The Golden Pathway

The Children's Book Review interviews award-winning author, Donna McDine

2012-02-10T10:54:00.000-05:00

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to be interviewed by Bianca Schulze of The Children's Book Review and invite you to stop by for a visit. Be prepared to stay for awhile, for you will surely enjoy surfing their website and getting to know many fabulous authors.

Donna's interview: http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2012/02/donna-m-mcdine-tackles-american-history.html

About The Children's Book Review: Named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. We publish reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. We also produce author and illustrator interviews and share literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to grow readers.

Thank you for your time and interest.

Also, don't forget to stop by http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html and enter at your chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.

Thank you for visiting!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Award-winning Underground Railroad children's book, The Golden Pathway - Book Review

2012-02-08T16:49:00.000-05:00

Deb Hockenberry of The Bumpy Road to Publishing has read and reviewed The Golden Pathway in celebration of Black History Month. I invite you to visit and leave a comment at:

http://thebumpyroadtopublishing.blogspot.com/2012/02/golden-pathway.html

Maureen's Musings reviews The Golden Pathway

2012-02-06T15:10:00.000-05:00

Hello,

I'm pleased to share with you 5 star book review rating of The Golden Pathway. We'd be delighted if you'd stop by for a visit:

http://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2012/02/golden-pathway-by-donna-m-mcdine.html

Be sure to leave your blog url so I can visit you.

Ella Johnson of Memorable Children Books & Gifts Celebrates Black History Month

2012-02-03T00:01:00.001-05:00

Ella Johnson of Memorable Children Books & Gifts Celebrates Black History Month featuring a four book bundle giveaway February 1-15:

The Golden Pathway by Donna McDine

Priscilla and the Hollyhocks by Anne Broyles

The Soul of a Butterfly by Tia Capers

Somewhere in the Darkness by Walter Dean Myers

Visit today and enter at a chance to win:
http://mymcbooks.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/black-history-month-2012-giveaway-part-1-ends-feb-14th/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

The Golden Pathway Celebrates Black History Month

2012-02-01T00:01:00.003-05:00

Spark interest in your young muses about the Underground Railroad and discover the Educator’s Guide and Lapbook project in direct relation to Donna McDine’s award-winning book, The Golden Pathway. Both FREE with purchase of The Golden Pathway.

Book reviews of The Golden Pathway and other Underground Railroad children’s books, and Underground Railroad museum information will be shared throughout February.

Visit throughout the month of February and enter at a chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card. Be sure to click the Read More at the end of of post to enter.

Looking forward to your visit!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Enter FREE Giveaway - 13 Inch Macbook Air and Apple TV Giveaway

2012-01-21T19:58:00.000-05:00

Enter at a chance to win a 13 Inch Macbook Air and Apple TV Giveaway

Visit http://www.sparklingreviews.com/2012/01/13in-macbook-air-and-apple-tv-giveaway.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Martin Luther King, Jr. ~ I Have a Dream

2012-01-16T00:01:00.003-05:00

In celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I am pleased to share with you an excerpt and link to his full speech and mp3 audio.

I Have a Dream
by Martin Luther King, Jr.

(delivered 28 August 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.)

"I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."

"But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will..."

Read the full I Have a Dream speech and listen to the mp3 audio at American Rhetoric http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm.

May we allow our differences unite us in the interest and appreciation of our diversity.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Toast to 2012: Enter to Win a FREE $100 PayPal or Visa Gift Card

2012-01-10T00:01:00.008-05:00

I am excited to be part of Sweep Tight and Just Married with Coupons Toast to 2012 New Years Giveaway Hop. As an added bonus I will be offering a $25 gift card to Starbucks to one lucky winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out all the valuable prizes you can enter at a chance to win through the below list.

Toast to 2012 GRAND PRIZE! Make sure to ENTER TO WIN 1 of 5 $100 Paypal or Visa Gift Cards!!!

Toast to 2012 is hosted by Sweep Tight and Just Married with Coupons and the Grand Prize is sponsored by Likeographers.com

Likeographers.com is a website where users from all over the world can enter awesome giveaways where they can win items such as gift cards and makeup by simply signing up and uploading a candid photo. Likeographers.com is dedicated to providing a place where users can upload a picture of their likes, share them with the world and win awesome prizes.

Good luck!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

The Golden Pathway, illustrator interview with K.C. Snider

2012-01-04T12:56:00.000-05:00

Often times the illustrator does not receive the kudos for their hardwork in making the authors words come alive with their vibrant illustrations and I wanted to take the time out to share with you an interview with the illustator of The Golden Pathway, K.C. Snider that is included in the teacher's guide.

K.C. Snider, a prominent Oregon artist, has branched out into a variety of styles and subjects. Her collection of oil paintings, lithographs, and pencil drawings include the All-American Cowboy and Cowgirl and their historical lifestyles with magnificent wolves, buffalo herds, eagles and birds of prey along with horses and domestic animals. Her artwork has won numerous awards including the Snaffle Bit Award and the Pioneer Award.
Snider lives in the high desert with majestic views of the Cascade Mountains' snow capped peaks. K.C. also illustrates children's books: Alleycat; The Christmas Angel; Preston, the Not-So-Perfect Pig; One Family's Christmas; Cartwheel Annie; The Magic Violin; Does Heaven Get Mail?; Andy & The Albino Horse Series; Baby Jesus is Missing' Katydidn't; A Short Tale About a Long Tail; Monster Maddie; RV Mouse & Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind.

A three piece triptych from the second book in the Andy & the Albino Horse Series won 1st Place in The Western Art Roundup 2008 and another Andy story triptych won 2nd Place in The Western Art Roundup 2009.
1. How did you become artist/illustrator?

I attended commercial art school and graduated as a commercial artist in the late 1970’s. I have been working for Guardian Angel Publishing for about 5 years, now.

2. What inspires you as an artist?

Everything around me! Everything around us is art.
3. Tell us about your experience illustrating The Golden Pathway, and how closely did you work with Donna on the project?

I worked very closely with Donna in researching for historical accuracy. A lot of email flew back and forth between us.
4. What advice do you have for young, aspiring illustrators?

Draw a lot and learn as many styles as you possibly can. Success is in being versatile and being able to draw anything from realism to cartoon.

My heartfelt thank you goes out to K.C. for bringing the story of The Golden Pathway to life!

Fred and K.C. Snider

Snider Art Studio

http://www.kcsniderart.com/

http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

http://andyandthealbinohorse.blogspot.com/

http://www.cafepress.com/KCSniderart

http://blog.kcsniderart.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

May There Be Peace Within

May you trust your highest power

that you are exactly where you are meant to be...

May you not forget the infinite

possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received,

and pass on the love that has been given to you...

May you be content knowing you are a child of God...

Let this presence settle into our bones,

and allow your soul the freedom to

sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of you...

--Author Unknown

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Guardian Angel Publishing Expands its Reach to South America

2011-12-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Ingram Content Group announces worldwide expansion with the launch of Global CONNECT, a print and distribution program and its first alliance with Brazil’s Singular Digital

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Ingram Content Group Inc. today announced the launch of Global CONNECT, a new worldwide program combining Ingram’s print and distribution services and a network of book manufacturers around the world, with state-of-the-art print on demand technology and connectivity to local networks of retailers. Singular Digital, a leading book manufacturer in Brazil with extensive regional distribution, will launch Ingram’s South American expansion.(The company is the only complete broad-based digital distributor in Brazil, serving over 1,000 Brazilian bookstores - including all the major chains - all the Brazilian book distributors, and the local author and publisher communities.)

“Today's marketplace is no longer bound by national borders or languages. Global access offers publishers an untapped opportunity, and Ingram is reshaping the content distribution model to help them realize their full business potential,” said David “Skip” Prichard, President and CEO, Ingram Content Group. “The pairing of Ingram’s distribution strength and proven print-on-demand solutions with leading providers in key territories creates a comprehensive solution that is truly unmatched in the industry today.”
Mr. Prichard continued, “Making the right content available, in the right format, to the right audience is key to success. Ingram’s Global Connect program was built to accomplish this for our customers on a worldwide scale.”
Ingram’s Global Connect program is more than just a printer network. It expands the reach of publisher’s physical content beyond Ingram’s current channels, which include Ingram-owned facilities in the U.S., U.K., Australia and France, to new markets through a network of selected book manufacturing and distribution partners. What differentiates Ingram’s Global Connect program from other printer network solutions is the unique combination of print on demand alliances with established local retail channel relationships. Publishers will gain access to new sales channels without the worry of inventory in market, importation and customs issues, and shipping and warehousing costs. No matter where their readers are, publishers can now reach them and never miss a sale. Visit: http://www.ingramcontent.com/default.aspx.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

