Indie Publishing

New Book reviews on Bumbling Bea

July 24, 2017 By dhcbaldwin 1 Comment

Here are some new book reviews for Bumbling Bea.

Book reviews are the life blood of an indie author. No joke. We depend upon reviews to encourage other readers to check out our books. Only today, I sent off a copy of Bumbling Bea to someone. Apparently, she’s a voracious reader. I contacted her through another indie author and she agreed to read Bumbling Bea.

Here are several book reviews of Bumbling Bea. Ever so often, I will add to this page in the hopes one of the reviews will pique your interest in reading my story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ “Cute”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ “A fun book to read aloud together.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ “I highly recommend Bumbling Bea for anyone with ‘tween avid readers.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Realistic and funny”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “When a career arts educator decides to pen a book promoting the arts to children, it’s sure to be a winner! And Bumbling Bea is all that AND MORE! Bravo! Take a bow. Deborah Baldwin!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Fun and intensely close capturing of middle school angst.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”Funny, well-plotted and populated with memorable characters.”The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️” You really capture the spirit of those awkward early teen years. And I love the dinners described in flags of the world terms! Great job!” Amazon reviewer

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This type of book is not my usual genre, but I have to admit it was a painfully good read.” Amazon reviewer

A fifth grade class in Missouri has used Bumbling Bea for a group read twice. The first time they read the original Bumbling Bea, but we had a second printing (where I did some updating and clarifying in the story.) The teacher mentioned to me how much she liked the changes.

I’m working on my second book. If all goes well, it should be out in the summer of 2019. This is quite a statement for me. Usually, I don’t make such a daring statement as give a date of completion.

I’m becoming bolder since my first writing experience of Bumbling Bea. Honestly, having readers write book reviews has given me the courage to begin again on another story.

Who knows? Maybe you’ll be one of the first people to read my second book. Interested?

Contact me at dhcbaldwin.com

Where I am From

May 9, 2017 By dhcbaldwin 5 Comments

I’m a member of a writing group who suggested the subject of the beginnings of my life as a prompt, “Where I am from”

Where I am From

I am from sweet forsythia blooms

Strawberry Nestle Quick and cicadas sirening

From the three story house on Twelfth Street,

Bricked, lacey ivy covered and hedged encircled

From window seats with clanking steam registers

warming frozen feet on February days.

I am from the towering maple tree who teased me to climb it

Who coveted its crimson and yellow leaves collected

in the short Indian summer.

I’m from singing grace at supper and high cheek bones,

From the Britts, Scots, Irish and Welch.

I’m from Me First and My joke is better

From Baby Sister and You’re so dramatic.

From a neighborhood church with clear windows

encouraging me to see the natural beauty of God.

I’m from an old fashioned cow town reluctant to admit it

Salty potato salad and the sourest of lemon pie

sporting bouffant-like meringue swirled high

From the missionary’s daughter raised in Japan

speaking nasty slang learned from the maid.

From the red headed boy coddled by his anxious widowed mother

saving the family farm becoming a doctor simultaneously.

I’m the queen and the orphan girl living under the ping pong table

on the east porch

Who cried fake tears sitting on a street curb

when the funeral processions rode by

I am who traded Lifesaver candies for safe passage

by the alley boys

Who pushed one to the ground demanding apologies

for her best and forever friend.

I’m the girl whose life vision she couldn’t see

until it was upon her.

It all makes sense now.

Though the reasons are mysterious, the outcome is grand.

Wrinkles, scars and stretch marks depict a life

I’m unwilling to lose.

They tattoo me wondrously.

Where I am From….

Have you written any poems about your childhood? I’d love to hear them.

Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

I have written some stories about a few of my childhood memories which you might enjoy. You’ll find them here: https://dramamommaspeaks.com/2017/04/14/five-happy-stories-of-childhood-national-tell-a-story-day/

Also, here is my post about my favorite Robert Frost poem.

