Hello!
So what’s cooking on Planet DC this week? Well, quite a lot if you must know.
First of all, it’s the London Book Fair this week and I’ll be going to as many seminars, stands and events as I can over the course of the event. It starts tomorrow – Tuesday and ends on Thursday. It’s going to be at the World famous Earls Court Conference center in West London. I’m looking forward to meeting fellow authors and keeping abreast of all the latest industry trends. I have to admit that my visit last year gave my writing and publishing career a big boost as I was able to meet certain industry big-wigs and discover what was working for other authors. Some of the highlights from last year included:
– Meeting the folks at the Amazon Kindle stand and being advised on who to contact with regard to placing my books in the appropriate category.
– Attending the seminars at the AuthorRight stand with the Q&A with British author, Nick Spalding been a highlight.
– Chatting with a popular review blogger after a seminar who introduced me to influential bloggers in the U.K.
One of these bloggers is eagerly sought after by the big publishing houses to review their books and I’m happy to say she’s now an acquaintance who has reviewed several of my books.
– Meeting the wonderful folks at the My Little Big Town Publishing stand whose advice have been very instrumental in my social media growth. I look forward to working with them at some point in the future.
If you’re going to be at the London Book Fair, you can either let me know by dropping a comment or tweeting me @davidchuka
Every now and then, I love walking into a book store and reading a few pages of the Kidlit and Middle Grade books on display.
I happened to pick up this book by Jim Smith title ‘I’m Nit a Loser’ last Friday at Waterstones after reading three chapters as it had me cracking up. I ended up buying the book and will be doing a review of it later. This is the kind of book I would have loved to have read when I was an 8 to 10 year-old. I would love to write a book like this at some point in the future as it just has a nice blend of silliness, humour and oddly named characters with unique idiosyncrasies that’s just up my street. The book has very funny illustrations with characters with very big and bendy noses. I signed up to the author’s publisher newsletter and will most likely be picking up the other books in the series.
Easter’s just round the corner and I wanted to draw your attention to two of my books that I know will make a wonderful addition to your loved ones library. Counting to Ten and Sharing my Easter Eggs is a book for Kindergarten/Preschool students. It’s a fun rhyming book about a young girl whose been given a basket of Easter eggs to share with her friends. One of the rhymes goes
Here’s One for Tommy, who likes all things Yummy.
The other book is ‘Billy and the Monster who Ate All the Easter Eggs’ this third book in the Billy and Monster series see Billy visiting Grandma Chocalicious who loves chocolate even more than Billy and Monster. Billy learns about moderation in this funny book for kids. I have read these books to various kid groups at schools and events and it’s always well received. I’ll be visiting Woodberry Preschool in Southgate, North London next week and I’ll be reading these two books to them. They’re both available in digital and paperback formats. Grab one of them in time for Easter.
By the way, you still have a chance to win a signed copy of Billy and the Monster who Ate All the Easter Eggs. Simply click the link below and you could very well win of the 2 copies up for grabs.
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Billy and the Monster Who Ate All the Easter Eggs
by David Chuka
Giveaway ends April 17, 2014.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
I have to admit that our special guests on Author Interview Thursday these last few weeks have really been good and the feedback from readers of the interviews have been very encouraging. On the hot seat this week is Jeanne E. Rogers who has just published her first Middle Grade book titled ‘ The Sword of Demelza.’
In my interview with her she talks about the role social media plays in building an author’s platform, the research process in writing her book, tips on writing great dialogue, what to do in Connecticut and so much more. You really have to tune in to find out all the good stuff on offer on AIT!
So that’s it for this week. I’ll be having a great time at the London Book Fair and will do a post about it later this week. Do have an outstanding day and DREAM BIG!
Hi David, The London Book Fair sounds like an amazing experience, so much to learn and take in. I would love to get over there one year. My book has been on display there through my Australian Self publishing company, Inspiring Publishers, who have offered for me to tag along sometime, perhaps next year.
You would love it Sandra. This year there were quite a few celebrity authors in the building and the workshops and seminars were inspiring and informative. Hope to see you next year 🙂