Christ born in a stable

Christ born in a stable is born in me

Christ accepted by shepherds accepts me

Christ receiving the wise men receives me

Christ revealed to the nations be revealed in me

Christ dwelling in Nazareth You dwell in me

Christ, grant that people may look at me

and see Your Presence. Amen

~~~~~~

http://prayer-and-prayers.info/christmas-prayers/christ-born-in-a-stable.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Toast To 2012 Giveaway Hop ~ January 10-17, 2012

2011-12-13T12:49:00.000-05:00

Just when you think the gift giving season is over, I will be participating in the Toast To 2012 Giveaway Hop brought to you by Just Married with Coupons & Sweep Tight from January 10-17, 2012.

Interested in participating in the fun, visit http://www.justmarriedwithcoupons.com/2011/11/toast-to-2011-giveaway-hop-sign-ups.html and sign-up today!

Be sure to visit between January 10-17, 2012 and find out all the details of the New Years Giveaway Hop!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

American Cancer Society Rockland County Unit Charity Event - Huge Success

2011-12-13T12:39:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all the shoppers that attended our American Cancer Society Rockland County Unit Charity Event and for your generous donations! The two hours flew by!

Kim Satin and I enjoyed seeing so many people from our community showing support for our local chapter of the American Cancer Society.

A special thank you to Michelle Violetto, owner of Little Scoops http://www.littlescoops.com/ for providing her shop FREE of charge for our event.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

The Golden Pathway - Christmas Shopping Benefit

2011-12-06T15:56:00.000-05:00

Proudly Presents

Christmas Shopping Charity Event to benefit

The American Cancer Society Rockland County, New York Unit

Kim Satin Handmade Artisan Jewelry

(sample of product)

Award-winning children’s author, Donna McDine

Date: Thursday, December 8, 2011

Time: 6-8 pm

Location: Little Scoops ∙ Town Plaza II

500 Route 303 ∙ Orangeburg, NY

845-365-4500

Portion of proceeds will happily be donated to The American Cancer Society Rockland County Unit

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

In Gratitude

Thank you, Father, for having created us and given

us to each other in the human family.

Thank you for being with us in all our joys and sorrows,

for your comfort in our sadness,

your companionship in our loneliness.

Thank you for yesterday, today, tomorrow

and for the whole of our lives.

Thank you for friends, for health and for grace.

May we live this and every day conscious

of all that has been given to us.

From The Catholic Prayer Book, compiled by Msgr. Michael Buckley.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Author School Visit: What is as Good as a Book Contract? by Donna McDine

2011-11-18T15:10:00.000-05:00

The excitement that embraced me when I was offered my first children's book contract and the next three were like non-other. With each signing my heart raced and my blood pumped with the thrill of puttin pen to paper and signing off on each contract. All four signings a "birth" of a new book. With the first one published August 2010 and the next three in the publishing pipeline and awaiting their time in the publishing spotlight other wonderful opportunities have come along for my writing career.

Just when you think the excitement has waned a bit of the contract signings, an elementary school has seeked you out to discuss your author school visit workshops. And after presenting to the school representative what your visit would entail, they offer you not only one day of class visits, but a full week of classroom workshops. Yippie! Isn't this what writing for children is all about? To get out from behind the glow of your computer or writing pad and interact with the children.

I'd like to get a discussion going on what has worked for you to get your foot in the door to the powers that be at schools to discuss your author school visit workshops and to schedule dates.

As for myself, networking has been instrumental in marketing my author school visits by attending and participating in local reading council meetings and children's book author fairs.

Tips:

If the presenter schedule is filled for an event, ask if there will be an information display table where you can place your author school visit information. If they do, provide at least 30 copies of your material for display.

Take this opportuity to discuss with the organizer their next event and how you can submit your discussion topic and media kit for consideration the next time around.

Make sure you obtain their contact information so you can easily follow-up with them and make note where you met them and what you chatted about. Follow-up with a "Lovely to meet you" email the next day and briefly mention what you discussed. You'd be surprised how pleased this makes people.

Many times one event leads to inquiries months down the road. For instance, I attended an event October 2010, that turned into a request for me to speak at another event in May 2011, which then turned into submitting my media kit and author school visit information for a New York state wide event, which then turned into an author school visit contract for a week of workshops in March 2012.

Offer workshops instead of just a book reading and signing. Teachers are under tight schedules for their curriculum and they need to adhere to their state guidelines, just like as authors we need to adhere to submission guidelines. My workshops are easily adjusted for grade level and I provide four different workshops to select from, which provides the flexibility for each teacher and their students.

Two key components that have sealed the deal are:

Offer a FREE telephone consultation or In-Person meeting to fine-tune the workshops to teachers requirements.

If the school is interested in me conducting more than two-days of workshops and if they are a local school (within a certain mile radius or your county) I offer the last day FREE.

I look forward to your thoughts and tips.

Be well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Veteran's Day Prayer

2011-11-11T11:06:00.000-05:00

Prayer for Veterans Day

God of peace,

we pray for those who have served our nation

and have laid down their lives

to protect and defend our freedom.

We pray for those who have fought,

whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war,

whose nights are haunted by memories

too painful for the light of day.

We pray for those who serve us now,

especially for those in harm's way.

Shield them from danger

and bring them home.

Turn the hearts and minds

of our leaders and our enemies

to the work of justice and a harvest of peace.

Spare the poor, Lord, spare the poor!

May the peace you left us,

the peace you gave us,

be the peace that sustains,

the peace that saves us.

Christ Jesus, hear us!

Lord Jesus, hear our prayer!

Amen.

-ConcordPastor

Internet Book Fair BlogFest!

2011-10-25T00:01:00.000-04:00

In celebration of M.A. Leslie's Internet Book Fair BlogFest http://maleslie1.blogspot.com/2011/10/internet-book-fair-blogfest.html I'm honored to share book review excerpts of my children's historical fiction story book The Golden Pathway.

"The Golden Pathway is a heart-gripping children’s story written by Donna M. McDine with illustrations by K.C. Snider. It is easy to comprehend and the plot flows smoothly. The illustrations are beautifully depicted and complement the wording immensely. I found this story to be powerful, inspiring and something that will provide children with a valuable lesson about slavery and freedom as part of American History." Rita V, Readers Favorite

“This story by author Donna M. McDine, with full-page, full-color illustrations by K. C. Snider, is an attention-grabbing way to introduce students to the fact that slavery once existed in this country and also illustrate how the “Underground Railroad” helped slaves to escape north so that they might gain their freedom. It is a great book.” –Wayne S. Walker, Home School Book Review

“Author Donna McDine pulls you in from the first sentence, and doesn’t let you go. Her writing is filled with sensory detail that puts you into the story and the era. She has created living, breathing characters, so much so, that I strongly felt their lives before and after the tale.” –A.R. Silverberry, author of Wyndano’s Cloak
“Once children have read about David and the part he played in the Underground Railroad, they’ll be eager to find other stories to enhance what they’ve learned in The Golden Pathway.” –Beverly Stowe McClure, author of Rebel in Blue Jeans, Just Breeze, and Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines

“The Golden Pathway will teach children how people can come together and overcome seemingly impossible odds and learn a bit about American history and how to deal with a situation of bullying and abuse.” –Lauren S. Smith, She Writes http://www.shewrites.com/

“Award winning children’s author, Donna McDine, has produced a powerful story of good and evil, a must read for every child. She defines, in a beautifully written and poignant way, one man’s inhumanity to man and the redeeming qualities of his son.” -Nancy Stewart, children’s author and university professor of education, specializing in Children’s and Young Adult Literature

“A tale sure to inspire anyone who doubts their own courage.” –Lori Calabrese, award-winning author of The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade
“The Golden Pathway is a story about courage and friendship.” –Renee Hand, author of The Crypto-Capers series and the award-winning, The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill: Case #1: The Great Pie Catastrophe
“In Donna McDine's debut book witness a poignant depiction of the best and worst of humanity. The portrayal of the brutality dealt a slave and a white boy's sense of right and wrong are expertly exposed. K.C. Snider is a fine artist and each illustration is a masterpiece. The historical fiction picture book's succinct and imaginative story coupled with the illustrations are a buffet for readers of all ages. I highly recommend this book.” –J. Aday Kennedy, award-winning multi-published author of inspirational/Christian pieces and of children’s literature

“The best thing about this book is that it raised other questions… Any book that can cause a child to crave more knowledge on a subject is a good one.” –Lynn’s Reading Corner
“I thought this was a very well written story for children to understand.” –Chrissy’s World of Books

The Golden Pathway purchasing information:

Guardian Angel Publishing www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm or for autographed copies visit award-winning children’s author Donna McDine http://www.donnamcdine.com/. As an added bonus, orders placed through Guardian Angel Publishing or the author will include The Golden Pathway teacher’s guide eBook.

There are many wonderfully talented authors participating in the Internet Book Fair BlogFest, be sure to visit http://maleslie1.blogspot.com/2011/10/internet-book-fair-blogfest.html for all the links to other profiled books.

Thank you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

New York State Reading Association - Hudson Valley Authors Fair - The Golden Pathway by Donna McDine

2011-10-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

http://www.nysreading.org/Conferences/

Presents the

Hudson Valley Authors Fair

featuring local childrens authors

A FREE EVENT FOR

COMMUNITY EDUCATORS AND FAMILIES

Special presentations by award-winning story tellers

"Storycrafters" and author Jason Edwards

Please join us for a fun day of storytelling and meet the authors of some of your favorite

children's books. Authors will sign and sell their books, discuss their ideas, and provide

information about school visits.

Laurie Calkhoven - Boys of Wartime

Kathy Ceceri - The Silk Road

Sarah Darer Littman - Purge

Katie Davis - Kindergarten Rocks

Angelo DeCesare - Flip's Fantastic Journal

Alison Ashley Formento - This Tree Counts

Betsy Franco Feeney - Amoeba Hop

Gail Gompper - Every Day by the Bay

Robert Kurkela - Lilies on the Moon

Shari Maurer - Change of Heart

Cindy Mauro Reisenauer - Emerita

Donna McDine - The Golden Pathway

Helen Pashley - Triops

Laurence Pringle - Bats!

Anita Sanchez - Mr. Lincoln's Chair

Darren Sardelli - Galaxy Pizza

Tim Tocher - Long Shot

Stephen M. Tomecek - Stars

Iza Trapani - The Itsy Bitsy Spider

When:

October 23, 2011 - 2:00-5:00 pm

Storycrafters to present from 3:00-4:00 pm

Jason Edwards to present from 4:15-5:00 pm

Where:

Hilton Rye Town

699 Westchester Avenue

Rye Brook, NY

in the Grand Ballroom (North and South)

Underground Railroad children’s story book The Golden Pathway announced as Literary Classics 2011 Silver Award Recipient

2011-10-14T19:13:00.000-04:00

October 14, 2011 - Tappan, New York – Donna McDine’s children’s book, The Golden Pathway has been announced as Literary Classics 2011 Silver Award Recipient – Early Reader category.

Literary Classics announced its 2011 selection of top books for children and young adults today. Award recipients were selected from entries received throughout the world. The Literary Classics selection committee is proud to recognize the following titles in children's and young adult literature which exemplify the criteria set forth by the Literary Classics Awards committee.

A list of the 2011 award recipients can be viewed at: http://www.clcawards.org/.

PICTURE BOOK - EARLY READER

Gold Award Recipient - Wacky Jacky: The True Story of An Unlikely Beauty Queen, written by Jaclyn Stapp, illustrated by Kristine Lucco
Silver Award Recipient - The Golden Pathway, written by Donna M. McDine, illustrated by K.C. Snider
Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic children's literature which appeals to youth, while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations. Judging is based upon the criteria set forth by Literary Classics' highly selective awards committee which honors books promoting character, vision, creativity and learning, through content which possesses the key elements found in well-crafted literature.

The Literary Classics judging committee consists of experts with backgrounds in publishing, writing, editing, design, illustration, and book reviewing. To learn more about Literary Classics, visit their website at http://www.literaryclassicsawards.com/.
The Golden Pathway synopsis:

Be transported through time to the Underground Railroad, where high-pitched screams echo each night. David’s cruel Pa always chooses the same victim. Despite the circumstances during slavery, David uncovers the courage to defy his Pa.
Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David attempts to lead Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.
The Golden Pathway purchasing information:

Guardian Angel Publishing www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm or for autographed copies visit award-winning children’s author Donna McDine www.donnamcdine.com. As an added bonus, orders placed through Guardian Angel Publishing or the author will include The Golden Pathway teacher’s guide eBook.
Thank you for your time and interest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Library - Local Author Book Fair - October 16, 2011

2011-10-12T00:01:00.010-04:00

I am excited to share with you that I will be appearing at the

25 Flywheel Park West

Piermont, NY

If you live locally and you have the time to stop by I'd be delighted to see you there.

Thank you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

The Golden Pathway Awarded Readers Favorite Five Stars Review

2011-10-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

As many of my readers and friends know my first children's book, The Golden Pathway was published August 2010 and it has been bestowed the honor of a Readers Favorite Five Stars Review.

Reviewed by Rita V for Readers Favorite

The Golden Pathway is a heart-gripping children’s story written by Donna M. McDine with illustrations by K.C. Snider. This story takes place during the dreadful days when people were allowed to own slaves and abuse them. A boy named David lives on a farm with his ma and pa. His pa is a mean soul and owns a slave named Jenkins who is just sixteen years old and works in the cotton fields for him. One night, David hears the terrible screams of agony coming from the barn where Jenkins is being whipped by Pa. David feels a great amount of compassion for Jenkins and knows that slavery is wrong. David is compelled to do everything in his power to help Jenkins because he knows he will soon die from the continual beatings. David will have to find incredible strength and courage to help Jenkins escape slavery and to stop the horrible beatings and torture inflicted upon him unjustly.
The Golden Pathway is written specifically for children 8-12 years old and is written perfectly to their level of understanding. It is easy to comprehend and the plot flows smoothly. The illustrations are beautifully depicted and complement the wording immensely. I found this story to be powerful, inspiring and something that will provide children with a valuable lesson about slavery and freedom as part of American History. I can see this book also providing a valuable tool for children to ask questions and bring about important conversation. I feel strongly that this book is a must read for all children ages 8 and up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you to Rita V., for her heartwarming review.

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

The Golden Pathway book review by Cindy Oldham

2011-10-05T17:04:00.000-04:00

I am pleased to share with you the latest book review of The Golden Pathway.

Journey back in time to the pre-civil war era when slavery was the accepted norm in America. Meet a courageous young boy named David – a young teen slave named Jenkins – David’s abusive, alcoholic father. These three are the main characters in Donna M. McDine’s book, The Golden Pathway. David is a compassionate boy who befriends the slave boy Jenkins. After watching and hearing his father beat Jenkins repeatedly almost daily, David administers whatever comfort and help he can to Jenkins. This young boy, whom his father thinks is weak, finds the courage to help Jenkins escape his bonds of slavery for a life of freedom by using the Underground Railroad.

The dialogue sparkles and brings the characters to life. Richly detailed writing and beautiful illustrations allow you to experience the sense of immediacy within story as if you were living it with David and Jenkins.
Ms. McDine has taken a very complex time from America’s history and brought it to life at an introductory for children between the ages of 8-12. She has expertly dealt with abuse, alcoholism, bullying and slavery. The Golden Pathway is a story full of friendship, love, and compassion. I would recommend it to anyone who has children in the listed age group. It is a great way to introduce these issues to young people.

Reviewed by:

Cindy Oldham, Author

Kaleidoscope Memories: Childhood Stories That Celebrate Family Life

http://kaleidoscopememoriesbook.blogspot.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Underground Railroad children’s story book The Golden Pathway announced as Literary Classics 2011 Finalist

2011-09-29T17:07:00.000-04:00

Tappan, New York – Donna McDine’s children’s book, The Golden Pathway has been announced as Literary Classics 2011 Finalist – Early Reader category.

Literary Classics announced its 2011 selection of top book finalists for children and young adults today. The list includes finalists from entries received all over the world. The Literary Classics selection committee is proud to recognize the following titles in children's and young adult literature which exemplify the criteria set forth by the Literary Classics Awards committee.

A list of the 2011 award finalists follows:

Sally Berenzweig, MEd, MA, My Body is Special and Belongs to Me

Summer Brenner, Ivy, Homeless in San Francisco

Yvonne Capitelli, Daria Rose and The Day She Chose

Garett Gruber, Monster Removal Guide

K.C. Hilton, The Magic of Finkleton

Fiona Ingram, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

