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BOO'S BAD DAY by Penny Lockwood

3/27/2015

16 Comments

 
Picture
Today I am lucky to introduce Penny Lockwood. She is an author with an amazing talent and is now promoting her latest Picture Book titled BOO’S BAD DAY. Welcome Penny. So happy to have you on The Mind’s Eye…

BOO’S BAD DAY
By: Penny Lockwood
Picture book for children aged 18 months to 6 years
Published by 4RV Publishing
http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/penny-lockwood.php
ISBN# 13: 978-0-9852661-5-8
Also available on Amazon

Thanks for hosting me, Charlie.  I hope everyone will stop by and say hi at the end of the interview. At the end of my book tour, I will pick out one commenter’s name and send an autographed copy of Boo’s Bad Day to a United States address only.  If the name I pick is someone who lives outside the U.S., I will send a PDF copy of the book.  So remember, readers, be sure to leave contact information when you comment!

BIO:

Penny Lockwood has published more than 100 articles, 75 stories, a chapbook, and her stories have been included in two anthologies. She writes for both adults and children. Her fiction has appeared in numerous genre and children’s publications, and non‑fiction work has appeared in a variety of writing, parenting, and young adult print magazines and on line publications.  She edits for MuseItUp Publishing.  Visit her web site at http:// pennylockwoodehrenkranz.yolasite.com. Her writing blog is located at http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/.

She has recently released Boo’s Bad Day with 4RV Publishing and has three other children’s books under contract with them: Ghost for Rent, Ghost for Lunch, and Many Colored Coats. She has three romances published by MuseItUp Publishing: Love Delivery, Lady in Waiting, and Mirror, Mirror.  Her short story collection, A Past and A Future, is available through Sam’s Dot Publishing and Smashwords.

This book sounds delightful, Penny. Can you tell your readers something interesting about yourself AND/OR your favorite character?

 

I am a wife, a mother, and a grandmother who has been writing professionally since 1993. I grew up on the east coast, but I’ve lived on the west coast for the past 36 years.  I love animals, and I can’t imagine a home without them.  We are currently down to two small dogs, two cats which are ours, and two we’re babysitting for our daughter and her husband.

Since I love animals so much, I’d have to say Boo is one of my favorite characters.  Since he’s modeled after one of our cats, he’s pretty special to me.

Boo sounds lovely. So, what was your favorite book as a teen? Tell us about it and how it affected you as a person.

That was such a long time ago, however, I think Arrowsmith, by Sinclair Lewis left quite the impression on me.  After reading it, I was determined to become a research scientist and find a cure for cancer since my dad had died of it when I was ten. Of course, that’s not what I ended up doing, but I still remember the book after all these years.

Tell us about the genre you have chosen to write for. Why do write specifically for them?

 

I actually enjoy writing in a lot of different genres.  I have written science fiction, fantasy, and romance for adults and teens.  For children, I have two picture books with animals as the main characters and two paranormal mysteries.  I also write non-fiction.  I tend to write about what I know and what I like.  My favorite genres for pleasure reading are sci fi and fantasy, and I always enjoy them best when there’s a touch of romance.  I’m intrigued by the possibility of ghosts and thus my paranormal mysteries for middle grade readers.  And, of course, with animals such a big part of my life, it’s not strange I chose to write their stories for my picture books.

Now tell us about your new book. How did it come about? Will you share your favorite excerpt/scene?

 

My latest release is Boos’ Bad Day. It’s loosely based on an adventure one of our cats had years ago.  As a teenager, Boo was stranded outside for two nights and two days during an ice storm.  We finally managed to get him back inside. Once rescued, he didn’t want to leave the hearth in front of the woodstove for a week.

My favorite scene in the whole book is when Boo is rescued and realizes being bored and safe is a very good thing.

On the writing side…how has writing affected your life? And what’s your favorite part of being a writer?

 

I am retired now from my day job, so I can write whenever I feel like it.  It’s quite liberating.  When I first started writing professionally, however, my children were still young. It was very hard to balance wanting to write and submit my work with finding enough time to spend with the kids.  It’s a difficult juggling act, and in retrospect, I can only hope I did it well.  We are quite proud of our adult children, so I guess I did something right.

