proud of that.

Normally, a book takes months or more to complete.  I worked night and day on the manuscript and finished it in six weeks.  Actually, I don't know if I should be proud or embarrassed about it!

One Pelican at a Time turned out to be a labor of love.  I had lots of encouragement from our wonderful publisher, Lynda.  And though I worked flat out, I never once felt under anyone's "gun" except my own.

I am delighted to say that Pelican stayed on Amazon's Bestseller List for Children for18 weeks.  It won the Children's Classics Seal of Approval and was nominated for a Global eBook Award.  PBS Tampa did a feature on my writing of Pelican for their series GufWatch.  It can be viewed at the very end of this post.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the fabulous artwork by Samantha Bell.  She is a much sought after watercolorist, and the work she did for the whole series is beyond belief.  What a magical talent is hers.

Pelican, then, led the way for the Bella and Britt Series to come.  And what about Bella Saves the Beach?  That is the next book to be published.  A little late but all due to a good, but tragic, cause.

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

Disclaimer:

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Review at Bassgiraffe's Thoughts Blog!

What a treat today!  We are highlighted and reviewed at the lovely and very well known Canadian blog, Bassgiraffe's Thoughts!

This blog has it all--tons of information about living in general, wonderful books to buy and read and great information about navigating through this technologically modern world.

Please let me say again how grateful we are that Sea Turtle Summer has been so well received nationwide.  My publisher is Guardian Angel Publishing, and it is a joy to work with everyone there.

Also, kudos to Samantha Bell, the magnificent watercolorist who illustrated the Bella and Britt series.

Sea Turtle Summer Reviewed at 4 the Love of Books

4 the Love of Books is the blog we are visiting today, and the book will be reviewed.  This is a kind and sweet blog where people are uplifted and come away with a happy feeling. 

Bella, Britt, the ranger and I are feeling great about our visit!  Please come along, and see what is said about Sea Turtle Summer, published by Guardian Angel Publishing!

We are particularly pleased that the book is on Amazon's Hot New Releases List in both its formats--hard and soft cover.  We want to thank you for that!

Bella and Britt Holding Hands Across the Sands!

I want to share one of the beautiful watercolor pages that Samantha Bell did for Sea Turtle Summer!

Sea Turtle Summer Trailer--A Nice Preview!

The trailer for Sea Turtle Summer, published by Guardian Angel Publishing may be viewed in this post. 

(Please view the trailer at the bottom of this post!)

The lovely pictures are by Samantha Bella.  She is a marvelous watercolorist and has done it again, as she did in One Pelican at a Time.

I am pleased to announce that Sea Turtle Summer is on Amazon's Hot New Releases for Children and Amazon's Bestseller List for Children.  I want to thank so many people for all their support!

This book may be purchased at:  Guardian Angel Publishing, amazon.com, barnes & noble.com, fictionwise.com and at my web and blogsites.  Autographed copies may be obtained at my sites.

Radio Interview with Me on A Book and a Chat

Please join me on blogtalkradio for A Book and a Chat.  The show is hosted by Barry Eva and will air on Saturday, November 19 at 11am, EST.


(See the PBS video of me talking about the first Bella and Britt book, One Pelican at a Time, at the bottom of this post.)

We will talk about the writing of my series of children's books, The Bella and Britt Series, with special attention paid to Sea Turtle Summer,which will launch in the next three weeks. 

The Bella and Britt Series is published by Guardian Angel Publishing.  The illustrator is Samantha Bell who is famous for her luscious and expressive watercolors. There will be a call-in segment for those with questions. 

The telephone number is:  347- 237-5398

Mr. Eva is a transplanted Brit, having moved to the US in 2000.  He calls Connecticut home and is the author of a young adult novel, Across the Pond.

Please join us for what I know will be a fun chat among friends.  Snag a cup of coffee or tea, pull up a chair and let's talk!

Internet Bookfair Blogfest Featuring the Bella and Britt Series

One Pelican at a Time:  A Story of the Gulf Oil Spill, the first US children's picture book about the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010, was on Amazon's Bestselling Book List for Children for 18 weeks.  It is published by Guardian Angel Publishing, and the illustrator is Samantha Bell.


(Please see the PBS Tampa (WEDU) feature of my writing One Pelican at a Time at bottom of post and the Pelican trailer.)

Pelican is the first of the Bella and Britt Series.  Bella and Britt love living by the beach.  When they find oil washing to shore from a gulf spill, they want to help but are told there is nothing for kids to do.  But when their friend, the old crooked beak pelican becomes covered with oil, they help save his life by their quick thinking and action.  This is a kid empowering book that has the message, "little hands can help, too."

Sea Turtle Summer, the second book in the series, finds the girls discovering a sea turtle's nest in immediate danger from beach goers, volleyball nets and dune buggy traffic.  They go into action, but can their bravery and quick thinking save the baby sea turtles?  The book also contains some great sea turtle facts kids should love.  Sea Turtle Summer will be published in time for Christmas, 2011!

The third book in the series is Bella Saves the Beach and will be released in early 2012.  In this book, the girls tackle trash left by beach goers. 

They realize they can't do it alone, so how do they get the beach cleaned and how do they educate people about not leaving trash behind?

