BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FOR GABRIEL

GABRIEL.POSTER.2.page.002

For weeks I’d been promising more info involving the progress of my upcoming debut novel, Gabriel, and today I can share some sobering, yet exciting news.

Let’s get the sobering news out of the way, and let me first say this: Gabriel is still getting published. But due to circumstance and miscommunication beyond my control, I had to part ways with G8Press, who originally acquired Gabriel in December 2012.

Okay, now the good news, Gabriel as I said will still be published, but now by ALTEN INK, a new publisher created by my (former) editor from G8Press, Debby Alten, who had also help found G8Press but left earlier this month for personal reasons, and because my contract was not honored regarding Gabriel’s release, I was free to withdraw Gabriel and am following Debby to her new venture because she really “Gets” the book, and only makes me want to work all the harder.

As such, I’ve updated the videos I’ve done for GABRIEL so far with the branding of my new publisher, ALTEN INK, which you can see below-

[mvob group=1]

 They’ll also be on both my (Author) YouTube Channel-

http://www.youtube.com/user/taureanjwatkins

 

And on the “Talking Animal Addicts” YouTube Channel-

http://www.youtube.com/user/talkinganimaladdicts

 

For the writers out there, I’ll talk more about what led to this decision at a later date, but that’s all for today. (Or tonight, if you live on EST [Eastern Standard Time] as I do…)

 

I’ll have more news about Gabriel in the coming months.

But you can always find out what’s new with Gabriel and Co. at: http://facebook.com/gabrielandrum

Until next time, may the fantastical fauna be with you.

T.A.A.’s Next Big Thing

NOTE: For those of you who subscribe to our newsletter “Bites From The Cheese Shop” I apologize for the delay in bringing it out, I had lot of early year stuff I had to address, but will assume a regular schedule soon. Thanks for your patience.

Sorry I’ve been MIA much of this month. I’ve been busy with lots of boring offline stuff that had to get done, and there was a bit of drama regarding the status of my debut novel GABRIEL, which I’ll talk more about at a different time.

But today I’m happy to announce our newest project! If you follow us on YouTube, Twitter or Facebook (We’re also on Pinterest!), you’re already aware, but to you loyal blog readers I’m happy to announce our newest project for T.A.A. in 2014-

 

T.A.A. FM

 

[sz-youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiZkLkBvfAE” userdata=”Taury” /]

 

 

 

Here’s a promo for “Guido and Bonnie”  one of the shows available on T.A.A. FM-
(Plus, learn how to get your questions answered on the show!)

 

[sz-youtube url=”http://youtu.be/4pUqVKqVZSM” userdata=”Taury” /]

Another show debuting on T.A.A. FM is about a dynamic duo of a different sort…

[sz-youtube url=”http://youtu.be/N0Mlg4Zz7yg” userdata=”Taury” /]

T.A.A. fans, let’s make them feel welcome by sending them your support be tweeting out your congratulations to them via @Swinebert_and_D

(You can also find Guido and Bonnie on Twitter via @GuidoandBonnie)

I’ll have more details about these and other content on T.A.A. FM when we launch later this year. #TAAFM

You can always click  the “T.A.A. FM” tab at the top our homepage  as updates and behind-the scenes content is added before and after launch. Get ready, T.A.A. fans, soon you’ll be taking your fantastical fauna with you anytime, anywhere, via our podcasts. If you’ve got comments, questions, and suggestions for T.A.A. FM, feel free to share them below (And tell your friends about us!)

I’ll be inteviewing Guido and Bonnie along with Swinebert and Dempsey on the blog, and you can send them questions in the comments below or emailing me at taury-at-talkinganimaladdicts.com

They don’t have a website yet, but you can find Guido and Bonnie on Twitter (@GuidoandBonnie)

You can learn more about Swinebert and Dempsey via Facebook, Twitter (@Swinebert_and_D), and Pinterest

Until next time, may the fantastical fauna be with you!

