Story Pie

Our books!

2012-02-19T13:41:00.001-05:00

Our books are not only printed in the USA, they are green, and give back to organizations that make a difference in the lives of children. Portions of the proceeds from all book sales go to places like Johns Hopkins Children's Center and Flashes of Hope. Help us to make a difference, while giving the gift of a great book to that precious child in your life.

Keep up with all the latest here at storypie.blogspot.com and also through the following:

Another nice review for Samson's Tale

2012-02-02T17:01:00.000-05:00

Here is a nice review of Samson's Tale by Rebecca Reid of the Rebecca Reads blog, an insightful blog that highlights and reviews the classics, nonfiction, and children's literature!

"Samson’s Tale by Carla Mooney and illustrated by Kathleen Spade (Story Pie Press, 2011) is a sensitive story about a boy dealing with recovery from leukemia, as viewed from the perspective of his best friend, his dog Samson. By telling the story from the dog’s perspective, there is appropriate distance for the reader, thus avoiding melodrama that otherwise might belittle the delicate story. Samson the dog wags his tail when he sees Daniel return home (finally) from the hospital, and he comforts and supports Daniel during his ill days. With this perspective, the story of Daniel’s recovery is memorable, and it shows what a loved one (in Daniel’s case, his best friend Samson) can do to support an ill child. The mixed media illustrations treat the story with sensitivity as well, and the overall result is one that may comfort children dealing with sick family or friends. " ~Rebecca Reid

Brendan Flannelly-King and Good News Nelson

2012-01-23T17:34:00.000-05:00

Story Pie Press is in production with its third title, Good News Nelson. This adorable and heartwarming story was written by the talented Jodi Moore and will be illustrated by the equally talented Brendan Flannelly-King.

Here is a short introduction to our newest Story Pie Press artist:

Brendan Flannelly-King has been drawing and painting his whole life. He studied Illustration at Pratt Institute and has been freelancing as an illustrator and designer since graduating in 2004. He lives in Ashfield Massachusetts with his partner, son, goats, chickens and a crew of neighborhood cats.

Please feel free to visit Brendan on the web by clicking on the maze below:

...or follow the link here: http://www.brendanfliesakite.com/

Cheers,

Mary

Meaningful Holiday Gifts

2011-12-07T17:44:00.001-05:00

If you are looking for gifts that are truly meaningful, that nurture a child's interest in good stories and reading, and that also give back in a major way, consider Story Pie Press' books for children.

Samson's Tale tells the story of love and loyalty between a boy and his dog, with 30% of the proceeds going to Flashes of Hope!

The Day I Met The Nuts helps children realize that any challenge can be overcome, and that family and friends are there to help. And 45% of the proceeds support Johns Hopkins Children's Center in their efforts to find a cure for food allergies.

So consider gifts that truly matter, books that care about the future of children!

Happy Holidays!

In case you haven't seen it yet....

2011-11-17T10:19:00.000-05:00

The book trailer for Samson's Tale

Exploring the healing power of pets, Kathleen Spale's Interview with the Chicago Parent

2011-11-07T21:52:00.000-05:00

Our wonderful Kathleen Spale was written up in the Chicago Parent for her integral part in Samson's Tale! Please stop by to read this article, which highlights the reasons she decided to illustrate this special book. Also, consider purchasing a copy for your library at home, or local library. Remember, 30 percent of the proceeds goes to Flashes of Hope. Both Samson's Tale and Flashes strive to give children with life threatening illnesses hope in the future!

Cheers,
Mary

Picture Book Idea Month, November 2011!

2011-11-03T14:13:00.003-04:00

For all you children's book writers out there, or even those who secretly dream of writing for children, this month is a good month. It's PiBoIdMo, otherwise known as Picture book Idea Month. I absolutely love this idea and encourage you to participate (even next year...if you're too late to participate this year), as we never have enough good stories for children.

Tara Lazar, the founder of PiBoIdMo, has asked me to be one of the guest bloggers for the month. Every day, there's a new guest sharing what they know and love about writing for children. Guests include editors, agents, and authors, among others. So stop on by the site, read what all the guest bloggers have to say about writing for children and the magic of dreaming up picture book ideas.

~Mary

Ten Stories Up Interviews Carla Mooney

2011-10-10T08:55:00.000-04:00

To find out the story behind Samson's Tale, visit the Ten Stories Up blog for an interview with Carla Mooney. Though the story is fiction, Carla had a great deal of real life inspiration that got her writing this important and touching book.

Happy reading,
Mary

The Light The Night Walk on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at Heinz Field

2011-10-05T09:42:00.000-04:00

Carla Mooney will be reading Samson's Tale in the kids area at LIGHT THE NIGHT at 6 pm this evening! Light the Night is at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA, and honors the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Light The Night is a two mile walk where participants carry red illuminated balloons and cancer survivors carry white illuminated balloons. All proceeds go toward finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and Hodgkin's disease, while improving the lives of patients and their families.

~Mary

Author Carla Mooney Talks About Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

2011-09-28T16:05:00.000-04:00

Most people know what this stands for:

But what about this one?

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Many people don’t even realize that childhood cancer has its own “month” and a gold ribbon symbol. Yet many of us have been impacted by childhood cancer, either in our own families or in people we know. Cancer is the #1 disease killer of children in the United States, and even through survival rates are improving, about ¼ of children diagnosed with cancer will die within five years.

My own experience with childhood cancer began when my son Daniel was diagnosed with leukemia at 19 months of age. We quickly learned that he was one of the “lucky” ones – he had a type of leukemia (acute lymphoblastic leukemia or ALL) which has a higher survival rate. Yet I will never forget a conversation with one of his doctors, where she told us that he had a 75 percent chance of surviving for 5 years. For me, that 25 percent loomed too big and menacing over our Daniel. With great understanding, the doctor acknowledged our fears and said quite simply, “But for each family, it’s either 100 percent or nothing.” How true. Statistics mean nothing when a child has cancer. Either that child beats it or they don’t. And that is why raising awareness and research for childhood cancer is so important. So that every family can have their 100 percent.

