A Christian Writer's World ~~ Characters who grip your heart

Thanks Lena,

Jamie

I love featuring all of your children’s books, Jamie. I experience great joy watching my great-grandsons enjoy the stories as I read the books to them. Their parents read to them a lot, too.

Readers, here are links to the book.

The Peaceful Panther - Hardback
The Peaceful Panther (The Fruit of the Spirit Collection Book 3) - Kindle

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

CROCODILE IN THE CLOSET - Jamie Bryant - One Free Book

Welcome back, Jamie. Are there any new surprises in this fourth book in the series?

Yes, we introduce someone outside Denny’s immediate family; his friend, Kenny.

You have a hidden heart in all of your books. What inspired you to do this?

Many children love to look for objects and hidden things in books so I thought this would be a lot of fun. If they find it, they can e-mail me and be included in the monthly drawing for a free book of their choice.

Do you sit down and write your books all in one setting?

The actual writing of the story is usually done in a day or even an evening. Of course that’s the first of many drafts. Also depending on the story I do a lot of research on the internet; especially if it’s about a specific animal.

While growing up, what did you do for fun?

Okay, so I’ll just go ahead and date myself. My grandmother used to cut out paper dolls for me. I played outside a lot and we played tag, hide and go seek, king of the mountain, and on summer nights caught as many lightning bugs (fireflies) as we could.

On yes, I have fond memories of things like that. Any funny food stories?

Yes. My husband and I both grew up in Virginia. A few years after we were married he joined the United States Air Force and our first official base was in California. One day after church, a couple invited us to go out to a Burrito Restaurant. We both looked at her and asked, “What was a burrito?” Of course, we love Mexican food now, but had in our short life only had a taco once or twice and that was a crunchy taco shell from a box.

When James and I visited my aunt in California, we discovered there are different kinds of Mexican food in the US. We’re used to TexMex here. MexiCali food is different in a lot of ways. What’s something you do every single day?

Wake up, get a cup of coffee, and sit down to read my Bible.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

Crocodile in the Closet follows along with the other books in the series in that there will be a crocodile and four other animals in the closet and all animals will start with the letter “C.” Denny just wants to get his jacket out of the coat closet by the front door and keeps finding one surprise after another. You’ll have to get the book to get the full story.

I love the fact that your books are available on Kindle, too. Parents can help their children read them on tablets. That’s very handy. A way to keep them entertained without having to carry lots of things with them. How can readers find you on the internet?

Twitter@readjamiebryant

Facebook@jamiebryantbooks

Instagram@jamiebryantbooks

Thanks, Lena

Jamie

Thank you, Jamie, for sharing your wonderful preschool picture books with me and my readers.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Crocodile In The Closet (Denny's Surprise Day Series) (Volume 4) - Print
Crocodile In The Closet (Denny's Surprise Day Series Book 4) - Kindle

Friday, January 27, 2017

SKUNK IN THE SHOWER - Jamie Bryant - One Free Book

Welcome back, Jamie. This is Book Three in this series? Can we expect more?

Yes, Book Four is on it’s way, Crocodile in the Closet, and ideas for six more are under way.

Do you get opinions of children when writing your books?

Yes, this one in particular, several of my grandchildren gave me feedback on the animals. They also shared their suggestions on any sentences or words that didn’t seem to be relevant to the story. Their input is priceless.

I’m sure it is. Do you try to write something every single day?

As of late, I do not. I spend a lot of time marketing my work currently but I’m excited for a new season of writing in 2017.

What was your best vacation in the last 5 years?

My husband and I had a getaway the summer of 2015 to Colorado. We rented a little cabin by the creek in the middle of nowhere. They brought breakfast to our door or patio each morning. I spent endless hours by the creek, listening to the water. The best part was there was No Cell Phone or Internet Service!

Do you have something that you snack on often?

I do. Peanuts! I’m a little quirky in that I measure them out in 1/4 cup and place them in Ziplock baggies. I keep them in my purse, my car, everywhere. I used to snack on everything that seemed to either be a carbohydrate or sugar. Now, I’m always prepared to choose something a little healthier. I do love my CARBS!

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

Skunk in the Shower is Book Three in the Denny’s Surprise Day Series. Denny has finished eating dinner and is dreading taking his shower. However, with all the surprises waiting for him in the shower, he finds it very challenging to even get in. Children will delight in all that’s taking place in the bathroom shower this particular evening.

How can readers find you on the internet?

Twitter@readjamiebryant

Facebook@jamiebryantbooks

Instagram@jamiebryantbooks

Thank you, Jamie, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Skunk In The Shower (Denny's Surprise Day Series) (Volume 3) - hardback
Skunk In The Shower (Denny's Surprise Day Series Book 3) - Kindle

Monday, January 16, 2017

PENGUIN IN THE PANTRY - Jamie Bryant - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’ve already featured a couple of Jamie Bryant’s children’s picture books on the blog. They are so colorful with fun stories that really grab preschooler’s attention. My great grandsons, aged 3 and almost 2, love the pictures and the repetition with the animals. At the same time, they’re learning concepts. I know a lot of people have electronic tablet devices for their children. Since these books come both in print and Kindle editions, they are just right for those devices.

Welcome back, Jamie. What compelled you to write a children’s book series?