Picture Book Month – The Finale: Part 1 (New Voices in 2013)

FINALE

 

As Picture Book Month draws to a close for another year, I want to spotlight some new faces, places, and voices that have graced bookstores, libraries, and e-readers* in 2013-

 (*Some Books aren’t available in ebook format at the time this post was originally written)

The Snatchabook (U.S. and U.K. Edictions) 3

U.S. Cover (Left) U.K. Cover (Right)

The Snatchabook

Written by Helen Docherty Illustrated by Thomas Docherty

(U.K. Alison Green Books, October 2013) (U.S. Sourcebooks Jabberwocky)

I discovered this on November 1st, 2013, at the START of Picture Book Month, when I was out book browsing, and while I couldn’t get the book at the time, what I read (4 pages) convinced me I MUST buy before year’s end. I will be getting it soon and look forward to a review.

I always feel a bit awkward when I review or highlight a book in rhyme, since when done poorly, really makes a story clunk (I’ve tried, trust me it’s quite a task to challenge oneself with, the literary rat has WARNED you!), and it’s certainly HARD to debut as a new author with a rhyming text, especially if you are NOT also the illustrator (If an agent or editor believes in the project overall,  so long as the rhyming is at least 70% solid, IMHO. Don’t quote me, I don’t yet have an agent, but I’m trying to be positive here!)

My point is this: Like Julia Donaldson from our first spotlight, Helen NAILS the rhyme scheme of her book, which is looser than many rhyme-centric narratives, but works all the same.

Thomas Docherty’s illustrations really brings life and warmth to the world where beloved books go missing, and characters have a Seuss-esque quality to them, and I promise you, I  don’t throw down that kind of statement lightly.

While Thomas Docherty has written and illustrated  6 picture books of his own (And Illustrated “The Snorgh and the Sailor” written by Will Buckingham), “The Snatchabook” is his second collaboration with his wife, and  author, Helen Docherty!

 

Helen and Thomas (Tom) Docherty

(Helen Docherty, left, Thomas Docherty, right)

 

Their first book together (Before they were married) was “Ruby Nettleship and the Ice Lolly Adventure” (Illustrated by Tom, the story co-written Helen) was released by Templar Publishing in 2010, in the U.K. (U.S. Release in 2011)

Ruby Nettleship and the Ice Lolly Adventure

 

Now we go from one love story to another.

 

From one between people, to that of our fantastical animal friends on which this site homages, but it’s also a love story to a place you can actually visit (Should finances allow…)-

 Herman and Rosie

Herman and Rosie

By Gus Gordon

(Released by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Macmillan in October 15, 2013)

 

Like London, Italy, Paris, and more recently India and/or Japan, books have always had a storied history with an ongoing playlist of love songs to iconic settings (Real, imagined, and all in-between) and picture books are no different. In fact, with SO MANY love songs to a specific place, it’s HARD to stand out, but I believe “Herman and Rosie” is one such stand out.

 

For me, of the many love songs to New York (Real or Surreal), this book DOES jump out in the most positive sense.

 

There’s something about the vintage feel that I’ve always responded to, long before I even knew the history behind it, which only enriched my appreciation as I got older.

 

When I first saw the cover for this book, I almost wanted to weep with joy, because it’s unabashedly old-fashioned, in a tune when being modern is often meant to mean “Simplistic to a fault.”

 

I’m not bashing simplicity, when it’s right for the story, whether words or text, but I don’t want simplicity to overly dictate stories that frankly demand some finesse and sophistication-

Fancy Nancy

The Fancy Nancy series is what immediately come to mind. Nancy’s “DIY” fashion/interior design spirit wouldn’t have the charm and impact if it had been taken too literally.

Jane O'Connor and Robin

(Robin Preiss Glasser, left, Jane O’Connor, right)

As author, Jane O’Connor has said in interviews, she made the point to series illustrator, Robin Priess Glasser (via NECESSARY art notes) that Nancy’s “Fancy” was less idealized Martha Stewart/Mary Engelbreit, and more playful and resourceful.

 

Like those old cartoons of kids playing knights wearing pots on their heads to affect those iconic helmets.

 

Much like how many people are living more financially stringent and (Arguably, at times) frugal, and general embellishment is seen as a sin of the early 21st century.  (I’m exaggerating a bit, but it does FEEL that way sometimes)

 

But Gus Gordon’s first children’s book reminds me, and I hope others, too, that “Dated” details aren’t always the “Kiss of Death” we often attach to non-modern things in general.