Michael Madlener, Feed Your Fish!

Lisa Manzione, The Adventures of Bella and Harry: Let's Visit Paris!

Donna M. McDine, The Golden Pathway

Evelyn Rothstein, Dave Learns Spanish

Gail Melville Shumway, Stripey Follows His Dream

Jaclyn Stapp, Wacky Jacky: The True Story of An Unlikely Beauty Queen

Dianna L. Young, Muted Grey

All final award levels and categories will be announced October 15, 2011.

Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic children's literature which appeals to youth, while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations. Judging is based upon the criteria set forth by Literary Classics' highly selective awards committee which honors books promoting character, vision, creativity and learning, through content which possesses the key elements found in well-crafted literature.

The Literary Classics judging committee consists of experts with backgrounds in publishing, writing, editing, design, illustration, and book reviewing. To learn more about Literary Classics, visit their website at http://www.literaryclassicsawards.com/.

The Golden Pathway purchasing information:

www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm or for autographed copies with added bonus of the teacher’s learning guide http://www.donnamcdine.com/.

Thank you for your time and interest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Donna McDine to participate in Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library Local Author Book Fair

2011-09-27T13:49:00.000-04:00

Local Author Book Fair

Sunday, October 16, 2011, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Authors will include: Marian Armstrong, Anita Bell and Belinda Bell, Paul Braus, Donna McDine, Barry Fixler, Betsy Franco Feeney, Lisa Grubb, Joan Gussow, Lynn Lauber, Lynn Cluess Manzione, Cindy Reisenauer, Stephen Roberts, Karen Steinmetz, Terry Talley, François Vuilleumier, and Catherine Whitney.

Craft activities for children and refreshments for all will be provided. The event is free and everyone is welcome!

Our area has long been a magnet for authors. Close to the hub of the publishing universe in New York City, it has offered a tranquil place for artistic work, and while the county has changed in the last few decades, it continues to draw creative people to its charming river villages and wooded hillsides.

In October, the Piermont Public Library will provide an opportunity for local residents to meet and mingle with some contemporary Rockland authors, who may very well be their neighbors, at a Local Author Book Fair. On Sunday, October 16, from 1-4 p.m., seasoned authors with many published titles to their credit, and newer authors, some self-published who are just beginning to learn the ropes, will make their books available at the library. The work will include fiction and nonfiction titles, with books for children and young adults as well as adult readers. The world of publishing has also changed tremendously in the last few years, and events such as this have become popular in connecting authors to one another and to their audience. Taking home books signed by the author, with whom one has just talked about their life and work, is a unique experience. It’s also a great way to get a head start on holiday shopping.

http://piermontlibrary.org/events/local-author-book-fair/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Global e-Book Awards Finalist - Judge Feedback

2011-09-20T12:07:00.000-04:00

I am pleased to share with you the feedback from one of the judges from the Global e-Book Awards about The Golden Pathway:

"I admire Donna McDine for so sensitively writing about these very dark days in America’s history. There are lessons here for not only children but for everyone who reads The Golden Pathway. The illustrations are entertaining and attention-grabbing. Thank you for a very good book, Donna ~ Sara Marie Hogg, author, Catho Darlington, Blade Chatter, Mumbledypeg, On Call, Multiple Exposures and others written under pseudonyms. Judge GeBA 2011

http://awardsforebooks.com/book-writing-contest/fiction-childrens-picture-books/the-golden-pathway/

Sara: Thank you very much for stopping by and leaving your thoughtful feedback on The Golden Pathway.

All the best,
Donna

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Underground Railroad children’s story book The Golden Pathway earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

2011-09-12T06:04:00.000-04:00

M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Donna M. McDine, Award-winning Children’s Author

Website: http://www.donnamcdine.com/

Email: donna@donnamcdine.com

For Immediate Release

Tappan, New York – Donna McDine’s children’s book, The Golden Pathway has been awarded the Literary Classics Seal of Approval in the Picture Book – Early Reader category.

A word from Children’s Literary Classics

The Golden Pathway, written by Donna M. McDine and illustrated by KC Snider, is an inspiring story of a young boy, named David, who helps his father's slave escape to freedom. Day after day, David watches from a distance as his alcoholic father brutally and mercilessly beats their slave, Jenkins, who is just a boy himself. David knows all too well that the beatings will only continue and becomes concerned that Jenkins may not survive the onslaught of physical abuse. Eventually David finds a way, with the aid of those operating the Underground Railroad, to help Jenkins escape his life of slavery and affliction.

The Golden Pathway is a tale of compassion and courage. This book earns the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval, a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

Children’s Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in children’s literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic children's literature which appeals to youth, while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations. To learn more about Children's Literary Classics, you may visit their website at http://www.clcawards.org/ or http://www.childrensliteraryclassics.com/.

About the Author

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions and Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 – Top Ten - Children’s Books category – The Golden Pathway, and 2011 Global eBook Finalist Award – Children’s Picture Book Fiction category.

Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna has three more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, Hockey Agony, Powder Monkey, and A Sandy Grave. She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids and Publicist for the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI and Musing Our Children.

Visit Donna at: http://www.donnamcdine.com/ and http://www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/.

About the Illustrator

K.C. Snider, a prominent Oregon artist, has branched out into a variety of styles and subjects. Her collection of oil paintings, lithographs, and pencil drawings include the All-American Cowboy and Cowgirl and their historical lifestyles with magnificent wolves, buffalo herds, eagles and birds of prey along with horses and domestic animals. Her artwork has won numerous awards including the Snaffle Bit Award and the Pioneer Award.
Snider lives in the high desert with majestic views of the Cascade Mountains' snow capped peaks. K.C. also illustrates children's books: Alleycat; The Christmas Angel; Preston, the Not-So-Perfect Pig; One Family's Christmas; Cartwheel Annie; The Magic Violin; Does Heaven Get Mail?; Andy & The Albino Horse Series; Baby Jesus is Missing' Katydidn't; A Short Tale About a Long Tail; Monster Maddie; RV Mouse & Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind.

A three piece triptych from the second book in the Andy & the Albino Horse Series won 1st Place in The Western Art Roundup 2008 and another Andy story triptych won 2nd Place in The Western Art Roundup 2009.
Visit K.C. at: http://www.kcsniderart.com/

The Golden Pathway purchasing information:

www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm or for autographed copies with added bonus of the teacher’s learning guide http://www.donnamcdine.com/.
Thank you for your time and interest.

###

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Remember September 11th

2011-09-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

O God of love, compassion, and healing,

look on us, people of many different faiths

and traditions,

who gather today at this site,

the scene of incredible violence and pain.

We ask you in your goodness

to give eternal light and peace

to all who died here—

the heroic first-responders:

our fire fighters, police officers,

emergency service workers, and

Port Authority personnel,

along with all the innocent men and women

who were victims of this tragedy

simply because their work or service

brought them here on September 11, 2001.

We ask you, in your compassion

to bring healing to those

who, because of their presence here that day,

suffer from injuries and illness.

Heal, too, the pain of still-grieving families

and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy.

Give them strength to continue their lives

with courage and hope.

We are mindful as well

of those who suffered death, injury, and loss

on the same day at the Pentagon and in

Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Our hearts are one with theirs

as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering.

God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world:

peace in the hearts of all men and women

and peace among the nations of the earth.

Turn to your way of love

those whose hearts and minds

are consumed with hatred.

God of understanding,

overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy,

we seek your light and guidance

as we confront such terrible events.

Grant that those whose lives were spared

may live so that the lives lost here

may not have been lost in vain.

Comfort and console us,

strengthen us in hope,

and give us the wisdom and courage

to work tirelessly for a world

where true peace and love reign

among nations and in the hearts of all.

Pope Benedict XI--Prayer at Ground Zero

New York, 20 April 2008

Happy Labor Day

2011-09-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

Lord on this Labor Day,

we celebrate the work we do,

and we thank You for the blessing of our jobs.

We ask for those seeking employment that

You guide them in their search for work.

We ask for guidance when we are confused.

We ask for patience when working through conflicts.

We ask for strength to complete each day.

We ask for rest when we are weary.

We ask that You be with those whose faces

we might never see but who work tirelessly

each day for the good of us all.

'Lord, support us all day long until shadows lengthen,

evening comes, the busy world hushed, the fever of life

is over and our life's work is done.

Then, in Thy tender mercy, give us safe lodging, holy

rest and everlasting peace at your side for eternity.'

Amen

Global eBook Awards Winners Announced

2011-08-23T08:46:00.000-04:00

The Global eBook Awards Winners were announced in California on Saturday, August 20th and while The Golden Pathway did not win the Children's Picture Book Fiction category I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Donna Shepherd, author of Sully's Topsy Tale as the category winner. And congratulations one and all for your winning placement in all the categories of the Global eBook Awards. I tip my hat to you all!

I would also like to thank Dan Poynter, Joseph Dowdy, and the judges for their endless time and effort in coordinating and executing such an exhilirating awards opportunity.

To view the presentation of the awards visit: http://awardsforebooks.com/awards-ceremony-2011/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

The Golden Pathway Announced as Finalist in Dan Poynter's Global eBook Awards

2011-08-14T11:40:00.000-04:00

I am over the moon to announce that The Golden Pathway has been declared a finalist in Dan Poynter's Global eBook Awards.

Animals/Pets - Non-Fiction Doggie Biscuit

Business - Non-Fiction Directory of Business Talk Radio Shows

Business - Non-Fiction MINITRENDS: How Innovators & Entrepreneurs Discover & Profit From Business & Technology Trends

Business - Non-Fiction How to Build Buzz for Your Biz, Tap into the Power of Social Media, Publicity, & Relationship Marketing to Grow Your Business

Children's Literature - Fiction The Weaver

Children's Picture Books - Fiction Sully’s Topsy Tale

Children's Picture Books - Fiction The Golden Pathway — an historical fiction story about the Underground Railroad

Christian Children's - Fiction Angel Eyes

Cookbooks - Non-Fiction Recipes from Camp Trillium

Historical Literature - Fiction The Silurian, Book Two: The King of Battles

Historical Literature - Fiction The Molly Lake Chronicles Book 2 Barely Afloat

Horror - Fiction Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller - Fiction THE PURPLES

New Age - Non-Fiction 101 Ways to Meditate: Discover Your True Self

Psychology/Mental Health - Non-Fiction You CAN Prevent Alzheimer’s!: A Neuropsychologist’s Secrets to Better Brain Health

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Paranormal - Fiction Chasing Amanda

Self-Help - Non-Fiction Basic Accounting Simplified

Teen Literature - Fiction Laney (The Brookehaven Vampires)

Congratulations one and all!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Blog Jog Day - Contest Winners!

2011-08-10T00:01:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all who visited The Golden Pathway during Blog Jog Day on August 7, 2011. Your time and interest is appreciated.

Now without further ado, I'm pleased to announce the contest winners!

For the one FREE media release the prize goes to: Chelle Cordero of http://chellecordero.blogspot.com/.

Please contact me via email at donna at donnamcdine dot com and we will discuss your news.

For the FREE The Golden Pathway e-Book and Educator's Guide prize goes to: Susanne Drazic. I have your email address and will send it to you today.

Thank you one and all!

Wishing you all an inspirational week!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

The Underground Railroad children's book, The Golden Pathway runs through Blog Jog Day

2011-08-07T00:01:00.004-04:00

Welcome to Blog Jog Day and my blog The Golden Pathway!

Please enjoy my site then click over to http://bloomlifecoach.wordpress.com/ to see what the next Blog has to offer! Lost in the links?

You can always go back to the main Blog Jog Day Blog at http://blogjogday.blogspot.com/ and find a new link to jog from. Thank you for stopping by my site!

As promised on Friday here are the two contests in celebration of Blog Jog Day:

First contest:

The Golden Pathway e-book giveaway and as an added bonus The Golden Pathway Educator's Guide PDF. A $20 value.

Synopsis:
Be transported through time to the Underground Railroad, where high-pitched screams echo each night. David’s cruel Pa always chooses the same victim. Despite the circumstances during slavery, David uncovers the courage to defy his Pa.

Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David attempts to lead Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.

The Golden Pathway Educator's Guide is a comprehensive across the curriculum based teaching tool for English, Social Studies, Math, Science, and Art teachers, as well as Homeschooling families. The PDF guide is 25 pages.

Second Contest:

Dynamic Media Release Services - one free media release written and distributed to five on-line media release sites. A $60 value.

You’ll discuss your good news and happenings to get a clear indication of your direction. Your valuable information will then be written into a dynamic media release and provided to you for your networking purposes. Even if you don't have publishing credits under your belt or even if you aren't a writer, announcing guest interviews or your topic of choice will help draw traffic and recognition to you and your blog.

All you have to do is:

Leave a comment (be sure to leave your email) and indicate which contest you would like to enter or both.
Become a follower (be sure to leave your blog address so I can follow you back) at The Golden Pathway blog.

One winner per contest. Winners will be announced Wednesday, August 10th.

Be sure to follow along on Blog Jog Day to: http://bloomlifecoach.wordpress.com/ Laurie Soileau, Life/ADHD Coach ~ offering coaching sessions via telephone as well as in my home office in Nashville, Tennessee. Ms. Soileau's Life Coaching practice is geared toward adults age 35-50 who want to move past specific challenges and live the life of their dreams.

I look forward to your visit.

Thank you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

What in the World is Blog Jog Day?

2011-08-05T11:29:00.002-04:00

Plug Your Blog! Potentially thousands of hits in one day! Long-term results! Permanent links! Join us for Blog Jog Day on August 7th. Discover new blogs!

Blog Jog Day is a one-day-event where Bloggers are joining together for a pyramid effect promotional rally. We all post on the same day with each post leading the visitor to the next Blog, and so on full circle. That's it! Visitors explore your Blog, and then click on to the next one bringing potentially thousands of unique visitors to your site. Nearly 2,000 joggers showed up last November.

How Blog Jog Day Can Benefit Bloggers:

More unique visitors to your Blog
More subscribers
More comments
More inbound links
More Followers
More exposure and sales
Grow your daily hits

All which look great to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and the other search engines! With popularity comes a higher Page Rank and greater exposure for your Blog!

If you've missed the opportunity to join in the Blog Jog Day fun, visit http://www.blogjogday.blogspot.com/ and become a follower today.

Be sure to stop back on Sunday, August 7th when I share with you two exciting contests:

The Golden Pathway e-book giveaway and as an added bonus The Golden Pathway Educator's Guide PDF. A $20 value.

and

Dynamic Media Release Services - one free media release written and distributed to five on-line media release sites. A $60 value.

Thank you for your time and interest. I look forward to your visit.

Have a great weekend!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

The Golden Pathway Educator's Guide Now Available - Gift with Purchase

2011-07-21T14:32:00.001-04:00

I am pleased to announce that The Golden Pathway Educator's Guide is NOW available as gift with purchase. The educator's guide is a comprehensive across the curriculum based teaching tool for English, Social Studies, Math, Science, and Art teachers, as well as Homeschooling families. The guide is 25 pages and includes the following topics:

Book Summary/About the Author
Interview with Author, Donna McDine
About the Illustrator
Interview with Illustrator, K.C. Snider
Underground Railroad Background, Discussion Questions

ACTIVITIES:

Language Arts: Writing/Vocabulary
Integrated Language Arts/Social Studies: Topical Study/Presentation Boards
Social Studies: Timeline, Mapping and Geography
Math: Map Work Mathematics, Calculations, Time, Recipe Math, Quilt Math
Science: Astronomy, Skin, Plants and Crops, Alcoholism, Five Senses
Role Playing, Disguises and Escape/Safe Houses
Toys and Games of the 19th Century: Make a Rag Doll, Make a Nettie Doll, Information on Games/Toys
Songs of Slavery and the Underground Railroad: Background Information and Lyrics
More Fun Art Projects, Activities, and Resources: Coloring Sheets, Printables, Juneteenth, Make A Tin Can Lantern
Books For Further Reading
Websites and Resources

If interested, order directly from me at - http://www.donnamcdine.com/ - autographed and personalized copies available

Guardian Angel Publishing: http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Pathway-Donna-M-McDIne/dp/1616330880/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1282836673&sr=1-1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-golden-pathway-donna-m-mcdine/1025630552?ean=9781616330880&itm=1&usri=the%2bgolden%2bpathway

Once you receive your email order confirmation forward to me at donna@donnamcdine.com and I will email you The Golden Pathway Educator's Guide in PDF to you.

