A Special Anniversary!

I usually don't like to post personal information, but I can't help it this time. This is a wonderful anniversary for my middle child. Jackie was born with a rare liver disease. At age 10 months and then at age 3 she had a liver transplant. Today is the 3rd anniversary of her second and successful transplant. To read about her story visit www.caringbridge.org/page/jacqueline . The journals are more about her battle with the disease and tapered off as she got well. Today, we also remember her donor and the brave decision the family made to save a life.

Muse Conference -- Get Ready

I've been checking the boards at the Muse 200 Online Writer's Conference, and I'm thrilled I signed up again. It looks to be great fun and I can't wait to get busy on the assignments. I know I overloaded myself. I can tell just by trying to get my intros done. However, I feel like a sponge. I just want to absorb everything I can about writing.

Some tips to make this year a great conference year:

• Keep a notebook handy. Jot down assignments, due dates,exercises.
• Save useful handouts for future reference. I created a binder and organized them by topic. When that moment comes when I say, "What did she tell me at the conference about creating a website?" I can just return to my binder and look it up.
• Get talking - make friends and connect with other writers. Make use of the fun boards where you're introducing each other and exchanging links.
• Ask questions and participate. You'll never be the only "newbie" there. I used to tell my second graders all the time, "There are no stupid questions." If you have a question, chances are someone else does too.
• Do the assignments. That sounds obvious, but you'll learn more by following through on what you're asked to do. It's more work, but you could get great personal advice from some experienced presenters there.

That's it! Enjoy yourselves and keep on learning!

My Light Magazine: October 2008

Check out the newest issue of My Light Magazine at http://mylightmagazine.com/ . The October 2008 issue is packed with information about St. Francis of Assisi. There’s a puzzle about him, an article, a story and even some Paper Dolls by Candace J. Hardy. Diane Smit did a great job on her retelling of the Bible story: Jesus Blesses Children.
There’s so much fun packed in this issue. So go ahead over and take a look! Don’t forget to stop at the comments page to tell us about your visit.
Contributors:
Be sure to check out our Current Needs page. I have specific ideas listed on what I’d like to see in November, December, January and February.
Enjoy the issue!

My Light Names Assistant Editor

Below I posted a new Media Release about My Light Magazine. We're thrilled to announce a new addition to the My Light team. Take a look and meet My Light's new assistant editor.




MEDIA RELEASE

Media Contact: Jennifer Gladen
Editor, MY LIGHT MAGAZINE
Email: editor@mylightmagazine.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pennsylvania (September 29, 2008) –My Light Magazine announces a new member of the My Light Team. Jaclyn Morales has been named assistant editor and will assist with submissions and planning of the magazine. She is a current student at the Institute of Children’s Literature and holds a BS in Journalism from St. John’s University. “When I was a kid I used to make imaginary newspapers,” Ms. Morales states. “I used to hand write, draw, and circulate it around my house. So it wasn’t a shock that I went for a BS in Journalism.”
Ms. Morales is excited to join us here at My Light Magazine. “The thing I love the best is that I get to merge many passions into My Light – my faith (I have attended catholic school from grade school through college) and writing for children. I get to teach children to love to read and love God as well.”
My Light Magazine looks forward to working with Jaclyn Morales. Author submissions should be sent to her at JaclynMorales@mylightmagazine.com . For content suggestions, please visit http://mylightmagazine.com .

Media Contact:
Jennifer Gladen: editor@mylightmagazine.com
Jaclyn Morales: JaclynMorales@mylightmagazine.com
Website: http://mylightmagazine.com
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Thanks for the Supoprt

Thanks for all the support and comments on A Star in the Night. I'm honored to have an illustrator with the same vision about this book that I do. We can't wait until it is available for purchase.

Be sure to check out other titles at Guardian Angel Publishing as well at http://guardianangelpublishing.com . They have a great selection of talented authors and illustrators. There's even a section which tells you of the upcoming new releases.

A Cover for A Star in the Night

It's here! The cover art for A Star in the Night!. I couldn't tell you enough about illustrator John Blackford's talent. That's why I'm about to show you.

It's as if he read my mind when I was writing the book. Thanks for a great job, John. I can't wait to see the rest of the book.



Here it is.....

Drum roll...

Ta Da....

A Star in the Night Has an Illustrator!!

I'm thrilled to announce the illustrator of A Star in the Night, a picture book that follows a young boy through a mystical Christmas Eve. The joyful story will be illustrated by John Blackford, a talented illustrator who always seems to keep busy with one project or another. Take a look at his blog and check out some of his work. Don't just look at the pictures - he has links, trailers, comics, you name it.

I'm ecstatic to have such a talented illustrator work on A Star in the Night. Stay tuned, as I'm sure there will be more to update soon.