YA & MG Blog Tour Invites!

Happy Monday and 1st day of July, everyone!

Some of you may recall I have a freelance editing business (Editing Through the Seasons)...which I've recently expanded to also include some freelance publicity projects. I'm putting together a couple of blog tours for the latter half of this month. If you have a blog and would be interested in participating in either tour, please e-mail me at amberstokes@editingthroughtheseasons.com. Would love to have you on board!

(And even if you don't have a blog, I hope you'll still consider joining in the fun! Giveaways, reviews, interviews, cool activities...it's all happenin'! Check in at Seasons of Humility during the dates noted below for more details.)

"May the K9 Spy" E-books Blog Tour (Middle Grade)

Dates: July 15-26

Looking for: reviews, interviews, or spotlights

Includes: scavenger hunt, giveaways for blog readers and reviewers, free Kindle books promotion during the tour

Learn more: May's latest newsletter

Purchase: Book 1 on Amazon; Book 2 on Amazon

Songstone Blog Tour (Young Adult)

Dates: July 22 - August 2

Looking for: reviews, interviews, or spotlights

Includes: giveaways, summer beach-read theme

Learn more: Lena's website; Songstone on Goodreads

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May the K9 Spy Returns!

In 2011 I had the pleasure of introducing ya'll to May the K9 Spy and her author mom, KC Frantzen. We talked about their first hardcover, illustrated book for middle readers (and all the young at heart!) - May on the Way: How I Become a K9 Spy. (If you missed that interview, you can read it HERE!) Today I'm excited to feature that book's sequel - May Finds a Way: Peril in Paris!

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Amber: Welcome back to the BB, KC! What was the hardest part about writing a sequel? What was the best?

KC: The hardest? Getting started! Once I give myself permission to write, albeit badly, then it’s fine. After recently editing and polishing the previous book, it was hard to start a first draft, which is inherently messy.

OOOH – the best? May sharing more adventures in first dog. Since she has no thumbs, and has difficulty typing, I’m amanuensis. She is quite something! Yes May, you’ll have a turn. Just a moment…

And an impromptu research trip, courtesy of my husband. That was marvelous. =)

It really IS fun to see where things go. Authors such as Stephen King and Jerry Jenkins have written about being surprised as a story develops… The idea being, if the author is surprised, surely readers will be. It has happened several times writing both books. Readers young and old will share their reaction to something unexpected, most often saying, “Oh NO!”

But readers have come to understand that May and I believe in Good. We strive to have satisfying endings. We hope her fans will keep turning pages to discover what happens next!

Amber: About that research trip and the main setting of this sequel... What do you love the most about Paris? 

KC: The history, paws down. Speaking of, I’m reading The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough. Outstanding if you enjoy historical detail.

I’ve been to Paris twice, once to research for this book! I went alone with only a backpack and was on the ground 28 hours total. (Hotel points and frequent flyer miles are a blessing!) Prior to the journey, I used my DK Eyewitness Travel Guide, listing and mapping everything I thought I would need. Then I visited each place and took notes to richly and accurately layer the story. There was one exception – the sewers. Didn’t realize I’d need that info until later. Grace prevailed when I discovered a tour video online. I really did dine at La Solana Café and visit Félix Canis (dog & cat salon and shop). Everyone was so kind, I knew those establishments must be included, by name. =)

I chose Paris for a variety of reasons, chief among them the opportunity to broaden horizons of young readers. Hopefully it’s presented well enough for adult readers to relate, if they’ve been. There is little literary license. For example, when writing May’s travel through the city, I referenced a map to ensure accurate setting portrayals. That is the fun of it, weaving the fiction in with the facts! When May and her FURiend Léonce, the feral cat, must escape Le Panthéon, we use a real group, Untergunther, to play a part. And why Le Panthéon? Because Louis Braille is buried there! Did you know he started working on a communication system for the blind (now known as Braille) when he was only 11 years old?

Those are the little things we use to make our books sparkle.

Amber: Sparkle, indeed! Sounds like you've included a lot of interesting facts and research in May Finds a Way - very cool! So, are there any more “May the K9 Spy” stories in the works? 