Thank you for your time and interest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Linda Kinsman, WAHM reviews The Golden Pathway

2011-07-18T15:29:00.000-04:00

I am pleased to share with you a recent review of The Golden Pathway by Linda Kinsman:

I was interested in reading a children’s book that dealt with slavery and was happy when Mrs. McDine was able to send me a copy for review.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was drawn into the story within the first few paragraphs. Mrs. McDine has so vividly portrayed the characters, (both good and bad); at first I was reluctant to read this story with my 8 year old daughter....

To read more, please visit:

http://mywahmplan.blogspot.com/2011/07/golden-pathway-book-review.html

Thank you for your time and interest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Book Reviews of The Golden Pathway

2011-07-11T16:13:00.000-04:00

I'm delighted to share with you recent book reviews of The Golden Pathway by Homeschoolers and Mommy Bloggers. Be sure to visit each of their websites, these ladies write wonderful blogs and offer up giveaways and insights into the world of Homeschooling and parenting.

July 11, 2011
As a homeschool mom – especially given our heavy use of unit studies and “living books” – I am always on the lookout for good historical fiction for children. (Historical fiction is easy to find. Historical fiction for children isn’t always.) As a result, I was happy to be given the opportunity to read and review The Golden Pathway , by Donna M. McDine.
The Golden Pathway addresses a tough subject – slavery and the Underground Railroad. The suggested audience is readers aged 8-12, but I will probably include my 4-year-old when we read it as part of our study of that time period.
I would probably not use this as my children’s only exposure to the time, as I’m concerned it might give them a unrealistically one-dimensional view of the place and the people. To put it plainly, I wouldn’t want them to draw the conclusion that every white southerner was cruel, based on one story of one (fictional) family. In context, though, I found it to be an excellent introduction to a difficult period of history.
The only thing I dislike about the book is that the story centers around a young man who defies his father in order to care for and free the family’s slave. I would have preferred to read my children a story about a family working together to end injustice rather than one about a son going behind his father’s back. The reality, however, is that, that sort of thing happened. (When it really comes down it, I would rather not have to read my children books about racial slavery in the first place! But it happened, and those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. So we read about the ugly truth.)
All in all, I think this is a good introduction to the topic, with a story centered around a young person so that young people can readily identify with it. I will probably be reading it with/to my children, rather than handing it over – but maybe that’s a better idea, anyway, given the nature of the subject.
After reading the book and the author’s note about code words, you might want to sing “Get On Board” and/or “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”

Disclosure: I was provided with this book, free of charge, by the author to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Reviewed by Rachel Ramey ~ http://www.titus2homemaker.com/2011/07/the-golden-pathway-review/

July 3, 2011

I had the privilege of reading and reviewing Donna M. McDine's children's book The Golden Pathway. This picture book is about southern slaves and the underground rail road.

More specifically, it is about a young boy who's father owns a plantation. While on the plantation he befriends a slave who is the target of his father's drunken rages.
I did enjoy the story and the knowledge that the story brought. The pictures are beautiful and Jenkins (the slave) make the story seem more real than the actual main character, David. I could honestly see myself using this book in my middle school classroom. I would not recommend it for younger children due to the presentation of the subject matter. However, for struggling readers in upper elementary and middle school this is a great resource that I can't recommend enough.
I look forward to having my 8th grade students read this during the upcoming school year.
Reviewed by Sara Cart ~ http://carts3bears.blogspot.com/2011/07/book-review-golden-pathway.html

June 24, 2011

The Golden Pathway by Donna M. McDine is set in the times of slavery in America. It tells a poignant story of a boy that sees how his father treats his slaves. He tries to help one of the slaves. His father is a difficult task master for his slaves and his family. After hearing his father beat one of the slaves he shows courage and compassion by slipping out to take care of the beaten slave. The young man figures out a way to help this slave boy escape to freedom. He has heard of the freedom trail and helps to send his friend to freedom and a new life.
Even though this story is set in another time in history, it still speaks to children of our generation. It teaches love, compassion and courage. Many children of today see difficult things growing up. They go through painful things. I feel this story speaks to them in a special way. It gives hope and shows the almost forgotten art of kindness.
I believe our children need to learn about history. This book teaches a lesson in history and also teaches good character traits at the same time. It is written for children ages 8 to 12. It is beautifully illustrated by K. C. Snider.
I was given this book to read and review and give my honest opinion. I have not been paid to do this. I have written an honest review of this book.
Reviewed by Karen Dobson ~ http://grannysperspective.blogspot.com/2011/06/golden-pathway-by-donna-m-mcdine-book.html

June 4, 2011

The Golden Pathway by award winning author Donna McDine is a book written for children ages 8-12 , but I think this is a must read for all ages. The book is about a young boy, David the son of a slave owner, his father, and a young slave boy named Jenkins. The book shows the battle between wrong and right even within families. David witnesses the brutal beating of Jenkins everyday and wants to help him out. Despite enormous risk to himself David searching for a way to get Jenkins out. The use of period language really helps immerse the reader into the book. The illustrations are beautifully done, showing you the struggle David and Jenkins go through together. It helps to remind you what an important part in history that the Underground Railroad played!
Reviewed by Rebecca Fry ~ http://momof-3boys.blogspot.com/2011/06/golden-pathway-by-donna-mcdine.html

May 13, 2011

Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David leads Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.

My Review: What a powerful story of good will by Award winning children’s author, Donna McDine. She takes you back in time showing us that slavery did exist and how the Underground Railroad helped slaves escape to the north where they gained their freedom.

The message we should take from this story is that there are good and faithful people willing to make a wrong right by satisfying anything to help others. What a wonderful illustration by K.C. Snider bringing the story to life. I highly recommend The Golden Pathway to History teachers, parents, and children.

Reviewed by Ella Johnson ~ http://mymcbooks.wordpress.com/2011/05/13/book-review-the-golden-pathway-by-donna-m-mcdine

Thank you for your time and interest!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Award-winning Children’s Author, Donna McDine visits with Stephen Tremp – July 7th and 8th

2011-07-06T13:41:00.000-04:00

M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Donna M. McDine, Children’s Author
Email: donna@donnamcdine.com
Phone: 845-721-7802

For Immediate Release

Award-winning Children’s Author, Donna McDine visits with Stephen Tremp – July 7th and 8th

Creating the perfect media release, distribution and designing a media kit long before your first published book is available is essential in creating your platform from the ground up. Where does one begin? Find out through two insightful visits by award-winning children’s author, Donna McDine.

Visit with McDine through her charismatic interview of her media release service, Dynamic Media Release Services and guest post “Where Does One Begin in Creating a Media Kit?” respectfully on Thursday, July 7 and Friday, July 8 at: http://www.stephentremp.blogspot.com/.
About children’s author, Donna McDine:

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions and Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 – Top Ten - Children’s Books category – The Golden Pathway.

Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna has two more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, The Hockey Agony and Powder Monkey. She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids, Publicist for the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club and owner of Dynamic Media Release Services from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI and Musing Our Children.

About the host and author, Stephen Tremp:

Stephen Tremp, author of the BREAKTHROUGH series, is a suspense thriller writer.
His novels are enhanced by current events at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and other scientific research facilities around the world. Theoretical physicists are searching for evidence of a wide spectrum of potential discoveries that were once considered fodder for science fiction, including: parallel universes and higher dimensions of space, dark energy, dark matter, anti-matter, and the Higgs Boson particle—The God Particle—among other exciting concepts. These potential advances have the ability to change the way we perceive our universe and our place in it.

Stephen is also developing an animated children’s series featuring a brother and sister who have a unique way of exploring their world in order to finish school projects for science, history, and social studies.
Stop by for a spell at http://www.stephentremp.blogspot.com/ and enjoy the chance to get to know this award-winning children’s author and media specialist. Donna will be on hand throughout the day to field your questions and to respond to your comments.
Thank you for your interest.
###

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-03T12:50:00.000-04:00

God Bless America

"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,

Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,

As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. "

God Bless America,

Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her

Thru the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,

To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America, My home sweet home.

Words and music by Irving Berlin
© Copyright 1938, 1939 by Irving Berlin
© Copyright Renewed 1965, 1966 by Irving Berlin
© Copyright Assigned to the Trustees of the God Bless America Fund
International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved.
Used by Permission

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Google Search - The Golden Pathway in the Top Ten

2011-06-23T15:39:00.000-04:00

I am over the moon to share with you that The Golden Pathway hits the Top Ten in Google Search for underground railroad children's books and underground railroad children's ebooks...YIPPEE!

Google Search Results – underground railroad children’s ebooks - http://tinyurl.com/6295zqv

The Golden Pathway #3, #4 and #7

1. Amazon.com: Dear Austin: Letters from the Underground Railroad ...
Find, shop for and buy Children's Books from our massive selection of Kindle ... Children's eBooks › "Dear Austin: Letters from the Underground Railroad" ...
www.amazon.com/s?... Dear%20Austin%3A%20Letters%20from%20the%20Underground... - Cached

2. Amazon.com: The Mystery on the Underground Railroad ((Real Kids ...
... The Mystery on the Underground Railroad ((Real Kids, Real Places)) eBook ...
http://www.amazon.com/ › ... › Mysteries, Espionage, & Detectives - Cached

3. Children's book about the Underground Railroad - Global eBook Awards
Apr 12, 2011 – The Golden Pathway is an historical fiction children's book about the Underground Railroad.
awardsforebooks.com/book...childrens...books/the-golden-pathway/ - Cached

4. The Golden Pathway: Underground Railroad Children's book, The ...
Jun 3, 2011 – Visit Amazon and download The Golden Pathway eBook today: ... I'm reading: Underground Railroad Children's book, The Golden Pathway, ...
thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/.../underground-railroad-childrens-book. html - Cached

5. 7DAY EBOOK Press Releases - Underground Railroad Children's book ...
Jun 3, 2011 – 7day Ebookpress news on Free-Press-Release.com:Just in time for family summer travel plans, Donna M. McDine's children's historical fiction ...
7dayebook.78856.free-press-release.com/index-4.html - Cached

6. Barnes & Noble Books - Underground railroad->Children's fiction
Items 1 - 10 of 33 – Underground railroad->Children's fiction, Fiction - African American, ... FAQs; Check your balance • Redeem eBooks Gift Card ...
browse.barnesandnoble.com/.../nav.asp?...children's&N... - Cached - Similar

7. Underground Railroad Children's book, The Golden Pathway, NOW ...
Jun 5, 2011 – Underground Railroad Children's book, The Golden Pathway, NOW available on ... Visit Amazon and download The Golden Pathway eBook today: ...
londonprnews.com/.../underground-railroad-childrens-book-the-golden- pathway-now-available-on-kindle-and-ipad-kindle-app-217163.htm - Cached

8. Dear Austin: Letters from the Underground Railroad by Elvira ...
Aug 8, 2000 – Dear Austin: Letters from the Underground Railroad; Written by Elvira ... Published by : Yearling RH Childrens Books. Buy this eBook from: ...
www.randomhouse.com/book/.../dear-austin-letters-from-the-underground- railroad-by-elvira-woodruff - Cached

9. Slavery and the Making of America . Resources . Books for Kids
PBS
Check out these books written for children and teens. Books For Elementary School Students AUNT HARRIET'S UNDERGROUND RAILROAD IN THE SKY by Faith Ringgold ...
www.pbs.org/wnet/slavery/resources/kids.html - Cached - Similar

10. Quilt History
Firsthand accounts of fugitive slaves and Underground Railroad participants ... a children's fiction book; its heroine makes a quilt containing a ..... Dobard declined, but suggested Tobin pursue the issue, since "[w]e've all been ...
www.ugrrquilt.hartcottagequilts.com/ - Cached - Similar

-----------------------------------------

Google Search Results – underground railroad children’s books - http://tinyurl.com/69h3wyt

The Golden Pathway #8

1. Barnes & Noble Books - Underground railroad->Children's fiction
Items 1 - 10 of 33 – Underground railroad->Children's fiction, Fiction - African American, Children - Fiction & Literature, Children, Barnes & Noble.com.
browse.barnesandnoble.com/.../nav.asp?...children's&N... - Cached - Similar

2. Amazon.com: The Underground Railroad for Kids: From Slavery to ...
Amazon.com: The Underground Railroad for Kids: From Slavery to Freedom with 21 Activities (For Kids series) (9781556525544): Mary Kay Carson: Books. ... Not only does it offer sound information to children in a clear, easy to understand ...
http://www.amazon.com/ › ... › United States › 1800s - Cached - Similar

3. Amazon.com: Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky ...
This book tells of two children and their advernture traveling the ...
www.amazon.com/...Underground-Railroad.../0517885433 - Cached - Similar

4. Amazon.com: . . . If You Traveled on the Underground Railroad ...
I would recommend "If You Traveled the Underground Railroad" to anyone ...
www.amazon.com/If...Underground-Railroad/.../0590451561 - Cached - Similar
Show more results from amazon.com

5. Quilt History
Firsthand accounts of fugitive slaves and Underground Railroad participants detail ... a children's fiction book; its heroine makes a quilt containing a ...
www.ugrrquilt.hartcottagequilts.com/ - Cached - Similar

6. American Civil War Underground Railroad Kids Zone
Civil War Kids Zone Underground Railroad American Civil War. ... Children of all ages will enjoy reading this book and realizing that a love of books, ...
americancivilwar.com/kids_zone/underground_railroad.html - Cached - Similar

7. Harriet Tubman and The Underground Railroad for Children
Mar 1, 2011 – Harriet Tubman & The Underground Railroad ... Editor's Note: Harriet Tubman's life has been the subject of many children's books. ...
www.pocanticohills.org/tubman/tubman.html - Cached - Similar

8. Children's book about the Underground Railroad
Apr 12, 2011 – Th Golden Pathway is an historical fiction children's book about the Underground Railroad.
awardsforebooks.com/book...childrens...books/the-golden-pathway/ - Cached

9. Booklist
The Friends of Freedom Society Ohio Underground Railroad Association .... Myers, Walter Dean, AMISTAD: A LONG ROAD TO FREEDOM (Dutton Children's Books, ...
www.ohioundergroundrailroad.org/Booklist.htm - Cached - Similar

10. Slavery and the Making of America . Resources . Books for Kids
PBS
Check out these books written for children and teens. Books For Elementary School Students AUNT HARRIET'S UNDERGROUND RAILROAD IN THE SKY by Faith Ringgold ...
www.pbs.org/wnet/slavery/resources/kids.html - Cached - Similar

Take the time out to search the keywords for your book today and find out where it lands in the Google search engine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

2011 Global eBook Award Nomination - The Golden Pathway and a word from founder Dan Poynter

2011-06-22T16:15:00.001-04:00

M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Donna M. McDine, Children’s Author

Website: http://www.donnamcdine.com/

Email: donna@donnamcdine.com

Phone: 845-721-7802

For Immediate Release

DONNA McDINE’S CHILDREN’S BOOK, THE GOLDEN PATHWAY NOMINATED FOR A 2011 GLOBAL eBOOK AWARD

Tappan, New York – - Donna McDine’s children’s book, The Golden Pathway has been nominated for a 2011 Global eBook Award in the Children's Picture Books – Fiction category.

Journey along The Golden Pathway as McDine puts forth her unique mesmerizing voice where the depths of emotions spill forth from the pages and has you spell bound from the onset.

Synopsis
As one young boy struggles to come to terms with his father’s beliefs and actions towards slaves, he pulls from deep within his soul, courage and determination he never knew existed. Will David’s attempts to save Jenkins come to fruition or does David get caught red handed in defying his Pa?

About the Author
Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions and Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 – Top Ten - Children’s Books category – The Golden Pathway.

Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna has two more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, The Hockey Agony and Powder Monkey. She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids and Publicist for the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI and Musing Our Children.

A word from Dan Poynter
"Everyone is talking about eBooks," said Dan Poynter, founder of the Global eBook Awards. "eBooks have reached the tipping point and are outselling books on paper in several categories. eBook are not replacing paper books; they are in addition to. The eReading devices such as the Kindle are increasing the amount of book reading."

Joseph Dowdy's insights: According to Joseph Dowdy, the Director of Awards, the category with the largest number of entries so far is Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Paranormal. The next largest number of entries are in Historical Literature, Autobiography/Memoirs, and Writing/Publishing Nonfiction. Dowdy observes that Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Paranormal is the hot topic this season. Many people are reading and writing in this area due to the phenomenal success of Amanda Hocking and her eBooks. At the recent San Francisco Writers Conference, this was the most popular genre.

The Awards have 79 categories in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, illustration, and multimedia. See http://awardsforebooks.com/categories/