When my children were young, I read to them every day. Now that I have grandchildren finding a great book that I love to read to them has proven to be challenging at times. When I did find a story or character that the children enjoyed, I would usually look for that character or author again. When I sat down to write the first book in this series, Monkey in the Mailbox, my imagination ran wild. That very night I wrote down 9 more potential titles for this series.

How does a story for children come to you?

I managed my own home childcare business for eighteen years. The children often would often say to me, “Tell us a Story, Miss Jamie.” Needless to say I had to be always ready and keep my imagination soaring to keep coming up with stories. Also when something happens and it’s funny or interesting I take note of it. One day my husband was eating a sandwich at the table with me and one of the children I was caring for. She was four years old and got extremely excited when she saw a ladybug on his sandwich. She squealed just before the ladybug became his lunch. It’s not yet, but will be a story someday. :)

What do you find most challenging in being a writer?

The necessary needed alone time to actually do the writing. Currently I am my own marketing department, so time must be allotted for this daily. Also I’m a People Person. I love being with people and talking to them and miss that. Something I’ve started doing in the last several months is scheduling Interactive Story-times with props at pre-schools and libraries, which gives me my people time.

That was a problem for me when I started writing, too. As you know, I’m also a people person. I almost drove James crazy talking so much when he got home from work. I missed adult conversation. He used to be rather quiet. Now he likes to talk, too. What makes you smile?

I smile when I sing worship music. I smile when I see children and especially when they laugh. I smile when I think of my family and all that God has blessed me with.

What’s your favorite dessert?

I really love Buttermilk Pie. Someone gave me one as a gift a few years ago and I smiled and said, “Thank you,” thinking the whole time … this is gross. Of course I had to at least try it and give a response. I’ve loved it ever since and make it often with homemade pie crust.

Wow! I never learned to make a good pie crust, so I just buy a quality frozen one. I don’t buy the ones with lard in them. And my mother-in-law introduced me to Buttermilk Pie, and I love it. What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

Penguin in the Pantry finds young Denny just trying to go to the kitchen pantry and get his morning cereal. This becomes a challenge for him because each time he opens the pantry door he is met by a new animal, that only he can see. Surprisingly enough, all of the animals start with the letter P. This provides a teaching opportunity for parents. In the end….Wait! I can’t tell you that. You’ll have to read the book. :)

How can readers find you on the internet?

Twitter@readjamiebryant

Facebook@jamiebryantbooks

Instagram@jamiebryantbooks

Here are buy links for the book:

Penguin in the Pantry on Kindle: Penguin In The Pantry (Denny's Surprise Day Series Book 2)

Penguin in the Pantry Paperback: Penguin In The Pantry (Denny's Surprise Day Series) (Volume 2)

Thank you, Jamie, for sharing this book with us. It’s a wonderful gift for children and grandchildren. Teachers in preschools and libraries should have it, too.

Readers, 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 or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

THE JOYFUL JELLYFISH - Jamie Bryant - One Free Book

Welcome back, Jamie. Do you have plans to write a book for each of the nine fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23?

I do. Book Three, The Peaceful Panther, will be available in February 2017. Book four is currently being illustrated and titles for the five others have been created.

When it come to children’s books, is a good story all you need?

In my opinion, No! For children’s picture books the illustrations are key and go hand in glove with the message. I love to write and am blessed with ideas, however without creative illustrations my writing wouldn’t intrigue young children. A picture is worth a thousand words. That phrase was originally quoted, One look is worth a thousand words, in Printers Ink in December 1921, and still holds true today.

Currently you are Indie publishing. Any advice to someone else considering going this route?

There’s an old phrase, “If you build it they will come.” This is not so true in writing. You would think, “If I write it, someone will read it and buy it.” That’s not always the case. You need to either pay someone to market your book, or be prepared to market it yourself. Fortunately, my background is marketing, however I continue to learn daily what works and what doesn’t, and challenge myself in the social media world. Be prepared to daily be doing, scheduling, or calling someone that can move you and your book/books forward for sales.

What do you hope to accomplish with this series, The Fruit of the Spirit Collection?

Getting the word of God into the homes and hearts of parents and children with simple yet practical stories.

If you were on a desert island what five things would you want with you?

Pencil for writing :)

Paper for writing on :)

Food

Drink

A lifeboat to get off the island :)

Do you have a favorite TV series?

I absolutely do. Heartland! It’s a series from Canada and is in its 10th season. It’s the longest running series in Canada. For the most part, it’s a family friendly show and portrays their family overcoming even when it’s tough. I love how they still sit down and eat dinner together … even if the conversation gets messy at times.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

The Joyful Jellyfish is Book Two in the Fruit of the Spirit Collection. In this book about ‘joy’ Jellyfish has the opportunity to encourage her friend Crab, who seems to be mostly crabby. Jelly uses the passage in Galatians 5:22-23 to explain to her friend about this fruit of the Spirit.

How can readers find you own the internet?

Twitter: @readjamiebryant

Facebook: @jamiebryantbooks

Instagram: @jamiebryantbooks

Thank you, Jamie, for sharing this new book with us. My great grandsons are really enjoying the books you've written.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

The Joyful Jellyfish: The Fruit Of The Spirit Collection-Book Two - hardback
The Joyful Jellyfish (The Fruit of the Spirit Collection Book 2) - Kindle