Our Tour Continues at Everyday is an Adventure Blog

Here we are at another blog today!  This one is Everyday is an Adventure, and it is perfectly named for Britt, Bell, the ranger and me.  The girls are always on a new beach adventure, and this new one is no exception.

Our tour and people's interest in the Bella and Britt Series has kept me very busy.  Now that Sea Turtle Summer has reached Amazon's Hot New Releases and Amazon's Bestseller List (both the hard cover and soft cover on both lists), things are frenetic!  A good frenetic, by the way.

This book is the second in the series.  The third is Bella Saves the Beach.  The girls realize cleaning a littered beach is too much for them.  What can they do? 

The fourth book is Mystery at Manatee Key.  In this book, Britt has to try to save Bella and the ranger from manatee poachers.  (Yes, they do unfortunately exist.)  She is only one girl.  Can she succeed in saving her friends?

But these books are still to come.  Sea Turtle Summer is here and is available at

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 Reviewed at The Children's and Teen's Book Connection!

Today we have a special treat!   We visit and are reviewed by Cheryl Malandrinos at her marvelous blog, The Children's and Teen's Book Connection.

Cheryl Malandrinos

Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. A founding member of Musing Our Children, Ms. Malandrinos is Editor in Chief of the group’s quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens. Her first children’s book, Little Shepherd, was released in August 2010 by Guardian Angel Publishing. She is also a member of the SCBWI.

Bella and Britt helping 97 Loggerhead sea turtle
hatchlings to the sea

With all that talent and experience, Britt, Bella, the ranger and I are excited to see what she thinks about our book!  We hope she likes it and gives Sea Turtle Summer a good review.

We are also excited to learn that Sea Turtle Summer is still on Amazon's Hot New Releases in Children's Books List.  And to add to that, both the soft and hard covers are on the list!

Thanks to all of you who support the Bella and Britt Series!

Sea Turtle Summer Reviewed at This Little Book of Mine Blog

Today Bella, Britt, the ranger and I visit a new blog, This Little Book of Mine.  Let's find out what this blogger thinks of our new Bella and Britt book, Sea Turtle Summer!

We are so proud of the fact that our book is on Amazon's Bestselling List for Children's Books.  And we want to thank you for the support.

Please pop by and visit us at this blog today at Sea Turtle Summer's virtual tour.

What the reviewers are saying about the new adventures of Bella and Britt:

This story brings great messages for children around the world who want to do their share to help save the animals.

Nicole Weaver, Tri-Lingual Author, Blogger, Educator

Since Nancy Stewart's earlier book, One Pelican at a Time, became a best seller, it's not surprising that Sea Turtle Summer is excellent.  I think the most important message is that even kids can make a difference in the world by standing up for what is right even when it's scary to do that. 

The illustrations by Samantha Bell are lovely and do an excellent job of capturing the mood of the book while portraying the turtles accurately.
I highly recommend this book.

Janet Ann Collins, Writer and Speaker

Taking Time for Mommy Blog

Hello, Dear Reader,

Today we are being reviewed on the Taking Time for Mommy Blog.  Bella, Britt, the ranger and I hope it will be a good one and make us proud!  We'd love it if you would stop by and say hello.

Sea Turtle Summer by Guardian Angel Publishing, is on Amazon's Hot New Releases list as well as on Amazon's Bestseller's for Children List.

We especially like the Green Living section of this blog.  Here you can find green living tips, recipes and general information on helping our planet stay healthy.  Come on over for a visit!

Sea Turtle Summer may be bought at:  Guardian Angel Publishing, amazon.com, barnes & noble.com, fictionwise.com and for an autographed copy, at my blob and websites.

Mayra Calvani's Interview with me at Mayra's Secret Bookcase

Nancy is the bestselling author of the four Bella and Britt Series books for children: One Pelican at a Time (eighteen weeks on Amazon Bestselling List), Sea Turtle Summer, Bella Saves the Beach and Mystery at Manatee Key. All are published by Guardian Angel Publishing.

(The trailer for Sea Turtle Summer can be found at the end of this post.)

She and One Pelican at a Time and were featured in the PBS Tampa (WEDU) special, GulfWatch. Pelican was nominated for a Global eBook Award and has won the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
Nancy’s travels take her extensively throughout the world, most particularly Africa. She is US chair of a charity in Lamu, Kenya, that places girls in intermediate schools to allow them to further their education. She and her husband live in Tampa and St. Louis.
I understand you were a university professor teaching classes about children’s and young adult literature before you started writing. How did the leap from teacher to author come about?

