Happy New Year, Everyone!
Tracy Campbell
If you’re anything like me, I’m sure you have a list of things you want to accomplish in 2013. One of my main goals is to tackle one project at a time.
So far, so good! 
Matilda
Ha!
Matilda! You’re back from your vacation already?
Yup! I’m ba-ack!
Lucky me!
I’m taking over. Now move aside.
Okay, Matilda. Welcome back…I guess?
Dorene Meyer, author extraordinaire, invited Tracy to join some blog exchange thingy—The Next Big Thing!
My job, as Tracy’s marvelous marketing maven, is to answer ten questions about Tracy’s book, and then I’ll throw my wand at two other outstanding authors. I was supposed to find five, but hey, I was on vacation.
What is the working title of Tracy’s book?
Easy-peasy. Our Story—You & Me.
Where did the idea come from for Tracy’s book?
For those of you who haven’t been paying attention to Tracy’s blog posts, I’ll fill you in. Many moons ago, Tracy painted twelve illustrations for a baby’s first year calendar, published by Zebra Publishing.
Last January, I planted a brilliant idea into that brain of hers when I said, “Tracy, why don’t you write a book to coincide with those be-ee-a-u-ti-ful illustrations?” She was smart enough to take my advice, and her baby book was born.
What genre does Tracy’s book fall under?
Tracy’s baby’s first year keepsake book falls into two categories—parenting and early-reader.
Which actors would Tracy or you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Personally, I’d choose ME! But since Tracy’s book features teddy bears, Winnie the Pooh is the obvious choice.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of Tracy’s book?
Our Story—You & Me is a diaper bag-sized keepsake book that will appeal to mommies and expectant mommies who want to capture the milestones of their baby’s first year.
Will Tracy’s book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I’m currently hunting for one special agent to represent Tracy’s marvelous book. We need an agent who will be just as excited as I’ll be when I see parents and grandparents lining up to purchase her book, which will make the perfect baby shower gift.
How long did it take Tracy to write the first draft of her manuscript?
Oops! I wasn’t paying attention. I do know it took nine months to complete—the same amount of time it takes to pop out a baby.
What other books would you compare Tracy’s story to within this genre?
There aren’t any other books quite like Tracy’s. Sure, there’s Sam McBratney’s My Baby Book – Guess How Much I Love You. The illustrations in his book are wonderful, but Mr. McBratney’s record-keeping book doesn’t contain poems that can help a child learn to read. Tracy’s book uses a child’s natural curiosity about their first year of life to also help interest them in reading.
Who or what inspired Tracy to write this book?
Like I said, Tracy’s illustrations inspired her—but it was actually my brilliant idea.
What else about Tracy’s book might pique the reader’s interest?
Tracy’s baby book is sprinkled with quaint quotes and brimming with quirky rhymes that mirror her whimsical works of art.
Tracy’s book is unique in that it elevates a record book to an early-reader storybook a mom can read to her child. In the years to follow, they’ll giggle together, poring over candid photos of things like a toothless grin, wobbly first steps, the ultrasound, and other special moments. And we’re hoping there’ll be a bonus envelope in which to preserve a lock of hair, a hospital bracelet, and immunization records.
Ms. Dorene Meyer, thank you very much for lobbing your wand Tracy’s way.
Now people, it’s time to hop on over (in no particular order) to Tina M. Cho’s site. She’s a prolific freelance writer and published author of 25 guided reading books. Not to mention, three activity-type children’s books that are on the way. Actually, one just came out!
Then you need to visit the website of another author, Marcy Kennedy. She’s a freelance editor and writing instructor. Marcy writes fantasy, and she’s been the Grand Prize and First Place winner in two—count ’em, two—contests sponsored by Writer’s Digest.
And puh-leeze, don’t forget to click through to Dorene Meyer’s website to read about Colin’s Choice, a book that won an Award of Merit from the Canadian Christian Writing Awards in Toronto, Ontario, back in 2005.
Matilda, you did a marvelous job. Thank you. Now fly away.
Nope. I’m not finished yet.
Okay, okay. But first, I want to thank everyone for reading my blog.
You just did! Now scram!
Sheesh!
By now you should know the drill. There’s a “Share My Post” heading at the bottom of this post. Press the Email, Digg, StumbleUpon, Reddit, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, or Facebook doohickeys so you can pass along this marvelous post.
If you want to receive our free posts by email, just enter your email address in the box under “Sign Me Up!” or check off the box after you leave marvelous comments!
P.S. Click on the arrow below, and you’ll be swept into Tracy’s Whimsical Shop! That’s where you can purchase her be-ee-a-u-ti-ful greeting cards!
Forever yours,
Matilda!
1
Your baby book sounds adorable, Tracy! I like that idea sprinkling quotes and readings throughout to share when the child is older! Keep us posted on it. And thanks for passing the blog baton on to me!
