The initial seed of inspiration for Bumpety, Dunkety, Thumpety-Thump came from reading Eric Carle’s The Very Busy Spider to my young son. Ashton was only a toddler at the time, but he loved to run his fingers over the raised lines of the spider’s web.

As a picture book author who has also worked in publishing, I know that “extra” features, like the raised line, cost publishers more money, which is why they are rare instead of common. Yet I wished there could be more books like this on the market because children love to explore textures.

I wondered if there might be a way to recreate a tactile sensory experience using words.

That’s when I thought about yet another wonderful read-aloud picture book. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. has been a favorite since its publication by Simon & Schuster in 1989. Could rhythm help to replicate the senses?

I decided to create a text that used words and rhythm to bring alive the sounds and textures of the world around us, and hopefully in the process, invite children into an imaginative state where they can experience the bumping, thumping, playful world all around us.

The result is Bumpety, Dunkety, Thumpety-Thump. I hope you and your little ones will enjoy the experience of reading this book together!

About the book:
Wagon on gravel goes bumpety-bump.
Pebbles in the pond fall plunkey-plunk.
Toes in the grass dance thumpety-thump.
Bumpety-plunkety-thumpety-thump!

Join two sweet siblings as they explore their backyard, get deliciously creative in the kitchen, and then spend a cozy evening preparing for bed. Along the way they’ll get muddy and messy and hungry and sleepy—just as all little ones do.

Reviews:
This winning read-aloud should encourage multiple recitations.”—Kirkus

An obvious choice for storytimes or units on rhymes, this will also be great for introducing beginning writers to the wonders of words—especially those that don’t appear on standard vocabulary lists.”—Booklist

This onomatopoeic book is a lively read-aloud that will be requested often for storytime or bedtime.”—School Library Journal

March 16-19, 2017, I will be co-hosting a Highlights workshop with the lovely and talented Clara Gillow Clark. We only have a few spots left open, so if you’re interested in registering, you can find out more through the Highlights Foundation.

Hope you enjoy this interview! We’d love to have you join us!

Q. What makes the start of writing a novel so challenging?

CGC: Before I begin to write a novel I go through a spell of what I call “dream time” when a character has caught my attention who has a story that wants to be told. Dream time is sweet, the sweetest part of the writing process for me. I always walk my stories, and that’s when scenes come to life and characters tell me things. What a shivery sort of thrill it is when that happens. The opening pages start to take on shape as I jot down notes. But, still I wait. And I wait some more, waiting for the character to share her secrets with me. And still I wait. Images come. Maybe they’ll turn into a symbol or a metaphor, but it isn’t until I can see where my character will be at the end of the book, that I sit down to write.

Usually, some of the first chapter comes out smoothly and fully formed, but there are always hard places where the writing is a struggle. Likely, it’s that unwieldy back story that begs to be included in the very beginning, because I really MUST put it there. Or I decide a prologue would be nice, which always seems a delightful way to begin and such a great way to slip in all the information readers MUST know. Kill the prologue. Give it up. Then I remind myself of Flannery O’Conner’s words to writers: Don’t worry about what to say; just make pictures and conversation. And that’s what I try to do.

Q. What do you know now that you wish you’d known at the start of your career?

CGC: Everything changes. Everything. We write and over time we become confident and feel comfortable with our style and our writing voice; and at the beginning of our careers when we’re first published, we think it will always be that way. We do all the right things–study craft, practice craft, and read other authors’ works. One day we realize the industry is changing, and it’s not just a trend. The reality is that both publishing and language is influx and will continue to be so in the future. But know this: It has always been true that we need to be original and unique in our vision for a story that has a thousand faces already. That’s where I am now, reinventing myself and my writing, going deeper, but still always writing from the heart. Embrace change and don’t be afraid. Keep reading and your vision will adjust.