Check it out here: https://dramamommaspeaks.com/2017/05/26/my-pocket-poem-for-poem-in-your-pocket-day%ef%bb%bf/

A Resource to Help Your Student Become a Better Reader

April 12, 2017 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

Today’s post is about an amazing resource to help your student become a better reader. You probably haven’t heard of yet, but you will love me once you’ve read about it–Litpick.com.

When I was a kid we didn’t have many of the modern day conveniences. Of course, cell phones, tablets, microwaves or even auto control on our cars were created later. I remember the day our color television arrived. My brother and I watched cartoons for hours.

We didn’t have electric pencil sharpeners–just the grey metal ones that were screwed to the classroom wall. Then mechnical pencils came along which made pencil sharpeners pretty much obsolete. Not for me.

Call me crazy, but I think Ticonderoga pencils are the best made pencils to this day. Yes, I need a pencil sharpener for a Ticonderoga and I prefer the old metal ones.

I’m sorry, I’m not going to change.

We didn’t have the internet either–just the good old library with the card catalog system. If you don’t even know what a card catalog system is, you have no idea how laborious a process it was to do research for a paper much less find a good book to read.

Thankfully, not anymore…..

I remember reading groups and book reports. Oh my. Sometimes the books were unbelievably boring, but I loved the activities I would do after reading the book. One time I recall a friend scolding me because I drew a picture of one of the book’s scenes when I hadn’t even read the book yet. Oops.

From about fifth grade on, book reports were a tiresome activity. Generally, we would have to stand in front of the class and explain our reasons for liking or disliking the book we read. Remember?

I bet there isn’t a person in this country who hasn’t experienced the perils of reporting on a book. Ugh.

I always felt uncomfortable giving my opinion about a particular book. My worries surrounded my self esteem–what if I was wrong about the book and everyone else knew so and disagreed with me? (I imagine this anxiety spawned from my less than stellar comprehension of a plot.)

I had no mentor to guide me in critiqueing a book. Our teachers left it all up to us. We were given a slew of questions from which to write our report, but none of those evaluators stuck with me.

I don’t have much patience for certain genre of books. That’s probably the reason I leapt over the reading of certain books and went straight to the enrichment activities. To this day, I am known (on occasion) to throw a book (paper back) across the room if it’s not keeping my attention.

Specific experiences from one’s schooling stay with us all our lives. One of mine is book reports. If today someone asks me to review her book, I still have a difficult time doing so.

However…

You young whipper snappers are saved from the perils of book reporting.

You have Litpick.com. You lucky ducks!

Litpick.com is an international website for preteens through college to read and review books. Becoming a member is free and that’s only the beginning.

There are several ways you, your child or student will benefit from Litpick.com:

read FREE books of his choice from a large selection
learn to critique and compose a review with an adult mentor
strengthen reading, critical thinking and comprehension skills
publish the review and use a scoring system
receive several perks by continuing to review for Litpick (how cool!)
given the opportunity to be paid for their reviews

**Like the old Ronco t.v. commercials—That’s not all…**

An educator can create a book club for his students through Litpick, too. There is no limit to the number of readers in a book club. Check out the website for more details. http://Litpick.com

What a wonderful tool for your reader.

I discovered Litpick.com because I am an indie author. Since then, I have been featured on the Litpick Facebook page and written several blog posts for the monthly newsletter. I’m always on the hunt seeking reviewers for my award winning middle grade book, Bumbling Bea. Litpick.com and I are a great fit!

Authors have several options for receiving book reviews–free, medium pace or the fast track. This is a terrific service which gives the author choices in how quickly they require a review.

For a low cost, one’s book is displayed on the landing page, in the monthly newsletter, through Facebook and other social media. The review is posted to all major book stores–Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Goodreads. If an author wants more than one review this is possible, too.

I’m about to ask for another review of Bumbling Bea. Since it’s first printing in 2014, I’d made several edits to the story. I’d like an honest review from a student reader. Litpick.com is the best place to receive one.

**I had no idea how valuable Litpick.com was when I first submitted Bumbling Bea three years ago.** Boy, I do now.

Litpick has been recognized by the American Association of Librarians, Moms Choice Award Honoring Excellence and the Best Website for Independent Authors. Not too shabby, do you think?

Whether you are an indie author, a parent, a student or a teacher you owe it to yourself to check out Litpick.com

You won’t be disappointed.

Get to Know Indie Author Deborah Baldwin

April 2, 2017 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

Hello there!

I hope you wanted to find me. Well, here I am.

Get to Know Indie Author Deborah Baldwin is today’s post.

Find my award winning book at: Bumbling Bea book

Are you interested in my post, Get to Know Indie Author Deborah Baldwin?Hello!
Who is this Dramamomma?

I live in Kansas in the vibrant university town of Lawrence. I am a happily married wife of thirty-four years and a mother to our two grown daughters and wonderful step son.

We moved to Kansas last summer to be near our family and our grandchildren. I was born and raised in Kansas, although I have never lived in the state as an adult until now. In some respects, I feel very at home here but that’s the mid-west for you. 😊

I’m an award winning veteran drama teacher and very experienced and successful youth theater and community theater director doing both for over thirty-five years.

I have a Teacherspayteachers store where I offer drama education products for every grade level and many subjects a part of the drama (costume design, radio theater, elements of drama, storytelling, acting, set design, etc. For more information about my TpT products, go to: Dramamommaspeaks Teacherpayteachers Store

Dramamommaspeaks is about teaching drama at all levels, directing, the arts and drawing wisdom from my experiences. Every so often I will blog about other subjects such as parenting, my life, etc.

I am an indie author of Bumbling Bea, an award winning middle grade book concerning an unusual friendship between two girls.

Lastly, I am a featured writer for Litpick.com an international award winning website for student book reviewers, parents and librarians. Check out my articles here the Facebook page for Litpick.com.

One of my firsts– a “fan” of Bumbling Bea–she made TWO book reports on it!

Here’s a post concerning my advice when teaching high school students. Lessons Learned from 38 Years of Teaching High School

Please take your time and peruse the blog and follow me! It would mean a great deal to me to know you read my posts.
This blog, like teaching, performing and directing, makes me feel connected to the world. In these times, don’t we all need that?

Talk with you soon.

Having fun in Colorado, one of my favorite places!

One of my better outfits, I must say…My husband would tell you I cut up all the time. I love to make people laugh and he is my best audience. We have been married 36 years. (Who’d ever put up with me that long, I’ll never know…) How can you beat that?

Tim and I on my 60th birthday.

The newest member of our family!

Our first grandchild loves books, too!

You may enjoy this blog post about my post, “Nine Reasons to Teach Radio Theatre”. Nine Reasons to Teacher Radio Theatre

I’ve adapted Bumbling Bea into a play version. Here is a post about that: Announcing Bumbling Bea the Play

Contact me at Dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or check out my website at DeborahBaldwin.net. You can follow me on Facebook at BumblingBea. Or follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DeborahHBaldwin

I hope you’ll peruse my blog and find something which is helpful to you. That’s my goal. I know what it is like to be a teacher and an indie author. Thanks!

Information on this website may be copied for personal use only. No part of this website may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of the author. Requests to the author and publisher for permission should be addressed to the following email: dhcbaldwin@gmail.com

Author Blog Spot: Another Author Interview of Me

January 20, 2017 By dhcbaldwin 2 Comments

I’m very flattered. A great blog, Author Blog Spot asked to interview me about independent publishing and my book, Bumbling Bea. Here it is:

Hello everyone! Today I am speaking with Debbie Baldwin. Hi Deborah. Thank you for being here.

Can you tell us what made you decide to become a writer?

I have wanted to be a writer since I was a very little girl. I penned my first story about a pig when I was around five years old.

That’s interesting and so young.

My father was a radiologist and he would bring home to me the recycled orange colored papers that divided the x-ray films. I LOVED them and wrote many a story on them. I didn’t take my writing seriously until about five years ago, however.

How long did it take to get published the first time and how did it happen?

I published my book independently. I am a self-starter. I didn’t want to wait around for a publisher who may or may not look at my book. My story is somewhat unique in subject and although it is a good story, I knew it wasn’t mainstream.

Mainstream. That’s the catch, isn’t it? Would you do anything differently the next time?

Next time, I’d like to pay someone to edit for me. Several qualified people edited it for me but I think it would be useful and more beneficial to have someone who’s an editing professional focus upon it.

Yes, and finding the right one is hard. What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

Read, read, read. There are many free resources now that will help you with your writing. Keep your first draft to yourself. If you expect your family to support your aspirations, you need to disengage from that hope. Look for unbiased people to read your manuscript when you are ready. Everyone’s opinion should be heard, but not acted upon. Trust your instinct. It won’t fail you if you are truly honest with yourself.

Lastly, a man whose opinion I wholeheartedly trust told me if I wait until my book is perfect, I’ll never publish it. He reminded me that software is updated all the time, because if a company waits until it is completely perfect, they will never get the product out there. Finish the project. Just that action puts you way ahead of most people who only talk about their dreams, but never even take one step toward them.

That’s good advice. Thank you. What or who influences your writing?

Because of my background in theatre, in particular, acting and directing, I appreciate stories with solid characterization. In my thirty-nine years of directing, I have guided thousands of actors to create characters. I am also a newly retired teacher having taught drama classes to students of all ages for as many years as directing. Consequently, I am a good judge of one’s character.

I like many authors, but in particular, most recently, I have enjoyed Fredrick Backman’s books. He weaves an unusual story with interesting characters. My favorite novel is “To Kill a Mockingbird,” because again, it is an unusual story. Jodi Picoult comes to mind because she writes about modern day issues from an unusual slant.

What are your latest releases?

Bumbling Bea is my debut novel. I am pleased to share that I am doing a second printing of my book, with a new cover and back and a few tweaks to the story which give it a punch!

Tell me, Debbie, how long have you been writing professionally? And do you write full-time or part-time?

I write part-time. I keep up a blog, in particular-Dramamommaspeaks.com. I am about to publish an audio CD of drama class lesson plans. There will be a series of them beginning with a storytelling unit. They will be helpful to any teacher.

Oh, yes! Making lesson plans is hard enough. So, what do you do for fun when you aren’t writing, Debbie?

I love to see a good movie and try to see one each week. I read quite a bit, enjoy the outdoors and traveling with my husband.

And where do you reside?

We moved to Lawrence, Kansas about three months ago to retire near our family and FIRST grandchild. It’s wonderful to be with our daughters, their husband and our wonderfully precious granddaughter.

I know exactly what you mean. Do you have any appearances or book signings scheduled?

My book signings are very sporadic, as are book talks, but I do announce them on the various social sites. I am willing to travel to surrounding states for book talks.

That’s great! Thank you so much for spending time with me. Debbie’s website is: www.DeborahBaldwin.net and her blog is: http://Dramamommaspeaks.com. You can “friend her” on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BumblingBea/ Or follow her on Twitter at BumblingBea@dhcbaldwin

To purchase Bumbling Bea, go to: https://www.amazon.com/Bumbling-Bea-Deborah-Baldwin/dp/1500390356#customerReviews

A Super Review of Bumbling Bea

November 26, 2016 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

STORY LINE BUMBLING BEA:In Bumbling Bea, author Deborah Baldwin creates an enjoyable look into growing up. Beatrice has one more chance to play the lead in the school play before she leaves middle school. After all, playing the lead will ensure she will be in with popular girls. She has planned all year towards this goal, she and her alter ego Bumbling Bea. However, things do not go as planned. A new girl has enrolled from Japan. Michiko talented, opinionated, and pretty, gets the lead roll. Beatrice and alter ego Bea refuse to be denied and devise plans to get rid of Michiko. Let the games begin.

Hilarity, missteps, and bungling follow as Bea and Michiko come to terms. My children’s contemporary novel review follows.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, AND DEVELOPMENT:

To begin with, I must tell you how much I enjoyed this book. Although classified as a children/preteen book, I found as a mature senior I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Filled with laughter, missteps, and trials of the young trying to grow up, I laughed out loud at Bea’s antics. As I read, I found myself remembering my preteen years and the emotions that ran riot. Author Deborah Baldwin captured the pain and confusion of transitioning from a child to preteen and the situations the immature mind can create.

Baldwin’s pacing of the story was inline with the length of the story. The pace did not lag or bog down, but was steady and smooth. Furthermore, I found the plotting skillful as Ms. Baldwin brought all the threads together to create a solid book.

Lastly, in concluding my contemporary children’s novel review, I found the book well written with well-developed main characters and secondary characters which added to the tension and story-line.

BUMBLING BEA RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4

In addition, I gave Bumbling Bea 4 well-deserved stars. Subsequently, I found Bumbling Bea suitable for children and preteens as well as adults. As a senior I enjoyed this funny look back at the preteen years.

To purchase a copy of Bumbling Bea, go to Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Bumbling-Bea-Deborah-Baldwin/product-reviews/1500390356/ref=cm_cr_dp_synop?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=recent#R1O9MYUNK49KNA

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Indie Publishing

Here are some new book reviews for Bumbling Bea.

Here are several book reviews of Bumbling Bea. Ever so often, I will add to this page in the hopes one of the reviews will pique your interest in reading my story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ “Cute”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ “A fun book to read aloud together.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ “I highly recommend Bumbling Bea for anyone with ‘tween avid readers.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Realistic and funny”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “When a career arts educator decides to pen a book promoting the arts to children, it’s sure to be a winner! And Bumbling Bea is all that AND MORE! Bravo! Take a bow. Deborah Baldwin!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Fun and intensely close capturing of middle school angst.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”Funny, well-plotted and populated with memorable characters.”The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️” You really capture the spirit of those awkward early teen years. And I love the dinners described in flags of the world terms! Great job!” Amazon reviewer

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This type of book is not my usual genre, but I have to admit it was a painfully good read.” Amazon reviewer

A fifth grade class in Missouri has used Bumbling Bea for a group read twice. The first time they read the original Bumbling Bea, but we had a second printing (where I did some updating and clarifying in the story.) The teacher mentioned to me how much she liked the changes.

I’m working on my second book. If all goes well, it should be out in the summer of 2019. This is quite a statement for me. Usually, I don’t make such a daring statement as give a date of completion.

I’m becoming bolder since my first writing experience of Bumbling Bea. Honestly, having readers write book reviews has given me the courage to begin again on another story.

Who knows? Maybe you’ll be one of the first people to read my second book. Interested?

Contact me at dhcbaldwin.com

Share this:

Like this:

I’m a member of a writing group who suggested the subject of the beginnings of my life as a prompt, “Where I am from”

Where I am From

I am from sweet forsythia blooms

Strawberry Nestle Quick and cicadas sirening

From the three story house on Twelfth Street,

Bricked, lacey ivy covered and hedged encircled

From window seats with clanking steam registers

warming frozen feet on February days.

I am from the towering maple tree who teased me to climb it

Who coveted its crimson and yellow leaves collected

in the short Indian summer.

I’m from singing grace at supper and high cheek bones,

From the Britts, Scots, Irish and Welch.

I’m from Me First and My joke is better

From Baby Sister and You’re so dramatic.

From a neighborhood church with clear windows

encouraging me to see the natural beauty of God.

I’m from an old fashioned cow town reluctant to admit it

Salty potato salad and the sourest of lemon pie

sporting bouffant-like meringue swirled high

From the missionary’s daughter raised in Japan

speaking nasty slang learned from the maid.

From the red headed boy coddled by his anxious widowed mother

saving the family farm becoming a doctor simultaneously.

I’m the queen and the orphan girl living under the ping pong table

on the east porch

Who cried fake tears sitting on a street curb

when the funeral processions rode by

I am who traded Lifesaver candies for safe passage

by the alley boys

Who pushed one to the ground demanding apologies

for her best and forever friend.

I’m the girl whose life vision she couldn’t see

until it was upon her.

It all makes sense now.

Though the reasons are mysterious, the outcome is grand.

Wrinkles, scars and stretch marks depict a life

I’m unwilling to lose.

They tattoo me wondrously.

Where I am From….

Share this:

Like this:

Today’s post is about an amazing resource to help your student become a better reader. You probably haven’t heard of yet, but you will love me once you’ve read about it–Litpick.com.

When I was a kid we didn’t have many of the modern day conveniences. Of course, cell phones, tablets, microwaves or even auto control on our cars were created later. I remember the day our color television arrived. My brother and I watched cartoons for hours.

We didn’t have electric pencil sharpeners–just the grey metal ones that were screwed to the classroom wall. Then mechnical pencils came along which made pencil sharpeners pretty much obsolete. Not for me.

Call me crazy, but I think Ticonderoga pencils are the best made pencils to this day. Yes, I need a pencil sharpener for a Ticonderoga and I prefer the old metal ones.

I’m sorry, I’m not going to change.

We didn’t have the internet either–just the good old library with the card catalog system. If you don’t even know what a card catalog system is, you have no idea how laborious a process it was to do research for a paper much less find a good book to read.

Thankfully, not anymore…..

I remember reading groups and book reports. Oh my. Sometimes the books were unbelievably boring, but I loved the activities I would do after reading the book. One time I recall a friend scolding me because I drew a picture of one of the book’s scenes when I hadn’t even read the book yet. Oops.

From about fifth grade on, book reports were a tiresome activity. Generally, we would have to stand in front of the class and explain our reasons for liking or disliking the book we read. Remember?

I bet there isn’t a person in this country who hasn’t experienced the perils of reporting on a book. Ugh.

I always felt uncomfortable giving my opinion about a particular book. My worries surrounded my self esteem–what if I was wrong about the book and everyone else knew so and disagreed with me? (I imagine this anxiety spawned from my less than stellar comprehension of a plot.)

I had no mentor to guide me in critiqueing a book. Our teachers left it all up to us. We were given a slew of questions from which to write our report, but none of those evaluators stuck with me.

I don’t have much patience for certain genre of books. That’s probably the reason I leapt over the reading of certain books and went straight to the enrichment activities. To this day, I am known (on occasion) to throw a book (paper back) across the room if it’s not keeping my attention.

Specific experiences from one’s schooling stay with us all our lives. One of mine is book reports. If today someone asks me to review her book, I still have a difficult time doing so.

However…

You young whipper snappers are saved from the perils of book reporting.

You have Litpick.com. You lucky ducks!

Litpick.com is an international website for preteens through college to read and review books. Becoming a member is free and that’s only the beginning.

There are several ways you, your child or student will benefit from Litpick.com:

**Like the old Ronco t.v. commercials—That’s not all…**

**I had no idea how valuable Litpick.com was when I first submitted Bumbling Bea three years ago.** Boy, I do now.

Are you interested in my post, Get to Know Indie Author Deborah Baldwin?Hello!
Who is this Dramamomma?

Please take your time and peruse the blog and follow me! It would mean a great deal to me to know you read my posts.
This blog, like teaching, performing and directing, makes me feel connected to the world. In these times, don’t we all need that?

Talk with you soon.

Having fun in Colorado, one of my favorite places!