MANA'S SHORT STORY SERIES LIST ON SIDE COLUMN

MANA's National Reading Month Special: Excerpts From The Children's Books, "Reesy—A Little Girl Learning Life's Lessons" and "Marvin's Lump"

To celebrate National Reading Month, MarketingNewAuthors.com (MANA) presents excerpts from the children's books, Reesy—A Little Girl Learning Life's Lessons by Annie Comor-Jacobs and Marvin's Lump by Jennifer Weil.

In Reesy—A Little Girl Learning Life's Lessons, Reesy learns about divorce, the deep South, deafness, and death. The excerpt here is about her third lesson—learning about death.

Marvin's Lump addresses children's fears and helps them see how to overcome them.

Listen to the audio below and follow along with MANA's Dr. Fairy-Hayes Scott as she does an interpretive reading of the first few pages of each book:

Reesy—A Little Girl Learning Life's Lessons

by Annie Comor-Jacobs

Reesy was so excited that she jumped out of her bed and rushed into her mother's room. Reesy whispered to her mother, "Mommy, Mommy, are you sure that my dress is going to be okay for today? 

"Yes," replied her sleepy mother. 

"I want to look special for Angela's graduation."

Reesy’s mother looked at the clock and said, “Reesy, it’s only 6:30 in the morning."

After the graduation, the family was invited to Angela's house for dinner. When Reesy and her mother arrived, Angela rushed over and gave Reesy a hug and said, "Reesy, I have something special for you. 

“Oh, no. Mommy said we have a special gift for you because you are the one who graduated."

A MANA Moment Editorial: Celebrating National Reading Month!

Fondly, I recall how my mother opened the world to me by the reading of books. Before I even knew myself, it was she who would read to me just before I went to sleep. 

And when I could read, she introduced sensitive subjects, for example, sex. I recall shock, and I ran back to where she was washing clothes and asked, "You and Daddy did that? Ughh!" 

However, it was through our discussions about so many subjects presented in books that my mother and I developed a very special bond.

I managed to establish that same bond with my children, especially my daughter. My stepson would be with us every other weekend, but it was my daughter whom I read to her The Cat in the Hat, Good Night, Moon, and so many more works every night. 

And every Sunday morn, we would read a passage from the Bible, play chess, and share any concerns she may have had with me. This was when I had to "zip my lip" and listen to her point of view. And to this day, when she visits, we still read a Biblical passage and have that special mother-daughter chat (she has less concerns about me, now‚ whew!).

National Reading Month is a celebration of bonds established between loved ones who read, found joy, experienced warmth, and established deep-seated relationships that will never be broken.


MANA's National Reading Month Special: Excerpts From The Children's Book, "Charlie: The Dog Who Lived The Dream" by Charmaine Stangl

In celebration of National Reading Month, MarketingNewAuthors.com (MANA) presents excerpts from the children's book, Charlie, The Dog Who Lived The Dream, by Charmaine Stangl, which is available on MANA's website. 

Listen to the audio below and follow along with MANA's Dr. Fairy-Hayes Scott as she does an interpretive reading of the first few pages of the book: 


Once not long ago, there was a man named Jake. He had a dog named Charlie who was truly his best friend. That is, if a best friend is someone who listens carefully when you have something to say, does everything you love to do with great enthusiasm, and would rather simply be with you than anything else in the world. Certainly, Charlie fits this description precisely.

Charlie loved to take long walks in the woods with Jake. He loved to feel the wind cooling his face and ruffling his fur. He loved to smell the scent of other animals in the woods. He loved to sit by the fire and just enjoy the peace and quiet. But most of all, much more even than all these wonderful things, he loved the sound of Jake’s voice when he said “Good boy, Charlie,” and the feel of Jake’s hand on his shoulder.

National Reading Month Special: Excerpts From The Children's Book, "Lamar Montgomery and The Freaky Faces Club" by Barbara Gene

To celebrate National Reading Month, MarketingNewAuthors.com (MANA) presents excerpts from the children's book, Lamar Montgomery and The Freaky Faces Club by Barbara Gene, which is available on MANA's website. 