KC: Taking tips from other successful authors, such as Stephenie Meyer, I included a sneak peek into the next book. So, yep, there is a May 3 in the works as we speak! Okay okay May, you can tell Amber more…

Amber: These next questions are for May - Are you excited to share another story with your reader friends? What do you hope children and adults alike will learn from your latest adventure?

May: Yes! I’m wiggling my entire self I’m soooo excited to be here with you, Miss Amber, and your FURiends! Thlpbt!

My favorite part of life is getting to meet my fans, in dog. They tell me sometimes how much my stories help, knowing how I was abused and all, and how I survived to become a K9 Spy. When I’m incognito, I can be out sharing my stories. It’s a great life.

Hope –– that’s the word. Good job, Miss Amber. My second story is all about hope finding a way, even in the darkest of times. Like oh, hypothetically speaking, being lost, deep in a Paris sewer surrounded by rats or maybe… Suffering betrayal from someone close to you… Or say… Being trapped in an old crypt in the Cimetière Passy. But coming to know the Creator always, always has a plan, even if it’s not apparent when you’re stuck alone in the dark!

I also think young humans can do a whole lot more than grown humans think they can, just like a little runt, I mean Mini-Schnauzer, can… I like to challenge their thinking in a good way, with adventures and morals, showing consequences for decisions. Maybe they can learn how to make good decisions the easy way on some things, to help make their life better.

Oui, I mean yes, I just love what I do!

Amber: That's great, May! Now, what do you love the most about Paris?

May: The smells, definitely. So many stories!!

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May's Giveaway!

Here’s the link to hear Mom read Chapter 1 of May Finds a Way. I would have read it but you might not speak critter.

Is it okay, Mom, to do what I asked about? Grrreat!

FURiends, since you’re probably unfamiliar with my story, I’d like to give away a copy of my first book, so you can know there is hope too! It tells how I become a K9 spy. I hope you enjoy it!!! BOL! (Barking Out Loud) 

Let’s go!

Amber again: If you have a U.S. mailing address and would like a chance to read (or share with a younger person in your life) May's first book, leave a comment with your e-mail address! I'll announce the winner next Monday!

Thank you, KC and May, for visiting! And, readers, you can learn more about this dynamic duo on their website: www.maythek9spy.com!

(Note: All photos and artwork (c) 2012 KC Frantzen.)

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Meet a K9 Spy and Her Author Mom!

May the K9 Spy is the star of a new book series by author KC Frantzen! Here's a little more about KC and May:

"KC Frantzen learned to speak critter at a young age, which helped her tell May's story. The family lives in the Tennessee hills - two humans, two horses, and several rescued dogs, including May."

Amber: Thank you so much for joining us today, KC! To start, could you share with us a little about the star of your book, May, and what readers might be surprised to learn about her?

KC: Amber, thank you for asking us.

Sure. Our May is something else. We rescued her, in about the same way as the book. Many of the adventures are true, with some literary license tossed in just for fun. Up to the reader to tell which is what, BOL FTITK. (That's Barking Out Loud, for those in the know.)

When meeting May in person, most people are shocked to learn she is 11 yrs old. She is still so playful, she acts like a puppy. It's pawmazing. We stopped by our local library last Friday in preparation for our summer reading program presentation and PAWograph session this week and she was an instant hit. She takes it upon herself to make sure no one is left out and EVERYONE has the opportunity to play.

She never met a stranger and not assume you will love her, which still amazes us considering her start in life. Plus, most smaller dogs are careful around kids but not our May. She adores kids of all ages. I admire her and it seemed that God gave me this story and wouldn't let me alone until I told it.

Amber: May sounds like quite the special dog!

What sort of audience do you think would most enjoy May on the Way: How I Become a K9 Spy, and what do you hope readers will gain from May’s story?

KC: We say animal lovers 8 and up. It's in 13 point font so it's large enough for younger and older readers, like*ahem* myself. The story seems to appeal to a variety of ages. One reader who is 6 and home-schooled totally got into the story and flopped on her belly, just like May does in one scene. That makes an author's heart do a happy flutter, let me tell you!

We've heard from some teens who enjoyed it, on up to people in my age group (50's – can it be?!) and even into 70's and 80's. I'm not sure what to make of this yet but it's been fun so far to hear the responses. In fact, one of May's Facebook fans (a lovely Border Collie named Zoey) sent an original paw-painting for May's birthday. It's just too much fun.