My favorite part of being a writer is being caught up in the story.  I’m a “pantser;” that is I write from the seat of my pants.  I don’t outline, and the story sometimes changes drastically from what I envisioned.  When I’m writing, I can close my eyes and see the action playing like a movie.  It’s a wonderful experience.

What advice can you give regarding the writing process?

I strongly encourage writers to study proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.  Don’t rely on a spell checker or grammar checker. You need to know the rules.  Don’t be in a rush to send off your story.  Check it, recheck it, ask a critique partner to read it, let it sit for a week, and re-read it before sending it off.

Regarding publication and marketing, what advice can you offer aspiring writers?

Regarding publication, the best advice I can give is study the markets before you submit.  Read guidelines and look at publisher’s catalogues to find the best fit for your story.

When it comes to marketing, that, for me, is the hardest part.  I like blog tours, such as this one, where bloggers are willing to help spread the word about new releases.  I use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and JacketFlap (for children’s authors).  I have a blog where I regularly promote other authors, and by doing so, collect some good will for when I need to ask for a spot on another’s blog. I also send off press releases to local and statewide papers announcing new publication.

How can your fans find, follow or friend you?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penny.ehrenkranz

Twitter: @PennyEhrenkranz

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/pennyehrenkranz/

Website: http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.yolasite.com

Blog: http://pennylockwoodehrenkanz.blogspot.com

BOO’S BAD DAY

By Penny Lockwood

Picture book for children aged 18 months to 6 years

Published by 4RV Publishing

ISBN# 13: 978-0-9852661-5-8

4RV - http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/penny-lockwood.php

$8.99 includes s/h

Look inside at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Boos-Bad-Day-Penny-Lockwood/dp/0985266155/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

$7.32 prime

Tagline:

Boo sneaks out of the house and discovers that freedom by himself can be scary.

Blurb:

Boo is a very bored kitten. When Timmy and his mom return home, Boo sneaks out of the house.  Boo is frightened by the noises of the big world outside of the safety of his warm home.  When Timmy coaxes Boo back into the house,

Boo realizes some places are safe and some are not.

Talking Points for parents include:

  • Taking care of a pet
  • Dangers of a busy street
  • Listening to parents
  • Safe places vs. unsafe places
Writing for children as Penny Lockwood, Warren, Oregon resident, Penny Ehrenkranz is pleased to announce the release of her picture book, Boo’s Bad Day, for children aged eighteen months to seven years.  Young children will enjoy the delightful pictures, and older children can read the story themselves.

Positive reviews for Boo’s Bad Day are already coming in. Grandmother Joan Johnson writes: “After a series of new life events, Boo discovers that there is no place as safe as home. A wonderful, sweet story told in simple enough language for the smallest child to enjoy, with illustrations that are equally wonderful. 5 stars.” And author Wendy Laharnar writes: In Boo’s Bad Day, Penny Lockwood presents a sweet story which is a delight to read aloud. Small children will love the kitten and his adventure. They will understand the delicate message that home is the safest place to be. Deborah C Johnson’s beautiful illustrations show us Boo’s miniature world, and I loved the changing expressions on Boo’s face. Boo’s Bad Day is a quality children’s picture book, one to snuggle into with your favorite child. 5 stars.”

The inspiration for Boo’s Bad Day came several years ago when the Ehrenkranz family cat, Boo, was stuck high in a fir tree during an ice storm for over two days.  When a friend was finally able to reach him and bring him inside, Boo curled in front of the wood stove and wouldn’t move for several days.

Boo’s Bad Day has several talking points which parents and teachers can use to talk about issues like taking care of one’s pets, the dangers of busy streets, listening to one’s parents, and what can be considered safe and unsafe places.

Boo’s Bad Day is available directly from the publisher, 4RV Publishing, LLC at http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/penny-lockwood.php for $8.99, which includes shipping and handling.  It is also available through Amazon at  http://www.amazon.com/Boos-Bad-Day-Penny-Lockwood/dp/0985266155/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top for $7.32 with free shipping if you are a prime member.  The book can be ordered through area book stores, using the ISBN number 13: 978-0-9852661-5-8.

Ms. Ehrenkranz plans to contact the Scappoose and St. Helens libraries to donate a copy of the book for the children’s sections.

Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz has published more than 100 articles, 75 stories, a chapbook, and her stories have been included in two anthologies. She writes for both adults and children. Her fiction has appeared in numerous genre and children’s publications, and non‑fiction work has appeared in a variety of writing, parenting, and young adult print magazines and on line publications.  She edits for MuseItUp Publishing.  Visit her web site at http:// pennylockwoodehrenkranz.yolasite.com. Her writing blog is located at http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/.

She has recently released Boo’s Bad Day with 4RV Publishing and has three other children’s books under contract with them: Ghost for Rent, Ghost for Lunch, and Many Colored Coats. She has three romances published by MuseItUp Publishing: Love Delivery, Lady in Waiting, and Mirror, Mirror.  Her short story collection, A Past and A Future, is available through Sam’s Dot Publishing and Smashwords.

 


16 Comments
Penny Ehrenkranz link
4/28/2013 06:35:34 am

Hi Charlie, thank you for hosting me today and for asking such insightful questions. It's a pleasure to be here.

Reply
Megan Vance link
4/28/2013 06:55:44 am

Penny,
Your picture book sounds delightful! Cats are wonderful pets that can inspire many interesting stories. I have a story in the works about our cat and her relationship with my husband. Although she prefers me, she is warming up to him s l o w l y. I can just imagine your poor kitty in the tree! Best wishes with its release!

Reply
Penny Ehrenkranz link
4/28/2013 12:36:29 pm

Hi Megan, thanks for commenting. Cats are such intriguing animals and they definitely pick you, rather than you picking them! My cats have made guest appearances in a few of my stories. Let me know when you have a story to promote.

C.K. Volnek
4/28/2013 12:46:33 pm

So happy to have you visit my blog, Penny. Wishing you all the very best of luck with your new book. It sounds absolutely delightful.

Reply
Penny Ehrenkranz link
4/29/2013 04:54:50 am

Thanks for your support and kind words.

Reply
Beverly link
4/28/2013 11:36:39 pm

A very nice interview, ladies. The more I read about Boo, the more I like him. Cats are so funny. You never know what they'll do next. Congratulations, Penny. Boo is sure to capture the hearts of young readers.

Reply
Penny ehrenkranz link
4/29/2013 04:45:17 am

Thanks, Bev. I can't imagine my life without cats,although they can certainly be frustrating. They're so darn independent!

Reply
Janet K. Brown link
4/29/2013 06:56:39 am

Love the interview. I love writing for teens because they're fun. I love the idea of your children's book. Good luck

Reply
Penny Ehrenkranz link
4/29/2013 09:17:21 am

Thanks, Janet. Writing for kids can be a challenge, but it great to see them connect with our stories and get excited about reading.

Reply
Gail Roughton link
4/30/2013 10:45:54 am

Hey girls! Fabulous interview, Penny, and you do know we get along so well because we have so much in common? Balancing acts with children especially. I actually didn't write for a ten year stretch when mine where doing the high school thing, at least not on paper. In retrospect, that's when several of my books brewed to boiling point. And I do so agree--DON'T be in such a rush to send something off. There're very few things that don't benefit from sitting awhile and being re-read. Heck, in my case, a few of my books sat for twenty years! Don't recommend that long, you understand, but are the published books the same as those early works that I thought (at the time) were wonderful. Oh, bwahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Reply
Penny Ehrenkranz link
4/30/2013 01:35:49 pm

Hi Gail, thanks for popping in. Yes, I do know we have a lot in common and one of these days, you'll find me knocking on your door for a tall glass of iced tea, Southern style :-) Glad you enjoyed the essay.

Reply
Penny Ehrenkranz link
5/27/2013 07:58:20 am

Congratulations to Susan York Meyers! She's the winner of an autographed copy of Boo's Bad Day.

Reply
Jess@Fairday's Blog link
2/18/2014 05:19:09 am

Loved the interview and the book sounds excellent! Wishing Penny the best of luck. As an animal lover, I can't wait to check out Boo's Bad Day. Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Penny Ehrenkranz link
2/19/2014 05:45:10 am

Jess, thanks so much for stopping by to read the interview. Hope you and your little ones enjoy Boo's Bad Day.

Reply
Global essays link
5/24/2015 02:04:44 am

Give me a chance to show you how works the first class specialist. Just check globalessays, and you'll get my point. These people are awesome.

Reply
Latrice link
11/26/2018 04:09:10 pm

Nice to know more about you Penny. Have you written some new books since your last one?

Reply



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