 

While many young readers (And even their parents born LONG after the ’80s) will not necessarily know that black half moon poking out on the cover is a vinyl record, and that the overall design from the front and back over reminds me of the now “Old School” way people enjoyed music.

 

Back in the day, if you couldn’t play the piano or a violin (Or the Oboe, as in Herman’s case), vinyl records and their players (From the Gramophones of  to the suitcase-style record players from the ’60s and ’70s) was the way to go to enjoy music without going to a live concert, Broadway show or movies in the oft-debated “Golden Era”, but despite the dominance of music downloads and CD sales peaking in the ’90s (My childhood) vinyl records (From 21st Century artists) are STILL coming out, and here’s why-

 

As many audiophiles know, vinyl records actually best preserve the highest quality (Uncompressed) audio when thoughtfully produced, which outside of archival preservation for historians, is a tangible reminder that not everything vintage is obsolete and unloved.

 

While the art style is clean and not what some would call “Busy or Gaudy”  it avoids the “Minimalist” movement in books these days, I don’t just mean minimalism in terms of text (Which I have certain thoughts on that I will share at a later time) but in how the illustrations manage to feel modern yet warm at the same time.

 

Like Frog and Toad, Mole and Ratty, and more recently brother-sister duo Judy Moody and Stink (This may be “Talking Animal Addicts” but we embrace humans here, too!), I hope Herman and Rosie has as beloved and prosperous legacy for young readers now, and for any literary rattlings of my own that one day will emerge.

 

Check back tomorrow for part 2 of our finale by highlighting some picture books T.A.A. has their eye on in 2014!

 

Until then, may the fantastic fauna be with you.

 

Picture Book Month Spotlight #1: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Picture Book Month – Author Spotlight #2: Katie Davis

Picture Book Month – Author Spotlight #3: Two Lost Lights of 2013

 

You can also find our spotlights and more on our Pinterest board-

http://www.pinterest.com/taureanjwatkins/taa-celebrates-picture-book-month-2013/

P.S: take time to check out the OFFICIAL website for Picture Book Month-

http://picturebookmonth.com

PBMBADGE-AMBASSADOR-FB

 

P.P.S: If my ramblings convinced you to buy one or more of

the books mentioned above, please support T.A.A. by

clicking on the affiliate cover images above.

Picture Book Month – Author Spotlight #3: Two Lost Lights of 2013

 

Today’s Spotlight will be a little different, and possibly tissue-inducing, but I hope no less inspiring. 

 

While I’m all for celebrating the variety, depth and daring feats accomplished in picture book art and text today, I want to take this spotlight to give honor and reverence to two author-illustrators who we lost in 2013-

 

Marc_Simont__21

Marc Simont (1915-2013)

I wasn’t as familiar with Marc Simont’s work, at least not directly, but learned some interesting things in doing research.

A few years ago, I wrote a series of stories about a character named Crocodile Flint, a gruff reptilian sleuth with a semi-hard boiled tone, and some of the feedback I got was advising me to read other mysteries for chapter book readers, and one of the books suggested for me to read was the “Nate the Great” series which is a mystery series for emergent readers (Kids 6+), and though the series is written by Marjorie Weinman , it was Marc Simont who did the illustrations for the early books in the series when it debuted in the early 70s-

Nate the Great (1st)

 

 Today, the series is currently illustrated by Jody Wheeler-

Nate the Great, Where Are You

(Cover for “”Nate the Great, Where Are You?”

to be released in May 2014)

 

But in addition to illustrating the works of other authors, he also penned and sketched books all his own, most notably his picture book “The Stray Dog” that became a Caldecott Honor book in 2001-

 

The Stray Dog

 (*Click the cover image above if you’re interested in purchasing)

As for Crocodile Flint, it evolved from being a chapter book to a novelette type story that I will soon be publishing it via the new reading platform called “Snippet” but I’ll share more details on that in the near future.

