tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52972304558909285302024-03-04T21:25:40.850-08:00Anastasia ElyEditor, Children's Book Author, Professional Educator
Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-40704368434040810142016-11-21T07:04:00.000-08:002016-11-21T07:04:23.189-08:00International Ninja Day is coming up! Thanks to the awesome author Jonathan Schkade for including my book with this notice for a fun, upcoming day! I will make sure to celebrate, in a sneaky and stealthy way. ;)<br />
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International Ninja Day books (Dec. 5): 𝑵𝒊𝒏𝒋𝒂 𝑩𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒚 (<a href="https://twitter.com/AnastasiaEly">@AnastasiaEly</a>) + 𝑯𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒍 & 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒍: 𝑵𝒊𝒏𝒋𝒂 𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒔 (<a href="https://twitter.com/CoreyPBNinja">@CoreyPBNinja</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/GomezWrites">@GomezWrites</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/dsantat">@dsantat</a>). <a href="https://t.co/mmcTiISdHt">pic.twitter.com/mmcTiISdHt</a></div>
— Jonathan Schkade (@JonathanSchkade) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonathanSchkade/status/800711427522633728">November 21, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-33776631359475897282016-10-03T09:19:00.000-07:002016-10-03T09:19:09.234-07:00Amazing Book Give Away by an Amazing Author!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The fabulous author, Patricia Hruby Powell, of the award-winning book, Josephine, is celebrating her newest soon-to-be-released novel in verse, titled Loving vs. Virginia by giving away a few copies before anyone else can get their hands on them.<br />
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Check out her statement regarding her new book below and go to her blog to see how you can become a proud owner of what will be sure to be another masterpiece, Loving vs. Virginia. Best of luck!<br />
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"Dear Friends,</div>
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My book, Loving vs. Virginia comes out <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_346829367" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">January 31, 2017</span></span>. But I’m giving away one copy a month. The real thing. Not the ARC.</div>
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The link below is to my blog and tells how you get a chance for a free early book. This is the love story of Mildred Jeter (black) and Richard Loving (white) who married in 1958, were arrested in bed. The case took 9 years to get to the U.S. Supreme Court where interracial marriage was ruled as legal! 1967!</div>
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Hope you win."</div>
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Patricia Hruby Powell</div>
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Click below to see Patricia's blog and information:</div>
<a href="http://talesforallages.com/reviews-and-book-news/">Loving vs. Virginia Book Give Away (Patricia Hruby Powell)</a>Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-68597020730792287042016-09-12T12:39:00.001-07:002016-09-12T12:40:21.594-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Attending the Illinois Reading Conference? </b></span></div>
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September 29th and 30th, 2016</div>
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Peoria Civic Center</div>
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Peoria, Illinois</div>
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It's that time of year again! Time to promote the amazing children's book authors and illustrators in Illinois. If you are attending the 2016 Illinois Reading Conference this year, come see me and multiple other authors at the Society of Children's Book Authors and Illustrators' booth. We will have promotional materials from the award-winning authors you love, information on how to plan an author visit to your school or library, giveaways and more!<br />
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Love writing for children? The authors working the booth will be happy to answer questions about SCBWI and what it takes to start down the path to being published.<br />
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Hope to see you there!Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-33485412086934776022014-09-21T12:56:00.000-07:002014-09-21T12:56:14.206-07:00Upcoming Events!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Upcoming Events</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Illinois Reading Conference:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Springfield, IL</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">October 1-3, 2014</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Author Showcase/Luncheon:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Illinois School Library Media Association</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tinley Park, IL</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">November 8, 2014</span><br />
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Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-71781082730730766322014-06-24T06:11:00.003-07:002014-06-24T06:11:42.215-07:00Join me on Twitter to talk about Publishing with MeeGenius Authors and Editor!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you dream of getting published? Are you writing a manuscript? Join me and some of my fellow authors and editor from MeeGenius as we answer questions about publishing. Come and chat with us Thursday evening on Twitter! Learn about writing, publishing, and their Author Challenge contest too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/meegenius/status/481165093959655424">Click here to learn more!</a></span></div>
Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-77884537142512010842014-05-30T10:52:00.001-07:002014-05-30T10:52:42.298-07:00Check out my interview on the MeeGenius Blog! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was featured on the MeeGenius Blog this week!</span></div>
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Click on the link below to learn a little bit more about me:</div>
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<a href="http://blog.meegenius.com/2014/05/29/author-questionnaire-anastasia-ely/">Meet MeeGenius Author- Anastasia Ely</a></div>
