Monday Morning Musings

My Mom has been gone for more than ten years but for some reason, I especially missed her on this Mother's Day. She was a gentle soul and a very sweet, sweet lady... me...not so much! Because we had different personalities, I'm sure there were times when she didn't quite know what to do with me. She thought I was too independent and outspoken for a girl, but at the same time, told me to get away from our little hometown and spread my wings. In some ways, I think she lived vicariously through me. Mom was a teacher until she married Dad, when at that time (during the Depression) she had to give up her job, as married women couldn't hold teaching positions. She helped my Dad in his various business ventures, raised five kids, and was a very good artist. A fond memory is when Mom would take me down to the river or out in the meadows where I would run wild, while she painted and sketched. She passed away before I published my first book, but I know she would have been very proud. As a tribute to my wonderful Mom, the crocodile in "Nile, Nile, Crocodile" wears a Green Bay Packer jersey with Bart Starr's number 15. I often teased her that I was her "love child" with Bart Starr, which always made her blush! :) When I became a Mom I wasn't prepared for the intense feelings I had for my boys. I love my husband with all my heart, but the love for my kids is a different animal. I understand, now, when parents say they would cut off their arm for their child. They are the best thing that's happened in my life. Although I was so happy to receive flowers and chocolate from my two teenaged sons, it's the words that mean the most to me. "I love you very much, Mom. Thanks for everything." I can't ask for more... Mom, I know you are up there watching and I just want to say, "I love you very much, Mom. Thanks for everything."

Monday Morning Musings

"Mary just loves to sing!" said my Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ruppenthal. I think what she was nicely telling my parents was that that was ALL I wanted to do! As a kid growing up in a tiny Wisconsin town, I never dreamed that I would sing in Chicago with some of the best talent of the day! What makes me think of this is that I was blessed to share the stage with the great Mavis Staples of The Staple Singers. Mavis, very deservedly, received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Columbia College over the weekend. "I'll Take You There" and "Respect Yourself" are two of my all time favorites! Oh, yes, back in the day, I opened for Garth Brooks and Patty Loveless, but that's another story...

Monday Morning Musings

Good Morning! As I sit at the computer and write this "musing" my two dogs are comfortably snoring away on the couch behind me. Bellies full, bladders and butts empty, they are probably dreaming about the beast they scared away in our backyard at 4a.m. this morning. Yes, indeed, with barks and howls and doggie screaming they banished some evil raccoon or terrorist woodchuck (actually, she's a "woodcharlene", as she has babies under our shed). What they don't know is that this caused near heart attacks for the rest of the sleeping household. Or do they? Hmmmm...scare tactics, sleep deprivation...the animal terrorists may be inside the house, not outside...

Kids Music Award

We are very excited to report that "Nile, Nile, Crocodile" won the Kids Music Award for "Best Reading Song" March 2011. More to follow...

"Pubit" from Barnes & Noble

Has anyone had any experience with the new (I think) Pubit from Barnes & Noble? From what I understand, Pubit is an online web portal where you can upload your eBooks and sell them through the Barnes & Noble eBookstore.
I have purchased eBooks in the past but have no experience with selling my own books this way. It sounds intriguing...

After what seems like a long, long wait, my second book "5 Monkeys & Little Crocodile" came out this past summer. There have been quite a few book signing/performances in the last few weeks and sales are good. :-)

While attending the SCBWI conference in L.A., I learned that even when the economy is tanking, the sale of children's books remains consistent. Thankfully, there are many adults who know the importance of getting books into the hands of kids.

On that note, I would like to mention a wonderful organization called Bernie's Book Bank. They collect new and gently used children's books and distribute them to underprivileged kids. Donations of money and/or books is always appreciated. Also, there is always work to be done at the warehouse shelving and leveling the tens of thousands of books that come in. If you can give an hour or two for the cause please visit www.berniesbookbank.org The warehouse is in Libertyville, Illinois.

"5 Monkeys & Little Crocodile"

"5 Monkeys & Little Crocodile" will be out in May 2010. This is a story/song with an anti-bullying theme. There is additional information about geography, music and animals. Coloring pages and an MP3 will be available to download from my website:
MGFurlong.com. Book Release Party to be announced! I'm so excited! I am booking school and library visits for the Fall to introduce "5 Monkeys & Little Crocodile."

My good friend, Kelly Barwick, and I attended the Writer's Conference in Madison, Wisconsin last weekend. Kelly is an amazing kid (she is like a daughter to me, so I can refer to her as a kid) :-). Kelly won FIRST PLACE in the Y.A. (Young Adult) category for her book, "Ash Reign." I wasn't surprised at all, as she is a phenomenal writer, along with being a talented artist and musician. (Now I do sound like her Mom!!!), but I tell the truth. Kelly Barwick will be an author, musician, artist that you will hear a lot more about. She truly is that remarkable!

The conference, though worthwhile, was very disorganized in the beginning, which was disappointing. Upon arrival for registration, there were no room assignments for sessions, so most of us were running from room to room and floor to floor to find where we should be. I missed the first session and some of the second. The individual "pitch" sessions (which required a fee) were not kept to the 8 minute time allotment and because the schedule was so backed up some lost their time slot.

I have attended several SCBWI conferences and have no complaints whatsoever. The Writer's Institute has been hosting a conference for 21 years, this was my first, and I will probably attend again, as I mentioned that there were many good sessions and contacts that were made, but I really hope it is more organized in the future.

On an entirely different note, I had forgotten what a fabulous city Madison, Wisconsin is! There is music all over the place, bookstores galore, and a virtual "United Nations" of restaurants. I would probably weigh 300 lbs. if I lived there! :-)