 

And speaking of crocodiles…

SUB-WABER-1-obit-articleLarge

Bernard Waber (1921-2013)

Lyle Montage #1 Lyle Montage #2

I saved Bernard last for the simple reason that it was the most INTENSE for me personally as an author early on in my career. It was a week after my birthday this year when I heard the news on Facebook, and it truly rocked my world, in a non-awesome way. I still get shaky thinking about it as I type these words. For, much like the death of Maurice Sendak in 2012 (Also in May, ironically enough), this was the most core-shaking author death for me since Brian Jacques (Author of the Redwall series, and my unofficial “Rival”)

Of his many notable books, his most well known are “Ira Sleeps Over” and his series starring “Lyle the Crocodile” which are are a personal favorite of mine. What I love most about the Lyle series is how even though Lyle never speaks, you still feel you know him. He’s the kind of character where actions and expressions say all you need to know, and despite the “distant” narrator, it doesn’t feel like you being told what Lyle thinks and feels, and anyone whose tried to write a tight first person or close third POV know this is NOT easy to do.

While picture books are usually in third person, and often past tense, there are some in eithe first person, and even second person (If You Give A Mouse A Cookie), that with a skilled author can bring freshness to the narrative and it’s adjoining illustrations without being pretentious.

That said, it’s not easy to use a detached narrator and avoid the issue of readers not feeling connected to the characters or being told how they feel.

Of course, back in the days of silent films, this was a common way stories were told visually, with an occasional caption in the place of spoken dialogue (For those of you saw my original welcome video for T.A.A., the last bit at end was a riff on old silent movie dialogue cards)

But the advantage of picture books (And by extension, Comics and/or Graphic Novels) is to use visuals to express what words alone either can’t convey, or are unable to within the vocabulary and word count constraints inherent in picture books especially.

This is made more impressive by the charming illustration style and how facial expressions really pop.

While some “Modern” picture books can take it to task in the wake of the “Minimalist” movement of books in general this first decade in the 21st century, for me, this is a case where the old-fashioned feeling of the story is its strength, rather than as a liability.

The word “Dated” has negative connotations in publishing, but to me, what really dates a book isn’t necessarily slang (Though is a legit concern, especially in novels), but it’s stance to the reader.

For me, the most enjoyable picture books are the ones where as clearly labored and thought out they may be, they never read self-conscious to neither the kids or the parents (Or other family members) who share the story together.

It had always been my hope that I’d get my Lyle books signed, and shortly after learning of his death, I went to “The Book Beat” (An independent bookstore in my home state of Michigan) and bought a signed hardcover of “Lyle and the Birthday Party” and will be a cherished part of my personal library, and will NEVER sell it! (Short of financial desperation or family inheritance)

 

For a chatty, detail freak like myself, when you can relate so pogiantly to a character who doesn’t speak, you can’t help but say “WOW!” if only to yourself.

Being primarily a novelist, taking away a character’s ability to speak in WORDS for me is like taking a kid’s favorite toy without asking, cruel and jarring, but it also inspires me to better pay attention to facial ticks and unspoken (yet still RELEVANT) feelings of my characters.

Vital for picture books, but still apply to novels, though there’s more freedom of structure and word choice because of the larger canvas you have. In short, I’ll miss you, Bernard Waber, but I thank you for bringing your books into this world.

I came to the joy of picture books later than many, but I know that I’d be just as charmed by Lyle at 4, as I am now at 26, with no kid siblings or kids of my own (Yet…) to hide behind.

My site may be called “Talking Animal Addicts” but Lyle shows us that animals (real or imagined) still have a voice. This is merely a voice you need to feel and see rather than hear.

Have you Marc Simont’s “The Stray Dog” or Bernard Waber’s “Ira Sleeps Over” or one (if not ALL) the Lyle books, and any of his other books? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments. Your literary rat loves to hear from you.

We’ll lighten up the mood on our next spotlight with highlighting picture

books by authors and/or illustrators who made their debut in 2013.

 

Until then, may the fantastical fauna be with you.

FETCH GRAND GIVEAWAY!

Newcomers, read the posts linked below  to know what I’m talking about-

 

http://talkinganimaladdicts.com/taa-cares

http://talkinganimaladdicts.com/kickstarter-success-stories

http://talkinganimaladdicts.com/fetch-got-funded

Today, I’m both updating the giveaway I initially began prior to FETCH getting funded on Kickstarter.