The Global eBook winners will be honored at a star-studded ceremony on August 20, 2011 in Santa Barbara, California.

Visit The Golden Pathway at the Global eBook Awards: http://awardsforebooks.com/book-writing-contest/fiction-childrens-picture-books/the-golden-pathway to learn more about this fascinating passage through the Underground Railroad.

If you are so inclined, kindly vote for The Golden Pathway and leave a comment for Donna McDine http://awardsforebooks.com/book-writing-contest/fiction-childrens-picture-books/the-golden-pathway

Thank you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Westchester Reading Council Appearance a Hugh Success

2011-06-16T12:21:00.000-04:00

For those of you who know me, it will come as to no surprise I arrived thirty minutes early for the Westchester Reading Council's end of the year annual dinner. Clara Kaplan, President of the Westchester Reading Council greeted me upon my arrival and we had the opportunity to chat for a bit and to get to know each other. And prior to member arrivals I setup my book display which included my media kit, book marks, postcards, and book trailer in the center of the display.

After a warm introduction by Clara Kaplan and Marcy Schickler, Treasurer of the Westchester Reading Council, I discussed my road to becoming a published children's book author and how important it is to teach our children about the Underground Railroad. Tying bullying into the theme. Bullying you may say? Consider this, the owners of slaves beat them into submission to suit their needs. Isn't the school bully on some level cruel like a slave owner? Seeking out an individual to tease and taunt and sometimes hit to make themselves feel superior? It's essential to instill in our children appreciation and tolerance of others and that it will not be tolerated on any level to be mean to others.

I also shared with the members that a teacher's guide covering Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science and Art activities is in the development stages at no additional cost to someone that purchases The Golden Pathway; and I would email or snail mail a copy to those that are interested. Every member in attendance expressed great interest in the teacher's guide and they all signed my guest book so that I can do so when available.

The Westchester Reading Council members are a delightful and welcoming group and the ease of conversation continued to flow with a Q&A session and then an open discussion on keeping our children interested in reading from the onset. Ideas and tips were exchanged. The hour prior to dinner flew and I completely forgot about showing The Golden Pathway book trailer and was elated to handout FREE cd's of the book trailer at the end of the evening.

To cap off the enveing, several teachers expressed interest in scheduling school visits for next fall and for Black History Month next February. Interest was piqued and the purchasing of books in hard cover, soft cover, and e-Book format flew off the tables. Yippee!

A heartfelt thank you to Marcy Schickler for arranging such a special evening!

Wishing you all a safe and happy summer!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Children's author, Karen Coiffi-Ventrice visits The Golden Pathway

2011-06-15T00:01:00.002-04:00

I am pleased to host author, ghostwriter, freelance writer, and 4RV Publishing Acquisition Editor Intern, Karen Coiffi-Ventrice to The Golden Pathway today. Phew...how does Karen wear so many hats effectively? Karen and I met early on in our writing careers at the Children's Writers' Coaching Club, where we both remain members. To watch her career explode into such a success is heartwarming indeed. Without further ado, I welcome Karen.

"Writing, Accounting, and Synergy"
By Karen Cioffi
In accounting, if you (the accountant or bookkeeper) are off even one penny, you have to search and work until that penny is found – all the income, expenses, assets, liabilities of a business must all sync at the end of every month, quarter, and year. You’re monthly trail balance sheet and the balance sheet, which reflects every penny in and out, must be perfect. There is also the reconciling the monthly bank statements.
The various data from every department, such as research and development, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll, must all be included in your trail balance sheet and balance sheet.
Writing, in some aspects is similar to accounting; each element of a story - theme, setting, plot, conflict, characters - must all work together to create an error free product at the end. In other words, they must meld together to create a coherent, engaging, and interesting article or book. The end piece must have proper grammar and the correct formatting. And, if something is amiss, the author needs to find the troublesome spots and correct them.

In both arenas, details are important, as is balance.

Suppose in accounting your accounts payable far exceeded your accounts receivable, or your liabilities far exceeded your assets. This would make for a dire situation, and one that would need correction.
Well, in writing, suppose you have wonderful characters, but they have no where to go; your story lacks an engaging plot and conflict. Or, maybe you have a great storyline, but your characters are flat, they have no dimension; these situations are also cause for alarm and need to be addressed.
In writing, it’s the combination of all the elements of writing that moves a story forward and creates a page-turning adventure or emotional tie to the reader. You may have a character driven story, or a plot driven story, but in both, you need all elements of the story to weave together, to create synergy.

Synergy is a great word. It means the combination, joined forces, or combined effects of individual elements which will create an end result that is greater than the sum of their individual effects or capabilities.

I actually like Wikipedia’s definition: “Synergy, in general, may be defined as two or more agents working together to produce a result not obtainable by any of the agents independently.”
This is what the elements of writing, joined together in just the right way, produces. Theme, setting, plot, conflict, and characters combine forces to go beyond their individual capabilities. The writing synergy process creates an end result that is not attainable by any of the elements independently.

Karen, terrific article thank you for sharing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Karen Cioffi is an author, ghostwriter, and freelance writer. For writing and marketing information visit Karen at http://karencioffiwritingandmarketing/, and sign up for her free newsletter: A Writer’s World. You’ll get 2 free e-books on writing and marketing in the process, and two more free e-books just for stopping by.

And, Karen will be having a July Book Tour featuring her new children’s middle grade fantasy book, Walking Through Walls, which is scheduled for release the beginning of July.

You can check out information about the tour at:

http://walkingthroughwalls-kcioffi.blogspot.com/

http://karencioffiwritingandmarketing.com/

Follow the Writers on the Move tour on Thursday, June 16 when Shelby Patrick hosts Carolyn Howard-Johnson - http://writershotspot.blogspot.com/.

Thank you for your time and interest.

Have a terrific day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Children's author, Donna McDine ~ guest speaker at Westchester Reading Council

2011-06-10T14:34:00.000-04:00

Networking has proven to be instrumental in developing connections. On October 16, 2010 I attended the 15th Annaul Rockland Literacy Extravaganza at St. Thomas Aquinas College as a participant. In doing so, I had the honor of meeting teachers from across the Hudson Valley and Bergen County regions. Marcy Schickler was one of these teacher's and she recently contacted me to speak at the Westchester Reading Council's end of the year meeting on Tuesday, June 14th in Scarsdale, NY.

I have the honor of "presenting my road to publication" and to exchange ideas with attendees on how to keep reading as an instrumental part of our children's lives, especially during the summer months.

I am looking foward to sharing with you all the details next week.

Thank you and have a wonderful weekend.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Underground Railroad Children’s book, The Golden Pathway, NOW available on Kindle and iPad Kindle App

2011-06-03T11:36:00.000-04:00

(Image from iPad Kindle App)

Just in time for family summer travel plans, Donna M. McDine’s children’s historical fiction book, The Golden Pathway, is NOW available on Kindle and Kindle iPad application. The illustrations are brilliantly vivid on the iPad Kindle application and will keep your children entertained and asking questions about the Underground Railroad during your travels and long after.

Visit Amazon and download The Golden Pathway eBook today:

(Image from Kindle)

Thank you for your time and interest.

Happy Memorial Day

2011-05-29T15:35:00.000-04:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our servicemen and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and your presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.

We also remember the families of our troops. We ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes, and we pray your peace, provision, and strength will fill their lives.

May the members of our armed forces be supplied with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

2011-05-23T18:06:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone, here's our latest live chat reminder. We look forward to talking to you tomorrow night! So much fun!

Live chat with Alexandra Folz - Tuesday 5/24 9 PM Eastern, 8 Central, 7 Mountain, 6 Pacific at Intentional Conscious Parenting

Mark your calendars! Tell your friends. Spread the word around.

Date: Tuesday, May 24th

Author: Alexandra Folz

Book: Indigo's Bracelet

Topics: We will be talking with Alexandra about her beautiful book Indigo's Bracelet, the publishing process, how she picked such a wonderful character Indigo to demonstrate to children, tweens, teens and adults how through life's experience's Indigo learned about her spiritual tools, self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-esteem, her love for nature and the environment. Alexandra's publishing experience with Balboa Press and more.

Click here to join live chat.

CHAT WILL BECOME LIVE ON THE NIGHT OF THE CHAT AT 9 PM Eastern, 8 Central, 7 Mountain, 6 Pacific.

Sponsors/prizes:

Grace from Blessedelements will be donating a gorgeous handmade choker.

Donna will be donating one of her wonderful children's book, The Golden Pathway

Win an autographed copy of Indigo's Bracelet By: Alexandra Folz

I Think I Am! Teaching kids the power of affirmations, children's picture book By: Louise Hay
We look forward to connecting with you tomorrow night. Join in on the fun for a chance to win prizes. Have fun, make new friends, connect with old friends, help support authors that support the inner light of the children and the conscious parenting movement. Even if you have not read the guest authors book that's OK. Join in to learn more about Alexandra's book for a chance to win an autographed copy.

Talk to you soon, Carol and Stacy.

**If you have any problems joining live chat or any questions. Feel free to email Carol at:
intunedparenting@gmail.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Guest author, Margaret Fieland visits The Golden Pathway

2011-05-16T00:01:00.000-04:00

I'm pleased to host guest author, Margaret Fieland today when she shares with us her article on "Writers Resources":

WRITERS RESOURCES

By Margaret Fieland

Back in the old days, before the internet, writers had piles of reference books on our desks, but today we have all that and more available at the click of a link. Here are some of my favorites.
The Basics

The three links no writer should be without.

Online dictionary - http://www.dictionary.com/ - Need to look up a word? Just click on the link.

Online thesaurus – http://www.thesaurus.com/ - A must for any writer, and a favorite of mine. The right word, here at your fingertips.

Rhyming dictionary – http://www.rhymezone.com/ - For poets, a great online rhyming dictionary. I have a couple of print rhyming dictionaries. I could have saved myself the money. This website is much easier to use. Type the word, click ENTER, and voila!

Fancy, Schamcy

Reverse dictionary – www.onelook.com/reverse-dictionary.shtml - My mother would have loved this. Give it a definition, finds the word.

Visual Dictionary – http://www.visual.merrscam-websites.com/ - When you want an image to go with that word.

Citation Machine – http://www.citationmchine.net/ - Perfectly formats citations for your research paper.Choice of MLA or APA format.

Body Language, and more

Say it with gestures:

The Bookshelf Muse - http://www.thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/ - Site features an emotion thesaurus, setting thesaurus, and much more.

An absolutely terrific resource, especially when the only way you can think of to express grief is Nonverbal Dictionary – http://www.center-for-nonverbal-studies.org/ - Dictionary of gestures, signs, and body language cues.

Darkworld RPG Character Flaws – www.darkworldrpg.com/lore/flaws.com - List of character flaws, from absentminded to zealot

Candles by Victoria Scent Descriptions – http://www.candlesbyvictoria.com/ - Describes all their candle scents, but great for finding that elusive scent you need for your manuscript

Text Analysis Tools

Gender Genie – www.bookblog.net/gender/genie.php - Based on work by Shlomo Argamon, Moshe Koppel, et al, you can paste your work in here and see if it thinks it's written by a man or a woman. Great for checking that first person narrative you hope sounds like the opposite sex.

Autocritter – www.savvyauthors.com/vb/autocritter.php - Help finding weak or repetitive words.

Wordcounter – http://www.wordcounter.com/ - Counts how many times you use particular words in your manuscript.
Miscellaneous

State Curriculum Standards - http://www.educationworld.com/ - By state, by subject

Self publishing Coach – http://www.self-publishing-coach.com/ - Shelley Hitz has some great tips on her site.

Preditors and Editors – http://www.pred-ed.com/ - Check out publishers, agents, and more

Duotrope's Digest – http://www.duotrope.com/ - Find that perfect venue - search by name, by category, more

Submit your website Free

Scrub the web – http://www.scrubtheweb.com/

Search engine submitter – http://www.searchenginesubmitter.com/

AddPro – http://www.addpro.com/

AddMe – http://www.addme.com/

SubmitExpress – http://www.submitexpress.com/

Google add url – www.google.com/addurl/?continue=/addurl

Submit your press release Free

prfocus – http://www.profocus.com/

PressExposure – http://www.pressexposure.com/

Prlog – http://www.prlog.com/

I-News Wire – http://www.i-newswire.com/

Free Press Release – http://www.freepressrelease.com/

Author Bio:

Born and raised in New York City, Margaret Fieland has been around art and music all her life. Daughter of a painter, she is the mother of three grown sons and an accomplished flute and piccolo player. She is an avid science fiction fan, and selected Robert A. Heinlein's “Farmer in the Sky” for her tenth birthday, now long past. She lives in the suburbs west of Boston, MA with her partner and seven dogs. Her poems, articles and stories have appeared in journals and anthologies such as Main Channel Voices, Echolocation, and Twisted Tongue. In spite of making her living as a computer software engineer, she turned to one of her sons to format the initial version of her website, a clear illustration of the computer generation gap. You may visit her website, http://www.margaretfieland.com/.

Margaret, thank you for visiting today and sharing all these valuable resources.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

The Golden Pathway and Donna McDine visits The Professional Writer's Connection

2011-05-10T11:27:00.000-04:00

Hello All:

Cheryl Malandrinos is hosting me at The Professional Writer's Connection as I share my "First Book Story" - http://profwritersconnect.blogspot.com/2011/05/first-book-stories-golden-pathway-by.html
I'd be delighted if you have a moment to stop by to visit and leave a comment if you are so inclined. If you are leaving a comment, make sure you leave your blog URL, Facebook, or Twitter username so I can reciprocate the visit, friendship, and follow.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

School Visit - St. Dominic's - childrens' author, Donna McDine

2011-05-06T12:17:00.001-04:00

School Visit to St. Dominic's

My recent school visit to St. Dominic's was a terrific learning experience! A visit I would enjoy conducting over and over again. St. Dominic's is an alternative school for children with special needs and the enthusiasm from the students for my visit was overwhelming and heart touching.

We started off our two hour visit with the classroom teacher, Ms. Jacqui introducing me to her students, I then in turn asked each of them to introduce themselves. With introductions complete, I discovered much to my delight, Ms. Jacqui and the students prepared themselves for my visit beforehand by writing questions on index cards they wanted to ask. Focused and on task, the ease of conversation was exhilarating and we moved on to watching the book trailer of The Golden Pathway and reading an excerpt.

I then shared my experiences of journal writing and discovered several of them enjoy writing. This was the perfect opportunity to give them each a pocket journal and pen and asked them to write about how they enjoy spending their weekends. After about 15 minutes they each shared their journal entry with the class. I then encouraged the students to continue with their journal writing for enjoyment and before I knew it, it was time to say thank you and good-bye. Encouraging them to stay in touch through Ms. Jacqui.

The feedback that very afternoon from Ms. Jacqui via email set the tone for a wonderful weekend:

"The kids absolutely loved having you come in and talk to them! Your book is amazing and since we have recently learned about the Underground Railroad the students were able to connect with your book easily. They also LOVED the journals and your ideas/inspiration for writing in them! Carol and Peter spent computer class doing just that! They are all bright kids and your talent of coaxing them out of their shells was effortless. They really enjoyed meeting you and the time you took to get to know them a bit over the course of your visit. Thank you." Ms. Jacqui, St. Dominic's

A wonderfully exciting and affirming time as to why I write for children!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Asking for Your Help - The Golden Pathway - The Global eBook Awards

2011-04-26T20:52:00.000-04:00

Hello All:

Hope you are well.

The Global eBook Awards has implemented a rating system for each nomination and while the most votes and highest ratings won't win the contest it allows the judges to gauge the "following" of a particular eBook.

If you have the time and are inclined to rate and leave a comment or testimonial for The Golden Pathway it would be most appreciated at

http://awardsforebooks.com/book-writing-contest/fiction-childrens-picture-books/the-golden-pathway/. To rate it, click on the five "eeeee's" below the title, with the far right being the high rating.

And for your viewing pleasure, check out the link below on the "Top 10 Reasons Your eBook Should be in the Global eBook Competition

http://awardsforebooks.com/book-writing-contest/enter/top-10-reasons-your-ebook-should-be-in-our-competition/.
I appreciate your time!

Thank you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T00:01:00.002-04:00

As the world sings triumphant cries to heaven over death that You conquered, help us, Lord, tomorrow as well, when the dresses are put away and the candy is all eaten and on with life we go let us not forget.

The celebration of Your Resurrection over death is a celebration of life that should continue well beyond the sunrise service and the music, rehearshed for days prior; it is beyond the sign of spring beyond the lilly beyond new lambs grazing in open fields.