Our journey through cancer has been tough and heartbreaking at times. We have gotten to know many children and families who did not win their battle. Yet we’ve also gotten to see the strength, kindness, and generosity of family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. And through this experience, I was able to write Samson’s Tale. I hope that this book can be one piece of my “paying it forward” and helping someone else who may be going through similar experiences.

If you didn’t know, 30 percent of the proceeds of sales of Samson’s Tale go to Flashes of Hope, a national nonprofit that changes the way children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses see themselves through the gift of photography and raises money for pediatric cancer research. Consider buying a copy for your home school library. If you want, you might even ask your school or community librarians to contact Follett Library Resources to purchase Samson's Tale for their shelves.

Did You Know?

• Each school day, 46 children are diagnosed with cancer, and 1 in 330 children will develop cancer by age 20.

• On the average 12,500 children and teens will be diagnosed with some form of cancer each year in this country.

• Currently there are between 30-40,000 children undergoing cancer treatment in the U.S.

• Research funds are scarce, because most money goes to adult forms of cancer, such as breast and prostate.

• Over the past two decades, only ONE new cancer drug has been approved for pediatric use.

~Carla Mooney

(Visit Carla on the web at http://www.carlamooney.com/)

Young Illustrators Inspired by Samson's Tale

2011-09-20T17:44:00.011-04:00

Kathleen Spale recently visited an elementary school where students participated in illustrating their favorite pets, which was inspired by a reading of our famous Samson's Tale. Here is a sampling of their wonderful drawings, each one unique and special. I must say, I think there may be some future illustrators in this group. These students have certainly inspired me!

Happy creating,

~Mary

The 57th Street Children's Book Fair with Kathleen Spale!

2011-09-12T21:06:00.000-04:00

Kathleen Spale, illustrator of Samson's Tale, will be at The 57th Street Children's Book Fair on September 18, 2011. So if you are in the area, stop by to see her this Sunday from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the SCBWI booth.

The 57th Street Children's Book Fair began 25 years ago as a back-to-school celebration. The Fair hosts dozens of local booksellers and community organizations. Thousands are expected to attend the fair, which includes a huge selection of books, reading-related activities, live entertainment, and refreshments!

~Mary

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with Samson's Tale

2011-09-02T22:30:00.001-04:00

In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, I think back to the cancer survival stories that touched my life. I knew a few amazing children who were dealt the hardship of battling cancer. I was always amazed at their courage and determination. It was an odd mix of fear, worry, curiosity and admiration I had for these friends. How could you be healthy one day, and then suddenly sick with cancer the next? And how could you be sick and go to school at the same time, or miss weeks of school and then bounce back strong and hopeful? How could one have a head full of beautiful hair and then become bald? As children, it's hard to understand the hows and whys of childhood cancer. As an adult, it is even more difficult to comprehend why this has to happen to children in the first place. But resilience is a beautiful thing...and it's amazing to hear stories of how strong these children can be.

Way back when, I remember a smart, happy boy who lived up the street from me. I had such a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that he had cancer, one because he was just a kid like me, and two because he was so positive and inspirational...it was almost easy to forget he was sick. There were times he would be "out of sight" for weeks because of treatments, then the cancer would go into remission and he would be on the bus again, happy to return to school, talking and dreaming about things that were important to him, like sports. He was brave and mature beyond his years. The last I remember, he was cancer free. I can still see that smile on his face.

Sadly, thousands of children are diagnosed with cancer each year. It is an astonishing and heart-aching amount. Carla Mooney, the author of Samson's Tale, is a mother who understands what it's like to have a child who has battled cancer. Her very own son inspired her to write this amazing story. We invite you to check out Samson's Tale in support of children with cancer. And in case you didn't know, 30% of the proceeds from book sales go to Flashes of Hope, a wonderful organization that changes the way children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses see themselves through the gift of photography, all while raising money for pediatric cancer research. You might even consider buying a copy of Samson's Tale for your home library or for the library at your child's school. If you want, you might even ask your school or community librarians to contact Follett Library Resources to purchase Samson's Tale for their shelves.

To those brave children fighting the good fight...you are my heroes!

~Mary
Editor, Story Pie Press

Spotlight on Follett Library Resources

2011-08-31T10:41:00.000-04:00

We are happy to announce our books are now available through Follett Library Resources. Follett Library Resources is the largest supplier of books, eBooks, and audiovisual materials to PreK-12 schools. If you happen to be a teacher or librarian, you may already know about Follett. If you don't know much about Follett, I'm here to share a bit about their history.

The Follet story began in 1873 at the home of C.M. Barnes in Wheaton, Illinois. It was there that he started a small bookstore (I wonder if he dreamed of how big his business would grow?). Barnes soon moved the store to Chicago, where he sold books to students and other stores. As the business grew, employees were hired, including C. W. Follett who started as a stock clerk (and I wonder if Follett dared to imagine that he would one day take over the business and own it?). Eventually, Barnes passed away and his son moved to New York to launch another company with a gentleman named Noble (that's another story). Follett purchased "the Barnes family’s ownership interest" and eventually owned the entire company (yes, big things do happen to stock clerks).

In the 1920's and 30's, Follett turned the business into a family affair by bringing on his sons to help out. By 1940, Garth Follett founded the Follett Library Book Company (which later became Follett Library Resources). FLBC was created to specialize in K-12 schools. In 1994, Follett Library Book Company became Follett Library Resources to reflect their ever-growing expansion of products and services. The products Follett Library Resources offer are PreK-12 books, audiovisual materials, and electronic ordering with TITLEWAVE Internet. Check them out and consider stocking your shelves with Story Pie Press' special books for kids!

