Dear Readers, the
first time I became aware of Jamie Bryant was when I had a speaking event with
a books signing at the assisted living center where she was the Executive Director. Soon after, I saw her at church. We had been going to the same
church, and I hadn’t realized it. We’ve become good friends. This children’s
book convinced me, she has many more to come. I enjoyed the story, and I know
my great grandsons will, too. I’m looking forward to reading it to them.
Welcome, Jamie. What
has drawn you to writing for children?
Having three children of my own that I loved to read to
inspired me early on. Also I had a home childcare business for 15 years and I
loved seeing the expressions and hearing the laughter of children as I read to
them or when we went to the library for Story Time. Bringing joy, mystery, and
surprise through my writing to children is very rewarding.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
When other people are talking I do the “mouth thing.” My
lips are moving with theirs as they’re talking. Don’t know if I’m trying to
help people talk (lol) or if I just love to talk so much I can’t wait for my
turn. :)
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
I loved writing in school, but the writer in me really came
out in 2001 (15 years ago). I had some challenges with forgiveness from my past
that I couldn’t seem to move on from. One day I sat down and started writing
about fun, happy times I had as a child, and through that exercise I kept
remembering more and more wonderful things to write about. Truly writing
brought not only healing but true forgiveness as I chose to cherish and
remember the great memories and not the other ones. (It’s what prompted the
stories in Fish Guts and Other Bedtime
Stories)
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Fiction: Christian Romance, and Short Stories.
Non-Fiction: Works of inspiration by pastors and leaders in
body of Christ. I also love reading great children’s fiction and non-fiction
books to my grandchildren.
What other books have
you written, whether published or not?
Fish Guts and Other Bedtime Stories (Is published and a Re-launch
scheduled in August 2016) Frog Funeral
and Other Bedtime Stories (Set for publication September 2016) The Love Bug (Book One in The Fruit of
the Spirit Collection, Due late July 2016) Sneeze
and Toot (not yet published)
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
My faith in Christ. Having an intimate, daily, personal
relationship with Jesus Christ keeps me centered on what and who are really
important in life…the who being People!
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?
Following my dream to see my writing to fruition and on bookshelves
today.
If you were an animal,
which one would you be, and why?
Okay this question puzzled me, so I did a test online to see
what animal they said I was. LOL. After reading the results I agreed and I’m
apparently an Otter! Why? Because they are petite, engaging, and mix easily with
a wide range of personalities. When an otter gets focused on a problem it won’t
give up until accomplished (That’s me) They are dedicated problem solvers. The
otter did have a few not so desirable attributes too, but let’s don’t focus on
those. :)
What is your favorite
food?
I’d have to go with Italian (Pizza, Lasagna, Garlic Bread,
Alfredo Sauce, Tiramisu)
Is it hard to break
into the children’s market?
I don’t think so. Although there are a lot of wonderful
children’s books out there when I’m looking for a book to read to my
grandchildren I spend a great deal of time searching. I’m looking for great
illustrations, humor, and for books that offer teaching moments.
What advice would you
give to an author wanting to do that?
Sit down today and write. If you’re not an illustrator (I’m
not) there are many ways today through a variety of websites to get great
illustrations at a great price. Also you will need to not just be a writer but
the primary Sales and Marketing Department for your book. If you don’t sell it,
who will?
What would you like
to tell us about the featured book?
Monkey in the Mailbox is the first book in a series (Denny’s
Surprise Day Series) about a young boy named Denny. On a routine visit to get
the mail, Denny is met with a big surprise. The only problem for Denny is, he’s
the only one who sees what’s in the mailbox. Children of all ages will enjoy
seeing what surprises greet Denny is this humorous fun story.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
E-mail: authorjamiebryant@gmail.com
Facebook: @jamiebryantbooks
Twitter: @readjamiebryant
Instagram: @jamiebryantsbooks
Thank you, Jamie, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers will enjoy having it for the children in their lives.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Monkey in the Mailbox (Denny's Surprise Day Series) (Volume 1) - paperbackMonkey in the Mailbox: Fun, Humorous Book For Children Ages 4-6 (Denny's Surprise Day Series 1) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
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The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
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Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
I have some grandchildren who would be thrilled for Grandma to have a new book to read to them. Looks like a fun book.
ReplyDeleteBeth from IA
So cute. What a fun series this is going to be.
ReplyDeleteMary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Hi Jamie & Lena! I'm picky with the books I buy my nieces & nephews and read to the kids I babysit, so finding books by Christian authors is always a treat!
ReplyDeleteKristen in OK
Enter me!!
ReplyDeleteConway SC.