Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Guest Author, Stephanie Burkhart


Today I'd like to welcome fellow Bookspa member and friend Stephanie Burkhart. Stephanie is a prolific writer, with books written in several genres, (check out her website for all the wonderful titles!) but today we're featuring her children's book The Giving Meadow, the story of a very special caterpillar. Stephanie is also participating with me and countless other authors in the Long and Short Reviews Third Anniversary Celebration that gives you a chance to win a Nook and a $50 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble. For more information on that, go here. Good luck and Happy Reading!
I just want to thank Liana for having me today on my blog tour for my children's book, "The Giving Meadow."

Just a little about me: I was born in Manchester, NH but live in Castaic, California with my husband, Brent, and two sons, Andrew and Joseph. I have fond memories of Manchester, but have made California my home. I earned a BS in political science from California Baptist University in 1995.

I have been writing since I was 5, first making homemade comic books. Now, I work on creating short stories and novels. I spent 11 years in the US Army and over 7 years in Germany. Writing is a passion that still challenges me. The Giving Meadow is my first children's book and my first book with 4RV Publishing.

THE BLURB:

The Giving Meadow is about a caterpillar who hatches from his egg in the middle of a meadow. As he travels through the meadow, he meets new friends who learn the value of sharing.

THE INSPIRATION

I go to Blessed Kateri Catholic Church (in Santa Clarita, CA) and I'm involved in our Sunday Preschool program. We call it Little Church. The program works with 3, 4, and 5-year-olds. I help to teach the 3's along with 3 other talented ladies, Shirley Chang, Maureen Dunahoo, and Mary Tesselaar. Every year I help to write the Easter play for the children. In 2009, "The Giving Meadow" was our Easter play.

After I wrote it, I showed Vivian at 4RV. She's also a moderator at Writing.com and I wanted her feedback on the story. She offered it a contract! I was tickled pink. It was a nice, unexpected surprise. I can't thank Vivian (Gilbert Zabel, publisher, 4RV Publishing) for believing in the story and wanting to bring it to life.

"The Giving Meadow" is wonderfully illustrated by Stephen Macquignon. Stephen primarily works in the medium of pen and ink and color digitally. He has had the privilege to work with Director Michael Sporn of Michael Sporn Animation Inc. He is also a monthly contributor for Stories for Children's magazine.

Stephen's children's books with 4RV Publishing include Angeline Jellybean by Crystalee Calderwood and Colors by Dana Warren.

"The First Flag of New Hampshire," by Stephanie, will be released by 4RV Publishing next year. It is a TW/Young Adult story.

GOODIE TIME:
Leave a post here on the blog. I'll pick two lucky winners to receive an autographed postcard of the cover. I'll also be giving out an autographed copy of the book. Winners will be drawn out of a hat, and I'll return on 13 AUG to announce them.

BUY LINKS:

BARNES & NOBLE:

STEPHANIE ON THE WEB:

BLOG:
WEBSITE:

FACEBOOK:

TWITTER:

STEPHANIE ON AMAZON:

STEPHEN ON THE WEB:

BLOG:

WEBSITE

STEPHEN ON AMAZON:

"Romance Under the Moonlight."
THE GIVING MEADOW - JUNE 2010
4RV Publishing
THE HUNGARIAN - MAY 2010
Desert Breeze Publishing.


Visit me at:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
http://sgcardin.tripod.com
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com
http://www.writing.com/authors/sgcardin

and at Associated Content:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/join.html?refer=84269

13 comments:

Rebecca J Vickery said...

Hi Stephanie,
What a wonderful and inspiring thing to have happen with The Giving Meadow. it sounds just the story to appeal to my granddaughter, Taylor.
Wishing you many sales.

Stephanie Burkhart said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Stephanie Burkhart said...

Rebecca, thank so much for popping in! Caterpillar is hungry and he's mixing strawberry smoothies today. (He really liked Liana's lounge chairs on the front and thought a strawberry smoothie would hit the spot.)

Liana, how's that smoothie? Caterpillar is fattening up. I gotta keep an eye on him!

Smiles
Steph

Gina said...

Hi Liana and Stephanie,
The Giving Meadow is a beautiful book, I have read it and will treasure it. Good luck, Steph! And Stephen, the illustrations are wonderful. Nice to meet you, Liana, your site is lovely.
Hugs,
Regina

Stephanie Burkhart said...

Gina,
Nice to see you pop in. How was your smoothie?
Smiles
Steph

Beth Reinke said...

Mmm, strawberry smoothies sound wonderful. I didn't know Caterpillar was a chef, too! ;o)

Wishing Caterpillar well on his continuing journey across the blogosphere.

Stephanie Burkhart said...

Beth *waves* Caterpillar needs to fatten up. I'm getting a little worried about him.

Smiles
Steph

Maggie Toussaint said...

Hey Steph,
Cool post. I'm still looking for my strawberry smoothie. I need a treat after the hectic morning with the two foster boys and my infant grandson. If there was a single piece of chocolate in this house I'd be all over it, so I'll definitely settle for a smoothie.

I applaud you for stepping up and getting this book in the right hands. I hope you have wonderful sales!

Maggie

LK Hunsaker said...

Hi Liana and Steph,

The illustrations are gorgeous! I had to leaf through when you sent it as a library basket donation. :-)

It's great that you're using your talents to help your church. I'm sure they appreciate it greatly.

Best of luck with your newest!

Mona Risk said...

Hi Steph, we read The Giving Meadow at least fifteen times last month. We, means Olivia (6), Madelyn(4)and Nonna(me) They love it and they were tickled pink to see the autograph with their names.

Stephen Macquignon said...

Thank you for the compliment Gina and LK Hunsaker the book was a joy to work on

Stephanie Burkhart said...

Beth - believe it or not, Caterpillar *loves* food. LOL!!

Maggie, um....I wonder if Caterpillar slurped it up? I'll have to have a chat with him.

Loraine - Caterpillar was tickled pink to visit your library. hehe.

Mona - Caterpillar sends ((hugs)) to you and your grandchildren. He's glad you enjoy the story.

Congrats to Rebecca & Maggie - winners of the autographed PC! Send me an email with your snail mail and I'll get those right out to you.

Smiles
Steph

Sharon Donovan said...

Hi Steph and Liana,

Sorry to be a bit late catching up with you hre, Steph, The Giving Meadow sounds like a lovely story, and I'll bet it was the most delightful play.

I do so enjoy stories with a 'message'.

Wishing you continued success in all you do,

Lyn