Q. What is a common mistake you see when critiquing new writers?

CGC: Most new writers who are serious about the craft of writing have a pretty good grasp of story, because they’re readers. But often when we read, we zoom in on the action and read on to find out what’s going to happen next. We see the twists and turns, the pitfalls and setbacks, but seem to miss what’s really driving the cart over that cliff, which is emotion. Often aspiring writers skip right over the interior development of their protagonist and often tell instead of show their character’s emotion. Other things that are often problematic for new writers are deep point-of-view, verb tenses – especially if they’re writing in the present tense, and transitions.

Q. What are you most looking forward to about our upcoming Highlights Foundation Workshop, Novel Beginnings?

CGC: Meeting new writers, mentoring, but also experiencing that warm feeling of a kind of homecoming. That’s how I feel when I’m at the Foundation. I’m in a safe and nurturing environment with like-minded people who love to learn, love books, and want to be better writers. I’m looking forward to forging new friendships, but also seeing old friends who work there like Chef Amanda. What could be better than that?

The Power of Video: How Novel Writers Can Utilize YouTube Marketing

In the world of publishing, getting your book out there and noticed can be a daunting task. With thousands of new releases each year, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. However, with the rise of digital marketing, novel writers now have a new tool at their disposal: YouTube.

YouTube is a video-sharing platform with over 2 billion monthly active users, making it the second largest search engine in the world. Utilizing this platform can help you reach a wider audience, engage with readers in a new way, and ultimately boost your book sales. Here are some tips on how novel writers can utilize YouTube marketing:

Create a book trailer: Just like a movie trailer, a book trailer is a short video that showcases your book’s plot and characters. This is a great way to capture potential readers’ attention and give them a taste of what your book is about.

Share your writing process: Many readers are curious about the writing process and enjoy behind-the-scenes glimpses into how their favorite books were created. Consider creating videos that show your writing process, from outlining to editing.

Host Q&A sessions: Interact with your readers by hosting live or pre-recorded Q&A sessions. This allows them to ask you questions about your book, characters, and writing process, and helps build a sense of community.

Collaborate with other YouTubers: Partnering with other YouTubers in the book community can help you reach a wider audience and introduce your book to new readers. Consider collaborating on book reviews, tag videos, or even co-writing a book.

Offer exclusive content: Reward your subscribers by offering exclusive content such as deleted scenes, character interviews, or even giveaways.

In conclusion, YouTube marketing is a powerful tool that can help novel writers reach a wider audience and ultimately boost book sales and Marketing Heaven is the best site to buy YouTube views. By creating engaging and informative content, interacting with readers, and collaborating with other YouTubers, you can create a loyal following and build your brand as an author.

Learn more about our upcoming workshop by clicking on the link: Novel Beginnings: Building Strong Foundations for Your Novel and Your Career 2017

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Editor and writer Kim T. Griswell is leading our Finding Your Voice workshop this fall, along with author K.L. Going. Here Kim gives some suggestions on how to find your voice:

Much of what passes across an editor’s desk has a dull sameness. There may be nothing really “wrong” with the writing. It’s competent, but it falls under the category of NNUTS (Nothing New Under the Sun). Nothing new in the ideas, nothing new in the characters or plot, and nothing new in the writing. Beginning—and sometimes experienced—writers often submit manuscripts that do not have unique voices.

Our greatest writers write from their guts, from their truths. They dig deep until they reach a vein within themselves that is pure gold. They tell stories that only they can tell, as only they can tell them. That, in a nutshell, is voice.

It often takes years for a writer to find his or her authentic voice. Voice is not simply the way a writer says things; voice reflects a writer’s unique way of viewing the world. Every editor is hoping to pick up a manuscript and find an original voice. That’s why finding your voice should be on the top of your writer’s to-do list.