~Mary

Another great review for Samson's Tale

2011-06-13T12:30:00.000-04:00

Lindsay Carmichael of Ten Stories Up has given Samson's Tale a glowing review. Carmichael is a bookseller and writer from Halifax. Her blog mostly consists of book reviews and author interviews.

Here is a snippet: "How can an author explain leukemia and the effects of chemotherapy without lecturing or bogging down in details? How can an author be honest, while still leaving room for hope? Mooney's solution is to tell the story through the eyes of the patient's pet, and it works brilliantly."

To read the entire review, visit Ten Stories Up!

Happy reading!

Mary

Printers Row and Kathleen Spale

2011-06-04T13:58:00.002-04:00

Illustrator Kathleen Spale will be at Printers Row Lit Fest today at booth DD from 2pm until 4pm! Stop by to meet her if you plan on attending the event. She will be there signing copies of Samson's Tale! Read about the event by clicking on the link below.

Read on !
~Mary

Review

2011-05-31T13:28:00.001-04:00

Check it out...a fabulous review of Samson's Tale by Children's Books Examiner, Lori Calabrese! Click on the title of the review below to read.

"Big words like leukemia and chemotherapy can't compare to the biggest word of all."

Happy reading,
~Mary

Carla Mooney and Samson's Tale

2011-05-19T16:45:00.000-04:00

Carla Mooney was at The Penguin Bookshop this past weekend to celebrate the launch of her first children's picture book, Samson's Tale. Carla is the author of over 20 children's books, but this is her first picture book! At the launch, there was a reading of Samson's Tale by Carla, delicious cake, and a book signing...all in conjunction with Sewickley Unleashed (for animal lovers of all walks). If you couldn't make the signing, but are still eager to purchase this amazing book (and support a great cause, Flashes of Hope, in the process), click on the book cover above!

Here are some pictures of the lovely launch at the Penguin Bookshop in Sewickley, PA .

Happy reading...and eat cake!

Cheers,

Mary

First Book Launch for Samson's Tale

2011-05-10T16:19:00.001-04:00

At our first book launch for Samson's Tale, Kathleen Spale shared snippets of her life as an illustrator and talked about her experience illustrating this special book. Also in attendance were Amber Leberman, our fabulous book designer, models from the book, including the dog who inspired the look of Samson. Family, friends, and fans came by to purchase signed copies and enjoy the celebration. Let the pictures tell the story of our first launch. Enjoy and check out the cake!

Draw and Write About Your Favorite Pet

2011-05-02T15:36:00.003-04:00

In case you missed Kathleen Spale's appearance at The Magic Tree Bookstore yesterday, she has delivered a present right here for you on the Story Pie Press News Blog. It's a coloring page inspired by Samson's Tale, where you can draw your own special pet. I encourage you and your children to write about these special pets, too. Feel free to submit your stories here, along with your drawings...if you can attach them.

Happy illustrating and writing!

~Mary

A Former Student Makes Former Teacher Proud

2011-05-01T12:23:00.002-04:00

Read about about this former elementary teacher and what she has to say about her former student, the talented Kathleen Spale.

~Mary

CHICAGO AREA ARTIST ILLUSTRATES CHARITABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK, WHICH SUPPORTS FLASHES OF HOPE WITH THIRTY PERCENT OF THE PROCEEDS.

2011-04-26T16:55:00.002-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:

Mary Rand Hess

Story Pie Press

editor@storypiepress.com

www.storypiepress.com

CHICAGO AREA ARTIST ILLUSTRATES CHARITABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK, WHICH SUPPORTS FLASHES OF HOPE WITH THIRTY PERCENT OF THE PROCEEDS.

Ashburn, Virginia – April 12, 2011 – Story Pie Press has released its second picture book for children, Samson’s Tale illustrated by Chicago area resident, Kathleen Spale. The book, which supports Flashes of Hope, tells the story of a boy and his dog, and how together they can get through anything…even cancer.

Samson’s Tale (written by Carla Mooney) was illustrated by Kathleen Spale who was immediately touched by the story and the fact that the book would be partnered up with a charitable cause. Flashes of Hope was picked as the organization to support because of its dedication in providing hope and smiles to children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Flashes of Hope is a nonprofit organization that “changes the way children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses see themselves through the gift of photography and raises money for pediatric cancer research.” www.flashesofhope.org

Once Kathleen signed on to be the artist, she brought this inspirational tale to life by using live models to capture the essence of the story. This story was inspired by the author’s son who has courageously lived with leukemia. Samson’s Tale touches on the support of family, but mostly captures the bond between a boy and his loyal and loving dog.

Kathleen is a graduate of Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She has loved drawing since she was a child. Over the years, she has created artwork for everything from gallery shows to personal commissions, although her greatest passion is creating artwork for children’s books. When not illustrating, Kathleen resides and works as a librarian near Chicago. www.kathleenspale.com

Kathleen will be celebrating the book launch of Samson’s Tale at The Magic Tree Bookstore located at 141 North Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois on May 1 from 1 to 3 PM. There, she will be talking about the process of illustrating. Live models from the book are expected to be in attendance, including the dog who modeled as Samson. Signed copies of Samson’s Tale will be available for purchase at the book launch, Amazon, independent bookstores, hospitals, and other boutiques and stores. The book retails at $15.99.

Story Pie Press’ is a Northern Virginia based publisher with a mission to produce books that will entertain and delight, support children, and help raise awareness for causes related to health and education. The topping: each book is associated with a charitable cause, supporting organizations that care about the future. Story Pie Press’ motto is “heart-filled and good for the soul,” creating stories that will have a positive impact on the lives of young readers. www.storypiepress.com

- END -

Press Release: Samson's Tale and Story Pie Press

2011-04-19T19:00:00.002-04:00

Read all about Story Pie Press' relationship with Flashes of Hope: http://www.flashesofhope.org/news/100 .

