Please Help Spread The Word

When I started The Kamyla Chung Series I drew on my experiences as a public school teacher. During my tenure I witnessed the difficult situations many children live in and the violent outbursts that brought into my classroom.

I hope that Kamyla Chung and the Classroom Bully will be a stimulus for heartfelt, meaningful conversations between parents and their children and teachers and their students.

To cure school violence, we must address the mental health of students and offer consistent and viable support to those who are struggling. Books that approach the subject gently are one tool educators and counselors can use to accomplish this.

Awards are a great way to earn the recognition required to spread a book's message. Will you please help me get my message to those who need it by voting for Kamyla Chung and the Classroom Bully in The Author Academy Awards.

Click here to vote.

If you're interested in a community that shares resources on bullying and mental health please join my Facebook group Kamyla Chung's Bully Free Zone. 

Click here to join. If we work together on solutions for our children, we'll be one step closer to curing this social disease.

Thanks for your support.

Story Starter! Use The 5 Senses To Describe

Photo courtesy of: derwiki; courtesy of: Pixabay

I titled this as another Story Starter but after completing the task a more apt name would have been Story Challenge.

It's taken me a few days to write a list of descriptions for each of the 5 senses for the picture. Sometimes I agonize over words which then hinders my productivity.

Many authors describe landscapes so fluidly and with such finesse that I become intimidated. But, I refuse to let that stop me from working on my craft and sharing what I've composed. I know I need to improve in this area so that's what I'm doing.

I'm not overly pleased with every description but at least I did it. To improve my technique, I will continue adding to the lists I created.

Sight:

Lush green hills surmounted by gray mountain tops

Thick clouds marbleized with patches of blue and smoky gray

A river surrounded by hills crowded with trees

A lake enclosed by hills thick with trees

A castle sitting on a hill rising above a small town

The sun is shining down

Sound:

Birds chirping

Water lapping at the shoreline

The scurry of furry feet over grass

Bees buzzing

Smell:

pine

The sweet scents of pine and spruce

A clean wind blew from the south rustling leaves and tufts of grass

Earthy aroma of dirt and grass

Taste:

The smell of pine and spruce was so thick the scent clung to my taste buds caramel candy

I chewed on a piece of grass savoring the bittersweet flavor

Feel:

A lazy wind brushed my face

Branches reached out to tickle my arms and legs

The sun felt warm on my scalp

How are you at describing landscapes? I'd love to read your descriptions.

Interview With Author/Teacher Jenny S. Burke

Jenny S. Burke enjoys the wild side of life but only if she can experience it through nature. As a former marine biologist, she has an ocean of experience to fish from for her adventure stories.

A multi-award winner, Jenny's novel, Dragon Lightning, was featured on TV twice. She has also published five marine research papers, been nominated for the Georgia Author of the Year Award and done a host of radio and blog interviews.

Jenny has earned degrees in Math, Science, Marine Science and Education. 

Now that I've introduced you to Jenny let's get to know her a little better.

Hello, Jenny, welcome to Lemon Drop Literary. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.

Ellwyn, thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of your blog!

Why did you become a marine biologist?

I grew up land-locked. When I was eight, I saw a short movie on the sea and decided to become a marine biologist.

I took math and science courses, improved my writing, became a certified diver, and more, always working toward my goal.

I love the sea! This love became a unique undersea world in my Dragon Dreamer books.

Where did you work?

I’ve worked in several Florida cities, including the Florida Keys.

What did you do there?

I worked off of boats, studying life on the coral reefs and also in the dark abyss.

Photo courtesy of:Taken; courtesy of:Pixabay

Do you have a favorite animal? If so, which one is it and why?

Of sea life, the octopus is my favorite. Octopuses are at least as smart and clever as humans.

They’re fast-thinking and have amazing abilities; some types can shape-shift in the blink of an eye to perfectly camouflage or to mimic another type of sea life.

An octopus who was grabbed by a shark put her arms in his gills so he couldn’t breathe. He let her go.

Photo courtesy of: Jenny S. Burke

How has your experience as a marine biologist influenced your writing?

My experiences at sea and fascination with the natural world are part of my Dragon Dreamer Series.

My characters experience the sea storm that nearly killed me, and the three terrifying waterspouts that surrounded my boat. They enjoy the glowing sea life and watch the sun melt into the sea.

From The Dragon Dreamer: “Black clouds rolled silently overhead, devouring stars in the darkening night sky. A sudden barrage of lightning crackled above. Startled by the noise, Arak spun in the air. Again the lightning flashed! In the blinding light he clearly saw the monstrous black claw of the storm. His body shook as powerful waves of thunder rolled through him. His heart beat with the new rhythm.

The young dragon veered left, toward the weaker side of a storm. But this storm was huge. There was no escape.”

What inspired you to become a writer?

My marvelous third grade teacher started a poetry club, and I joined. She published anthologies with our poems.

I continued to write poems for years, for fun; I love playing with words. But I never planned to write a novel until one grew in my mind.

Which genres do you write?

I write science fantasy adventure and I’m working on a children’s book. I also have an educational Crystal Series that uses the angles of natural crystals, and a coloring book with the fantasy snowflakes my dragons grow in the winter clouds.

What do you find most challenging writing for this genre?

I take longer than I’d like to write a proper novel that satisfies me.

What are you working on now?

I’m writing stand-alone books 3 and 4 of the Dragon Dreamer Series. I’m drawing more fantasy flakes as illustrations and for a second coloring book.

Photo courtesy of: Jenny S. Burke

How many books have you written?

There are two crystal books (Crystal Geometry and Crystal Colors) with cartoons and science/math/art educational activities.

