For the past year or so it has been my quest to get out of my comfort zone, both personally and professionally. I took baby steps at first, I was one to never where dresses (except for special events and when I worked in corporate America, which feels like a hundred years ago) I started wearing sundresses on vacations and then it expanded to wearing sundresses for no special reason. For those that know me, I have always been a jeans and capri girl, so yep I've stepped a wee bit out of my comfort zone. Then on vacation in the Dominican Republic I went zip lining. It was exhilarating to say the least.
With my blood pumping and the desire to keep stepping out of my comfort zone. I focused professionally and jumped into researching book fairs and teacher conferences and applied for participating to several area events. Last year I participated in the Collingswood Book Festival. Unfortunately, I was unable to make it this year due to a hurricane forecast and with being two hours away I did not want to risk the travel, hopefully next year. I also participated in the 20th Annual Rockland Literacy Extravaganza, which is literally ten minutes from my home. Both events targeted a different audience and to compare the two, would be like comparing apples to oranges. The Collingswood Book Festival focused on families in attendance and the 20th Annual Rockland Literacy Extravaganza focused on teachers.
Connections were made at both… At the Collingswood Book Festival I had the opportunity to meet several authors I have never met before and we have made a delightful connection, which we continue to expand on. Great big waves to (in no particular order)… Christina Paul, Brad Hecht, Lynmarie McCullough, Louis Romano, Mark C. Collins, Scott Alboum, Karen Scheuer and Dianne Salerni.
At the 20th Annual Literacy Extravaganza a special thank you goes out to Dr. Michael Shaw and Deborah Studnitzer for their coordination of this amazing literacy event focused on the common core standards and beyond… I met over 60 teachers and had the opportunity to engage with them at my book-signing table. I'm honored to meet each and every one of you! A special shout out to Marcy Schickler of PS 307, whom I met in 2010 at the very same literacy conference. Lovely to see you again, Marcy!
Wishing you an inspirational day and to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone.
With my blood pumping and the desire to keep stepping out of my comfort zone. I focused professionally and jumped into researching book fairs and teacher conferences and applied for participating to several area events. Last year I participated in the Collingswood Book Festival. Unfortunately, I was unable to make it this year due to a hurricane forecast and with being two hours away I did not want to risk the travel, hopefully next year. I also participated in the 20th Annual Rockland Literacy Extravaganza, which is literally ten minutes from my home. Both events targeted a different audience and to compare the two, would be like comparing apples to oranges. The Collingswood Book Festival focused on families in attendance and the 20th Annual Rockland Literacy Extravaganza focused on teachers.
Connections were made at both… At the Collingswood Book Festival I had the opportunity to meet several authors I have never met before and we have made a delightful connection, which we continue to expand on. Great big waves to (in no particular order)… Christina Paul, Brad Hecht, Lynmarie McCullough, Louis Romano, Mark C. Collins, Scott Alboum, Karen Scheuer and Dianne Salerni.
At the 20th Annual Literacy Extravaganza a special thank you goes out to Dr. Michael Shaw and Deborah Studnitzer for their coordination of this amazing literacy event focused on the common core standards and beyond… I met over 60 teachers and had the opportunity to engage with them at my book-signing table. I'm honored to meet each and every one of you! A special shout out to Marcy Schickler of PS 307, whom I met in 2010 at the very same literacy conference. Lovely to see you again, Marcy!
Wishing you an inspirational day and to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone.
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Title: Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters
Genre: children’s
Author: Donna McDine
Website: www.donnamcdine.com
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Purchase link: www.donnamcdine.com and Guardian Angel Publishing and Amazon
About the Book: The anxiety of finding one’s own place and friends in kindergarten without the comfort of having her fraternal twin sister nearby at first overwhelms Dee until she realizes even without her fraternal twin sister, Dee and her classmates for the most part are in the same boat.
About the Author: Multi award-winning children’s author, Donna McDine’s creative side laid dormant for many years until her desire to write sparked in 2007. Her latest release Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters joins the four early reader children’s picture books, A Sandy Grave(January 2014), Powder Monkey (May 2013), Hockey Agony (January 2013) and The Golden Pathway (August 2010) all with Guardian Angel Publishing. Join McDine as her adventures continue as she ignites the curiosity of children through reading. She writes and moms from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI.
Connect with Donna on the Web!