 

In honor of the donations for being reached, I’ve extended the deadline from this Sunday, to September 30th, 2013, before MIDNIGHT, EST. 

 

  • E-mail me at taury-AT-talkinganimaladdicts.com.
  • Write “T.A.A. CARES (FETCH)” in the subject line.
  • Enter Your First Name, Last Name Initial, and what state (U.S.) or province (Canada)/city you live in.
  • Tell me who your favorite dog character is. (Books, comics, movies, television,etc. Please mention series and author or creator) 

 

Winners will be announced on the site, our Facebook page (facebook.com/talkinganimaladdicts), and Twitter (@TAA_Editor).

DON’T send your contact information (Other than the name and email address, of course, which will never be shared) until I contact you. Contest ends September 30th, 2013, at Midnight, EST. (Eastern Standard Time)

Due to shipping costs, I must limit the prizes to those in the U.S (INCLUDING Hawaii and Alaska) and Canada.

 

Thanks in advance for those who donate, and even if you can’t spare the money, please spare some time and spread the word. 

Until next time,

May the Fantastical Fauna be with you.

FETCH is 100% Funded!

dogwitharmsout

 

 

I’ll be back to regular blog posts soon but I have an announcement that can’t wait-

Earlier this month, T.A.A. launched it’s newest initiative, “T.A.A. CARES” as a way to highlight projects that need support, whether financial or simply word of mouth, and our debut project spotlight was for FETCH, a picture book written by Adam Glendon Sidwell.

He needed considerable funds to get the book to publication. Learn more about the book and it’s author at the link below-

 

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adamsidwell/fetch-an-illustrated-book?ref=category

 

I’m happy to say that with just over 2 DAYS to spare, FETCH reached it’s funding goal of $22,000.00 USD. 

 

Congratulations Adam, and thanks to everyone who donated alongside me.

 

Since the project met it’s minimum goal, the giveaway prizes will be awarded, and if you haven’t entered yet, GET TO IT! Here’s how-

 

-E-mail me at taury-AT-talkinganimaladdicts.com

-Write “T.A.A. CARES (FETCH)” in the subject line

-Tell me who your first name and last name initial (i.e. Taurean W.) favorite dog character is. (Books, comics, movies, television, etc. Please mention

series and author or creator)

 

In honor of the project meeting it’s target goal, I’ll be including more prizes I’ll announce tomorrow, I’m also

extending the deadline from Midnight 9/22/13 to-

 

September 30th, 2013, at Midnight EST. 

 

Finally, since the minimum funding goal for the project’s been reached, I’m now

opening the giveaway to non-donors in the U.S. and Canada. Winners will be

announced on our Facebook page (facebook.com/talkinganimaladdicts),Twitter feed

(@TAA_Editor), and on the site.

 

Check back tomorrow for updated details for the giveaway.

 

Until then,

May the Fantastical Fauna be with you

Time To Give A Watchmaking Mouse His Due

Letter From The Editor

-SEPTEMBER 7th, 2013

Time To Give A Watchmaking Mouse His Due

The Hermux Tantamoq Adventures

One Author’s Retrospective

Hermux Tantamoq Adventures

I discovered these books at a time when I feared what I loved reading and writing was no longer being published and appreciated. When I say that, I’m saying this in the context of the author I was trying to become, and what I fiercely hope am starting to be.

When I made the decision to do book reviews on T.A.A., I promised myself that while I will not be a snob about books (Something more dangerous for authors than lay readers), I HAD to also shed light on books that may not sell the millions (As both authors and publishers would like that to be the case) they MATTER to the readers who do buy them and read them.

This isn’t a review of the series , but rather one writer’s commentary on what it means to me, proper reviews will come in time, and as such, I avoid any and all plot spoilers.

Back in 2008-ish, while I was working on version 3 of GABRIEL (My forthcoming debut novel), I was feeling highly discouraged when I came across “Time Stops For No Mouse” and gave it a go. This will sound an exaggeration to anyone who does not know me well, but this book saved my life as a writer, for I came to it at a time I most needed two vital things a writer cannot live without-

A book to love And a book to learn from. While my writing mentors at the time, made the wise (Though HARD to live up to) suggestion to study the books. As someone who had  a far from ideal school experience, the LAST thing I wanted to do was analyze books in my genre, because it took away the solace I NEED from books and their characters, something I VIOLENTLY needed that I could not get from family, and had no friends offline, and my e-pen pals only help so much from what I felt then, and still do sometimes, but I have better resilience now.