Discover Carla's Mooney's inspiration for Samson's Tale. Find out about Carla's book launch and more!

Cheers,

Mary

Happy Birthday, Samson's Tale

2011-04-12T13:53:00.000-04:00

Dear Parents, Teachers, Grandparents, and Friends:

We want to introduce to you a book that will make an impact on any child. This is a story of love and loyalty, of courage and strength...of heroes. And today is this story's birthday! Samson's Tale is now available to you and your children, and is doing meaningful work along the way, as every book that is purchased gives back thirty percent to Flashes of Hope.

Love and happiness,
Story Pie Press

Book Trailer for Samson's Tale

2011-04-05T23:49:00.001-04:00

Creating the book trailer for Samson's Tale was an emotional experience...working with Carla's beautiful story and Kathleen's amazing illustrations. This story, as you may already know, is inspired by a true life hero, Carla's son Daniel, who has had leukemia. He is a champion and the inspiration for Samson's Tale. Check out the trailer and let us know what you think.

One week left until the official release!

~Mary

You're Invited!

2011-03-29T21:12:00.005-04:00

COME ONE, COME ALL!

Here is a sneak peek at the postcards and posters that will be handed out and displayed for Kathleen Spale's May 1, 2011 event in the Chicago area.

Book Launch News

2011-03-24T19:08:00.005-04:00

If you are in the Chicago area Sunday, May 1, 2011, stop by The Magic Tree Bookstore to meet Kathleen Spale. Kathleen is the gifted illustrator of Samson's Tale, the beautiful story of a dog and his boy. Together, they can get through anything, even cancer!

Samson's Tale Launch Party & Signing

Sunday, May 1, 1-3 pm

The Magic Tree Bookstore

141 N. Oak Park Ave

Oak Park, IL 60301

Samson’s Tale, which releases April 12, 2011, is a must read! Find out how a dog and his boy can get through anything together, even cancer. Story Pie Press is partnered with Flashes of Hope, and gives 30% of the proceeds from Samson's Tale in support of their important cause, to help children with childhood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Carla Mooney, the author of Samson's Tale, will be celebrating her launch this spring as well. Details to come soon!

Living Without Reviews The Day I Met The Nuts

2011-03-16T16:47:00.001-04:00

Living Without Magazine picked The Day I Met The Nuts as one of "Living Without's Favorite Books." Laurel Green said, "This easy-to-read book is a fun take on a serious topic from a writer who is, by the way, allergic to nuts. The Day I Met the Nuts helps little ones come to terms with a food allergy."

Thank you to this wonderful magazine for their review and their invaluable resources they provide with each issue.

~Mary

SAMSON'S TALE COMING APRIL 2011

2011-02-22T19:03:00.001-05:00

Be on the lookout for Story Pie Press' next release, Samson's Tale...coming April 2011. This book will make your heart leap and bounce and soar.

Here's what Alison Clarke, Founder of Flashes of Hope, had to say: "Through the eyes of the loyal family dog, children will understand what it's like for kids to deal with cancer. Filled with warmth and compassion, the story is both informative and inspiring. This book is a treasure for children with cancer, their classmates, friends and family."

In case you're curious, Flashes of Hope is a nonprofit organization that "changes the way children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses see themselves through the gift of photography and raises money for pediatric cancer research." Portions of the proceeds from Samson's Tale support Flashes of Hope in their efforts to bring comfort and joy to these amazing children. Carla Mooney, the talented author of Samson's Tale, happens to be the Pittsburg Chapter Director. Mooney is a prolific author who found inspiration for this story in her own son, a young hero who has endured leukemia.

A book launch is being planned as we speak, and will likely take place in a couple of locations: Chicago, Pennsylvania, and possibly Washington, DC. If you are in one of these areas, or plan to visit this spring, stay tuned as more information will be posted shortly.

~Mary

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Story Pie Press

2010-12-11T21:01:00.018-05:00

With long, loved visitors Christmas and winter practically at the door, Story Pie Press wants to wish you a merry season filled with peace, love, and good books to bring to your hearth. If you've just celebrated Hanukkah, hopefully you received a good book to read; a dear friend to visit again and again. If you're about to celebrate Christmas, don't forget, books can be the best gifts to give and receive.

For those who have loved ones with food allergies, The Day I Met The Nuts is a the perfect gift, one that provides comfort (and a little humor). And now that the holiday season is upon us, young ones with food allergies need to be reminded that they are not alone, as yummy treats seem to be greet them at every turn. This makes the challenge that much more tricky. All is not lost, however, as there are always safe options, and tasty ones at that. And more important than food is the love and support of family and friends. Always! Remember, when you purchase a copy of The Day I Met The Nuts, 45% of the proceeds go to Dr. Robert Wood at Johns Hopkins in his efforts to find a cure for food allergies. So, this is a gift that keeps giving...literally!

And don't forget in early 2011, our second release, Samson's Tale, will be available to the masses. It's a beautiful book that brings to mind Thanksgiving, Valentine's, Christmas, and all the seasonal holidays that bring us hope, love, and joy.

Peace,
Mary

A TREAT FOR OCTOBER

2010-10-12T12:01:00.006-04:00

From the editor's desk:

October can be a difficult time for children with food allergies. I should know, I have two sons with food allergies...and with all the fall harvest parties, Halloween, etc., it can become a serious challenge. "Why can't I eat that candy, or those cupcakes?" It's hard to feel left out of the yummy fun.