Mystery at Manatee Key will be released in 2012.  The girls find themselves in real danger when they discover a manatee poaching ring.  Britt finds it's up to her to rescue Bella and the ranger.  But can she do it?  (No cover is available as yet.)

Read what reviewers say about of One Pelican at a Time:

“If you are a concerned parent or teacher in search of a good book that will help children learn about caring for the planet, I highly recommend One Pelican at a Time.”            
                                                            Turning the Clock Back Blog

One Pelican at a Time can be bought in hard cover, paperback and Kindle at:
Guardian Angel Publishing
http://www.amazon.com/
Barnes & Noble.com

Trailer of One Pelican at a Time

PBS video of the writing of One Pelican at a Time

Pelican Trailer Reviewed at If Books Could Talk Blog

Today we are doing something different on our tour.  Our trailer of One Pelican at a Time will be reviewed at If Books Could Talk.  This is a great blog with a twist!  Have a look.

Our wonderful trailer, commented on by so many people, was made by Kim Chatel, of Blazing Trailers.  She is a talented media artist!  And, I am happy to say, is doing the trailers for my next two books, Sea Turtle Summer, Bella Saves the Beach.  And speaking of talented artists, Samantha Bell, Pelican's illustrator is a marvel.  Take a look at her lovely web site, if you have the chance. 

Write What Inspires You Book Review of One Pelican at a Time-Book Giveaway!

We are back at Write What Inspires You today for a review of One Pelican at a Time.  And you have the chance to win a copy of Pelican!



Please join us at this lovely blog, and see what is in store for our book, its characters, plot line and illustrations.  We should mention that the illustrations were done by the extremely talented, Samantha Bell. 

Leave a comment on either my interview or book review at Write What Inspires You and you are automatically entered at a chance to win a copy of  One Pelican at a Time!

 

Review of "One Pelican at a Time" in St. Louis Post Dispatch

Home / Entertainment / Books and Literature

Penned in St. Louis: Nancy Stewart

Nancy Stewart divides her time between O'Fallon, Ill., and Clearwater Beach, Fla. She says she stopped teaching education at McKendree University to start a new career: writing children's books. Her first, "One Pelican at a Time" (26 pages, Guardian Angel Publishing, $19.95) is illustrated in watercolors by Samantha Bell and is available online. Stewart's website is nancystewartbooks.com.

What is the basic story? • Two girls, Britt and Bella, help an old, crooked-beak pelican soaked during last year's Gulf oil spill.

Why this topic? • Being near the beach (in Florida) changed my life. When the oil spill happened, it got very personal.

Next book? • One is coming out in September; its working title is "Katrina's Story."

By Jane Henderson

Power Point Presentation Now Available On My Web Site for Illinois Reading Council Conference

Trailer for "One Pelican at a Time"

I am presenting a talk to the Illinois Reading Council Conference in Springfield, IL on March 17, 2011.  I've made Power Point slides to augment the presentation which is titled, Literacy Through Green Colored Glasses-Picture Book Activities to Help Kids Save Their Planet.  There are some great activities for children to do, all the while empowering them to care for and nurture their planet and have fun at the same time!

I'm making the slides available here and on my web site:

http://www.nancystewartbooks.com/IRC/LiteracyGreenColoredGlasses.ppt. 

http://www.nancystewartbooks.com/  

It is my hope they may be useful to teachers, librarians or anyone else who would like to show them in pursuit of a greener and healthier earth.

My children's picture book. One Pelican at a Time, is now available through:  http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/, http://www.indiebound.org/ and http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

One Pelican at a Time is the first US children's book to address the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of April 20,2010.  The book features Bella and Britt and their heroic efforts to save their friend, the old crooked beak pelican, whom they've known all their lives. 

An author's page gives facts about the spill as well as some green tips on how to save energy and make us less dependent on fossil fuel.  Britt and Bella lead us all by example. 

Britt, Bella, Pelican and I will be on tour virtually all over the blogosphere in April and May, with Pump Up Your Book.  Please watch for dates! 

One Pelican at a Time Now Available Through Guardian Angel Publishing

One Pelican at a Time

A Story of the Gulf Spill

                                       

                                   www.blazingtrailers.com

 

Guardian Angel Publishing

Academic Wings 

Author: Nancy Stewart   www.nancystewartbooks.com

Artist: Samantha Bell   http://www.samantha-bell.com/

Print Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-61633-138-2; 1616331380
Print Paperback ISBN: 978-1-61633-139-9; 1616331399
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-140-5; 1616331402

Bella and Britt love living by the beach.  When they find oil washing to shore from a gulf spill, they want to help but are told there is nothing for kids to do.  But when their old friend, the pelican, becomes covered with oil, they help save his life by their quick thinking and action.

One Pelican at a Time will soon be available through:  Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, http://indiebound/ and museum shops and aquaria.

Here is the Cover of One Pelican at a Time

My first picture book in the Bella and Britt series will be out soon.  One Pelican at a Time is the story of the two girls and their valiant struggle to save the life of the old crooked beaked pelican.  Along the way, they help other endangered pelicans as well.

Samatha Bell is the artist, and you can see a sample of her work here on the cover.  I am so delighted that she will be the artist for the other two books in the series, Sea Turtle Summer and Bella Saves the Beach. 

Of course, many thanks to my wonderful publisher, Guardian Angel Publishing, and in particular, Lynda Burch, without whom none of this would be possible.