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Grace Reddick, Author
This blog is to promote my current book as well as future books. I've listed book reviews, interviews and publications etc. I have also included music for your enjoyment. Sharing my faith, and general information concerning the protection of children, help with grieving as well as words of comfort, and inspiration. I hope you will find something of interest as well as uplifting.
I welcome your comments or questions you might have.
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The Friendly Book Nook
Posted at 11:22 AM, Nov. 12, 2009
My review: I enjoyed this book, but I took it in to school and read it to my 7 and 8 year old students. They LOVED it! Most children are animal lovers and they fell in love with Tina the baby chimpanzee.
Click here to read the complete review.
http://thefriendlybooknook.com/2008/06/05/ashleys-unforgettable-summer-by-grace-reddick/
Comments are posted here for your viewing. You may also leave a comment if you desire.
Boomer Babe Grace Reddick Visits Boomer Chick!
Posted at 11:11 AM, Nov. 12, 2009
I have a special guest today! Boomer babe Grace Reddick, author of the delightful children’s book, ASHLEY’S UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER, joins us at Boomer Chick in her final days of her virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion! I asked Grace to stop by and tell my fellow boomers what it was like being an author from a boomer’s standpoint.
I submitted an essay for children once, just for the fun of it. However, after recieving great reviews, I decided I could write a complete story for children. And I did just that, then I wrote another.
Oh my goodness, if you could only see how terrible it was, I'm sure that you would die laughing.
I was so naive. I pressed forward on my excitement. And yes, as you might know, I did receive many rejections, although I couldn't understand why. I did not have an editor, who needs them, did not have an agent, what was that? I had a good story, wasn't that good enough?
Unfortunately for the writing world, I put all of my writing aside. I honestly don't know why. I do know that timing is very important in your life, and perhaps this was not my time.
Click here to read the complete interview.
http://overthehillchick.blogspot.com/2008/06/boomer-babe-grace-reddick-visits-boomer.html
Local Children's Book Author Wows Sand Hill Students
Posted at 11:05 AM, Nov. 12, 2009
Grace Reddick, author of "Ashley's Unforgettable Summer," spoke to the children at Sand Hill Elementary as part of Young Authors Week.
The Savannah native and Ellabell resident has been speaking to students all over the Coastal Empire.
The author used an assortment of props during the event, including a variety of toy chimps, each of which represented different scenes in the book. she also showed illustrations from the book and explained what an illustrator is. And while talking about a scene in the book where Tina, the chimpanzee has a mishap with colored bubbles, Mrs Reddick brought out a bubble gun and sprayed bubbles into the crowd, much to the excitement of the children.
After the story, Mrs. Reddick answered questions from the students and from Ms. Reiser, President at Sand Hill.
Genevieve Rogers Reporter:
The Spirit Newspaper
Pooler, GA
The California Chronicle
Posted at 2:44 PM, Nov. 10, 2009
Ashley's Unforgettable Summer Makes for Great Summertime Read.
Grace has written poetry for the local paper, as well as articles and poetry upon request. She had always admired writers, and hoped that one day she would be able to achieve that same prestige . After a short period she put her writings aside for several years. She wasn't quite sure why, maybe the timing wasn't right. Last year Grace realized that she should pursue the talent that God had given her. She once again began to create a story, populate it with characters, and act out the ideas that were buzzing around in her head.
Click here to read the aritcle.
http://www.californiachronicle.com/articles/view/65085
Online Interview With Author Grace Reddick
Posted at 2:01 PM, Oct. 19, 2009
What is required for a character to be believable? How do you create yours?
My characters are created from my imagination, and I use the names of my grandchildren for them. To make a character believable I visualize myself as being there with them as the story unfolds. I will also sit back, close my eyes, and talk as though I'm speaking with my grandchildren in order to get the feel of what they might say in these situations.
Of course, as I'm writing on personal experiences, I can be there.
Is writing a form of personal therapy? Are internal conflicts a creative force?
Yes, definitely, it was and still is for me. I don't believe I would be where I am today, as a writer, had it not been for journaling.
I'm not sure how I would answer the question concerning internal conflicts. I feel quite sure this could be a very real issue.