A great gift for such a fun (but difficult) time is a good read like THE DAY I MET THE NUTS. This book encourages children to face their dilemma, move forward with courage, and delight in all the yummy options that are still available. Yes, there are many, many delicious foods to eat for us all, including treats, when we plan and do our research.

Spoil your child today with hugs, love, safe candy, and a good read!

~Mary

Childhood Cancer Month

2010-09-21T12:11:00.003-04:00

From the editor's desk:

This month is Childhood Cancer Month, a month that brings about awareness for those children who are fighting this challenging disease.

Samson's Tale, which will be available from Story Pie Press in early 2011, is an amazing story about a dog and his boy...a dog who loves his boy so much, he won't leave his side. This boy, named Daniel, goes through all the seasons of changes that cancer brings about. And his dog, Samson, is there to see him through it all, with licks, nuzzles, strength, love, and more. These two best buds can get through anything together, even cancer.

In honor of Childhood Cancer Month, Story Pie Press would like to share a few "top secret" inside pictures of the book for you to preview.

Now just wait until you read this story called Samson's Tale, written by Carla Mooney and illustrated by Kathleen Spale.

~Mary

The Day I Met The Nuts Reviewed by Allergic Living Magazine

2010-09-13T11:54:00.004-04:00

Allergic Living Magazine gave a fabulous review of The Day I Met The Nuts in their Fall 2010 issue under Page Turners. Here are some highlights:

"...a captivating book about a boy and the day of his first nut reaction. The illustrations are delightful... A bonus: the publisher is contributing 45 per cent of the book's profits to food allergy research."
~Gwen Smith, Allergic Living

By the way, if you haven't checked out Allergic Living, you must. It's a tremendous resource for people who have allergies or loved ones with allergies.

~Mary

Earth Day Publishing is now Story Pie Press

2010-09-05T21:14:00.004-04:00

No matter how you serve the story, if it's good, it's great! Are you wondering what I'm talking about? Well, here's the scoop... ~~Earth Day Publishing~~ is now Story Pie Press. I'm actually liking our new company name even better than the old one, despite what brought us to the point of making a change. To fill you in, a rather large organization wanted to fight us over our company name. Instead of putting time and a great deal of money into battling it out, we decided to change our name and focus on publishing meaningful books. After all, that's what we set off to do...create books for children...books that warm the heart and feed the soul delicious stories. Who wants to fight? Not me. I'd rather bake stories. Wouldn't you?

Let us know your thoughts about the name change.

Happy imagining, everyone!

Cheers,
Mary

Moving the nest...

2010-06-27T17:44:00.002-04:00

Lots going on these days. I feel like a crazy mother bird. My nest has been uprooted and I'm busy building our new nest (a long work in progress). I'm also editing Story Pie Press' second book, and am in the middle of reading through focus group comments for our third book (TBD), all while dreaming of a day when I can start writing again. It feels like it's been much too long. It's an interesting balance...being an editor of a small publishing press and a writer.

My goal, before 2010 is over, is to finish one of these novels I've been building for years. Finally. All I'm asking for is one draft. I can do it. I can do it. I CAN DO IT! Isn't that what the fledgling says before it jumps out of the nest to fly? Then it lands on a deck to sing a sweet song of success.

~Mary

Successful Food Allergy Awareness Fundraiser for Dr. Robert Wood

2010-05-27T21:32:00.002-04:00

May 16th was a beautiful day for fundraising. The music was cool and electric, the treats deeeeeelicious and allergy-friendly, and the breeze perfect. We had a nice turnout and raised over $1,200 for Dr. Robert Wood of Johns Hopkins in his efforts to find a cure for food allergies. Kids with food-allergies ROCK! You know why? Because they are brave! Brave and aware. There was even a high school kid who purchased a copy of my picture book to show her teachers...teachers who should be supportive of food-allergy students, but are not yet. See why kids of all ages with this disease need to be brave...brave, courageous, self-advocates?! They are not alone, however. Support is growing every day.

So thank you to all those who came out to celebrate awareness this May, and thank you to Loudoun Allergy Network for hosting the event. We are all praying for a cure.

Blessings to all,
Mary

FOOD ALLERGY AWARENESS EVENT

2010-05-11T19:43:00.002-04:00

This week is Food Allergy Awareness Week. I have been busy popping in for author's visits and getting ready for Loudoun Allergy Network's Food Allergy Awareness Event. Mark your calendar for this Sunday, May 16 from 12pm to 4pm at Lansdowne Town Center, outside of Go Bananas toy store. It's going to be worth your while, I promise!!!! And we are raising money for a most important cause, Dr. Robert Wood's research to find a cure for food allergies. He's busy, folks. Busy every day getting closer and closer to a cure. Help us by showing your support.

Hope to see you there!

Click on the title of this post to find out more about this event!

Love,

Mary

Book Review of The Day I Met The Nuts (Click here to read the review)

2010-02-04T09:22:00.012-05:00

Check out this great review The Day I Met The Nuts by Rhonda (a.k.a AllergyMom), founder of Allergy Sense . AllergyMom contacted me after reading my article, One Mother's Tale of Food Allergies, and then requested a copy of The Nuts to review. She is a mother of a food allergy child as well, and, as I mentionioned, the founder of Allergy Sense...a wonderful resource for people of all ages with food allergies.

Thank you, AllergyMom, for your thorough review, and for providing a great resource for us all!

Happy reading,
Mary

The Day I Met The Nuts gives back

2010-01-05T18:30:00.004-05:00

Hi, Folks!

This is to let you know the story on The Day I Met The Nuts has been written up on the John's Hopkins website. Story Pie Press gives 45% of the proceeds from every book sold to Dr. Robert Wood and his research to find a cure.