Here are six ways to begin to understand voice and find your own:

1. Get a journal with a key—one of those kid ones. Write things in there that are so honest you have to keep them under lock and key for fear anyone will read them.
2. Write a page a day. Come on—you can do it! If you can’t stop yourself after one page, keep writing.
3. Read, and learn to write, poetry. Even if you don’t consider yourself a poet or have any desire to write poetry, you will develop your voice. (I’m not talking rhyming doggerel here. I’m talking Billy Collins, Rita Dove, and Langston Hughes; Eileen Spinelli, Karla Kushin, and Myra Cohn Livingston.)
4. Use photos from your childhood as writing prompts. Write from the voice of who you were in (or at the time of) the photos.
5. Blog. Much like a vocalist’s morning scales, this kind of “conversational” writing will help to loosen your writing voice.
6. Read the first pages of these books: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, Love That Dog by Sharon Creech, The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch, every Newbery winner you can get your hands on. (I dare you to stop reading after page 1.)

Finding your voice will help your work rise to the top of the same-old-same-old manuscripts piled on editors’ desks. And that’s a goal worth pursuing!

If you’d like a jumpstart on finding your voice or want to expand on these practices, I hope you’ll join K.L. Going and me for Finding Your Voice, October 12-15, 2014.

Learning to drive defensively can reduce your chances of getting in accidents.

Car accidents are dangerous and happen often. In fact, you are bound to pass an accident just while driving down the highway. Statistics show nearly 37,000 people die each year in car accidents.

While car accident injuries are not pleasant to think about, they are preventable in certain situations.

Prevention is the most important step to take to guarantee the safety of you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road.

But it’s still easy to assume that just because you are a cautious and careful driver, the other drivers around you on the road will be also.

Assuming that the other drivers will stay in their lane, safely react to road hazards, or wait to safely pull out onto a major roadway can often be a dangerous mistake.

Other drivers on the road are often distracted, rushed, or just drive aggressively for no good reason. Looking ahead and keeping your eyes moving can help you anticipate the actions of other drivers and stay safe.

With a focused mind and a little precaution, the following tips can keep you and others safer while driving on the road.

What’s Defensive Driving?

Defensive driving refers to a set of driving skills or a style of driving that allows you to avoid accidents and defend yourself against irresponsible drivers, drunk drivers, bad weather conditions, and the unexpected in general. Get the best results at IMPROV traffic school.

As a defense driver, you assume other drivers might make mistakes.

You are on guard in the event that other drivers make errors and watch ahead for advance warning of any hazards on the road. By watching ahead, you have enough time to avoid potential accidents.

Defensive driving will reduce the chance of you being caught off guard by an unexpected hazard as well as increase your chance of reacting appropriately and avoiding accidents.

However, defensive driving cannot guarantee that you will make it from point A to point B without incidence. It just increases the odds in your favor.

The Department of Motor Vehicles even offers courses on how to be a defensive driver.

No matter how good you are at driving, you can’t control what happens around you. Extreme weather, aggressive drivers, mechanical malfunctions, and roadway obstacles can all jeopardize the safety of you and your passengers.

This is where a defensive driving course comes in. These courses teach you safe driving techniques that help you gain better control over your vehicle in emergency situations.

These courses also teach you tactics for dealing with emotional stress, road rage, and fatigue.

Georgia defensive driving courses can also help you financially by reducing your fine should you receive a traffic violation as well as reducing your auto insurance payments.

Defensive Driving Tips

When you are driving on the road, it is crucial to be observant of your surroundings.

Knowing what’s happening around you and being aware of all drivers and pedestrians on the road nearby is the first step to decreasing your chances of an accident.

In order to become a defensive driver, all of your attention must be focused on driving, which means you need to put away the snacks, don’t try to apply makeup, don’t text, or adjust the radio while you drive.

This allows you to stay alert at all times while behind the wheel.

As a defensive driver, you should also understand the importance of making yourself seen.

Many drivers assume that if they can see another vehicle, that vehicle’s driver can see them as well.

But, that’s not a smart assumption to make.

To make yourself more visible, make sure that you always drive with your lights on while it is raining or dark outside.

You should always use your turning signals when changing lanes so the other drivers on the road will know what you are doing.

Always avoid lingering in another driver’s blind spot for longer than absolutely necessary.

If you do get stuck in a blind spot, you should either speed up or slow down so you can be sure to make yourself visible to the other driver.

Defensive drivers typically assume the worst in other drivers. It’s a hope for the best but expect the worst kind of deal.