What do you think are the basic ingredients of a story?
The story should grab the reader right away, and continue to hold their interest. The story also needs to draw them inside, giving them the opportunity to feel as though they're living it themselves. It should come from the heart. If I cannot feel it myself, I will not write it.
Beyond The Books Interview
Posted at 1:27 PM, Oct. 19, 2009
Interview with Children’s Book Author Grace Reddick Posted by: pumpupyourbook | June 3, 2008
What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?
Experience, knowledge and confidence. I continue to learn and achieve each day.
If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?
There is no other profession that could possibly give me the fulfillment and gratification that writing has.
Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?
I don’t believe anything could compare, at least for me.
How do you see yourself in ten years?
I strive for a life of total success, financial, discipline and balance. I strive also to become an author of diversity.
Clike here to read the complete interview
http://beyondthebooks.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/interview-with-childrens-book-author-grace-reddick/
For Writers
Posted at 12:25 PM, Oct. 9, 2009
Here are a few places you might want to explore for writing tips. You will also find information on publishing. To your success.
http://www.forwriters.com/
http://www.writerswrite.com/
http://www.coffeehouseforwriters.com/
http://www.writersdigest.com/GeneralMenu/
http://www.internet-resources.com/writers/
http://www.thechristianpen.com
http://www.inspirationforwriters.com/ ..... Welcome to Inspiration for Writers, your writing resource. We offer writing tips and techniques, editing and critiquing services and plenty of encouragement for the beginning and established writer. Our goal is to help you become the best author you can be, so we designed our editing services to help you achieve your dreams.
Funds For Writers: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/ This may be worth checking into.
To Your Success.
Ellabell Writer Finding A Niche
Posted at 12:08 PM, Oct. 9, 2009
Reddick's first book meeting with success, praise
Ellabell-based writer Grace Reddick released her first children’s book last month which is already enjoying some mild success.
Reddick is currently promoting her book throughout the area which has included numerous local television appearances and book signings. In years past, Reddick received some notoriety for having her poems printed in numerous publications. This even included a weekly poetry entry for the Bryan County News.
Reddick said her reputation as a local poet led to numerous other forms of work by way of others in the community asking her to pen dedications and memorials for various functions.
Reddick said she’s always had a passion for writing and is very excited about having an actual book in print. "Writing is a form of relaxation to me and it’s my favorite pastime. I love creating things in my head," she said.
She was initially encouraged to go into the field of children’s writing when she entered an essay contest for a children’s story several years back. Reddick said she entered just for fun, but was highly encouraged when she won the contest and was subsequently offered a spot to work under the dean at the Institute of Children’s Literature in Connecticut. It was too much, too fast for Reddick who said she was honored but declined.
She subsequently wrote two stories, aimed for a young audience, and sent one to a publisher in New York. Reddick said she got a response back that was similar to the essay judges. The publisher even sent her a contract to be a regular writer for them.
Click here to read the complete article.
Paperback Writer
Posted at 5:43 PM, Oct. 5, 2009
Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer – author interview – Grace Reddick
Paperback Writer is pleased to welcome author Grace Reddick, author of Ashely’s Unforgettable Summer.
Hi Grace,
Welcome to Paperback Writer
Will you share with us how you came up with the idea for this book?
I have always been fascinated by monkeys. especially after I was surprised with one of my own. I submitted an essay, just for the fun of it, to be written in a way to appeal to children. The reply was overwhelming. I realized that creating a story was not that difficult. So that’s exactly what I did, create, that was the easy part.
Do you plan your stories first with an outline or does it come to you as write it?
It just comes to me
Do you know the end of the story at the beginning?
Click here to read the complete interview.
http://rebecca2007.wordpress.com/2008/06/04/ashleys-unforgettable-summer-author-interview-grace-reddick/
Divine Caroline
Posted at 5:14 PM, Oct. 5, 2009
Interview with Children's Book Author Grace Reddick
With the release of her first book, Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer, Grace Reddick has joined the rank of published authors. She has collected friends and memories along the way and she says that enduring friendships play an important role in her life.
