Leave a comment on today’s blog post and you’re eligible to win this author’s giveaway. Each day in November that you comment gives you an entry into the Grand Prize drawing at the end of the month! (Print copies for US residents only, please. If you live outside the US and win, you’ll receive a digital copy of the book.)
For those of you who intently follow Martha Reynolds Writes, you’ve probably read my posts in the past and know that working as one of Santa’s elves is rewarding, but not always easy. This year is no exception, but not because I spent months slaving over another storybook, or have a bunch of kids’ tales to tell.
Now I finally have activity books to go with each of my storybooks, ‘Post’ Mark—Santa’s Misfit Postman, and ‘Post’ Mark—The North Pole Postman Visits Rhode Island. While very exciting, it was much more of a feat than I had ever imagined. “How hard can it really be to have my illustrator draw a bunch of pictures for a couple of coloring books,” I thought.
That was until I had to come up with 32 different creative ideas for the activities, and give the illustrator instructions on what I was trying to achieve with each one. It was a part of my brain I hadn’t used before, or certainly not for a while. As a writer, I’m used to conveying messages with words, and this had to be done strictly with black and white drawings.
I also wanted to tie the activities in with the common core, so teachers could use these books in their classroom. Not only should the activities be fun, but they need to have an educational purpose.
I am very lucky to have an illustrator, and a graphic designer who were both patient, and helpful throughout the editing process. With their tremendous help, we were able to produce coloring and activity books that hit the mark. Now, we should be all set when book number three is written, and hopefully can produce the activity book simultaneously with the storybook.
My book giveaway for 2018 will be a copy of both activity books. Please visit my website, www.northpolepostman.com if you are interested in purchasing ‘Post’ Mark—The North Pole Postman Visits Rhode Island, or ‘Post’ Mark—Santa’s Misfit Postman.
Hope to see you on Saturday, December 1 at the Rhode Island Author Expo!
They look so fun!!! No just for kids!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My grandchildren would love these books!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Way to spread holiday cheer, Mark!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love the cover designs of both books! I also think it’s a creative idea to publish activity books that coordinate with your other books.
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a fun giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win
LikeLiked by 2 people
Please Santa, Bring me a sleigh full of your books for Christmas! For all the children in the world.
LikeLiked by 2 people
These are perfect for my grandchildren.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Who doesn’t love to color?! These coloring/activity books are a perfect addition to your children’s books. See you at the Expo.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Not sure if there’s a kid in America that wouldn’t love to have you read Mark’s books to him or her. Mark will also be leading a panel of children’s authors at the ARIA Authors Expo this coming Saturday. I’m sure you can pick up a copy or two of his books there.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well done, Mark. Your activity books will surely delight any child or teacher this holiday season!
LikeLiked by 2 people