I thought fleetingly about writing for children through my years as an academic, but it never seemed the right time. After teaching children’s and young adult literature, though, the idea crystallized. The day after my granddaughter, Leah, was born, I wrote my first children’s book, I Held You on the Day You Were Born. Since then I’ve never looked back, and those pent-up books flow faster than I would ever have expected. So, in a real way, Leah (who is now five) is the true catalyst behind my writing.

What makes you passionate about writing for children?

My entire academic career has been about children, from teaching young kids to teaching pre-service teachers. It was, I think, a natural segue to begin writing for them. The combination of my love of all things books and the real joy I feel about children and their growing awareness of new ideas led me to this passion.

Congratulations on the publication of your latest children’s picture book, Sea Turtle Summer. What was your inspiration for this story?

My morning walks on Clearwater Beach provide me with so many ideas, particularly for the Bella and Britt Series. With Sea Turtle Summer, I walked by a cordoned off area of the beach that contained a sea turtle nest. The orange tape and the affixed state seal warning about the serious consequences of tampering began the process in my mind.
Clearwater Beach, always voted one of the three best beaches in the world, is a sea turtle’s nightmare if she happens to lay her eggs there. There is so very much activity—from sun worshiping, to volleyball games, to kids’ digging sandcastles (hatchlings cannot get over them), the problem became defined. The tension was set up. All we needed was a sea turtle laying her eggs in an unfortunate place, and Bella and Britt were back on the job!

I understand you get up at dawn everyday and by 6am are already pounding away at your keyboard on the balcony of your beautiful, gulf-view Clearwater apartment. Tell us more about your writing schedule and writing process, especially for Sea Turtle Summer.

It is true that I’m at my computer around six each morning and has become a joke with friends who always look at the time I send or answer emails! I do find that time to be more productive for me than any other.
I’ve learned to parcel my days into bunches of hours, each bunch dealing with one area. For instance, my best creative writing is early in the morning. About mid-morning, I turn to marketing and do that several hours. Later in the day, I go back to writing, many times on a different manuscript. I tend to finish about 5 PM, but my computer is sometimes on my lap in the evening as well.

My blog does take some time almost daily. I publish new posts three times a week. I try to write them in groups and usually have seven or eight ready to go. I enjoy blogging and find writing for adults helps keep my mind focused in a different way. In that regard, it’s a worthwhile exercise.

What do you do when the words ‘just won’t come out’? Do you stay and force it until something begins happening on the page?
Free Association is the name of that game for me. I don’t fight writer’s block anymore. Rather, exercise or running errands or doing anything not related to writing helps greatly. When I’m disengaged from writing is usually when engagement happens. An idea, a notion, a nugget of a thought will pop into my consciousness and, as if by magic, the block is finished.

Do you have any tips for aspiring children’s authors?

Yes! Don’t write in a vacuum! Join a writer’s group—immediately. It is the best thing you can do for yourself. The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is beyond valuable for the new writer, and local groups are everywhere.

Realize you have to promote your own book, and you must do it constantly. The days of sitting back and letting your publishing house do it are over! I have a friend whose name you’d recognize here. She’s had thirty two books children’s books published. Recently she told me that she still gives one day a month to marketing.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers?

I’d be delighted to share my web and blog addresses and tell them where my books can be purchased.
Web site: http://www.nancystewartbooks.com
Blog site: http://www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com  

The books are sold at: Guardian Angel Publishing, amazon.com, barnes & noble.com,Fictionwise and my web and blog sites, where you can obtain a personalized, autographed copy.
Thank you, Nancy!

Thank you so much, Mayra, for hosting me. I enjoyed being with you and your guests.

Mayra's Secret Bookcase is a marvelous blog, and it is my hope you will take a look at it!

Guest Post at Coffee and a Keyboard

I am interviewed today at the lovely blog, Coffee and a Keyboard, where the by-line is Art-Life-Love! 

In the interview, I was asked some pretty in-depth questions.  I also give a peek into the next book on the drawing board and, no, Bella and Britt are not in this one.  It's a bit of a departure for me. 

The interview, of course, is to help spread the word about Sea Turtle Summer, the second book of the Bella and Britt Series of children's books.  Happily, the word must be out, as Sea Turtle Summer is on Amazon's Hot New Releases in both the hard and soft cover formats!
Below, I share with you one of Samantha Bell's wonderful watercolors.  So lovely!

It's my hope you agree that her art makes the book come alive. The girls, ranger and the loggerhead hatchlings are given a life of their own with her amazing talent.