The first novels of my science fantasy series are The Dragon Dreamer and Dragon Lightning.

There are hand-drawn mandalas in Fantasy Snowflakes Coloring Book. This coloring book includes information on natural snowflake growth and math-science-art connections.

Photo courtesy of: Jenny S. Burke

What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?

I love meeting readers and writers in person and online. A good review is satisfying. A few times, readers have added my books to lists on Goodreads. Knowing someone enjoys your work helps justify all the effort.

What advice would you give to authors just starting out?

Just start writing! As you write, study what you like in your favorite books and apply this. Learn the basics of a novel. Get feedback from readers and writers. Start a website and join Goodreads.

What message are you sharing in your books?

The Dragon Dreamer books are first a science fantasy adventure story written to entertain.

Beyond this, there are messages about the priceless gift of friendship, the benefits of combining different abilities, using your wits to solve problems, persevering despite mounting problems, and environmental connections. 

When you not writing where can we find you?

I love wild spaces on land or sea.

What are your favorite books/authors?

Too many to list them all! I love the evolving poems in The Lord of the Rings, the beautiful message in The Velveteen Rabbit (I still cry when he becomes Real), Dune, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, and many more. I also love many books by Indie authors.

What are your favorite TV shows/movies?

I love the many Star Trek Series, Dr. Who (especially Doctor #10), Psych, The Big Bang Theory, and JAG.

Is there anything else you'd like your readers to know about you?

I love to paint, draw, and make jewelry. I painted the covers for my books.

Do you have a website/Facebook page?

Yes!

WEBSITE: www.jennysburke.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Jenny-S-Burke-721518861218158/  

BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-s-burke-49b143b6-fbae-4b3a-a5c0-7571b588de62  

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/TheDragonDreamr

Where can we find your books?

“THE DRAGON DREAMER” by J.S. Burke

Amazon: http://authl.it/B00K9DHTU2?d

e-books:  https://www.books2read.com/u/bOw          

“DRAGON LIGHTNING” by J.S. Burke

Amazon: http://authl.it/B01MA1ZOJ6?d

e-books: https://www.books2read.com/u/mdKD0O

“FANTASY SNOWFLAKES COLORING BOOK” by J.S. Burke

Amazon: https://www.relinks.me/0996042555

Thank you, Jenny, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck.

Ellwyn, thank you so much for having me here!

Photo courtesy of: Jenny S. Burke

Story Starter! Where Is This?

Photo courtesy of: Comfreak; courtesy of Pixabay

1. A Secret Place In The Queen Of Hearts Garden

2. A Valentine Theme Park

3. Cupid's Lawn

4. The Land Of Love

5. Rosy Red's Heart Tree Farm

6. A Red World

7. Heart Heaven

8. Heart Surgeon's Oasis

9. Crimson Hills in the Heartland

10. Hugs and Kisses Nursery School

What are your ideas?

7 Facts You Never Knew About Pirates

Pirates have captured the imaginations of children and storytellers for generations. The enduring personas of these swashbuckling scallywags have taken root in both fairytales and adult fiction.

Their cutlasses have slashed through epic novels and major motion pictures; their ships have sailed across theater stages and video games. Costume stores sell their clothes and sports teams proudly bear their name. There is even a day in September devoted to talking like a pirate. 

Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Hook, Long John Silver, these characters are all based on a romanticized rogue who is ruthless, cunning and positively dashing in a toe-to-toe scrap. They can charm their way out of the noose, devise breathtaking rescues, and rob a victim with the finesse of a schooner sailing through water.

But, in reality the lives of most of these ocean marauders wasn't nearly as pretty or audacious as the story books say.

1. In truth the life of a pirate was arduous and short. They performed grueling labor, lived in damp and uncomfortable surroundings, and ate stale food most of the time.  

2. Many died from diseases like smallpox, scurvy, dysentery, and typhus.

3. Some crews paid compensation for lost limbs and serious injuries. For example, on one ship a crew member could receive 600 silver pieces and a slave for a losing his right arm. 

4. Although piracy had been around for centuries, its Golden Age ranged from 1650 to 1720.

5. For the most part women were forbidden on pirate ships but there were some who boldly took up the profession. Three well-known female pirates were Anne Bonny, Mary Read, Grace O-Malley, and Madame Cheng.

6. Despite the safety hazards of being a pirate, many had very colorful names. A few of the most memorable pirate aliases include: Blackbeard, Calico Jack, Edward England, Black Bart and Long Ben.

7. They also went out of their way to impress their victims and other pirates. It is believed Black Bart wore exotic feathers and silk. As a scare tactic, Blackbeard fashioned burning matches to the end of his beard and under his hat, so that a cloud of smoke encircled his face.

The rational person in me can say without hesitation I would never want to be a pirate; the writer thinks they make a wonderful addition to any epic sea saga.

Story Starter! Where Is This?

Photo courtesy of: Casey Horner; courtesy of: Unsplash

My List Of Answers:

1. Enchanted Forest

2. Aslan's Backyard

3. My Backyard

4. Elvenville National State Park

5. My Dream

6. Heaven

7. The Edge of Another Realm

8. Hidden Beyond A Castle Garden

9. A Magical Campground

10. A Magic Jelly Bean Plantation

Story Starter! What's In The Cauldron?

Photo courtesy of: thefairypath; courtesy of: Pixabay

Some called her hag, others witch. No matter the title they used to label her, everyone knew her Twilight Brew was magical. A closely guarded recipe, she never divulged its ingredients. 

It was easy to guess at some things she stirred into the broth: freshly plucked foul, water, herbs, roots, spices; but how she transformed them into the best tasting chicken soup was a mystery.

What do you think is in the cauldron?