Roald Dahl Residency

As you all know I am a big fan of the Roald Dahl Children's books. I read them when I was younger and now at my old age I still get a kick out of Charlies adventure in the Chocolate Factory, George giving his Grandma experimental medicine and the sheer disgust found in 'The Twits'.

Into The Library We Go.

Well it has been a crazy few months since my first book was released. There was the book signing in Reisterstown, MD back in September (which was very well supported). Then there was the start of this website and being able to sell books directly to you guys. 

When I Grow Up - Review

As you may recall a few months ago 'Beware Of The Teacher' was reviewed and written about on Janette Fullers blog. Janette is a retired elementary school librarian. Now she reviews children's books and a wide variety of nonfiction. You can find the review of 'Beware Of The Teacher' at  http://janettefuller.blogspot.com/2012/10/childrens-book-review-beware-of-teacher.html

New Book. First Look

It has been a long time in the works but finally all the illustrations are done and completed for my second book, 'When I Grow Up'. One picture has been posted to Facebook (www.facebook.com/bobbard) but only here do you get to see the cover.

Competition Winner

 As you guys may remember back at the beginning of August I started a competition on Facebook. Up for grabs for the winner was a signed copy of my debut Children's book 'Beware Of The Teacher', signed of course.

BOOK SIGNING!!! Today's the day

Well to say that time has gone be quickly would be an understatement and now finally I made it to this morning and the day of my book signing. Heading down to Reisterstown and Constellation Books where the lovely Lauretta has agreed to host my debut book signing.

Beware Of The Teacher - Artistic Freedom Feature

Okay guys, I'm back.

It has been a long time since I have last posted something and for that I apologize. As you can imagine I have my debut book signing in three days time and things have been getting somewhat crazy.

Facebook Competition

Beware Of The Teacher! is now making a pretty good impact with emails and instant messages from people who have bought the book saying good things. 


However, there is never any danger in getting more publicity for the book. I have done this so far with moving the book into the local community bookstores for sale and of course the book signing in September in Reisterstown, MD. So what else can I do??

Roald Dahl Poem (Part 2 of 2)

As a kid who didn't like reading the wonderful books of Roald Dahl? Here is my second poem on the great man and his contribution to smiling Children all across the globe!

Roald Dahl Poem (Part 1 of 2)

Who didn't love reading Roald Dahl books when we were growing up. The witty writing and outrageous characters made generations of children light up with delight. Well here is the first of two poems about the man himself.

'Beware Of The Teacher' arrives in Boonsboro, MD

As you all know I have been trying hard to get my book, 'Beware Of The Teacher' into the local stores. My goal has been to get into the local bookstores first. That way I can have a relationship with the owners and a presence in the community.

Beware Of The Teacher - Book signing!!!

As you all know I have been trying hard to promote my first Children's Picture Book, 'Beware Of The Teacher' with varying degrees of success. There was the article in the local paper and the nice bit written by Randy Young of Sleepytown Press.

Book Number Two Underway

Well I am not exactly going to take a break from promoting my book but with the local paper carrying an article about it and now a store on board provisionally with stocking it I feel comfortable enough to move on to my next book.

Randy Young - Sleepytown Press

You may remember that earlier on in this year I entered a New Voice competition for Sleepytown Press. If you remember I finished second to another Author and I was contacted by Mr Young about the positioning.

Local Media Coverage - Public Opinion

When you are doing everything on your own, without a full connected publishing house or an agent then it is important that you make sure you reach out to the local media.
Local papers love stories of a local doing good things.  

Fourth Of July. A poem

Known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941. Families gather and fireworks are set off, baseball games watched and all with good food and drinks.

Promotion - Book Signings

So a few days ago I told you about going local with the papers. As of now I have only three responses. One was polite and gently told me that she didn't think her publication was right, another wanted to establish more about the book (as yet nothing back from my reply email) and the third questioned if I was even local! Keep the faith though, it just takes the one door to open! Anyway, no rest for the struggling writer and so onto the next part.

Promotion - Newspapers

Now my first book is done and I actually have a physical copy in my hand it is time to let the world and his dog know about it. There are many ways to go about it and setting up a social media presence is just one small cog in the promotional wheel.

"Beware Of The Teacher" Now in stores

New to the book stores this summer is the very different first book by first time author Jason Bardwell, "Beware of the Teacher". In this Children's Picture book I take a look at a rather weird and bizarre teacher, one who is bald, has a red glass eye and likes to eat Children! 

Illustrations Done.......I think

A lot has happened since we last spoke. The company that I was talking too suddenly decided to have someone else call me and the whole process started over again. Now luckily I hadn't put any money down or submitted anything of any real substance but it was certainly enough to put me off the whole process. Instead, and for better or worse, I decided to work on the illustrations myself and do everything through Createspace.

Interview With Ian Bishop

I recently had the opportunity to question the former Manchester City, Liverpool born midfielder Ian Bishop on all things City ranging from the time he played in the sky blue, a certain Maine Road massacre, a Wembley Final which was the most critical in City history and what exactly was a Liverpudlian doing with Floridians?

                                              

Talking to a Publisher

Well I have finally decided that one of my books is ready to go. Certainly no illustrations but hopefully if it is picked up by a publisher then they could hook me up with a professional.

New Voice Competition

As writers we have all been tempted to enter certain writing competitions. Then we wait nervously and...well nothing. I must admit that I had been somewhat sceptical about the whole entering of a competition when the prize was a publishing deal after what was a bad experience a few years back.