Go here to read all about it... http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/investing-in-food-allergy-research.aspx
~Mary

One Mother's Tale of Food Allergies

2009-12-11T16:07:00.003-05:00

I'm happy to announce, my article One Mother's Tale of Food Allergies has been published in I AM MODERN Magazine. Click on the link to read about my journey with food allergies.

http://www.iammodern.com/kids-blog/one-mothers-tale-of-food-allergies.html

For those with food allergies...eat safely,
~M

Pictures of the book launch for THE DAY I MET THE NUTS at ArtInsights Gallery

2009-11-29T08:48:00.078-05:00

And so it began...

You walked into a scavenger hunt at the amazing ArtInsights Gallery, which led to me. (Wait. Who's that handsome kid in the blue vest or that charming man sitting down in the background with that cheeky grin? Oh that's right, they both belong to me.)

There's my other handsome, slightly mischievous, little man in the gray sweatshirt, helping friends with the scavenger hunt.

Getting my signing down at the book launch took full concentration ;).

Again, it required full concentration...and a most serious look.

Look at these two sweetie pies patiently waiting! Thankfully, the boys in the background were not starting a wrestling match, or were they?

I met new friends...

...and old friends (okay, Amy...you know I don't mean "old" but dear. If the camera had been facing her way, you would see how very young and beautiful she really is to all!). By the way, what were we talking about?

And I couldn't have done it without my husband or my beautiful mother. Since I'm not rich and famous, they get to be my handlers. And a BIG thank you to my Dad who kept a good eye on my boys (they were constantly on the move. So pictures of them here are few and rare.)

But the biggest thanks goes to my family, friends, and book lovers who came out in support. Thank you for your patience when the line got long...

...or when the author took a break.

Love to all,

~Mary

I've been blogged

2009-11-16T23:01:00.005-05:00

JC, of Mama's Mouth blog, reviewed my book. Thank you for the great review and for the picture of me with my own mama! I met JC when I was signing books at Fresh, the movie screening. She's a smart, motivated mom, insuring a healthy life for her kids! What would we do without our mothers who help mother earth?

Check it out here: http://www.mamasmouth.com/2009/11/mom-pens-childrens-book-on-food.html.

The lowdown on events for THE DAY I MET THE NUTS

2009-11-09T18:50:00.013-05:00

Saturday, November 7: Book launch at ArtInsights Gallery was a huge success, big turnout of friends, old and new. I love that gallery; it has so much charm and whimsy. Talk about a kid's dream come true...all the animation and illustration art you could ever dream of. Thank you to everyone who came out in support, and special thank you to Leslie and Mike, the owners of ArtInsights! Stop by and visit them at http://www.artinsights.com/.

Sunday, November 8: Movie screening of Fresh. It's an excellent movie to motivate those of us who need a little kick in the butt to eat healthier and to make the right selections...go fresh, not preserved! At intermission, they introduced my book, THE DAY I MET THE NUTS, and told folks to check out the author in the back. I waved sheepishly behind a table with my Mom (300 or more people were there, talk about intimidating). I met some great people who inspired me to take a look inside my pantry (or not) and grab for the fresher variety. The theory is...we wouldn't have so many allergies if we ate right and treated Mother Earth with a little more respect. I believe it! Healthy foods may cost a little more, but our bodies are worth the investment. I love to cook and bake...believe me, I do! I just need to make more time everyday for preparation.

Monday, November 9: Dropped off books at Chick's Picks for the show starting this Thursday. Yahoo! It's going to be great. Then headed over to Curiosity Zone! What a fun place; a kid's paradise of fun and exploration. I highly recommend the C -Zone for every child. All the senses are used to learn about science, math, etc. Every time I walk in there, I learn something new and fascinating, thanks to the brilliant mind of Mary ????, founder and owner (she's one fascinating gal). While there today, I was welcomed there by preschoolers and their moms for a little storytime and signing. I read The Day I Met The Nuts, of course, and then the kids analyzed...well, nuts (pictures of nuts, not real ones) under microscopes. Those kids had lots to say about nuts, their own allergies, squirrels, their own ages, and just about anything that was on their minds. It's hard to keep up with those young, brilliant scientists to be! Hey, and just so you know...my book (available in hardback and softcover) is now available, along with my allergy alert magnets, at Curiosity Zone. Go check them out in the flesh (or paper, rather) and say hello to the C-Zone staff for me.

Tuesday, November 10: Another fantastic movie screening of Fresh. Sue Ann Gleason of Conscious Bites was there to give helpful hints and suggestions for good nutrition, which leads to healthy living. She introduced me to those in attendance and I spoke with parents for a few minutes about food allergies and my book. After the screening, I did a book signing. Parents shared their allergies stories with me...makes you realize there are many of us in this boat weathering a rough storm.

Wednesday, November 11: I sped on over to Kilmer Middle School in Vienna, VA last night to listen to world-renowned food allergy specialist, Robert Wood, MD. I took lots of interesting notes for my upcoming article in TBA (I'll tell you when it comes out, for now I'll keep the publication a surprise). He shared his latest in food allergy research and how WE as parents, teachers, and caregivers can impact progress made toward finding a cure for food allergies. It was a powerful night...a gathering of concerned parents who desire nothing more than a cure. Thank you for your hard work, Dr. Wood.

Coming next week....I'll be conducting author's visits at Kiddie Country and Vienna Baptist Children's Center. I can't wait to read and talk to my young friends, many of whom I understand have food allergies.

Book Launch for The Day I Met The Nuts

2009-10-28T16:32:00.010-04:00

Well, I'm busy preparing for THE DAY I MET THE NUTS book launch. And I'm thrilled that it's being held at ARTINSIGHTS Animation and Film Art Gallery. How cool is that? Books, animation art...a gallery...a fine time! I can't wait to see all the excited faces of kids who love animation and illustration art and a good read. I'll be there signing books and meeting young readers. So if you live in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, come by and check us out.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Open House from 4-6 PM

ARTINSIGHTS

ANIMATION & FILM ART GALLERY

11921 Freedom Drive

Reston Town Center

Reston, VA 20189

THE DAY I MET THE NUTS is out!

