Under the Sea Creature Contest WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS!
WINNER: EMMA DENNIS
SCHOOL: BRANDON HALL
DATE: OCTOBER 17th, 2007

Although each of the contestants showed incredible creativity in their submissions--Emma's stood out to me for several reasons. She really used the whole page to her advantage--and created a dynamic compostion. I also appreciated her scientific investigations of her creature and the passage of writing that accompanied the artwork. Great job Emma!

Little Shop of Stories - April 26, 2007

SWEET TREAT

What a fun time I had at this intimiate book reading. After the reading I showed the boys how to create their own magical beast using basic shape to design their creatures.

They had a blast drawing, gluing, cutting and creating their own Magic Beast Journal Pages.

The WINNER of the contest is Will. I loved his use of shape and color while designing his creature. He took the time to name it and put alot of thought into his idea. Great job New Recruits.

If you missed me, have no fear! Diane has invited me back JULY 20th for their HARRY POTTER MIDNIGHT MAGIC PARTY. I will be set up in Diagon Alley with my own Magic Beastiary. So stop on by and Create Your Own Magic Beast while waiting for your Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Barnes & Noble Event March 24, 2007

What an exciting day! From the moment I walked in the door, I was graciously welcomed by the Barnes & Noble off Dallas Highway. Beth Riggs had my signing table up by the front door (talk about a great spot!) She was a wonderful host and made certain I got a peek at the display of my book in the children's department.

Words can't accruately describe my glee as I rounded the corner and came face to face with the Dragon Stone tower set up. It is the moment every author/illustrator dreams of.

Grace, the manager of the children's department stopped by my table to let me know she read my book and loved it. She is putting it on her Recommended Reading list. Everyone at the store really enjoyed all my props and I have been booked for the release of Book 2 in October 2007. They will be keeping my book in stock and eager for the next installment.

I've also been booked May 2nd for a Barnes & Noble Media Specialist Reception. I will be introduced to all the altanta educators and have an opportunity to market my books.

Thank you to everyone who made this event such a success. I am looking forward to many more.

Savannah Children's Book Festival - November 16th-19th 2006

What an incredible weekend! Me and Lance hit the road early Thursday morning and headed down to Savannah. After checking into the Hilton DeSoto, we cruised over to DeRenne Middle for our first presentation. The kids really seemed to enjoy the reading - and were very interested in the process of creating a book.

Friday we did three presentations. Two at St.Andrews - what a delightful group of children. Joyce Rayburn welcomed me into her school and the children were fantastic. After grabbing a quick bite to eat, we headed over to Blessed Sacrament for our grand finale - 300 students! The projector was overheating and giving my Production Manager a run for his money. As the microphone was handed to me, the illustrations on the LCD screen blinked out.

What is an author to do?

I remained calm, and began reading....the projector decided to play nice and we had an outstanding presentation. The Q & A segment was tricky with so many children, but I strapped on my running shoes and made my rounds around the entire gymnasium.

Saturday was the festival. It was wonderful chaos! We sold a book about every 3 minutes, and even as we packed up the table at the end people bought books. It was exhilirating to see the crowd's reaction to Dragon Stone.

It was an amazing trip - one I will not soon forget. Thank-you Savannah!





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Imagym & Unity Church - October 8, 2006

My first official Author Visits and book signings went outstanding. There was a line out of the bookstore and the feeling I got from the children coming up with their parent's to get a book was one of awe and exhiliration. The kids, both boys & girls responded with such excitement to the story and illustrations. It was a wonderful way to kick off the fall season.


Create Your Own!

Mustard Seed Charity Auction - October 11, 2006

I had the opportunity to donate a book that will be auctioned to rasie money to
build schools in Jamaica. I am also donating two books to the library for the school. This is what it's all about - bringing literature to children!

Southern Breeze Fall Conference - October 21, 2006

This was such an excellent experience. Going to a conference with my first published book was illuminating. I had a fabulous time being Elizabeth Dulemba's "Angel". Hester Bass thrilled me by buying my book and singing a wonderful twist of the song "We are the Champions" Of course, her mantra was "We will be published!". Joan Broerman extended her home to all the conference speakers for a lovely lasagna dinner. I learned so much and especially enjoyed Rosemary Stimola's Contracts 101 class and R.A. Nelson gave two terrific lectures.

It was not only educational, but it was fun!


Create Your Own!

Brandon Hall School Assembly - October 25, 2006

What a delightful group of excited and intelligent children. One thing that stood out to me about the Author Visit was the enthusiasm concerning the second part of my presentation: Book Production 101. I had a table with the 10 steps of creating and illustrating a children's book.

It was fantastic to show them my rough drafts, sketches, dummie book and the creative process of book creation. It was a memorable and fantastic visit.


Create Your Own!

Imagine It! Children's Museum of Atlanta - November 11, 2006

What a great group of kids and parent's. The Imginators were incredible to work with - thanks Jerry! We had everything we needed. My presentations are multi-sensory and involve sound effects, so it was wonderful for everything to run smoothly.

The parent's and kids loved Create Your Own Magical Beast. I was thrilled to watch the children explore their creativity and impressed with their vivid imaginations.

Children of all ages seem to be thoroughly enjoying the adventures of Ruth and David Duncan.
A common question proposed at this point is: So, when will the next book in the series be out?

Ah, the cherished words every author dreams of hearing.

-Ami



Create Your Own!

Ghostly Gathering - October 27, 2006

This was such a fun festival. I truly enjoyed my time with the children and seeing the awesome reaction to my book. It was a wonderful night indeed for Dragon Stone!


Create Your Own!