That means you should never assume that another driver will remember to use his turning signal, check their blind spot before changing lanes, or stop soon enough at a stoplight.

Assuming the worst in other drivers allows you to be prepared for anything that comes your way.

For instance, let’s say you are approaching a four-way stop at the same time as another vehicle.

Even if you know you have the right-of-way, you should never assume that the izes this.

To avoid an accident in this situation, pause for a moment to make eye contact with the other driver or drivers.

You have to be sure that the other drivers do not plan on going through the intersection first.

Being a defensive driver doesn’t automatically guarantee your safety, but it will help you do a better job of protecting yourself on the road.

Top 6 Fat Burning Pills and Supplements of 2022

As with any large endeavor, there are going to be challenges. TUGG is brand new – premiered at SXSW in March of 2012 – and to my knowledge, we’re the largest movie/event to test its services yet. And with 700 screening requests occurring in the first week alone, we are definitely testing them!

We’ve heard a lot of varying feedback, but the bottom line is, we want to help everyone make their screening A) happen and B) be as awesome as it can be. So, I decided to put together KL Going’s Top Ten Tips for TUGG Promoters based on my own experience of bringing the film to my hometown. This blog post is not affiliated with TUGG or the official Fat Kid movie team – just my own effort to give promoters as much support and advice as possible.

And yes, I will admit, the TUGG experience has been different for me because, well, I’m here and could invite all my enthusiastic friends and family (seriously, have any of you read my dad’s posts on Facebook?) but even for me, the hardest part has been getting the word out. What’s the best way? Personal e-mails? Facebook posts? Twitter?

Here’s what I’ve learned. Please let me know if you have tips I didn’t think to add!

KL’s Top Ten Tips for TUGG Promoters

1) Select a screening date at least four weeks in advance. We know, you want to see the movie right now! But publicity takes time and most event calendars/newspapers need lead time.

2) Go to tuggthefatkid@gmail.com and ask for a sample press release that you can customize for your screening. Send it to local newspapers, especially those that have a GO section, and to local NPR or other radio affiliates.

3) Make it a fundraiser! Partnering with a local charity, library, or youth center is a wonderful way to A) do something great  B) garner yourself a team of willing promoters and C) have access to a much larger e-mailing list of potential contacts. And did I mention you’ll be doing something great? Add in a raffle or pass the hat after the film.

4) Make a flier. Samples are available from tuggthefatkid@gmail.com. Check the Fat Kid movie Facebook page for fliers others have made. Plaster that flier around town – don’t forget the library and local booksellers. Speak to them personally. Hug them. These people are invaluable links to those who may have read the book!

5) If you choose a date during the school year, contact local schools and libraries and let them know that award-winning author KL Going will Skype with them for FREE if they bring groups to the event.

6) Banned Books Week 2012 is Sept. 30th through October 6th, and yes, Fat Kid is a banned book. Ideal tie-in. Other tie-ins? National Novel Writing Month is in November. Teen Read Week is in October. Look for local film festivals or theater events. Be creative and enlist groups who are already publicizing these types of events.

7) Make sure your potential audience realizes they must buy tickets ahead, on-line. This is new. People are used to showing up and buying tickets on the night of a movie. Dispel them of this notion so your event can get confirmed.

8) Call the Fat Kid Hotline for advice, help, and free giveaways. We’re talking T-shirts with a custom heat press labels with your design of choice tattoos, posters… 1-213-6fa-tkid.

9) Both KL Going (that’s me!) and Matthew Lillard are willing to do call-in radio interviews. Let your local radio stations know. Ask if the radio station wants to help sponsor the film. See if any local companies would like to be sponsors. Ask them to donate 5 tickets for radio station contests. $50. Easy corporate donation. (Note: Matt is currently filming on location out of the country, so he may not be available right away, but will be back soon!)

10) Remember, you are awesome. This isn’t just a movie screening. It is your personal party. If your screening happens, take lots of pictures, and have fun!

Now everyone is asking, “What comes next?”