Resurrection is a daily celebration over fear; man's greatest and most powerful enemy. Fear of tomorrow, fear of our yesterdays, fear of what shall become of our young our old our unborn. Resurrection is replacing fear with physical action.
This alone, the most touching and profound of Your signs that fear is dead and belief in You brings, not just hope but life.
What better living parable could You have brought? All fear death. All. Even in the garden, You took on our fear if for only moments, it was as real as our fears can be real and You knew then that this single enemy must be destroyed.

And, You sacrificed Your life, leaving those who had been comfort, and follower; You left them behind, to conquer fear.
I shall cling to this now, and the tomorrows given me.
Peace and Thanksgiving lifted unto You.

Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Understanding the Reading Process: Predicting - Verifying - Clarifying by Carol Fraser Boles

2011-04-19T16:52:00.000-04:00

"Understanding the Reading Process: Predicting - Verifying - Clarifying"

by Carol Fraser Boles, Literacy Specialist for the National Writing for Children Center

I invite you to visit the National Writing for Children Center and read the Carol Fraser Boles article on "Understanding the Reading Process: Predicting - Verifying - Clarifying," which uses The Golden Pathway as an example.

"The thought process children (or anyone) go through to understand what they are reading involves a specific sequence of steps. These steps are: predicting, reading, verifying and clarifying, reading..."

http://writingforchildrencenter.com/2011/04/18/understanding-the-reading-process-predicting-%e2%80%93-verifying-%e2%80%93-clarifying/

Join in the discussion sparked by this article. We welcome your comments and experience.

Thank you for your time and interest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Heidi Thomas author of Follow the Dream is The Golden Pathway's Guest Author

2011-04-17T00:01:00.017-04:00

I am pleased to feature, Heidi Thomas author of Follow the Dream today.

Cowgirl is a State of Mind

Dale Evans Rogers defined it well: "Cowgirl is an attitude, really. A pioneer spirit, a special American brand of courage. The cowgirl faces life head on, lives by her own lights, and makes no excuses. Cowgirls take stands. They speak up. They defend the things they hold dear. A cowgirl might be a rancher, or a barrel racer, or a bull rider, or an actress. But she's just as likely to be a checker at the local Winn Dixie, a full-time mother, a banker, an attorney, or an astronaut."

“Cowgirl up” is an expression that means to rise to the occasion, not to give up, and to do it all without whining or complaining. It is easy to say “Cowgirl Up,” however it takes a true cowgirl at heart to live up to the true meaning.

Another quote from Dale Evans:” The cowgirl faces life head on, lives by her own lights and makes no excuses.

Although I grew up on a ranch in eastern Montana and I rode horses, gathered cattle with my dad and helped with branding, I never really thought of myself as a “Cowgirl.” But through my years of reading and researching for my books, I’ve come to realized that I am—maybe an “urban cowgirl” by strict definition, but a cowgirl by attitude.

My grandmother was a cowgirl—a real one, one who not only rode horses, but also rode bucking stock in rodeos in the ’20s & ’30s.

The 1920s was the heyday of rodeo for women. They grew up riding out of necessity alongside their fathers, brothers & husbands and naturally they were just as competitive in trying to see who could stay on the back of a bucking bronc or steer or roping calves as the men.

Rodeos started out as impromptu events—cowboys betting each other who was going to get bucked off the quickest. Annie Oakley paved the way for women when she gained fame in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show as a sharpshooter. Lucille Mulhall, when she was 18 years old, lassoed and tied three steers in 3 minutes, 30 seconds—faster than the best cowboys—won a gold medal and a $10,000 prize for a world record!

This “cowgirl attitude” is the way my grandmother lived. And I modeled my character, Nettie, on my grandmother, and that cowgirl attitude.

Nettie has a dream to become a rodeo star and the tenaciousness to follow that dream. In Cowgirl Dreams, during the 1920s, she faces family and social barriers to that dream. The sequel, Follow the Dream, finds her still holding on to her dream. But the drought and depression of the 1930s forces her to make some tough choices and rethink how her dream works in with her family and life in Montana.

Both books are available through my website http://www.heidimthomas.com/, from my publisher http://www.trebleheartbooks.com/SDHeidiThomas.html. Follow the Dream is also available on Kindle.

Author Bio
Heidi M. Thomas grew up on a ranch in eastern Montana and now lives in western Washington where she writes, edits for other authors, teaches community writing classes and blogs http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com/ She is a member of Women Writing the West (http://www.womenwritingthewest.org/, Skagit Valley Writers League (http://www.skagitwriters.org/) , Northwest Independent Editors Guild (http://www.edsguild.org/) and VBT—Writers on the Move (http://www.vbt-writersonthemove.blogspot.com/) .

• Courage

• Optimism

• Warrior

• GiddyUp

• Inspiration

• Respect

• Loyalty

• Daily Oats: food for the horse lover’s soul

Remember, a Cowgirl’s heart always has a heart full of hope and a life full of laughter.

From Embracing Your Inner Cowboy at http://culturemap.com/newsdetail/03-02-10-a-life-in-red-cowgirl-boots/

To me, the spirit a horse leaves behind compared to a human’s is the difference between au de toilet and perfume.

Spirit and Simple is what being a cowboy is all about. You don’t have to ride a horse, wear boots or listen to country western music to be one. It’s an inside job first. The rest is all outdoors.

She quotes Robb Kendrick: “common threads that pull these people together and used to be a common thread in America before the techno world came into play. It crossed all fields, lawyers, writers, farmers, welders, photographers, nurses, etc. It’s the simple stuff you know? Good manners, helping a brother or sister out, basic human qualities that reflect the team spirit while keeping your individual priorities in tact. Being a team when needed and an individual the rest of the time without sacrificing your own values.”

When I asked Robb to describe what he thought “inner cowboy” meant, he nailed it. “Basically the inner cowboy is doing it till it's done right.”

Bonnie Hunt~ “Don’t let praise go to your head, and don’t allow criticism to affect your heart.”

Vicki Frederick http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000148383828

Cowgirl Rule: If we cannot find the road to success, we will make one.

Follow along on the April VBT Writers On the Move as Shelby Patrick hosts Dallas Woodburn at http://writershotspot.blogspot.com/

Thank you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Children’s Author, Donna McDine’s 6-day Author Showcase hosted by the National Writing for Children Center kicks off Mon, April 18

2011-04-15T10:21:00.000-04:00

M E D I A R E L E A S E
CONTACT: Suzanne Lieurance

Email: suzannelieurance@hotmail.com

Website: http://writingforchildrencenter.com/

Children’s Author, Donna McDine’s 6-day Author Showcase hosted by the National Writing for Children Center kicks off Mon, April 18

Children’s Author Donna McDine is being showcased the entire month of April at the National Writing for Children Center. Part of this showcase includes a 6-day virtual book tour. Join Suzanne Lieurance, founder and director of the National Writing for Children Center, and the virtual specialist tour hosts as they welcome Donna McDine for her exclusive tour that starts Monday, April 18.

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions. Her stories have been published in many print and online publications and her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna has two more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, The Hockey Agony and Powder Monkey. She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids and Publicist for the NWFCC from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI and Musing Our Children.

Travel back in time and learn more about the Underground Railroad and Ms. McDine through her virtual book tour:

Monday, April 18

“Meet the Author”

Host: Terri Forehand – http://www.terri-forehand.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, April 19

“The Writer’s Life”

Host: Nancy I. Sanders – http://www.nancyisanders.wordpress.com/

Wednesday, April 20

“Tradebook Tips for Teachers”

Host: Lori Calabrese – http://www.loricalabrese.blogspot.com/

Thursday, April 21

“Writing Tips

Host: Nicole Weaver – http://www.melangeofcultures.wordpress.com/

Friday, April 22

“On the Go”

Host: Irene Roth – http://www.rothsinspiringbooksandproducts.wordpress.com/

Saturday, April 23

“Become a Facebook Fan”

Host: Suzanne Lieurance – http://www.suzannelieurance.com/

Thank you for your interest, we look forward to your visit.

Authors interested in being showcased at the National Writing for Children Center can download an application www.writingforchildrencenter.com or email Suzanne Lieurance for more information at info@writingforchildrencenter.com.

###

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Children’s Author, Donna McDine to appear on Book Bites for Kids – Wed, April 13 at 2 pm CDT

2011-04-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Suzanne Lieurance, The Working Writer’s Coach
Email: suzannelieurance@hotmail.com
Website: http://writingforchildrencenter.com/

For Immediate Release

Children’s Author, Donna McDine to appear on Book Bites for Kids – Wed, April 13 at 2 pm CDT Travel back in time and learn about the key code words in conducting the Underground Railroad through children’s author, Donna McDine’s interview on Book Bites for Kids.

Book Bites for Kids, hosted by Suzanne Lieurance is a delightful way to interact with children's book authors, illustrators, publishers, editors, and publicists to learn more about the world of children’s writing and publishing.

We are pleased to invite you to tune in on Wednesday, April 13th at 2 pm CDT, at http://www.bookbitesforkids.com/ to meet Donna McDine, as she discusses her historical fiction story book, The Golden Pathway.

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions. Her stories have been published in many print and online publications and her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna has two more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, The Hockey Agony and Powder Monkey. She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids and Publicist for the NWFCC from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI and Musing Our Children.

Not only can you listen to the show online, you can also call in during the live broadcast at (646) 716-9239 and ask the author being interviewed a question, make a comment, or just say "hi." If you can't call in during the live show, visit http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com/ and click on the author's Book Bites for Kids page and leave your question in the comment section there, which automatically enters you into our weekly Book Giveaway? Visit the National Writing for Children Center online at http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com/ or the Children's Writers Coaching Club at www.cwcoachingclub.com for more information on showcased authors and classes. We look forward to your visit.

###

Full Media Kit and more are available upon request electronically.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Amy O'Quinn's, NWFCC Homeschooling Specialist article - "Using Picture Books to Introduce Sensitive Topics to Children"

2011-04-08T12:24:00.000-04:00

I'm thrilled to share with you all, Amy O'Quinn's, NWFCC Homeschooling Specialist article - "Using Picture Books to Introduce Sensitive Topics to Children"
http://writingforchildrencenter.com/2011/04/08/using-picture-books-to-introduce-sensitive-topics-to-children/

What a surprise for me this is, since Amy incorporates my book, The Golden Pathway into her article.

Great way to end the week!

Thank you for your time and interest!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Let's Get Our Young Muses Talking About Books at the National Writing for Children Center

2011-04-04T15:46:00.001-04:00

What better way to get our young muses excited about books, by joining in lively book discussions. This will provide them a unique opportunity to meet an author through safe channels, where everyone's input is valued.

I invite you to join in the National Writing for Children Center's "Let's Talk About the Book," featuring The Golden Pathway at http://writingforchildrencenter.com/2011/04/03/the-golden-pathway-lets-talk-about-the-book.

Synopsis:
Be transported through time to the Underground Railroad, where high-pitched screams echo each night. David’s cruel Pa always chooses the same victim. Despite the circumstances during slavery, David uncovers the courage to defy his Pa.

Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David attempts to lead Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.

I am looking forward to your visit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Book Review ~ The Golden Pathway - powerful story of good and evil

2011-03-25T13:46:00.002-04:00

I'm pleased to share with you the latest book review of The Golden Pathway.

Title: The Golden Pathway

Written by: Donna McDine

Illustrated by: K.C. Snider

Ages: 8-12

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hardcover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-081-1; 1616330813

Soft cover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-088-0; 1616330880

eBook: ISBN: 978-1-61633-082-8; 1616330821

Published: August 2010

Abused by a callous father, David, a sensitive boy, knows by his kind and compassionate nature, the difference between right and wrong. When he observes his father’s cruel and constant punishment of Jenkins, a sixteen year old slave, David knows he must save him. But, how?

Follow David as he tends to Jenkins’ wounds from Pa’s relentless beatings. And be there as David gathers information as to how a slave can make his way to freedom, a dangerous undertaking for the brave and caring boy.

Award winning children’s author, Donna McDine, has produced a powerful story of good and evil, a must read for every child. She defines, in a beautifully written and poignant way, one man’s inhumanity to man and the redeeming qualities of his son.

The author also provides the reader with a strong bibliography and an interesting Author’s Note section, giving insight into the various terms used during the Underground Railway years.

The well known Oregon artist, K.C. Snider, has done heroic work with her illustrations. They are not only realistic, but timeless. They provide a compelling backdrop to the author’s commanding prose. She gives one a tender glimpse into a world gone mad, where one boy stands alone and makes a difference.

Please take a look at Donna McDine’s web sites and learn more about this talented author:

http://www.donnamcdine.com/

http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/

http://www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/

K.C. Snider’s beautiful artwork may be viewed at:

http://www.kcsniderart.com/

http://blog.kcsniderart.com/

Review by: Nancy Stewart, children’s author and university professor of education, specializing in Children’s and Young Adult Literature

Website: http://www.nancystewartbooks.com/

Blog: http://www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com/

Thank you for your time and interest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,

Donna M. McDine

Award-winning Children's Author

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Dallas Woodburn ~ New Release: Dancing With The Pen: a collection of today’s best youth writing

2011-03-19T00:01:00.002-04:00

Please join me in giving author, Dallas Woodburn a warm welcome as she shares with us today her latest project.

New Release: Dancing With The Pen: a collection of today’s best youth writing

“The best children’s book writers are not people who have kids, but people who write from the child within themselves.”

— Andrea Brown

In 2010, I founded the youth publishing company Write On! Books with the belief that young people need and deserve a vehicle to share their unique voices with each other, and with society as a whole. Our debut anthology, Dancing With The Pen, features stories, poems, and essays by more than sixty young writers in middle school and high school from across the United States and even abroad: Singapore, Canada, and New Zealand.

Write On! Books has a twofold goal: give young writers an outlet for expression, while also publishing exciting, creative work that gets kids excited about reading. Dancing with the Pen is a book for young writers, young readers, and the young at heart. I like to tell young people, “Even if you are not normally a big reader, this book is still for you. Maybe you'll recognize yourself in these pages.” I hope people who read this book are inspired to pick up a pen, step out on the dance floor, and go for a whirl themselves.

The idea to start Write On! Books was sparked within me more than a decade ago, when I released my first book, There’s a Huge Pimple On My Nose: a collection of stories and poems. I was in fifth grade, and the book – and my writing dreams – snowballed in magical ways I had not thought possible. Pimple was reviewed in national media outlets including CosmoGIRL!, Girls’ Life, and The Los Angeles Times. I was interviewed by newspapers and radio shows. I spoke at various writers conferences and book fairs, and the Santa Barbara Book Festival had a “Dallas Woodburn Day.” Perhaps most important of all was the thrill of seeing my own words in print. I felt proud and energized – the excitement of Christmas morning paled in comparison. My self-confidence blossomed. My love of writing intensified. I wanted to be a writer. I saw myself as a writer!

In the thirteen years since Pimple debuted, I have published a second collection of stories; contributed pieces to dozens of magazines, newspapers, websites, and Chicken Soup for the Soul books; written plays that were produced in Ventura and Los Angeles, California; and am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in fiction writing at Purdue University.

When I visit schools to speak about my own personal writing journey, I always ask the students if any of them are interested in writing. Usually a few tentative hands raise. In contrast, at the end of my talks when I ask the same question, nearly all the students excitedly thrust up their hands as if trying to touch the ceiling. Many young people tell me they didn’t know kids could be writers. Not only can kids be writers, they can be brilliant writers! They can write imaginative, touching, thought-provoking pieces, as Dancing With The Pen attests. And writing, especially for young people, can create many amazing opportunities.

The mission of Write On! For Literacy, which I founded in 2001, is to encourage kids to discover joy, confidence, a means of self-expression and connection to others through writing and reading. Activities and projects include writing contests, fun creative writing workshops, and an annual Holiday Book Drive that has collected and distributed nearly 12,000 new books to disadvantaged kids. For every copy purchased of Dancing With The Pen, a new book will be donated to Write On’s Holiday Book Drive to benefit disadvantaged youth.

Copies of Dancing With The Pen are available on Amazon:

Discounted bulk orders are also available through our website:

http://www.writeonbooks.org/writeonbooks.aspx
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dancingwiththepen
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/writeonbooks

