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:
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.
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
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.
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