First, we’ve already launched the movie on the Vans Warped Tour.

This is a punk rock tour that travels through 42 cities in the US over the course of the summer. We’ve got a promotional team who will go to every city and set up a tent at each event, giving away lots of free FAT KID swag, talking up the film, and encouraging people to TUGG the Fat Kid to their local theater (more on that in a moment). In addition, Matthew Lillard will be making personal appearances at nearly twenty of these events. There will be backstage screenings of the film and hopefully lots of fun and mayhem.

The second part of our plan is to actually get the film into a theater near you. How do we do this without a traditional distribution deal? Here’s how: we’ve teemed up with www.Tugg.com so that YOU can bring the movie to almost any theater in the country.

Step One: Go to www.tuggthefatkid.com

Step Two: Either select a screening that’s already happening OR sign up to become a promoter.

Step Three: If you sign up to be a promoter, Tugg will contact you via e-mail within twenty-four hours. You select the theater you want, the date, and time of the screening, and they will negotiate with the theater for you and help you to set up and promote your event. YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO BOOK THE THEATER OR DO ANY OF THE NEGOTIATING.

Step Four: Once your event is listed, you must sell a minimum number of tickets in order for the screening to happen. Tickets are sold on-line at the www.tuggthefatkid.com site. If enough people buy tickets, the screening will go on as planned and you will get a percentage of the profits. If there aren’t enough takers, the event is cancelled and no one gets charged anything.

There are currently screenings set up in: Salt Lake City, UT; Denver, CO; Las Vegas, NV; Allentown, PA;  Tustin, CA; Houston, TX;  Edina, MN; and Plano, TX!!

Wow! If you live near any of these cities, go see the movie. Buy your tickets today!

And finally, check out our cool Fat Kid trailer making its way around the country with the Vans Warped Tour:

How’s that for homemade, grassroots promotion?

Let’s rock this, people! Buy your tickets, book your screenings, and spread the word!

Peace, love, and gratitude,

KL

The battle against obesity continues to be a global health challenge, with millions of individuals seeking effective solutions for sustainable weight loss. In recent years, the introduction of Ozempic as a weight loss supplement has caused ripples of excitement within the medical and wellness communities. In this article, we will explore the revolutionary Ozempic weight loss supplement, its mechanisms, potential benefits, and the considerations that come with it.

Understanding Ozempic as a Weight Loss Supplement

Ozempic, also known by its generic name semaglutide, is a prescription medication originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Its introduction as a weight loss supplement stems from a fascinating side effect observed during clinical trials for diabetes management – significant weight loss.

How Ozempic Promotes Weight Loss

Ozempic operates on various physiological fronts to support weight loss:

Appetite Control: By acting on the brain’s appetite-regulating centers, Ozempic decreases feelings of hunger, leading to reduced calorie intake.

Prolonged Satiety: Ozempic slows down the emptying of the stomach, resulting in a longer-lasting feeling of fullness after meals. This helps in reducing portion sizes and overall calorie consumption.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Improved blood sugar control achieved through the use of Ozempic can lead to less fat storage in the body and better utilization of stored fat for energy.

Potential Benefits of Ozempic as a Weight Loss Supplement

Significant Weight Loss: Ozempic has shown remarkable efficacy in promoting weight loss, with clinical trials indicating an average weight reduction of up to 10% of a person’s body weight. This makes it one of the most effective weight loss supplements available.

Metabolic Improvements: Beyond weight loss, Ozempic can lead to positive changes in metabolic health. It may improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol levels, all of which are essential for overall well-being.

Reduced Risk of Obesity-Related Health Conditions: Shedding excess weight with Ozempic can lower the risk of various obesity-related health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and joint problems.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Weight loss achieved with Ozempic can lead to increased self-esteem, better physical mobility, and an improved overall quality of life.

Challenges and Considerations

While Ozempic offers promising weight loss benefits, it’s essential to be aware of the following considerations:

Prescription Requirement: Ozempic for weight loss is a prescription medication, and its use should be under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional who can monitor its effects on your health.