Some have related to the animals in the story, their methods of communication and seem to have developed or enhanced their empathy for them. Others have talked about the overall theme of hope and how things can look bleak but turn out alright. Several have mentioned the Biblical principles I tried to infuse in a palatable way. (I'm a Christian and write from that worldview, but it is not a "Christian" book.)

Amber: That's great! It's neat when a book can appeal to all age groups.

These next two questions are for May: You must be one adventurous pup! Can you give us a glimpse into the life of a K9 spy?

May: Hi Miss Amber. /waving paw/ Hello readers! I'm wiggling my entire self!!! So happy to meet you.

Would you like to play toss and fetch? Hide and go seek? Yes?! I have a variety of toys nearby, what's your pleasure? Lobbie (the lobster) is my FAVORITE!

I can give you just a little, because most of it is secret. Perhaps when I retire, whenever that might be… I could tell you more. But I can say it is an honor to serve our country, as I defend freedom and the American way. I wondered what I, just a small dog could do, but the Creator loves to give us the desires of our hearts doesn't He? My pesty qualities (as my grouchy big sister April says) have served me well.

Amber: It's a pleasure to meet you, May! Your sacrificial and loving heart is a great example to dogs and humans alike. =)

So, would you say you’re a type of detective? If so, do you have any advice for us humans about discovering doggie clues and solving the mysteries of doggie behaviors?

May: Well, I guess you could, but I'm really in the K9 Service. Our job is to track anarchists who seek to do us harm and stop them by whatever means necessary. Uhmmm. That's all I can really tell you about it. But thank you for asking. (Piffle. I may have said too much already.)

There's no mystery on our behavior, really. My advice is to pay attention, we communicate all the time! And… unless we've been trained otherwise, we inherently are loyal to humans and kind. Of course, some of us K9s are evil, just like you humans. But that doesn't happen very often, at least in my experience, though I'm still new.

Would you readers like a sneak peek? This is about ½ way through my story. I'm out in the woods (when I shouldn't be) and…

MMMM, I smell rainwater. I’m parched. The bird stationed on the hollow log turns to watch me as I approach. “Pardon. I don’t want to frighten you, but I’m thirsty.”

Odd. It’s sure clumsy.

It tilts its wings and hovers before plunking down on the shed. “Thanks for sharing.”

I plunge my tongue into the cool water. Lap, lap, lap, lap. It has a pleasant algae whang, so different from city water in a grimy bowl. There’s another taste though, not damp wood… more like…

Is this log made of concrete? Need to check this out. Sniff, sniff, snuffle.

As I trot to the side nearest the shed, the bird makes an awkward landing on my back. “Hi again. Want to help? Hey! Stop buzzing me. We can play later.”

It makes another pass by and slams into my ear. “Stop it! What’s wrong with you?” Sniff, sniff. “You don’t smell alive.”

We square off. As it veers nearby, I duck and take a swat at it. “I’m sorry, but don’t play so rough.” But it doesn’t quit. After several passes, I make contact. Definitely not a bird. And I think I broke it!

The contraption nosedives into the side of the shed – CLUNK. It makes a whirring motor-type sound but can’t seem to take off. As I advance, it starts smoking, then lies silent.

Is it a security guard, like April? For what? Better check out this shed.

Amber: Well, that should intrigue readers, for sure! Thanks, May!

Back to KC: Will we be reading more stories about May the K9 Spy in the future?

KC: Book 2 is in the works now! You can read an excerpt at the end of May on the Way. In fact, would you like a quick story about that?

The idea for the book sprang from a comment by Sandra Byrd, one of my mentors in the Christian Writers Guild. After writing the same scene from three different viewpoints, Sandra said how much she liked the character. It never made it into the first book, so that's how I knew we'd have a series! May is such a strong character, perhaps we will have many adventures. That's up to her readers!

Amber: Very cool! Thank you again for sharing more about May and her adventures with us today!

Readers, you can learn more about KC and May, as well as purchase a copy of their book, at their super cool website!

And you can also learn more about the book by visiting my personal blog, Seasons of Humility, today as we begin "Mystery Week!"

Also, be sure to stop by the BB on Friday for a chance to win a copy of May on the Way: How I Become a K9 Spy!

(Note: All photos and artwork (c) 2011 KC Frantzen.)

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