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JUSTINE is Still My Highest Reviewed Book

After publishing my first memoir, Not-My-Story-to-Tell, readers wanted more. Some said the book was too short and they wanted to know more about Justine’s life. I decided to write a sequel and include happier times. I titled this book, JUSTINE. I didn’t make a paperback version this time due to cost and I wasn’t sure it would be as well-liked. It’s been getting solid reviews and has even gotten…

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Sign Painting

My friend found this sign at a yard sale for $.50. She doesn’t paint so she gave it to me. There is actually a family name engraved on the back. She loves birds so I painted this bird for her. We’re both in Florida so I thought a tropical bird would be appropriate.

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Book Reviews

Authors rely on book reviews to boost our algorithm. Whenever someone leaves a review, it bumps our book up the ladder, so more people see it, hopefully buy it and review it. Self-published or Indy authors, like myself, don’t make much money. It’s really just a few dollars for each sale and to be honest, we give many books away, hopping to get that coveted review. A review doesn’t have to be…

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The Series is Ready!

The Series is Ready!

I’ve spent most of the year writing and planning for the Elliott and Oliver series to be complete. I wanted it ready for the holidays and I’m happy to say that it is. The first book I Can’t Sleep with a Dog on my Head was published in March for my grandson, Oliver’s birthday. You can read about that here. The second book, I Can’t Play with a Dog on my Lap was timed for my grandson, Elliott’s…

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Lots of Buzz with Book #2 in the Oliver and Elliott series

Lots of Buzz with Book #2 in the Oliver and Elliott series

I’ve been receiving only positive reviews on my latest children’s book I Can’t Play with a Dog on my Lap. It is the second of three books in the series. You can see more about the first book, I Can’t Sleep with a Dog on my Head, here: A Special Birthday Present. I wrote both books as birthday presents to my grandsons, Oliver and Elliott. The books are about them and my silly dog, Boo. Boo likes…

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Book 2 in the Oliver and Elliott Series has Launched!

Book 2 in the Oliver and Elliott Series has Launched!

I’m pleased to announce I Can’t Play with a Dog on my Lap, the second book in my Children’s Series is available on Amazon. It is the follow up to I Can’t Sleep with a Dog on My head, which you can find here. Stay tuned for a third book, which will be published in time for Christmas!

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A Special Birthday Present

A Special Birthday Present

When I wrote I Can’t Sleep with a Dog on my Head I had a deadline in mind; my grandson, Oliver’s birthday. I was racing against the clock to get the illustrations finished and format it for KDP. I ran into a few problems on Kindle Kids Create but I persevered and got it finished and published it as an e-book. Then, as I explained here I hit a roadblock. Luckily, I had some extra time before the…

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I Can’t Sleep with a Dog on my Head is Available in Paperback!

I Can’t Sleep with a Dog on my Head is Available in Paperback!

I wrote here about the frustration I was having converting my children’s e-book into paperback. I’d done it seamlessly with my memoir, Not My Story to Tell and my novel, Rose-Coloured Houses but didn’t realize that picture books cannot be converted by KDP. I went to my trusty source, Fiverr to find help. I’ve used this great service several times now with editing, illustrations and now…

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Here is Boo…on my head!

Here is Boo…on my head!

My shitzu, Boo and my two grandsons, Oliver and Elliott are the inspiration for my new children’s series. The first book, I Can’t Sleep with a Dog on my Head is available in e-book format. You can have a look HERE. This is one of the ways Boo sleeps with me

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I Can’t Sleep with a Dog on My Head! is an e-book!

I Can’t Sleep with a Dog on My Head! is an e-book!

My new children’s book, I Can’t Sleep with a Dog on my Head! is available in e-book format. I had no idea that KDP could not convert it to paperback version, like it did for my two memoirs Not My Story to Tell and JUSTINE. It seamlessly converted my novel, Rose-Coloured Houses but picture books are another story (pardon the pun). I thought I was an experienced author and publisher, having done…

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My Children’s Book Has Inspired a Series

My Children’s Book Has Inspired a Series

I started a children’s book called, I Can’t Sleep With A Dog on my Head. It’s been described as a “sweet, silly book.” I know kids will love it. My grandsons, Oliver and Elliott and my dog, Boo inspired the story. I wanted to dedicate it to the boys but then I thought it would be more special if I wrote another one and they could each have one book dedicated to them. A third one came to me right…

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New Children’s Book Coming Soon!

I’ve written a children’s book and hired a talented illustrator. “This is a sweet, silly story” ~ Ashley Barron, illustrator “This is so cute!”~ Candice Brooks, Beta reader

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The Great Reviews Just Keep on Coming!

The Great Reviews Just Keep on Coming!

My debut novel, Rose-Coloured Houses has been getting rave reviews. Here are just a few.

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More Feedback for Rose-Coloured Houses

More Feedback for Rose-Coloured Houses

My debut novel Rose-Coloured Houses is getting positive reviews and feedback. Here is more: It takes great ambition to start to write a novel and extreme dedication to take it to completion. You did it! Good for you! Congratulations on yet another insightful, thought provoking and meaningful book. With your skillful description and character development in Rose coloured Houses the story came to…

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Rose-Coloured Houses is a Success

Rose-Coloured Houses is a Success

Here is a some of the feedback I’ve received for my debut novel, Rose-Coloured Houses: “You have a very vibrant writing style with colourful and active descriptions! You put me right in the story, feeling for the family and other people involved.” “Cathy your book was very difficult to put down, so needless to say I absolutely loved every page !!! Also, being born and raised in Toronto, the…

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Great Feedback for Rose-Coloured Houses, my Debut Novel

Great Feedback for Rose-Coloured Houses, my Debut Novel

My novel, Rose-Coloured Houses was published June 26th. It’s received great feedback and reviews. Here is what readers are saying: You have a very vibrant writing style with colourful and active descriptions! You put me right in the story, feeling for the family and other people involved. Although there were lots of sad times, I’m glad you included some happy times for Peggy too. I really…

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I’m Pleased to Announce the Launch of My Debut Novel, Rose-Coloured Houses

I’m Pleased to Announce the Launch of My Debut Novel, Rose-Coloured Houses

Today my Novel Rose-Coloured Houses was published in Kindle, Soft Cover and Hard Cover versions.