Mar8

BLOG POST ANALYSIS

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BLOG POST ANALYSIS

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Having just finished my third novel of the Frenchie Series and reflecting upon my skills as a blogger: I’d have to say that the books are road maps for an author who continues to evolve and improve one’s writing skill. For anyone who has not read my first two MG novels: Frenchie’s Best Friend- Follow the Blog and Frenchie X2- Follow the Blog; it may be no big surprise that there is a blog post at the end of most chapters.  (You did catch the subtitle- Follow the Blog, right?) The blogs are written in the voice of a thirteen year old who is “gaga” over French Bulldogs and he blogs each night to his following of Frenchie … Read the rest

Jan28

MEET the AUTHOR: Mary Laudien

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MEET the AUTHOR: Mary Laudien

photoFrenchie X2 Author PhotoMary's visit

After reading the article entitled Meet the Agent- Barbara Lowenstein in Writer’s Digest (Feb., 2013), it occurred to me it might be helpful for my blog readers to know more about Mary Laudien, the Middle Grade Author. I decided to follow Kara Gebhart’s simplified format to provide this info to my blog followers (All 3 of you, but I know there are many more of you who were just waiting for an invite to subscribe!). If you seek more detailed information, you can always go to my website: http://www.twocandobooks.com

Who is Mary Laudien? 

  • a retired innovative educator  (Known for successfully transforming the public schools she was principal of into International Baccalaureate World Schools)
  • a newly appointed International Baccalaureate
… Read the rest
Jan15

Pudsey YouTube Video Hilarious!

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Pudsey YouTube Video Hilarious!

Authors find inspiration for their writing from all sorts of places.  It just so happens, as I finish revising my third Middle Grade novel of the humorous Frenchie Series, that watching the Ashleigh and Pudsey YouTube video from Britain’s Got Talent, helped me create the best ending ever.  Each time I re-read those final three chapters, I end up laughing hysterically.  This amuses my husband to hear the belly laughs coming from my office upstairs. I don’t want to give anything away, yet, but give yourself a treat and watch this humorous video.  It will make your day.  Share it with others who would enjoy some pet humor and love.

If you enjoy Ashleigh and Pudsey, why not … Read the rest

Jan5

‘Fur Kids’ New Year’s Resolutions

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‘Fur Kids’ New Year’s Resolutions

It’s that time of year when everyone has made their New Year’s Resolutions and some are already struggling with them. It got me thinking about our ‘fur kids’ and how they must also make resolutions after over-indulgences throughout the holiday season.

‘Fur kids’ were referred to in an article in The Globe and Mail (14/12/12) by Peter Scowen.  He was  discussing just how “gaga” society is over their ‘pet kids’:

  • They eat nothing but the priciest, organic foods.
  • If their ‘pet parents’ work- they attend high-end day cares with check-up webcams.
  • They travel everywhere with their family (often First Class) and receive routine spa treatments to keep them looking their best.
  • Costuming is big (In the USA, 350 million dollars
… Read the rest
Jan3

Deer “Doo-Doo”

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Deer “Doo-Doo”

I’m a professional career woman. (And yes, I’m retired.) I keep wondering if this is my “just deserts” for being an elementary school principal in my other life… I mean, seriously readers, who would believe that an educated, career-minded woman would end up strategizing time in her day to pick up deer pellets scattered throughout her less than pristine yard! It has become such a joke, that I have taken to introducing myself at Frenchie author visits in this way, “Hello everyone, my name is Mary Laudien. I live in Nanoose Bay with the deer and occasionally, my DEAR (husband Ryan). Days in Nanoose are spent scooping up Bambi pellets and replanting the appetizing shrubs dined upon … Read the rest

Dec20

Free Holiday Book Package Contest

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Free Holiday Book Package Contest

The Holiday Season is upon us and I wanted to thank my readers by offering Books 1 and 2 of my Frenchie Series as a Contest Give-Away.  Frenchie’s Best Friend-Follow the Blog is a Middle Grade novel that connects to Christmas in a humorous way.  Families are enjoying the series as  contemporary novels about family relationships,’tweens’, and French Bulldogs (and many other breeds…).  The novels appeal to anyone who has ever owned a pet or is a ‘pet-owner wannabe’.  You will “crack-up” when you meet Ethan’s Grandma Sis.  This 13 year old main character describes this quirky, eccentric woman as “not your typical let’s make cookies kind of Grandma”…  … Read the rest

Nov30

Buy Local for Christmas Reads

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Buy Local for Christmas Reads

X'mas photo-1

If you’re looking for a X’mas special on some humorous family reads over the holiday season (Middle Grade Novels -Grade 5-8), please consider the FRENCHIE SERIES (Books 1&2) on sale locally in NANAIMO’S CHAPTERS (local author section)and at the X’mas Bazaar at the Nanoose Bay Library on Saturday, Dec.8th between 10:00 -3:00.

Parents/Grandparents are choosing this humorous Frenchie Series (Books 1 &2) as a contemporary fiction choice with characters that all can relate to:

  • Ethan, the 13 year old who is “gaga” over French Bulldogs and determined to own one of his own
  • Grandma Sis,  the quirkiest, most eccentric and devious grandma,
  • Mel, an overwhelmed, single working mom who has no interest in adding a pet
… Read the rest
Nov23

10 Reasons why MG and YA Authors Must Read: Writing Irresistible KIDLIT by Mary Kole

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10 Reasons why MG and YA Authors Must Read: Writing Irresistible KIDLIT by Mary Kole

Having recently wrapped up my third MG novel of my Frenchie series, Writer’s Digest’s promotion of Mary Kole’s book, “Writing Irresistible KIDLIT –The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers” caught my attention.  All authors are interested in perfecting their skill set and craft.  It’s an invaluable aid challenging authors to go back into one’s manuscript, ask the hard questions, and revise, revise, revise!

10 reasons KIDLIT  writers should read Mary Kole’s guide:

1.  Mary Kole is well educated, knowledgeable, experienced and a published author herself. She has credence as a Senior Literary Manager, someone who teaches webinars on all aspects of children’s book craft and she blogs at kidlit.com.

2.  She … Read the rest

Nov15

Canadian Patriotism Event (Inheritance Reduction Plan)

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Canadian Patriotism Event (Inheritance Reduction Plan)

Last spring, our friends, Alison Wright and Donald (Mucker) Munroe hatched a plan to celebrate Mucker’s sixtieth year as a Canadian citizen.  He immigrated from Scotland at the age of twenty-three and wanted to party with his community and family.

Our Mucker is a character who enjoys a big splash.  Three years ago, for his eightieth birthday party, he had a huge gathering representing a cross section of his life (former staff members from schools that he had led as principal, past students, sailing buddies, family, neighbors, and an eclectic array of friends) for a garden party.  But before the birthday festivities began, he led a parade through his neighborhood with pipers and, of course, fully decked out in his … Read the rest

Nov4

The Drama of Today’s Weddings!

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The Drama of Today’s Weddings!

Phew! I’m done, so done!  The last son/step-son is married.  How stressful can it be to just show up at one’s adult children’s weddings you ask?  Well, let me give you just a glint of insight into this wedding “gig”, contending with families consisting of step-moms, step-dads, ex-girlfriends, ex-boyfriends, step-brothers, step-sisters, half brothers and half sisters, OMG! What other family combinations can there possibly be?  Favorite aunts and uncles aren’t even a consideration after the extended families have been invited!

Consider the configurations of the guest lists and the insane task of trying to make each parent/step-parent comfortable with the wedding arrangements. Today when almost every parent of the bride and groom have new partners or are single and … Read the rest