We interviewed Grace to find out what her book is all about, why she chose to write children’s books, and what words of wisdom she has for aspiring authors.
Q. Thank you for this interview, Grace. Can you tell us what your children’s book is all about?
A. It’s my pleasure. The story is about a young girl, Ashley, who is my granddaughter, who has a baby chimpanzee. Tina, the chimpanzee, is mischievous and hilarious as she creates total chaos. Rylee, Ashley’s best friend, and also my granddaughter, tries to help, but Tina always seems to be three steps ahead of them.
Q. Why did you choose to write children’s books?
A. I submitted an essay to the Institute of Children’s Literature, and it was very well received. I thought writing a complete story should be pretty easy. As it turned out, it was.
Q. Why did you choose Xlibris to publish? Had you tried traditional publishers?
A. I chose to go with Xlibris because they contacted me first.
Q. Would you go that route (vanity publishing) again? Why or why not?
A. I might have taken that same route, but I think I would have compared it with others. I was truly caught up in the excitement.
Q. For all the aspiring children book authors out there, what words of advice can you give them so they won’t give up the dream?
A. Tie yourself to like-minded people. Invest in your dream. Educate yourself about the industry. Visualize where you want to be and go there. Opportunities are everywhere. It’s never too late to follow your dream.
First published June 2008
Local Author Visits Marlow Elementary School
Posted at 3:37 PM, Sep. 30, 2009
Local author Grace Reddick visits students at Marlow Elementary school.
Marlow Elem. School
Local Auuthor Visits Sandhill Elementary School
Posted at 3:35 PM, Sep. 30, 2009
Book Review
Posted at 3:20 PM, Sep. 30, 2009
Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer by Grace Reddick is an excellent children’sbook. Ashley, the main character, captures your attention with her unpredictable chimpanzee, Tina. The colorful illustrations blend in well with the story that is being told.
Precocious Ashley and her chimpanzee are faced with one intriguing dilemma after another. These “little” dilemmas become even more amusing as the story reaches its apex.The book is well written, as it shifts from chapter to chapter.
The author is to be commended, and I strongly recommend it for readers of all ages. It is an excellent book for school libraries.
Dr. Edith W. Anderson
Freelance Writer
Bryan County Now, Savannah Morning News
Hinesville Coastal Courier
The Children & Teens Need Us
Posted at 2:50 PM, Sep. 30, 2009
Children are being neglected, abused, tossed out, tortured and murdered. What are we doing to help? My hearts desire is to start a ministry for children. I plan to begin in my own community, and extend as far as the Lord Jesus provides.
Each of us can do something, reach out in some way to comfort, and touch a hurting child. Please do something!
http://www.ncmec.org/
Local Author Visits Ridgeland, South Carolina Library
Posted at 2:42 PM, Sep. 30, 2009
Ellabell Author Visits Hardeeville, South Carolina Library
Posted at 2:40 PM, Sep. 30, 2009
Interview at Hardeeville, S.C. Library
Grace Reddick, Author & Motivator
Posted at 2:21 PM, Sep. 30, 2009
Grace Reddick, Author & Motivator
Majesty Magazine published in Waycross, Ga.
Between The Covers: Book Review
Posted at 1:57 PM, Sep. 30, 2009
Ashley's Unforgettable Summer by Grace Reddick.
Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer
Children’s Fiction
Xlibris
Click here to read the review.
Interview
Posted at 1:37 PM, Sep. 30, 2009
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Boomer Babe Grace Reddick Visits Boomer Chick!
I have a special guest today! Boomer babe Grace Reddick, author of the delightful children’s book, ASHLEY’S UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER, joins us at Boomer Chick in her final days of her virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion! I asked Grace to stop by and tell my fellow boomers what it was like being an author from a boomer’s standpoint. If you’d like to find out more about this talented author, visit her website at www.grace4books.com. Enjoy and take it away, Grace!
It was during my early married years that I began to journal. I had a strong desire as well as a need to release the emotions that were bottled up inside me, waiting to be set free. If you could step inside my heart, you would feel the emotional roller coaster ride that thrust me forward making me the person that I have become.