2009-10-26T23:37:00.006-04:00

Don't listen to him up there. He's a nut!

It's out! My book that is....available for the masses. I'm so excited about this book because it will help all those kiddos out there who must suffer through food allergies. I'm allergic to those crazy nuts as well, and so is my son. In fact, Roman was the inspiration for this story. He is a true allergy champ.

Portions of the proceeds from my book help to support a good cause, FAAN. FAAN is the world leader in food allergy and anaphylaxis awareness. Their mission is to raise public awareness, to provide advocacy and education, as well as to advance research on behalf of all those affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis. http://www.foodallergy.org/

Thanks for checking out my book and for supporting all of us who must find a way around those crazy nuts!

Nut free and lovin' it,

Mary Rand Hess

Book Trailer for THE DAY I MET THE NUTS... Coming Fall 2009

2009-08-07T14:19:00.008-04:00

I hope you enjoyed THE DAY I MET THE NUTS trailer. I'm very excited about this book and the audience it will reach, as well as the charity it will help. Be on the look out for an official release date soon!

Happy writing and reading,

Mary

Blown Away By First Grade Poets

2009-04-16T14:09:00.003-04:00

Today I conducted a poetry workshop with first graders. Let me just say, I was blown away by their poems. For many of them, it was a first attempt at writing rhyming poetry (however, they have clearly touched on poetry and its other forms before with their fabulous teachers).

My favorite line came from a student who stood up and read his poem before both classes. The last line of his poem was, "Spring is King." It gave me chills.

As these students filed out for recess and gym class, they asked if they were coming back for more poetry. I'm not kidding...they wanted more. Watch out folks, future poets on the rise.

~Mary

April Rocks Because of National Poetry Month

2009-04-01T13:36:00.011-04:00

I love April. Spring is in bloom (though it is still a bit chilly), the birds are happy, the children are rediscovering their favorite outdoor hiding spots, and people everywhere are writing poetry. Poets have their month in the sun to shine, to reach out and say, "YES POETRY MATTERS!" And it does, and it should be encouraged and cherished every month of the year. Once upon a time, poets were the celebrities of their towns, their countries, enriching the lives of kings and commoners alike, as they nestled in around their hearths at the close of a day. A treat...sweet words in the ear. A mystery...tugging at the heart.

O Captain! My Captain!

~Walt Whitman

"O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done;

The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we

sought is won;

The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting.

While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:

But O heart! heart! heart!!

O the bleeding drops of red

Where on the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! My Captain! Rise up and hear the

bells;

Rise up-for you the flag is flung-for you the

bugle trills..."

All Good Things...

2009-02-10T11:46:00.010-05:00

So I haven't been around in a few weeks....but that is because I'm busy stirring up a pot of all good things. Some exciting developments, which I plan to share around the corner. Until then, I wanted to post a few favorite writing quotes that are good for the soul.

"Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass."
~Anton Chekhov

"Love the writing, love the writing, love the writing... the rest will follow."
~Jane Yolen

"To me the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it's about, but the music the words make." ~Truman Capote

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." ~Albert Einstein

"Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it." ~C.S. Lewis

"We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out." ~Ray Bradbury

"Writing is an act of faith, not a trick of grammar." ~E.B. White

And this last quote may seem daunting, but it inspires me to know we all must fail from time to time, and begin and again.

"Some editors are failed writers, but so are most writers." ~T.S. Eliot

Signing off,

Mary

Black Turtlenecks

2009-01-15T19:10:00.009-05:00

I have to admit, I've had my share of black turtlenecks...still do. I even have black capes and black hats; the mysterious-looking uniform of a writer. But what does it really take to be a writer. And why do some writers persevere and others give up. Watch this interview with Kate D'Camillo to find out.

http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/dicamillo

I found Kate DiCamillo to be humble, down-to-earth, and purely honest. I love when, after she decided she was going to become a writer, she "bought a lot of black turtlenecks and started looking sophisticated and world-weary." She said she spent the next ten years that way, until she realized she wasn't going to be a writer unless she started writing something.

Thank you, Kate DiCamillo for your honesty, and mostly for your bravery to keep writing even when the rejections were overwhelming. Your literature has made quite the difference!

~Mary

My Connection to E.B. White

2008-12-08T17:03:00.015-05:00

My second grade teacher once said she had nightmares about me. To think I could give a teacher nightmares at the young age of 8 shocked me quite a bit. She said something about my never ending, incessant daydreaming. Then one day, we were to present our book reports on a favorite story. I chose E.B White's Charlotte's Web and decided to adapt the story into a puppet show, with homemade puppets to boot. After my performance, and to the teacher's surprise, the class asked for an encore. That was the first inkling I would become a storyteller/writer someday.

Fast forward quite a few years later...I had just graduated from college and befriended (briefly dated) E.B. White's great (or great, great) nephew. One day, he presented me with an old book of E.B. White's letters. I knew it was a special book and held on to it for the past 12 years for two reason....inspiration, and on the off chance I should run into my friend again. Well, it just so happens we ran into each other...on Face Book. It was an interesting day, to say the least. I had just received interest in one of MY books from an amazing agent in NY (fingers crossed, faith in check), then just moments later received an inquiry from my old friend asking if I still had that E.B. White book. The timing was inspiring. And I knew it was only right for me to let go of this precious book, and give it back to my friend. I am gently sending the book along its way this week. It will be sad to let the book go, as I have a special connection with E.B. White. I can't say exactly what it is...maybe it's that he gave me courage to create stories, even when I was a teacher's worst nightmare. And I kind of hope there's a spiritual writer's torch that is being handed down to me...saying, "go forward...do your best...give them your all." I'll tell myself that and keep writing my best. Thank you, E.B.