Bio: Dallas Woodburn is the author of two award-winning collections of short stories and editor of Dancing With The Pen: a collection of today’s best youth writing. She has written more than 80 articles and essays for national publications including Family Circle, Writer’s Digest, The Los Angeles Times, and the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Creative Writing and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Fiction Writing at Purdue University, where she also teaches undergraduate writing courses.

Website: http://www.writeonbooks.org/

Blog: http://dallaswoodburn.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/writerdallas

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dallaswoodburn

Be sure to follow the author's of VBT Writers on the Move at the next stop when Shelby Patrick hosts Heather Paye http://writershotspot.blogspot.com/.

Thank you for your time and interest, it's been a pleasure having you visit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

The Writing Mama, VS Grenier interviews Donna McDine

2011-03-14T14:36:00.000-04:00

Hello All:
Hope you had a wonderful weekend and your Monday is off to a terrific start.
The Writing Mama, VS Grenier is hosting me today at http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com/2011/03/vbt-guest-author-spotlight-donna-mcdine.html. If you can, please stop by and leave a comment, I'd enjoy interacting with you.

Thank you for your time and support!
Have a great day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

What Reviewers Are Saying about The Golden Pathway

2011-03-11T13:54:00.001-05:00

What Reviewers Are Saying about The Golden Pathway

"This story by author Donna M. McDine, with full-page, full-color illustrations by K. C. Snider, is an attention-grabbing way to introduce students to the fact that slavery once existed in this country and also illustrate how the “Underground Railroad” helped slaves to escape north so that they might gain their freedom. It is a great book.” – Wayne S. Walker, Home School Book Review

“Author Donna McDine pulls you in from the first sentence, and doesn’t let you go. Her writing is filled with sensory detail that puts you into the story and the era. She has created living, breathing characters, so much so, that I strongly felt their lives before and after the tale.” – A.R. Silverberry, author of Wyndano’s Cloak

“Once children have read about David and the part he played in the Underground Railroad, they’ll be eager to find other stories to enhance what they’ve learned in The Golden Pathway.” – Beverly Stowe McClure, author of Rebel in Blue Jeans, Just Breeze, and Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines

“The Golden Pathway, will teach children how people can come together and overcome seemingly impossible odds and learn a bit about American history and how to deal with a situation of bullying and abuse.” –Lauren S. Smith, She Writes http://www.shewrites.com/

“A tale sure to inspire anyone who doubts their own courage.” – Lori Calabrese, award-winning author of The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade

“The Golden Pathway is a story about courage and friendship.” – Renee Hand, author of The Crypto-Capers series and the award-winning, The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill: Case #1: The Great Pie Catastrophe

“In Donna McDine's debut book witness a poignant depiction of the best and worst of humanity. The portrayal of the brutality dealt a slave and a white boy's sense of right and wrong are expertly exposed. K.C. Snider is a fine artist and each illustration is a masterpiece. The historical fiction picture book's succinct and imaginative story coupled with the illustrations are a buffet for readers of all ages. I highly recommend this book.” – J. Aday Kennedy, award-winning multi-published author of inspirational/Christian pieces and of children’s literature

“The best thing about this book is that it raised other questions… Any book that can cause a child to crave more knowledge on a subject is a good one.” – Lynn’s Reading Corner

“I thought this was a very well written story for children to understand.” – Chrissy’s World of Books

Interested? Read an excerpt at: http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Celebrate e-Book Week ~ March 6-12, 2011

2011-03-07T14:09:00.001-05:00

"E-BOOKS TURN 40! That's right - it's been forty years since Michael S. Hart created the first "e-book". For a more in-depth look at the history of e-books please see http://www.ebookweek.com/partners.html"

Be prepared to stay for awhile at this wonderful and in-depth website. The adventure continues....

In celebration of e-Book Week I'm thrilled to announce my children's historical fiction story book, The Golden Pathway is available in PDF e-Book format through immediate download or CD purchase at: http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm.

Thank you for your time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Shapes, Concepts, and Colors Swirl through the March 2011 Issue of Guardian Angel Kids

2011-03-03T11:50:00.001-05:00

M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Donna McDine, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids Ezine
Email: submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com
Website: http://guardian-angel-kids.com/

For Immediate Release

Shapes, Concepts, and Colors Swirl through the March 2011 Issue of Guardian Angel Kids

A great way to spark enjoyment of learning in our young muses is to use the environment around us by discussing how shapes and colors develop into concepts for ease of understanding. For many individuals are visual learners and by developing their visual thinking skills it will certainly enhance their knowledge of their world.

Without further ado we invite you to come explore the March 2011 issue of Guardian Angel Kids Ezine http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/ through poetry, short stories, non-fiction, and a parent/teacher article. To add to your child’s learning enjoyment be sure to partake in the interactive activities, games, and videos.

FEATURED BOOKS:
Shaping Up the Year Flip Book written by Tracey M. Cox and illustrated by Samantha Bell

Shapes at the Beach Activity written by Lynda S. Burch

CHILDREN POETRY, STORIES, AND ARTICLES:

“Gray,” by Claudia Ann Sodaro mesmerizes what gray comes across as.

“Shapes All Around,” by Alice Knisley Matthias pulls in the world with the shapes around us.

“Magic Green Writing,” by Claudia Ann Sodaro turns the tables on how to adapt. Rosemarie Gillen’s illustration brings the joy of flexibility to life.

“Shape Friends,” by Stephanie Hoina teaches the joy of shapes and how we are enriched by individuality. Maureen Brodsky’s illustration brings forth the differences that join us.

“Colors of Danger,” by Carla Mae Jansen teaches the reader the warning colors in poison dart frogs.

“Building Self-Esteem in Young Children: Teachable Moments Provide Coping and Language Skills,” by Dorit Sasson is an insightful and important article on guiding our children to be comfortable in their own skin.

Grab your favorite snack and pull up a chair alongside your child and enjoy the interactive world of Guardian Angel Kids where the delightful stories take you on awe inspiring adventures.

Thank you for your time and interest.

###

Full Media Kit and more are available upon request electronically.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

The NAACP Celebrates Black History Month

2011-02-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

"Every year, during Black History Month, America celebrates the invaluable contributions that the African-American community has made to the culture and history of our nation.
For members of the NAACP family, the tradition of Black History Month goes back to the beginning of the 20th Century. NAACP leader and legendary historian and educator Carter G. Woodson originally founded “Negro History Week” in 1926, at a time when most history books simply omitted any African-American history and the central role African-Americans played in the birth of America as we know it. Woodson chose February because it coincided with the birthdays of two men who fought for freedom of American slaves: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

In 1976, Negro History Week was expanded to Black History Month. It has marked an essential time to study and reflect on our collective history ever since."

Visit the NAACP today and learn more about this valuable and essential organization: http://www.naacp.org/.

Thank you for your time and interest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

African American Heritage in Preservation

2011-02-25T00:01:00.002-05:00

"In the early 1900s, the unique collaboration between Booker T. Washington and Chicago philanthropist Julius Rosenwald resulted in the construction of 5,000 schools for African Americans. After segregation ended, most Rosenwald schools were closed and many were demolished or forgotten. Thanks to the support of the Rosenwald Family, the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation and grassroots activists across the South, Rosenwald schools are being preserved and returned to active roles in community life."

Interested in learning more, go to: http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/diversity/african-american-heritage-in-preservation/?gclid=CLb8lLLyg6cCFYHc4Aod5z0jfA

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Enchanted Learning Celebrates Black History Month

2011-02-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

February is "Black History Month," a time to commemorate African-Americans who have changed the world.

Celebrating Black History began in 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard Ph.D., initiated "Negro History Week." Dr. Woodson, a historian, chose the second week in February because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, the Bicentennial (200th birthday) of the U.S.A., the week-long observance was extended to the entire month of February in order to have enough time for celebratory programs and activities.

Juneteenth Day (also called Freedom Day or Emancipation Day) is celebrated on June 19 each year. It recognizes the anniversary of the emancipation of last remaining slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865; the Civil War had ended two months previously, and General Gordon Granger rode to Galveston, Texas, with 2,000 Union troops to enforce the freeing of the slaves. Juneteenth became an official holiday in Texas on Jan. 1, 1980. This uplifting celebration of freedom is gaining in popularity around the USA.

Visit http://www.enchantedlearning.com/history/us/aframer/ for further information.

Thank you for your time and interest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

infoplease.com Celebrates Black History Month

2011-02-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

Black History Month is observed every February in the United States. Learn about the history of Black History Month, read biographies of famous African Americans, try our quizzes and crosswords, find stats and facts about African Americans, and more.

Visit: http://www.infoplease.com/black-history-month/ for a wealth of information on:

History & Timelines
Contemporary Issues
Biographies & Facts
Holidays
Education
Awards

Thank you for your time and interest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Guest Author: Heather Paye - A Gift From Above

2011-02-20T00:01:00.003-05:00

Heather Paye first started writing when she was about six years old. She started out writing lyrics, and when she was nine started writing short stories. When she turned ten, she moved on to full-length novels. At the age of 12, she started writing poetry as her love of that style of writing developed from her mother. Currently she is working on a book series of nine, with the first installment finished and being prepared to be released on bookshelves soon. The first draft of the second installment is almost finished. Her novel A Gift From Above which she wrote for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in 2008 was published March 28th, 2009 - a tribute to her parents as it was published on their anniversary. She's a part of many organizations and author groups.
So far, this is all of her "story" that has been "written". Stay for a spell and learn more about Heather through her insightful interview.

DMc: How long have you been writing?

HP: I've been writing for around eight years.

DMc: What started you writing for publication?

HP: After I read Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (yes, I read the second one before I read the first one) I was simply touched by the story and become absolutely obsessed with it. You can bet I went out and bought every book out there that had anything at all to do with it. Which was when I bought "Muggles and Magic" which had a short interview in it with J.K. Rowling. One thing she said was "Anyone can write a book" that was the sentence that changed my life.

Before then, I swear, I didn't know just anyone could write a book, I thought you had to be someone special. That was when I started out writing my first short story. I only managed to write three short stories before I decided that I wanted to write something bigger, something better - a novel. It took me four years, but I managed to write my first full length novel. During those years, I had been studying publishing, how to do it, where to go, what you need. It payed off, I'm signing a contract for my series of nine and I still have yet to get a rejection letter.

DMc: Do you have a set time when you write, or just whenever you get the urge?

HP: I try to write as much as I can. Whenever I'm not busy I spend my spare time writing, my schedule is too busy to really set a time.

DMc: What do you recommend to aspiring authors?

HP: Don't rush writing (Rome wasn't built in a day), study, take notes, pay extra attention to your English class, and don't underestimate the power of revision/editing. I used to think I didn't need editing, I just thank goodness I got that out of my mind before it was time for me to edit my first novel.

DMc: How do you invent your characters?

HP: This is a tough question, when I need to create a character I just make him/her up as I go along. I gather up a few ideas - visual appearance, overall attitude - and I go from there. Most of my characters are completely fictional and thought up. A couple of times I have tried to model my characters out of people whom I know in real life... but they always seem to take on a style all their own.

Heather, it's been a pleasure interviewing and hosting you today. Best wishes for your continued success!

Tomorrow, visit with Robert Medak at Shelby Patrick's blog - http://writershotspot.blogspot.com/.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

History.com Celebrates Black History Month

2011-02-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.

Visit: http://www.history.com/topics/black-history-month

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

African American History Month

2011-02-16T00:01:00.002-05:00

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.

This website has a wealth of interesting information. Further details at: http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/

Book Review: The Golden Pathway by Lauren S. Smith

2011-02-14T00:01:00.006-05:00

Google Alerts has proven yet again how important it is to utilize them. I most likely would have never known about this wonderful review Lauren S. Smith wrote and posted on her blog http://www.shewrites.com/profiles/blogs/the-golden-pathway-a-kids. Thanks Lauren!

Book Review - The Golden Pathway - A Kid's Story About the Underground Railroad

Review by Lauren S. Smith ~ February 4, 2011

Award winning children's author, Donna M. McDine, has written a book targeted to kids from 8 to 12 years old that teaches about our American history during the turbulent time of slavery. The Golden Pathway is a beautiful example of what children's literature can be when presented in an interesting and artistic manner.

Illustrations in The Golden Pathway are especially thought provoking and will no doubt encourage visual thinking, conversation and a desire to find out more about this riveting time in history. McDine tells the story beautifully about the Underground Railroad and a young boy who overcomes his abusive past to help a slave flee to freedom.

The courage that David, and the slave, Jenkins, display will serve to give courage to all preteens, especially those who must deal with bullies at school every day or an abusive situation at home. Children will understand David's agony as he clamps his hands over his ears to cover the screams that shattered the silence of the night.

The screams continue as a result of David's father using his belt to whip slaves into submission. One night, David vows to overcome his fears of what his own father might do to him and defy the times in which he lives to help a man escape the bonds of slavery for a new life.

As the white child of a slave owner, David puts himself in horrible jeopardy by helping Jenkins to escape from a hostile environment and escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad's network of assistance.

In the author's note at the end of The Golden Pathway, McDine explains to her readers how various code words were used to help slaves reach freedom. For example, "conductors" were used to describe individuals who helped slaves reach freedom by giving them shelter along the way.

Donna M. McDine has won many awards for her writing in the children's literature genre. Her love and interest in American history led her to pen The Golden Pathway and chronicle the Black experience and the Underground Railroad.

McDine also wrote "The Hockey Agony" and "Powder Monkey," which are currently on contract with Guardian Angel Publishing Company. She's currently a Publicist Intern for The National Writing for Children Center and the Children's Writers' Coaching Club.

The Golden Pathway, by Donna M. McDine will teach children how people can come together and overcome seemingly impossible odds and learn a bit about American history and how to deal with a situation of bullying and abuse.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. For more information, visit: http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com/. This review covers The Golden Pathway by Donna M. McDine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Book Review - January's Sparrow by Patricia Polacco

2011-02-11T00:01:00.001-05:00

Title: January’s Sparrow

Written by: Patricia Polacco

Researched by: Mary McCafferty Douglass

Hardcover: 96 pages

Ages: 9-12

Publisher: Philomel Books

ISBN 13: 978-0-399-25077-4

Published: October 2009

Many brave souls, white and black, risked their lives helping slaves to freedom. Many would believe that once reaching a free state all their worries would be washed away. Unfortunately, the “Under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793,” gave slave owners the right, even in free states, to take back their slaves.

The true story of the Crosswhite family told through the eyes of their “adoptive” son January, engulfs you in the dreams and fears of each family member, especially young Sadie. Her intuition and trustworthiness will warm your heart for a positive outcome for all. What became of the Crosswhite family one will learn through the expert storytelling of Patricia Polacco. One you will not soon forget.

To learn more of the illustrious career of Patricia Polacco visit http://www.patriciapolacco.com/.

Reviewed by Donna M. McDine

Leave a comment and be automatically entered at a chance to win a FREE e-book CD of The Golden Pathway
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Jacqueline Woodson - Recap of the 2010 Winter NY SCBWI Conference

2011-02-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Continuing with the celebration of Black History Month I am re-running my recap of the 2010 Winter NY SCBWI conference....

The SCBWI NY Winter Conference was a whirlwind of inspiring guest speakers and workshops. Exhausting and exhilirating. If you have never attended you must put this conference on your MUST DO list. Your brain will overflow with essential information and inspiration to make a go of your writing career.
The luncheon keynote speaker was Jacqueline Woodson, a three-time Newbery Honor winner, two-time National Book Award Finalist, and winner of a Coretta Scout King Honors.