Every story is unique, but what makes mine so different is that it was happening to me.
My journaling, my lifeline, was all I had to keep me in touch with reality.
Journaling was also most gratifying. I soon realized that the more I wrote, the more I desired to write.
The words seemed to flow from my heart and leap onto the paper before me. What an awesome experience this turned out to be. I began to write poetry, and here again, this was another expression from my heart. My poetry was published in the weekly local paper. Soon people began asking me to write special things for them. This was truly an honor.
As I began to write in my journal each day, I found it to be increasingly intriguing. I believe, looking back on it now, that this was the beginning of my desire to write beyond myself.
A story began to buzz around in my head as I pondered the thought of writing a novel. I was a stay at home mom, so I had plenty of time to write. I wrote fifteen chapters and put it aside, never to be picked up again.
I submitted an essay for children once, just for the fun of it. However, after recieving great reviews, I decided I could write a complete story for children. And I did just that, then I wrote another.
I did not have any experience in writing, no training, no direction and had no clue what I was doing.
I did go to the library and look up publishers, and began sending one of my stories out, just as it was.
Oh my goodness, if you could only see how terrible it was, I'm sure that you would die laughing.
I was so naive. I pressed forward on my excitement. And yes, as you might know, I did receive many rejections, although I couldn't understand why. I did not have an editor, who needs them, did not have an agent, what was that? I had a good story, wasn't that good enough?
Unfortunately for the writing world, I put all of my writing aside. I honestly don't know why. I do know that timing is very important in your life, and perhaps this was not my time.
After completing the children's book that I am currently rewriting, I will be writing on personal experiences. But I will always write children's books. I have a lot to say, and no, I do not think that my time is running out. I'm just getting started.
I resumed my writing about two years ago. Boy did I have a lot to learn. Here I am, a grandmother, a young one I might add. Venturing out to achieve fame and fortune, I began to rewrite one of my original stories. Much to my surprise, I did not know anything about the writing industry. I searched online for anything or anyone that could offer any suggestions. I continued to write while doing this, and needless to say, I had to once again, rewrite. I did this a lot because I had to learn as I went along. I found all of this to be very frustrating. It seemed that I needed people, like an editor, and an illustrator.
I joined writing groups to get info, went to several authors websites. I found out they put lots of good information there.
Finally, I was ready to publish. I chose a paid vanity publisher because I wanted desperately to get my book out there. After all, I have another one on the way. Xlibris was my choice, and yes it was expensive. In my opinion, too expensive. Each additional thing I felt I needed, just seemingly decreased my wallet. Golly, is this what publishing is all about? I should have compared publishers and possibly taken a few different steps toward stardom. But hey, I'll get there non the less.
The Book Rack
Posted at 1:21 PM, Sep. 30, 2009
Book Reviews from Pump Up Your Book Promotion Public Relations
June 30, 2008 by pumpupyourbookpromotion
Ashley’s Unforgettable SummerAuthor: Grace Reddick
Publisher: Xlibris
Rating: 
Reviewed by: Dorothy Thompson
Who wouldn’t love to own a monkey even though she sure could get into a lot of trouble! That’s the premise of Grace Reddick’s new children’s book, Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer.
Ashley goes on a trip with her parents, only it’s not quite the vacation she thought it was going to be. Instead of a tropical desert, it’s the wilds of Africa where Ashley has to stay in a hut instead of a nice, air-conditioned hotel room. But, Ashley rather enjoys her unfamiliar surroundings and makes the best of it.
Her dad takes her to the largest pet shop in the world and lets her pick out an animal to take back home. She chooses a cute chimpanzee and named her Tina.
Arriving back home, Tina turns out to be quite a handful, getting into all sorts of trouble and leaving Ashley scrambling to clean up her mess before her parents found out. All in all, Tina turns out to be Ashley’s best friend and that summer turns out to be Ashley’s most unforgettable summer.
I really enjoyed this book, but I didn’t want to stop finding out about more trouble the little chimp could get into. Perhaps there’s a second book so I can have my Tina fix? ;o)
Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer by Grace Reddick is sure to be a hit with the pre-school crowd and monkey lovers alike!
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