Tina Cho recently posted..The Next Big Thing Blog Hop and a Give Away!
I’ll be sure to keep you posted, and it was my pleasure passing on the baton. I’ll be popping in very soon to check out your new activity book. Congrats by the way!
Good luck with your book Tracy. It really does sound adorable! Blessings.
Tovah recently posted..The darkness before the dawn. By, Carissa Rogers Henry
I’m sure with your added blessings, I’ll find an agent. Thanks, Tovah.
Congratulations on your effort and I’m sending you prayers for mcuh success… Hope you find and then soon more,
Eliz
ElizOF recently posted..Inspiration: A Taste For Balance…
Writing is a lot of effort, but attaining anything worthwhile requires a ton of effort. Thank you for your prayers, Eliz!
Tracy,
Your book was so much fun to read about. I look forward to the day I can purchase copies for baby shower gifts. Best of luck to you in finding just the right agent. Keep us informed!
Linda, I’m so happy to hear you had fun reading about my book. Now, of course, I’ll have to hold you to your promise to purchase a copy. LOL. That’s the great thing about a book like this as it would appeal to anyone who lives on planet Earth–aunts, uncles, grandparents, parents, etc. Thanks for your support, and hopefully I won’t have to wait too long.
A promise is a promise! It’s an easy one to keep too!
You are too sweet! And don’t change. Thanks so much Linda!
Enjoy week two of 2013.
Welcome back! Welcome baaaack!!!
Happy New Year! Congratulations on your latest accomplishment! Sounds adorable, Tracy! Sending best wishes and prayers your way, dear… 
Inés recently posted..Stop The Bloodbaths by David Crabb
Thanks so much, Inez for your best wishes and prayers. Happy New Year to you as well!
Perhaps your publisher is awaiting your blog talking about your wonderful book. Prayers that they contact you very soon. It would be a wise decision on their part.
Terrol, thanks for being one of my staunch supporters and for the prayers. Matilda thinks it would be a wise decision too!
Your book sounds wonderful! I hope you find a publisher. If you do, I’ll have to feature it on my blog and have you as a guest!
Sherry Ellis recently posted..Chess-playing Dog
Thanks, Sherry for the awesome offer. I’d be thrilled to be a guest on your blog…one day!
I can’t imagine a publisher not snapping that up! I love the idea especially since kids like to look at their baby books and have you tell them stories about themselves. What a great way for them to learn about them and learn to read! Can’t wait to see it!
Laura Bennet recently posted..Finding an Agent
Laura, as you know, finding the right agent is like finding a needle in a haystack. The book has to fit their line, and more importantly they have to fall in love with it. But because this baby keepsake book also has stories that will appeal to a child, I have a fighting chance. Thanks so much for your enthusiasm!
What wonderful art you have, Tracy! And what a funtastic idea for a kid’s book! Thanks for asking Tina to join the blog hop who asked me to join the blog hop and now we’re all connected together. Woohoo!
Hi Nancy. Great to connect with you and I’m so pleased you like my art and book idea.
Thanks, Tina for a great connection.
Best wishes for a great publisher and a 2013 filled with many successes!
Marylin Warner recently posted..SOMEWHERE, SOMETHING IS WAITING…
Thanks so much, Marylin!
All the best for 2013.
Good luck with the book – sounds great.
Long Life Cats and Dogs recently posted..Dog-Tired from Cat Hunt
Thanks for the support, Susan!
Hi there, thanks so much for your comments on my site and for your concern for Jangles. I have just subscribed to ensure that I can keep up with you properly.
Long Life Cats and Dogs recently posted..Dog-Tired from Cat Hunt
I really hope Jangles returns
Thank you Susan, for joining my blog
Thenks for the link to the new site. Looking forward to seeing more of your posts.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thanks, Francine. Looking forward to getting to know you.
I’m redirected! Matilda’s cute.
Great! Thanks
Tracy, best of luck on your book!! I wish you must success
petit4chocolatier recently posted..Rosemary Cupcakes with Marshmallow Creme Icing Topped with Chocolate Covered Sunflower Seeds
Thank you, Judy! Time will tell.
All the best in the new year Tracy.
I’ve been having a look at your blog for a little while now and it’s really lovely
Hope 2013 is everything you want it to be.
X
It makes my heart sing when I hear that you’ve been viewing my blog for a while.
Thank you so much for commenting.
Please drop in anytime.
All the best to you as well.
Good luck finding an agent for your book. It looks like a perfect gift for a baby shower.
Thank you, I think it makes the perfect baby shower gift too.
All kids gonna love it Tracy ,More power to you my friend
jakesprinter recently posted..2013 Logo a Review
Yes, I think kids would love the book too. I remember looking through my baby book when I was older and it would have been nice if there were stories to go with it that my mom! Thanks, Jake.