Listen to the audio below and follow along with MANA's Dr. Fairy-Hayes Scott as she does an interpretive reading of the first few pages of the book: 



Lamar Montgomery felt very sure of himself as he stood in front of the huge mirror inside Ms. Minerva’s elementary school gymnasium. Standing with his hands on his hips, he smiled at his own reflection. “Well,” he said to himself, like Mama says, “Lamar Montgomery, you are not only smart but good-looking, too. Mama’s pride and joy,” 

Lamar was six years old, but he already stood a full 5 feet, 1 inches tall, and he was the proud inventor and President of The Freaky Faces Club.
 
Lamar giggled as he practiced his moves in the mirror for today’s meeting. He wiggled his nose, flapped his ears, and puffed out his cheeks. Slowly releasing the air from his cheeks in small bursts, it sounded just like kernels of corn popping. He was loosening his lip muscles by furiously pouting them in and out when he noticed the reflections of the other club members filing into the gym behind him. 

How to Propel Your Creativity Into the Spotlight

BY CHRISTOPHER HAYMON
of ADULTING DIGEST
GUEST WRITER


Image by karlyukav on Freepik

In an era where creativity flourishes in every digital nook, standing out as a creator is a formidable challenge and a profound art form. This journey transcends mere talent; it's about strategically presenting that talent to the world to make sure it not only emerges from the shadows but also captures the spotlight it so rightfully deserves.

The quest for recognition is nuanced, requiring not just fervor but a meticulously crafted strategy to prevent your work from fading into obscurity. This article delves into the myriad strategies that authors and other creators can employ to illuminate their work so it receives the acclaim and admiration it warrants.

Crafting a Captivating Portfolio

For creators, the foundation of recognition lies in a carefully curated portfolio. This portfolio serves as a visual narrative, a collection that highlights the zenith of your work and traces the evolution and breadth of your creative journey. A portfolio, especially for authors, is more than a compilation of works; it invites viewers to delve into your unique artistic realm. It must be impactful, resonating with the audience and leaving an indelible mark.

Nurturing Financial Partnerships

The realization of visionary projects often depends on acquiring essential funding. This step extends beyond merely attracting investors; it involves cultivating partnerships with entities that align with and support your creative philosophy. These partnerships are vital, providing the resources necessary to elevate projects from mere concepts to tangible creations. It’s about finding a synergy with backers who can transform stagnation into dynamic growth.

Join MANA in Celebrating March Is National Reading Month

It's March and that means it’s National Reading Month. This annual event celebrates the power and importance of reading for people of all ages. Reading is fundamental to learning and communication. By promoting reading, especially among children, literacy rates can improve, leading to better academic performance and opportunities in life.

March was designated as National Reading Month to honor the March 2 birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, one of the most popular children’s authors of all time. The monthly observance encourages people to read every day and participate in fun, literary-related activities.

Many schools use National Reading Month as an opportunity to reinforce their literacy curriculum and encourage students to explore a variety of genres and topics through reading assignments, book discussions, and related activities. 

Since reading can bring people together, communities often organize events, such as book clubs, author talks, and read-aloud sessions during March, to create a sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for literature.

Here are 5 suggestions for celebrating National Reading Month:

Looking For New Books To Read? MANA's Authors Can Help!

If you're looking for new books to read during National Reading Month, look no further than the ones from authors at MarketingNewAuthors.com.  MANA's authors have created a variety of works, ranging from memoirs to poetry collections. 

Go HERE to listen to interpretive readings of some works by MANA's Owner, Dr. Fairy Hayes-Scott, and read the excerpts below. For more information about the book, click on the book's title. The books are located on MANA's website. 


Excerpts from Chapter Four —"Boundaries of Love" from Beige Girl by Jada Gallery


During the early 90’s, Black women would get a lot of criticism for dating white men. Some Black people would shame Black women by telling them they thought they were too good to date a Black man, so they would rather be with a white man. These types of comments caused my mother not even to think about being attracted to a white man.

My mother didn’t grow up with having a father in her life. Then, she didn’t have the best experiences when dating, so she didn’t fall easily for the corny lines men would throw at her. My father continued to show her a different type of affection that would later help a friendship blossom. 

After she had developed a friendship with him, she began to develop a deeper love for him. Her sisters, mother, niece, and nephew met him. They treated him like family. She was forced to hear discouraging surprising looks when they were out on dates, comments when they were out in public, or they would receive surprising looks when they were out on dates. She even received some negative comments from some of her other family members. My mother and father continued to get to know one another. My mother grew closer with my father’s son, and, eventually, my parents would move into a home together. . .

The Profitable Pen: Navigating Your Writing Career to Financial Success

BY CHRISTOPHER HAYMON
of ADULTING DIGEST
GUEST WRITER


Turning your writing passion into a profitable enterprise is both exhilarating and demanding. Hopefully, this post will provide some practical tips to help you blend your creative fervor with commercial success, equipping you with the necessary tools to flourish in the competitive world of professional writing. 

Embracing the Slow and Steady Approach

The quality of a writer's work is paramount. So, start with small, deliberate steps. This gradual approach allows you to adjust to the business world while preserving the essence of your writing. By doing so, you maintain the integrity and quality that define your craft. 

Tailoring an Effective Marketing Strategy

Develop a marketing plan that resonates with your unique writing style. Understanding your target audience is key. Create engaging content on platforms like blogs, social media, and newsletters to connect with your readers. A targeted marketing strategy not only showcases your work but also builds a loyal readership.

Creating a Brochure 

Using a brochure to market your writing business offers several benefits. For starters, you can use a brochure to showcase your business in detail, allowing potential clients to easily grasp the scope of your expertise. Brochures can be distributed at networking events, and conferences, or mailed directly to target audiences, increasing your outreach. Also, by using free online tools, brochures can be easily customized to suit specific needs and trends, ensuring your marketing materials stay relevant and impactful. 

A Q&A With Carolyn Printup on "Touchings of the Heart: Legacy of a Lady"

MarketingNewAuthors.com (MANA) celebrates the debut of Touchings of the Heart: Legacy of a Lady by Linda Diana Franshun Callahan. Linda's collection of poetry was self-published posthumously by her cousin, Carolyn Printup.

The book contains seven sections: Pain, Legacy, Spirituality, Black Experience, World View, Love, and Musings. Linda's artwork precedes each section. Health challenges and her death in 2021 prevented Linda's desire to publish her work. However, Carolyn's love for her has made Linda's dream come true. 


MANA: Can you share some personal memories or anecdotes about your cousin, Linda, that might show her passion for writing poetry?
Carolyn Printup (CP): In response to this question, I do not have any specific personal memories. I can only state that after Linda moved to Michigan as an adult, she shared many of her previous experiences and how she found writing as a way to express how she felt. Her ability to draw was another gift she possessed as a means of expression.

MANA: Do you know if there were any specific events or people who inspired Linda to pursue writing?
CP: Specific events were the painful ones she experienced growing up. As a way to handle these events, she moved from her parents' home to live with her grandmother. Her grandmother, along with a dear aunt, inspired her to read and instilled in her the desire to succeed. In addition to these two, spiritual leaders had an influence.

MANA: Were there any challenges or obstacles Linda faced while writing her collection of poetry?
CP: To my knowledge, there were no obstacles or challenges Linda faced while writing her poetry.

MANA: What messages or themes are included in Linda’s collection of poetry?
CP: I would say that the way Linda categorized each section expressed the emotions or thoughts she had on that subject. Whatever message a reader gets would be based on their individual experience.

MANA: Linda has artwork that she created in her new book. Besides being a writer, was Linda also an artist?
CP: Linda was not an “artist.” She had the ability to draw or sketch pictures. She enjoyed drawing facial pictures and birds.

MANA: When did Linda’s interest in art begin? Has she had any of her artwork published?
CP: I cannot answer the question as to when she began drawing. I would say at an early age. She did not have artwork published.