Sea Turtle Summer Reviewed at One Day at a Time

Today, Sea Turtle Summer, published by Guardian Angel Publishing, will be reviewed by the One Day at a Time Blog. 

The blog's logo is one I love:  Creating Childhood Memories.  Not only is is a sweet and nostalgic byline, the idea is crucial to positive child development leading to a mature, happy and fully functioning adult.

To that end, I am delighted to have Sea Turtle Summer with Bella, Britt and the ranger reviewed today. It is my hope that this series of books will help create happy and indelible childhood memories. 

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

The added benefit I am hoping, of course, is this:  The childhood memories created by the series will aid children in becoming responsible adults who care for and respect the animals with whom we must share this planet.

Please visit One Day at a Time.  Britt and Bella are waiting for you!

Guest Post at Cafe of Dreams (My Letter to Santa!)

Hello, Dear Readers,

Today for the Cafe of Dreams Blog, I've written a letter to Santa Claus, aka, Father Christmas. 

 Now this is something, I'll admit it, I have not done in many years.  (Of course, I won't tell you how many years it's been!)

I also will admit the letter was fun to write.  I'll tell you why I've been good to fellow authors and to my critique group as well. 

In the letter, I also talk about why I should be rewarded for staying at my research in the Bella and Britt books.  Why not come along to Cafe of Dreams today and take a peek at my list!

And speaking of Christmas lists, why not add one of the Bella and Britt books to yours for the children in your life?

 My brand new book, Sea Turtle Summer, has just been released to rave reviews, and it is on Amazon's Bestseller List and Amazon Hot New Releases!  I'd love to share the girls' adventures with you!

Why not come along to Cafe of Dreams today and take a peek at my list!

Sea Turtle Summer Reviewed at Loves 2 Read Blog

Britt, Bella, the ranger and I are delighted to be reviewed at the Loves 2 Read Blog today!  This is a powerhouse Mommy Blog, and I think you will find it to be one of the best.

The girls, the ranger and I are proud to announce Sea Turtle Summer is on Amazon's Hot New Release list and is also on Amazon's Bestseller's in Children's Book List as well!  We are proud of that.

Let's hope all those mommies will like our book, Sea Turtle Summer, girls.  Maybe the ranger will be influential with the readers. 

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

She has a persuasive manner, especially with people who don't have the best interest of kids or animals at heart!

My Guest Post at Hollywood Daze Blog

Hollywood Daze is an interesting blog!  It concerns, as the name implies, all things Hollywood. 

For my guest post today, I talk of some of my favorite films and the cities around the world where I viewed them. 

You may be surprised by the places I take you on this virtual tour.  Why not come along today and travel with me as I speak of movies and the places they were filmed?

You can find my post on Hollywood Daze!

And speaking of "celluloid," I have included the trailer for Sea Turtle Summer, the second book in the Bella and Britt Series.

You can find the trailer below:

MeeGenius Author Challenge and a Favor from You!

Hello, Dear Reader,

This is a very different post today, as I am asking a favor of you! 

I have entered an author's challenge with MeeGenius eBooks, a cutting edge ebook publisher.  My children's picture book, Fred and the Belly Button Bandit, has made it through the first round of cuts.  This is where you can help!

Simply go to the link below, read the very short story and vote by hitting the pink star.  That's it!

http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/fred-and-the-belly-button-bandit-by-nancy-stewart

I cannot thank you enough for your consideration of my book!

All best wishes,

Nancy

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!

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.

Children’s Book About Desert Elephants in Mali

The Tuareg Nomads of Mali have a saying: “We live with the elephants, and the elephants live with us.” The Dogon, Fulani, and Tuareg peoples share land with the last remaining herds of desert elephants.

WILD has worked to protect the unique “Desert Elephants of Mali” since 2002. We collaborated closely with author Helen Cowcher to present this lovely children’s book that conveys the essential message of the elephants, the people, and our work in Mali.

For hundreds of years, the elephants have followed a 300-mile circular path in Mali, West Africa, the longest migration route of any elephant in the world. Once a year, they must pass through the Elephants’ Doorway in the cliffs on their way to find water.

But what happens when that doorway is blocked? The local people are determined to continue their peaceful coexistence with the elephants, and they communicate with each other—over the radio and under the palaver tree—to solve these kinds of problems. Small changes can make a big difference!

Helen Cowcher shows that, when everyone works together, it’s possible to preserve the delicate balance of life in the desert and protect these magnificent desert elephants.

“Desert Elephants is a valuable and urgent book. It is a seminal contribution that will help save this unique elephant population”

Dr. Mike Chase, founder & director of Elephants Without Borders