While lay readers can love what they love without questioning themselves, those of  us in publishing (Myself included) have so much more to consider.

Before I go further, I need to stress something critical: Writers HAVE to think of the here and now of books, and not let the great books of the past intrude too much. Readers are increasingly more impatient and easily bored if you drag on too long.

Even though I didn’t learn to love books for pleasure until high school (I still could read technically mind you, I just didn’t do it for fun like many authors in their own youth had) I do tend to love books (or films and television, for that matter) published in the past, either from my own childhood (The 90s), or as far back as the early 20th Century.

As writers, we not only have to consider what we loved/not loved reading, but how it’s written, and annoying as it is sometimes, WHEN it’s written.

Books published during the writer’s childhood aren’t necessarily reflective of what’s published today, and writers need to keep today’s readers in mind, and this is something I still STRUGGLE to make peace with.

Not that there aren’t books written now I don’t enjoy, after all, the series I’m highlighting was NOT published in my childhood (Though the first book was originally published on the tail end of my teen years) though I wish I’d known of it then.

It wasn’t until I pursued writing as career that I discovered this book in one of my many searches for new voices, as you know from this site’s

focus, that animal fantasy is my primary genre as a writer, though I do read more broadly.

 

As fellow series loyalists know (However few of us there are at the time I write this), Hermux keeps a notebook where he writes his blessings amidst moments of mystery,  tragedy, and joy. Hard earned. Hard Won.

In closing, I’ll (Lightly) emulate this style in my final

words on the series, and of its author-

Thank you for authors like Michael Hoeye, who had the courage and jaunty zeal to self-publish at a time when the practice was all but unheard of, and considered social death to authors and publishers alike.

Thank you, Michael, for being just as daring as Ms.Linka Perflinger. I’m glad your courage was

rewarded, if not monetary fortune, in a grateful “literary rat” such as myself.

Of course I thank your wife, too, who convinced you to keep moving forward on that first book of what would be a literary quartet to be proud of.

Thank you for reminding a frazzled literary rat of an author like me, that what I love reading and writing (Despite setbacks and dealing with ignorant comments on animal fantasy) STILL gets published, and I’m glad you never gave up on Hermux, and I LONG for a new installment, or something new.

Your books helped me stay the course as I toiled the last decade to bring my debut to press.

Thank you for Michael’s literary agent, Elizabeth Harding, who saw what I saw in these books, and why I sent her a query. Even though at the time I was told via her assistant she wasn’t looking for new clients, I love we share similar interests in authors, sorry if it sounds like pandering (Should Elizabeth or anyone who knows her reads this) but I do mean it with utmost sincerity.

Ditto the “Thank You” for Penguin-Putman (Before the merger with Random House)

for bringing the hardcovers to the U.S.

Thanks to the actor Campbell Scott, for being the perfect narrator for unabridged audiobook version of the series. (Well, up to Book 3, anyway…)

Thank you to “The Bookbeat.”  The last known indie bookstore in my home state of Michigan, at least that’s the easiest for me to get to via the convience my grandmother’s Volvo (I don’t have a Driver’s License, nor can I afford a cat and it’s mandated insurance if I did) for having a SIGNED edition of “No Time Like Show Time” I was willing to pay over twice the MSRP ($14.95 USD) to obtain.

 

And Thank You for writing the books I WISH I could’ve written.

In fact, your series inspired my current novel in progress, and the hero of that book while not a mouse but an otter, I think he and Hermux would get on famously. I would love to have my hardcovers the other three books signed while you’re still on this Earth.

Many of my cherished authors are dead, most recently Bernard Waber. (How grateful I am to have obtained a signed copy of “Lyle and the Birthday Party” also obtained from “The BookBeat” before prices go sky high, but only in absolute desperation will I EVER sell it) I pray I won’t be too late for you.

 

Until next time,

Turean

-Your sometimes grumpy, still hopeful, and always persistant, Literary Rat