Ms. Woodson started off of her speech with the work of someone else, because as she said we all started learning from the work of others.
"Locking the door, reading, and learning from others. Close the door of the negative so you don't feel less." Phew! What a profound statement.

I continued to jot down excerpts from Ms. Woodson's speech, but I became absorbed and mesmerized by her. Her soothing and even keeled voice set me in a trance and I soaked in every word. Below I share with you bits of her writing journey in her own words...forgive me for not having all the details, but as I said her speech was mesmerizing and I lost focus on writing it all down.

"Writing for 20 years...
Prior to children, having the freedom of writing for hours...

Reading the work of others...
Then working full-time and writing at night...
Then working part-time and writing part time...

Then children...

Closing the door to write and having the right to tell your story..."

I know this is bits and pieces, but to truly feel inspired by Woodson visit her website and absorb her writing career...you'll be happy you did... http://www.jacquelinewoodson.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Book Review ~ America’s Black Founders ~ Revolutionary Heroes & Early Leaders by Nancy I. Sanders

2011-02-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

Title: America’s Black Founders ~ Revolutionary Heroes & Early Leaders with 21 Activities

Written by: Nancy I. Sanders

Paperback: 144 pages

Publisher: Chicago Review Press, Inc. /January 2010

ISBN-13: 978-1556528118

Even the most reluctant readers will be spell bound from the onset of America’s Black Founders ~ Revolutionary Heroes & Early Leaders. Nancy Sanders has weaved significant events of America’s black founders with facts and activities to provide a true sense of history. Events, people, and places leap from the pages as the light shines on significant African American leaders who were instrumental in early American history. The timeline provided serves as a guide from 1760 through 1837 and the events along the way.

Breaking the chains that bound them in slavery, Richard Allen and many others rose through their adversity and became forces to reckon with. Their due place as founders of the United States of America is a fascinating time in American history and one you will not soon forget.

Run don’t walk, or click through cyberspace as fast as you can and purchase America’s Black Founders ~ Revolutionary Heroes & Early Leaders and become well educated in America’s black founders.
Visit Nancy Sanders at http://www.nancyisanders.com/ to learn more about her illustrious writing career.

Reviewed by Donna M. McDine - http://www.donnamcdine.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Rockland County Tourism ~ Nyack Center Black History Celebration

2011-02-04T00:01:00.007-05:00

February 5, 2011 - 7 pm

Nyack Center’s Black History Month Committee invites the community to attend a unique living expression of the roots of African American history in our community. The program will feature performances celebrating the stories of African Americans through song, dance and the spoken word. One organization and three individuals who have contributed to the lives of African Americas in our community will be honored that night. Rev. Eugene Jones, Renold Julien, and Ouida Dawson Toutebon.

Admission is Free!

Located at:
The Nyack Center
58 Depew Ave
Nyack, NY.

For more information call (845) 358-2600.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes, Donna M. McDine Award-winning Children's Author The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Top Ten Finisher ~ Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010

2011-02-02T00:01:00.003-05:00

I am thrilled to share with you that my historical fiction children’s book, The Golden Pathway placed as a Top Ten Finisher in the Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010.

My heartfelt thank you to all who voted, I truly appreciate your ongoing and never ending support in my writing career!

Many of you I know personally and I am humbled to be in such talented company. Congratulations to all!

1. Philip and the Superstition Kid, John Paulits, Gypsy Shadow Publishing

2. If Wishes Were Fishes, N.A. Sharpe, 4RV Publishing

3. A Wish and A Prayer, Beth Bence Reinke, 4RV Publishing LLC

4. The Mishaps of Gum Drop Island, M.M., Self

5. The Weaver, Kai Strand, Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

6. The Golden Pathway, Donna M. McDine, Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

7. The Halloween Dino Trip, Lea Schizas, MuseItUp Publishing

8. Bubba Goes National, Jennifer Walker, Windswept Destiny Publishing

9. The Giving Meadow, Stephanie Burkhart, 4RV Publishing
9. Philip & the Superstition Kid, John Paulitis, Gypsy Shadow

10. Haunted, Heather Beck, Treasure Cove Books
10. Killer Cows, D.M. Anderson, Echelon Press
10. In My Bath, Beth Bence Reinke, 4RV Publishing

11. Quest for the Simurgh, Marva Dasef, Texas Boy Publications
11. Eagle Quest, Marva Dasef, CreateSpace

12. Andy and Spirit Meet the Rodeo Queen, Mary Jean Kelso, Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
12. RV Mouse, Mary Jean Kelso, Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

13. It's Okay to be a Zombie, Nathaniel Lambert & Danny Evarts, Shroud Publishing
13. Sully's Topsy Tale, Donna J. Shepherd, Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
13. Jeannette Claus Saves Christmas, Douglas Rees, McElderry/Simon & Schuster
13. Gamer's Quest, George Ivanoff, Ford Street

Comments for: The Golden Pathway, Donna M. McDine, Guardian Angel Publishing, http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

The comments below are from those who voted for this entry: http://www.critters.org/predpoll/comments.cgi?ref=novelchildrens&what=The+Golden+Pathway,+Donna+M.+McDine,+Guardian+Angel+Publishihng,+http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm ________________________________________

"Fantastic! There's nothing like it!"
________________________________________

"The Golden Pathway is an excellent book on slavery and the Underground Railroad for young readers. It is an excellent book for parents to read with their children or teachers to read with their students."
________________________________________

"Donna's book is a must read, every school in America should have a copy of it. We can all learn a lesson about compassion from the main character."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Celebrating Black History Month

2011-02-01T10:01:00.000-05:00

In celebration of Black History Month I'd like to share with you a wonderful website Poets.org http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/370.

"Celebrate and explore the rich tradition of African American poetry through essays on literary milestones, intersections of music, poetry and art, and profiles and poems of historical and contemporary poets who continue to pioneer new ground while keeping an eye on the past."

Featured poets:

Terrance Hayes
Lucille Clifton
Jericho Brown
Dawn Lundy Martin

All month long I will be sharing book reviews and websites celebrating Black History Month.

I look forward to your visit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

VBT - Writers on the Move February 2011 Schedule

2011-01-31T11:00:00.001-05:00

WE’RE BACK! After a nice long two month hiatus we’re ready for action in 2011.

As always, we have a great tour planned with writers and authors who collectively, have tons of writing and marketing experience and information to share.

We’ll be trying to provide more value packed informational content so you can not only learn about the authors books and services, but also pick up tips and advice on writing, ghostwriting, marketing, and more.
So, look over the schedule below. Each day in February a different author and information will be presented.

Just follow the schedule and click on the corresponding day.

We really appreciate your comments and following.

Writers on the Move’s February 2011 Tour Schedule

1st Debra Eckerling http://www.writeonline.com/ is featuring Jennifer Gladden

2nd Kathy Stemke http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/ is featuring Jenny Turner

3rd Nancy Famolari http://nancygfamolari.blogspot.com/ is featuring Jennifer Wylie

4th Margaret Fieland http://www.margaretfieland.com/ is featuring Nancy Famolari

5th Carolyn Howard-Johnson http://sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com/ is featuring Mayra Calvani

6th Heather Paye http://heatherpaye.blogspot.com/ is featuring Virginia Grenier

7th Marvin Wilson http://theoldsilly.com/ is featuring Mari Taylor

8th Stephen Tremp http://stephentremp.blogspot.com/ is featuring Carolyn Howard-Johnson

9th Darcia Helle http://quietfurybooks.com/blog/ is featuring Margaret Fieland

10th Martha Swirzinski http://wholechildpublishing.blogspot.com/ is featuring Kathy Stemke

11th Heidi Thomas http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com/ is featuring Karen Cioffi

12th Dallas Woodburn http://dallaswoodburn.blogspot.com/ is featuring Maggie Ball

13th Karen Cioffi http://karenandrobyn.blogspot.com/ is featuring Stephen Tremp

14th Maggie Ball http://magdalenaball.blogspot.com/ is featuring Donna McDine

15th Virginia Grenier http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com/ is featuring Shelby Patrick

16th Kevin McNamee http://kevinmcnameechildrensauthor.blogspot.com/ is featuring Darcia Helle

17th Elysabeth Eldering http://elysabethsstories.blogspot.com/ is featuring Dallas Woodburn

18th Marietta Taylor http://marismorningroom.blogspot.com/ is featuring Heidi Thomas

19th Robert Medak http://rjmbookreviews.blogspot.com/ is featuring Debra Eckerling

20th Donna McDine http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/ is featuring Heather Paye

21st Shelby Patrick http://writershotspot.blogspot.com/ is featuring Robert Medak

22nd Mayra Calvani http://www.thedarkphanptom.wordpress.com/ is featuring Martha Swirzinski

23rd Jennifer Gladen http://jgladen.blogspot.com/ is featuring Elysabeth Eldering

24th Jenny Turner http://jr-turner.blogspot.com/ is featuring Marvin Wilson

25th Jennifer Wylie http://jlwylie.wordpress.com/ is featuring Kevin McNamee

Please follow along and be sure to leave comments!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna McDine
Children's Author

The Golden Pathway - August 2010 - Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

Tappan Library Visit Recap with Children's Author, Donna McDine

2011-01-24T00:01:00.030-05:00

My visit at the Tappan Library, Tappan, NY recap.

On Monday, January 17, 2011 I visited the Tappan Library, Tappan, NY in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day when I presented my children's book The Golden Pathway.

Prior to showing the children and parents The Golden Pathway book trailer we chatted about what they knew about the Underground Railroad and provided them an opportunity to ask questions after reading them an excerpt of the book.
It was quite the lively conversation with a few of the older children expressing that they would do whatever it would take to help slaves reach freedom if they lived then.

Several more expressed interest in writing their own stories and I took this opportunity to talk to them about the Guardian Angel Kids Ezine http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/ and their chance to submit their stories for publication consideration. The parents happily provided their email addresses to receive the submission guidelines. To see the excitement from the children with not only reading, but with writing too is an experience every children's author is thrilled to experience. I know I was!

I would also like to share with you the heartfelt feedback from several of the parents via email:

"Donna is adept at relating well to young children. Her book deals with an important subject and a difficult time in our history with grace and simplicity for young minds. The story comes alive through the characters' feelings so that all children can understand the courage and sacrifice by both David and Jenkins. The book would be a great tool for learning in schools." ~ S. Cama

"We were happy to attend your presentation on The Golden Pathway and thought you did an EXCELLENT job!! Brady had so many questions at the dinner table about the Underground Railroad, which made for very stimulating conversation!! Also, he was looking at the pictures in your book all evening long and is very excited for me to read it to him!! Congratulations!" ~ Amy Clarke, M.Ed.,
LiveFree Coaching and Personal Fulfillment Coach

"Donna's beautifully designed title about the underground railroad or 'the golden pathway' illustrates clearly for young readers the history of the deep-rooted racial divide in our nation. It helps our children grasp the significance of more modern tragedies like the assassination of Martin Luther King and serves as an outstanding complement to standard 2-6 grade course material about slavery, emancipation, and the perennial kindness across the color line. Donna's presentation at the Tappan Library needs to be replicated across schools and libraries. It speaks to listeners as young as Kindergarten and teaches children more than 'just a story' about the freeing of a slave - it teaches children about the importance and power of empathy that sprouts in childhood and grows with the person through adulthood." ~ Jill Gross, Librarian, Tappan Library (Tappan, NY)

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Award-winning Children’s Author, Donna McDine Visits the Tappan Library, Tappan, NY – Monday, January 17 at 3 pm

2011-01-14T13:11:00.001-05:00

M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Donna M. McDine
Children’s Author

Website: http://www.donnamcdine.com/

Email: donna@donnamcdine.com
Phone: 845-721-7802

For Immediate Release

Award-winning Children’s Author, Donna McDine Visits the Tappan Library, Tappan, NY – Monday, January 17 at 3 pm

Tappan, New York – Join Donna M. McDine at the Tappan Library, Tappan, NY – Monday, January 17 at 3 pm when she presents her first children’s book, The Golden Pathway, August 2010, published by Guardian Angel Publishing. This historical fiction story book transports the reader back through time to the Underground Railroad.

As one young boy struggles to come to terms with his father’s beliefs and actions towards slaves, he pulls from deep within his soul, courage and determination he never knew existed. Will David’s attempts to save Jenkins come to fruition or does David get caught red handed in defying his Pa?

“David crept into the barn. His first attempts to help Jenkins hadn’t gone well. Jenkins cringed when he saw David. Over time, David gained Jenkins’ trust with promises that he was not there to harm him, but to help. Tonight the wounds from the whip were worse than ever. The welts looked as if caterpillars were stuck under the skin.”

Journey along as McDine puts forth her unique mesmerizing voice where the depths of emotions from the main character spill forth from the pages and has you spell bound from the onset.

Visit Guardian Angel Publishing – http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm for ordering information.

About the Author:
Donna McDine’s first story book, The Golden Pathway, placed in the top 100 of the Children’s/Young Adult category in the 77th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition, resulting in publication with Guardian Angel Publishing. Her articles and stories have been published in over 25 magazines and McDine has two more books under contract books with Guardian Angel Publishing.

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Full Media Kit, Headshot, Book Cover Art and more are available upon request.

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Best wishes, Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Code Words Were Essential in Conducting the Underground Railroad

2011-01-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

The Underground Railroad was a pivotal time in American history. The bravery and determination of those opposed to slavery is one to admire and emulate. To take the time out to have compassion and empathy of others’ plights will certainly bring a greater understanding of each other. Beyond the bravery, the organizing of the Underground Railroad came to fruition through the use of code words. By utilizing code words it assured that those for slavery would not “catch-on” to the escape routes and intentions of the slaves to achieve freedom.

Some of the most common code words:

Abolitionist – a person who demanded immediate emancipation of slaves.

Agent – a person who coordinated the course of escape.

Bundles of wood – escaping slaves to be expected.

Conductors – the people that helped the slaves along the Underground Railroad.

Drinking Gourd – Big Dipper and the North Star, which aided the slaves in their nighttime travels to ensure they were traveling in the correct direction.

Forwarding – the transportation of salves from one station to the next.

Freight or Packages – the slaves were considered passengers or cargo.

Heaven – referred to Canada because once there freedom was imminent.

Load of Potatoes – slaves hidden in wagons under farm produce.

Moses – Harriet Tubman, a conductor who was instrumental in aiding slaves to freedom.

Quakers – white folks that did not believe in slavery.

River Jordan – The Mississippi River or the Ohio River.

Shepherds – people who escorted slaves from one station to the next.

Station – place of safety, a safe house.

Station Master – the keeper of a safe house.

Stockholder – one who donated items to the running of the Underground Railroad.

The use of code phrases was also instrumental in communicating along the Underground Railroad:

“A friend of a friend sent me” – this statement indicates that the slave was sent by the Underground Railroad network.

“Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus” – a phrase from a spiritual hymn to alert other slaves an escape attempt would occur soon.

“The dead trees will show you the way” – a telling sign that moss grows on the north side of dead trees, hence providing direction.

“The river bank makes a mighty good road” – since dogs cannot follow a human’s scent through water this is the best way to travel.

“The river ends between two hills” – visual directions to the Ohio River.

“The wind blows from the South today” – this signals the workers on the Underground Railroad that fugitive slaves were in the area.

“When the sun comes back and the first quail calls” – early spring was the best time to escape via the Underground Railroad.

The wealth of information on the Underground Railroad is immense. Interested in learning more, I offer the following resources to get you started:

Carson, Mary Kay. The Underground Railroad for Kids: From Slavery to Freedom. Chicago Review Press, January 2005.

Afrolumens Project, Central Pennsylvania African American History for Everyone.
“Names Used for Enslaved People in Pennsylvania”
http://www.afrolumens.org/slavery/names.html

Oracle Education Foundation – The Think Quest Library.
“Underground Railroad, The Fight to End Slavery – Timeline”
http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112391/underground_railroad.htm

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Prayer for the New Year

2010-12-31T13:18:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year graphics comment

O God of new beginnings and wonderful surprises,

thank you for the gift of a new year.

May it be a time of grace for me,

a time to grow in faith and love,

a time to renew my commitment

to following Your Son, Jesus.

May it be a year of blessing for me,

a time to cherish my family and friends,

a time to renew my efforts at work,

a time to embrace my faith more fully.

Walk with me, please, in every day

and every hour of this new year,

that the light of Christ might shine through me,

in spite of my weaknesses and failings.

Above all, may I remember this year that

I am a pilgrim on the sacred path to You.

Amen

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Best wishes, Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm