Summer is (finally) Here! |
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What a spring, huh? The time between March and June was all about trying to stay focused on my writing, keeping myself and my family safe, and not letting myself fall into the vortex of swirling news. My family and I stayed healthy and safe. One out of three isn't bad, right? Writing new stories was a real struggle, so I concentrated on edits for books that are in progress, reviewing art for those books, promoting my new books and watching webinars to improve my craft. I did do some writing: an essay for a parenting magazine, a poem about these strange pandemic times, and I just finished another personal essay about homesickness, which may or may not get published. But self-care took the main stage, and if you were stagnant in your work or didn't make as much progress as you thought you would with your endeavors, that is OKAY. You're not alone. All that aside, I still have some very fun updates to share with you! |
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Four new books published this year! HOW TO MEET A MERMAID came out this June (Sky Pony Press, illustrated by Simona Sanfilippo), and I was able to have an outdoor IN-PERSON (socially-distanced) event for it through Scrawl Books. Woohoo! Fortunately, Virginia is behaving itself during the pandemic, so it was reopening, and that allowed for a live event. I was (overly) excited about a cardboard mermaid cutout I bought for all the little merpeople to pose with, that I also did! (though I had to kneel, but you can't tell. haha!) |
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| | Mermaids are rarely seen, and even more rarely met. But, if you gather some natural craft supplies—shells, coral, driftwood, and sea glass—and make her a gift, you might just befriend one! This is book 5 in the Magical Creatures and Crafts Series. Watch the book trailer below. | | |
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| | If you look closely, you just might discover a mermaid out in the waves at the edge of the shore. And if you do, you'll need to be ready! By being observant, resourceful, and friendly, you can make a beautiful crown from natural beach materials that will show your new mermaid friend you truly care, and then you'll be taken on an incredible adventure through the ocean's depths, past ancient shipwrecks, and across the waves. You just might get to experience what it's like to be a mermaid yourself, too! | | |
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THE PRINCESS AND THE PETRI DISH, illustrated by Petros Bouloubasis, and published by Albert Whitman & Co., came out this past April. Pippa isn't your usual princess. She prefers petri dishes to perfecting her curtsying. And when she realizes that she doesn't like peas, she gets a sweet idea that consumes her and almost the whole kingdom. Some praise for Pippa: "Fliess’s lilting, rhyming abcb verse is a delight to read, and Pippa’s quirky perseverance stands as an endearing example for young budding scientists of all genders. Bouloubasis’ fantastical illustrations are vibrant with movement, color, and detail...A silly, inspiring story of a princess who makes her scientific dreams come true."—Kirkus Reviews | | |
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On March 3, 2020, two books published! |
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| | FLASH AND GLEAM Light in Our World (Lerner Books, illustrated by Khoa Le) follows four children of diverse ethnicity, religions, and cultural backgrounds through the many ways light touches our world. It received a starred review from Booklist: "This has multiple STEAM applications, from poetry and creative writing to introductions to energy and light to how the sun affects human life, and doubles as a great read-aloud or a starry bedtime story ("Gleam / Bright / Say good night")." | | |
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| | HOW TO FIND A UNICORN (Sky Pony Press) follows 4 diverse children, but on quite a different adventure! They are in search of the elusive unicorn. But good news...they find one! They know, however, if they want to spend the day with one they need to make just the right craft to let her know they are her friends. This is also illustrated by Simona Sanfilippo, and is book 4 in the Magical Creatures and Crafts Series. | | |
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My Little Golden Book I'M A BALLERINA!, illustrated by Joey Chou, will have a Spanish edition in October! | | |
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I've Launched a Manuscript Critique Service! |
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I'm excited to announce that I'm now offering a picture book manuscript critique service! If you or someone you know is ready to take your picture book manuscript to the next level, I can offer an expert eye and detailed critique of your work. Sign up or spread the word! Learn more. | | |
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Here is the cover of my October Christmas board book, illustrated by Jay Fleck, which publishes in October from Scholastic/Cartwheel Books, CHRISTMAS CHEER. What a jolly Santa! And it features a mixed race family counting their way up to Christmas morning. This is a companion book to my counting Halloween board book, HAUNTED HALLOWEEN. | | |
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Summer sneak peeks!Here's a scene from CHRISTMAS CHEER (left), and on the right is a black and white illustration of Beatrice Bly, the main character from my upcoming spy picture book series, BEATRICE BLY'S RULES FOR SPIES, publishing with Pixel+Ink/Trustbridge Global Media. |
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What I've Been Working On... |
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Despite all the cancellations, I've been busy. Some of the projects I've been working on: - Finishing up a spy picture book series BEATRICE BLY'S RULES FOR SPIES. The first book is called The Missing Hamster.
- GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE ENGINEERS, a STEM book that will be part of the MARY HAD A LITTLE LAB/THE PRINCESS AND THE PETRI DISH family. Preorder it now!
- HOW TO HELP A CUPID, a Valentine's Day book that will publish next year as part of the Magical Creatures and Crafts "How to..." book series. Preorder it now!
- I'M A FIGURE SKATER! and I'M A GYMNAST!, two Little Golden Books to publish in 2021 and 2022 (details to come).
- Final edits to my book SADIE SPROCKET BUILDS A ROCKET, which pubs in February 2021 with Two Lions/Amazon. Preorder it now!
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I was interviewed by my local paper, The Loudoun Times-Mirror: Read the Q & A I was also voted 2020 Best Author in Ashburn, by Ashburn Magazine! Thank you Ashburn! |
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UPCOMING APPEARANCES I’m usually out and about, but as you can imagine, most everything I've been doing has been virtual. But since it's online, you don't have to be local to check it out! See my calendar for updates and as soon as I'm able to get back out there, I will! It's more important than ever to support your local businesses, so if you do wish to purchase my books, please go to my book page on indiebound and order from your nearest independent bookstore. You can also get notified when my books are out by following my page on Amazon. Just click on the +Follow button on my author page. TEACHERS! SCHOOL LIBRARIANS! School Visit Info: I want to visit your school! I know that everything is in flux, and we will either end up with in-person, hybrid, or 100% distance learning starting in the fall. So, I am offering a Virtual Author Visit Package in addition to my in-person offerings. I've mastered Zoom, but am happy to work with whatever platform your school approves (Google Meet, etc.). If you'd like to book me for the next school year--fall or spring-- please contact me! My programs are for K through 6, and cover topics from writing to editing, the process of how how books come to be and idea generation, to what it's like being an author. I also conduct a number of workshops for smaller groups on editing, story arc, writing fractured fairytales, and more. Please check them out! |
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Would you please take a few minutes to review my books? |
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If you enjoy my books, would you be so kind as to rate / review them on Amazon or Goodreads, or wherever you review books, for me? Every little bit helps, and apparently once a book receives 50 reviews on Amazon, it gets cross-promoted and included in other marketing promotions. You don't have to write anything lengthy, just a quick rating and one line with your thoughts. Some of my books could use some love...thank you so much!! |
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How can I get a signed book, Sue? |
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If you'd like to have a signed copy of any of my books, please let me know. You can buy the book through my local bookseller, Scrawl Books, and I will sign the physical book before it ships to you. Add a note in the order comments or give them a call (703-966-2111) to let them know you'd like me to sign them before they ship. (Free Delivery in Reston, Herndon, Great Falls, Sterling, and Wolf Trap, VA) OR, once you buy the book, let me know, and I'll send you a signed book plate to stick inside. |
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Thanks for reading my newsletter, and, as always, for your ongoing support! I couldn't do this without you. Best wishes, Sue Follow me on Twitter: @suefliess Follow me on Instagram: suefliess Like me on Facebook: facebook.com/Sue.Fliess.Author Pin me on Pinterest: pinterest.com/suefliess Follow me on Amazon You play an important role in my success! If you like my books, here are some easy things you can do that always help: - Spread the word to others.
- Write a positive review on Amazon or Goodreads, or any book review site you’re a member of. A good review goes a long way!
- Ask your bookstore and/or library to carry my books.
- Tell your school I'm available for author visits.
- Talk about/post pix or sightings of my book(s) on social media (don't forget to tag me!).
- Encourage friends to subscribe to this newsletter (see share buttons below).
- Of course, you are always encouraged to buy my books! (Read more about them here.)
THANK YOU! |
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For info on me & my books: | | |
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