~Mary

What Jane Yolen Said....

2008-10-28T13:59:00.008-04:00

The Mid-Atlantic SCBWI Conference was this past weekend. And it was, as usual, a success! The conference promised, and delivered, a terrific line-up to a packed house. We had the great pleasure of listening and learning from Sarah Davies of Green house Literary; Valerie Tripp of the American Girl Series; Lonnie Plecha of Cricket Magazine; Elizabeth Carpentiere of FACES Magazine; Amanda Forr of Girl's Life; Julie Vosburgh Agnone of National Georgraphic Kids; Alvina Ling of Little, Brown; Jill Santopolo of Balzer and Bray; Allison Wortche of Knopf; Marilyn Mark of Marshall Cavendish; and our Keynote Speaker, Jane Yolen.

But before I get to Jane, let me first share with you some tips from Valerie Tripp. I really enjoyed her enthusiasm and absolute passion for what she writes. Here are a few quotes from her speech...

"Be patient....scribble. Writing is like housework, except after its finished it stays clean."

"Choose a genre that gives you purpose."

"Nurse those grudges. Forgive but don't forget." And she gave a personal example, which proved to be a great scene in one of her books.

What about Jane, you ask? Well, she had a list of 21 Writing Rules. I'll post my favorite ones here.

3. Don't let characters float on the page. Give them action....description of characters with great dialogue. "Context is everything."

4. Have fun writing. Butt in chair and heart on the page!

5. Wrinkles are far more interesting in your picture.

7. No one outside of a fairytale should have a happy ending. A meaningful ending must have a lifetime of discussion.

8. Finding the right words is the difference between a lightening bug and the lightening (this she quoted from someone...but I can't remember which writer).

11. The narrator shall be known right away in the opening line. Plan your first line well.

16. Too many writers ignore landscape. No one teaches us to see, except in art classes. Most of us miss the little things. Place (landscape) can be a metaphor or even a character.
The territory helps to shape the character. Your details must be precise, not as a visitor, but as a resident. Be an observer of nature as well as character. GO OUTSIDE. SIT IN A SHADOW. BECOME PART OF A TREE.

19. There may actually be projects you'll never complete. That's okay. Move on.

21. Just write. A writer writes and that's what matters.

Thank you, Jane, Valerie, and the others...

~Mary

Teaching Writers' Workshops

2008-10-18T20:52:00.013-04:00

I'm teaching writers' workshops to elementary school students this year. I've started by working with fifth graders. Memories of fifth grade are especially sentimental to me, as it was my own fifth grade teacher who told me (and my parents) that I would someday become a writer. I don't know if I quite believed her back then, as I thought I would become a rock star. But somehow she knew the inevitable. A writer can't help but write.

My own workshop attendees are teaching me something interesting about life. When we have a passion and share that passion with others, we come full circle. I'm loving the kids' enthusiasm and zest for learning about the world of writing. Yes, these kids seem to be having fun and are inspiring me, too. When I received a pile of homemade thank you cards from one of the classes, it was better than receiving a bag of gold. Some thanked me for "opening up a new world," others said they started writing stories for fun, etc. I will hold on to those letters and treasure their thanks, and hope that I might see some of these budding writers in print someday.

I never tire of learning, either. I'm currently taking a terrific writing workshop with Anastasia Suen (http://www.asuen.com/). I believe a writer should never stop being a student. The craft of writing is lifelong and the art of writing is inspired by a life lived well.

"Live a good life
And in the end,
it's not the years in a life,
it's the life in the years."

~Abraham Lincoln

Cheers to writers' workshops everywhere.

~M~

Leesburg Idol for Writers

2008-10-03T23:16:00.009-04:00

Friday evening, I drove twenty minutes to Old Town Leesburg, one of my favorite spots to shop, visit galleries, and eat. But this night was not for food, casual conversation, or gallery hopping. This was a rare occasion; it was Leesburg Idol for writers. As I parked my car and made the walk to my destination, I didn't know what to expect. Idol for writers...this should be interesting, I thought. I took part in this great adventure and entered the beginning of my novel, Kingdom's Gateway. The requirements were a cover page with the title, genre, and logline; a query letter; and the first three pages of a novel. A logline, should you be curious, is a one to two sentence summary of your story. It should be catchy, with personality, and show-off your unique voice. Not everyone stuck to the one to two sentence logline rule, as it is often hard to write what your story is about in so few words. But as all three agents (Idol judges) pointed out...it is a must to master the skill of the logline.

To start off, we were introduced to our three great agents of the night, Deborah Grosvenor of Kneerim and Williams Agency; and Paige Wheeler and Jeff Kleinman of Folio Literary Management. Hearts raced, faces flushed, voices cracked while each logline was read aloud to the panel of judges for their first impressions. The judges deliberated (in front of us all) as to whether the story would garner an additional reading. They would decide if the submission would go into a yes, maybe, or no pile. If your story was put into the no pile, you knew the agent would not read past your logline. If it was put in the maybe pile, the agents would look further into your query letter, and if your logline made it into the yes pile, you were in the running.

I'm happy to say my story was one of the original six to make the final round, then two more were added from the maybe pile,bringing the total finalists to eight. The beginnings of all eight stories were read to the audience (for 1.5 minutes a piece). Then the round of judging took place. The audience voted for the winners of the first Leesburg Idol. It was enlightening, educational, and a great way to network with other writers and agents. And though I did not ultimately win one of the generous prizes, I came away feeling like a winner. The evening was a success for all!

If you live in the Northern Virginia area, you should check out Northern Virginia Writers and the Writer's Center for a listing of more great upcoming events.

https://www.writer.org/

~M~