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Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-42539600409307803252014-05-15T12:16:00.000-07:002014-05-15T12:16:10.532-07:00It's Another Book Birthday! Pet Blanket is here! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My newest book <i>Pet Blanket</i> is here! Check it out by clicking the link below:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/621bf9db9ca555ff4c363954aa878b7c">Click here to preview/order your copy today! </a></div>
Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-27853199981166820832014-05-01T15:48:00.001-07:002014-05-01T15:48:32.543-07:00Free Classroom Visit Promotion! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><u>*GIVEAWAY FOR LOCAL TEACHERS*</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">(St. Louis Area IL/MO)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> I am looking to give away 1(maybe 2, depending on schedules) free classroom visits to read my new book, NINJA BUNNY, answer questions about it and or writing in general, and a small activity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Please e-mail</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 18px;"> with your name, school location and grade at:</span></span><br />
<a href="mailto:author.anastasia.ely@gmail.com" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">author.anastasia.ely@gmail.com</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 18px;"><br />This would be for a 1 hour (approx) visit, to one 3rd grade or lower classroom, no more than 30 students. Must be around a half hour drive or less from Edwardsville/Glen Carbon, IL area to qualify.<br />Would also have to have access to a TV, smartboard, or projector/screen in order to read the book since it's digital.<br /><br />NINJA BUNNY is trying to be sneaky and stealthy to snatch a cookie before dinner, but he is too clumsy to pull it off. Will he ever get the elusive cookie? Available now at<span style="font-size: large;">:</span></span></span><br />
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<br />Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-32929303503579111602014-04-25T11:36:00.002-07:002014-04-25T11:36:37.441-07:00It's My 2nd Book's Birthday!<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ninja Bunny</span></i><span style="font-size: large;"> is available now! Check him and his fun adventure out by clicking the link below:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/3525b4f95a0f29eb5bb98680fb9f9e43" style="font-size: x-large;">Click here to preview/buy today!</a></div>
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Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-30199210859782096702014-03-24T16:00:00.000-07:002014-03-24T16:00:01.921-07:00Connecting Authors and Teachers at the Illinois Reading Conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Some of the Authors that worked the booth, Cynda Strong, Alice McGinty, Kim Hutmacher, Jonathan Schkade, Anastasia Ely, and Cole Gibsen (Author and Booth Designer Louann Brown taking the picture)</span></div>
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I had a great time promoting myself and other Illinois SCBWI-IL authors and Illustrators at the Illinois Reading Conference in Springfield, IL a couple of weeks ago. Our goal was to provide resources for teachers to learn about the abundance of authors in their own backyard. Making connections within local communities and the state is a great way to get authors/illustrators into schools, libraries and also family fun nights. <br />
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The last I heard almost 3000 teachers were in attendance and we, as usual, ran out of all of our handouts. Here is hoping that more students will have the opportunity to meet and learn about writing and books from authors all over our state.<br />
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If you would be interested in having me come to your school or library contact me today at:<br />
author.anastasia.ely@gmail.com<br />
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I would love to read and talk to your students about writing or take a look at a couple of the presentation ideas on my school visits page. I am starting to book for Fall of 2014 now, hope to see you!<br />
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<br />Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-49919037437815148512014-02-11T08:09:00.000-08:002014-02-11T08:09:20.355-08:00Fantastic SCBWI Writing Retreat Opportunity for Pic Book through Young Adult Authors<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3b3a3a; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Want to up your writing? From beginners to published authors, this summer's SCBWI Words in the Woods Retreat in Springfield Illinois will be worth your while. Check out the details below! Feel free to contact me for more info as well. Hope to see you there!</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: LucidaGrande; font-size: 24pt; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">SCBWI-IL</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Words in the Woods '14–</u></strong></span><strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Unraveling the Mystery: Writing Across Genres</u></strong></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: LucidaGrande; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Begins Friday, June 20 at 11:30 a.m.</span><br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: LucidaGrande; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ends Sunday, June 22 at 1:30 p.m.</span><br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: LucidaGrande; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">@ Villa Maria near Springfield, IL; http://villa.dio.org</span></span></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: 800; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Author: Matthew J. Kirby</span></em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: 800; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Editor: Joanna Cardenas, Viking Books</span></em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: 800; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Agent: Stephen Fraser, </span></em><br /><em style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: 800; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency</span></em></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: LucidaGrande; font-size: 17pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Early Bird Registration begins Feb. 15th.</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: LucidaGrande; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Price includes meals and lodging: double room with private bath.</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: LucidaGrande; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">$290* for SCBWI Members; $315* for Nonmembers</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: LucidaGrande; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">****************After April 20, 2014*******************</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: LucidaGrande; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">$300 for SCBWI Members; $325 for Nonmembers</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: LucidaGrande; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">* A limited number of Professional Critiques </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: LucidaGrande; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">are available for an additional $35.</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Presentations will include how to incorporate elements of mystery, humor, romance, </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">fantasy, and history in everything from picture books to young adult novels. </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Participants will have the chance to</span><br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">… have face-to-face critiques* with a featured speaker;</span><br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">… participate in a manuscript exchange group;</span><br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">… have time for individual writing;</span><br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">… win a scholarship to this event.</span><br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Words in the Woods provides a great opportunity to socialize and network with your peers. </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Make the move to advance your career prospects!</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: LucidaGrande; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Questions? Contact Jonathan Schkade: </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: LucidaGrande; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">jonathanschkade@juno.com</span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: LucidaGrande; font-size: 17pt; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Registrations may be postmarked or submitted online beginning Friday, Feb. 15, 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Click the Link Below to Register Today:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3b3a3a; font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.25px;"><a href="https://illinois.scbwi.org/events/words-in-the-woods/">https://illinois.scbwi.org/events/words-in-the-woods/</a></span></span></div>
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Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-64045519309666465542013-12-11T09:26:00.000-08:002013-12-11T09:26:23.806-08:00It's Here! My First Book! <div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">It's finally here! My first book published by MeeGenius and it is absolutely adorable.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Check it out by clicking below! </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ThqkbXThIs7hyphenhyphenMRIrkuIXAIcAnjycIJC37Fkw7UW8R1G6mB27f8B9y3mn3-GXwYEwuVkYTDu-hG2O_vDbINOsx-Jdx5FDUP-FGXk1yB4EB2gShIyyn7XsTjg0iT8KJHjQUXB9kthQDnM/s1600/Willyiswailingcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ThqkbXThIs7hyphenhyphenMRIrkuIXAIcAnjycIJC37Fkw7UW8R1G6mB27f8B9y3mn3-GXwYEwuVkYTDu-hG2O_vDbINOsx-Jdx5FDUP-FGXk1yB4EB2gShIyyn7XsTjg0iT8KJHjQUXB9kthQDnM/s200/Willyiswailingcover.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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<b> <a href="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/f0b0484dc53fd2cbf26b12ce2b1d41d9">Click here to preview/order your copy!</a></b><br />
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Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-42117402297658309732013-11-08T09:14:00.001-08:002013-11-08T09:14:30.548-08:00COVER REVEAL!<span style="font-size: large;">Cover Release of my first book! Expected release by the end of this month. Absolutely LOVE it and cannot wait to see the whole product. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-71132530720843511332013-11-06T10:37:00.000-08:002013-11-06T10:37:26.519-08:00Promoting Authors' Books and School Visits at ISLMA (including me!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD8hvmAMJbGOcpLTxU4imo10_Kpuy4QGJyEYRcxSa7476XxxpsF0qu9ku-zIIHWOK_pUCVkcHzHBSeOc0Gx_o_7N4zl0l42vvH6bIIMnHb5CM6Ay1OjoTDvJ_zXHsaKLewPzySGPMtri5/s1600/islmaaliceanda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD8hvmAMJbGOcpLTxU4imo10_Kpuy4QGJyEYRcxSa7476XxxpsF0qu9ku-zIIHWOK_pUCVkcHzHBSeOc0Gx_o_7N4zl0l42vvH6bIIMnHb5CM6Ay1OjoTDvJ_zXHsaKLewPzySGPMtri5/s200/islmaaliceanda.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Working the SCBWI Booth with Author/Friend Alice McGinty</span></div>
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Are you interested in information on Illinois Authors and Illustrators? How to get them into your school or library for a visit? Want to know how to go about planning an author visit? </div>
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Over the past weekend(while working the SCBWI-IL booth) I asked many, many school librarians those very questions over and over again at the Illinois School Library and Media Association Conference 2013 in Springfield, Illinois. The typical answers were YES! and ABSOLUTELY! </div>
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Luckily, I had a wealth of information for them regarding Illinois children's book authors and how to find them, talk to them, etc. I even, after all these years, got to talk about my own upcoming books and that I will be available for visits this spring. </div>
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It's not that hard. If you are wanting to book someone for a visit a great place to start is <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/">www.scbwi.org</a>. You can find speaker information by region, types of books, presentation fees, and more. There's even grant information out there for visits! :) If you are looking for a local person you can always find the contact information for a Network Representative near you and I'm sure they'd be happy to let you know about the authors they work with and how to contact them. </div>
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Remember, the closer an author lives to you the less it costs for travel. Plus, Skype is a great tool that many authors and schools are taking advantage of for classroom visits. </div>
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All in all, one thing is certain, the librarians, authors, and teachers have a common goal. We want to get students involved with reading, writing and to love books just as much as we do! So, get an author visit for your school or library and see how it can inspire your students to read and write soon!</div>
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Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-23822818348083689252013-10-05T07:33:00.001-07:002013-10-05T07:33:14.051-07:00My Favorite Halloween Stories as the "Storytelling Witch"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is me, the "Storytelling Witch" for Trunk or Treat (one of my favorite times of year)</span></div>
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For the past four years I have had the opportunity to be a witch. Not just any Halloween witch for a fun event, I get to be the "Storytelling Witch". What started as just an extra story room activity has now evolved into a time when I get to share some of my absolute favorite picture books with a variety of age groups. It is always fun to see what the kids ask for out of my collection year after year. Some even come back to see me with clear expectations. I must not be too scary of a witch! </div>
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I am always looking for fun books to share with them and parents ask me for ideas this time of year. Here is a list of books that I love for the Halloween and/or fall season.</div>
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<i>The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything,</i> by Linda D. Williams, Illustrations by Megan Lloyd<br />
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<i>Room on the Broom,</i> by Julia Donaldson, Illustrations by Axel Schiffer<br />
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<i>Froggy's Halloween, </i>by Jonathan London, Illustrations by Frank Remkiewics<br />
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<i>Clifford's First Halloween, </i>by Norman Bridwell<br />
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<i>The Witches, </i>by Roald Dahl, Illustrations by Quentin Blake<br />
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<i>It's Halloween!, </i>by Jack Prelutsky, Illustrations by Marylin Hafner<br />
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<i>The Hallo-Wiener, </i>by Dav Pilkey<br />
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<i>Too Many Pumpkins,</i> by Linda White, Illustrated by Megan Lloyd<br />
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<i>Five Little Pumpkins, </i>by Dan Yaccarino<br />
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<i>Sheep Trick or Treat,</i> by Nancy E. Shaw, Illustrations by Margot Apple<br />
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There are so many more books out there that I love, but these are some of my tried and true. Happy Reading! And Happy Halloween!<br />
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Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-83706973245989400062013-09-16T11:33:00.002-07:002013-09-16T11:33:53.122-07:00Rats, Bats, and a Bunch of Characters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMiqkUqWyb7W15RJMMPWBNFj1EuhHPeCKacKf6QoIGVSbaQlvX72zkzS1j3veHaF2e0w0io3VJHbdRVequ-qUGyyN0odFR39l8byybWiojHImBoD2uiUl7rKvjKuoisANL-3r_LNV2cfg/s1600/workshopcommitteesept2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMiqkUqWyb7W15RJMMPWBNFj1EuhHPeCKacKf6QoIGVSbaQlvX72zkzS1j3veHaF2e0w0io3VJHbdRVequ-qUGyyN0odFR39l8byybWiojHImBoD2uiUl7rKvjKuoisANL-3r_LNV2cfg/s320/workshopcommitteesept2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Workshop Committee and Speaker, Author Hilary Wagner</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">On Saturday, I had the privilege of sitting in a conference room surrounded by rats,
bats, snakes and even earthworms.
Luckily, I was also surrounded by a group of fantastic writers, both
published and pre-published. Even better, the critters were just decorations
based off the characters from the books of our presenter, author Hilary Wagner. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Hilary, the author of the middle-grade, fantasy trilogy, <i>Nightshade City</i>, and more, led us
through a great presentation on building characters(like her rats) with depth
and put us to work in groups creating a new character. It was quite the challenge to get everyone to
agree. In the afternoon we had a bonus
session on query letters. Such a
daunting part of the submission process whether you are trying to find an agent
or trying to get an editor at a publishing house to read your manuscript, it
can be difficult to figure out the best way to get attention and show that you
have a great story. We also had a great
query letter game where we tried to come up with some of the worst queries
ever. We’ll just leave it at that since
we got a little carried away on those. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> All in all, it was a fantastic workshop. It was a great learning experience, chance to
make new connections, and above all a time to be inspired as writers as we
always continue to improve. I’d like to shout out thanks to my SCBWI-IL Co-
Network Representatives for serving on the committee with me to bring this
event to Southern Illinois. LS Murphy,
Sherry Randle and Jonathan Schkade, you guys are awesome!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Thanks again to Hilary Wagner, our wonderful speaker, and
friend, not to mention someone who convinced even me to look at rats a little
more compassionately. To learn more about
Hilary and her books visit: <a href="http://hilarywagner.blogspot.com/">hilarywagner.blogspot.com</a> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297230455890928530.post-67323985324891093842013-09-01T16:24:00.000-07:002013-09-01T16:24:09.671-07:00Coming Soon!Just getting started on fixing up this blog! I'm preparing for two of my picture books coming out soon. More info coming soon!Anastasia Elyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05250008942698435378noreply@blogger.com0