Potential Side Effects: Like all medications, Ozempic may come with side effects, including nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. Discuss these potential side effects with your healthcare provider.

Lifestyle Changes: Ozempic is most effective when used in conjunction with a healthy, balanced diet, and regular exercise. It should not replace these essential lifestyle changes.

Individual Responses Vary: Not everyone will experience the same degree of weight loss with Ozempic, and results may vary from person to person.

Conclusion

Ozempic represents a breakthrough in the world of weight management and obesity treatment. Its ability to induce substantial weight loss, alongside improvements in metabolic health, offers a promising solution for individuals struggling with obesity. However, it should be approached as part of a comprehensive approach to health that includes lifestyle changes and medical supervision. Combining Ozempic, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity can be a potent strategy for addressing obesity and promoting a healthier, more fulfilling life.

The importance of bringing this film to audiences was brought home to me yet again this past Friday night (June 8th) at the Rooftop Films NYC premiere.  On a personal level, this screening was extra special because it was a chance to share the movie with many of my east coast friends who weren’t able to be at the SXSW world premiere in Austin, Texas. What I didn’t expect was a crowd of over 600 people whose enthusiasm for the movie was incredible to witness.

Of course, being the twisted brain behind the fat kid, I worried whether anyone would show up. (Yes, I worry about everything.) In retrospect, I didn’t need to fret about that! Here’s the line before the doors opened:

The rooftop venue couldn’t have been more perfect. The event was held at the New Design High School, an artsy school with incredible murals and a breathtaking view. Here I am arriving to the event with my Fat Kid Rules the World hand bag, made by Katie Sawyer – thanks, Katie! (Photo by Gae Polisner, author of The Pull of Gravity)

Here’s the view from the top, taken with my iphone:

And here are some great shots of the artwork:

There was live punk rock music before hand (courtesy of the band Eula).

And then Fat Kid Rules the World was being shown on the big screen.

It is so incredible to watch the audience as they watch the movie. Seeing people laugh, cry, and gasp at all the right moments is really rewarding. I can only imagine how that must feel to Matthew Lillard and the rest of the cast/crew. Guess I should have asked them during the Q&A after the movie. Here are some pics of everyone (including me!) up front answering questions from the crowd.

And here’s one taken from my iphone of the crowd looking at us!

During the Q&A, a young woman from India stood up and spoke about how she’d found the book and shared it with all of her friends until her copy was tattered and worn, and how she’d sworn that if they ever made a movie of this book she would go see it. She said she’s so used to movie adaptations that don’t do the book justice, and her comment was that this movie was an exception. That was one of those moments where I got goosebumps.

After the Q&A, there were pictures to be taken and people to greet. At long last, my editor, Kathy Dawson, got to meet Matthew Lillard. I’d told him ahead of time that she’d be there and he said to be sure they got introduced so he could heap praise upon her!

Kathy and I also got hugs from Jacob Wysocki (Troy)…

And Dylan Arnold (Dayle).

Everything seemed to go by in a blur, and I kept wanting time to slow down time so I could savor every moment. But before I knew it, everyone was off to the after party at R Bar in the Bowery. Here’s a fun photo I stole from the Facebook page of Julian Gavilanes who plays one of Marcus MacCrae’s band members in the movie. Julian is an up-and-coming star so watch for him in theaters near you!

Check out the T-shirt on this awesome fan!

Okay, I confess. I know her. But it’s still pretty punk rock. Here’s someone else spreading the Fat:

Yes, it seems wrong to end with a photo of a hand dryer from the bathroom of a club, but in a way, I suppose it’s kind of fitting. The whole evening was totally punk rock in the best possible way. Amazing people coming together in NYC where the book was conceived and written and the story was set… a screening of a YA film on top of an incredible high school… all of us misfits, music lovers, art supporters, actors, rockers, readers, and fat kids, gathered to celebrate a movie made just for us.

Perfect.

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All of the photos, unless noted otherwise, were taken by Beverly Cooper.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1499648032/fat-kid-rules-the-world-0