Inspired by Mermaids
A$3,005
of $2,400 targetyrs ago
Successful on 14th Nov 2013 at 12:00PM.
Inspiring others through writing gives me such a kick.
And even more so, when it's a child.
Creative writing is a passion that's lay dormant for far too long. When I swapped my corporate high heels for a pair of gumboots and slippers (as a full time mother on a farm), I rediscovered children's books and my desire to write was rekindled. I began writing in earnest. But my manuscript was shoved into a drawer after doing the rounds of rejection from traditional publishers, waiting for the chance to revamp it into a best-seller.
After a period of illness, I vowed to make it happen. I dredged the manuscript from the bottom drawer, rejuvenated, edited and polished it, and it became my first children's novel - made possible through self-publishing just last year. Doubts still plagued me, until I received a Finalist Award in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the US. What a thrill! Kids who'd read my book told me how much they loved it (and so did their parents), and they are pleading me for the next installment. I love the sparkle in their eyes as their imaginations kick into play, remembering their favourite character or part of the story. I realised how important story-telling is to develop kid's imagination and problem solving skills.
So the sequel is now written, and with a little help from my friends (you), it will be published by Christmas. "The Hybrid and the Emeralds of Elisar" is in the final stages of self-editing and ready for professional copy-editing. However, self-publishing has its drawbacks - it needs a kick start of funds to get it to market.
By seeding this project, you will help create the second book in The Hybrid series and ignite kids imaginations. It subtly encourages kids to use their brains to solve problems, to help others and look after our environment. Most importantly, it helps kids appreciate that we ALL have special gifts - but sometimes we have to face a challenge to realise what they are.
In the first novel we meet Kirsten McGee - a twelve year old girl with unusually large feet. Her mother has been gone for years and now her grandfather, an experienced fisherman, is missing at sea. She's convinced she's been cursed.
Only when she is asked to care for a beautiful, but mysterious white horse, Kirsten discovers that things aren't always what they seem. On a beach holiday with her Aunt and brother Jeremy, she discovers her true family heritage. Her Grandpa had married a mermaid, and clumsy Kirsten is a Hybrid: part human, part mermaid.
The two children, and their flying horse Merri embark on a quest to find Grandpa and meet their mermaid grandmother for the first time. However, so much more is at risk as the undersea city of Mermirran is under threat from volcanic eruption. The trio must use each of their unique skills, including Jeremy's brimming backpack of junk, to wriggle their way out of trouble and outwit the Greek mythological monsters that stand in their way - they must recover a stolen artifact that is key to the mermaid's survival.
In the second novel (subject of this campaign) Kirsten McGee is faced with another challenge. While satisfying her curiosity about their mother, the children venture back to Mermirran and discover how their mother really died. But the Elder Council need her to complete the mission that their mother failed to do.
This time the children and the pegalusian mare travel to the mountains of New Zealand to traipse the angry glacier of Pukuriri Tioutau. Their quest:- to find the missing crown prince of Elisar before the King dies. Using the only remaining Emerald of Elisar to aid them, the children uncover a chilling story when they dig deep in the ice.
These novels, aimed at the 9 to 12 age group, are packed with humour, thrills and ingenious techniques for getting out of trouble - like only children can do. It carries messages of preserving our environment as well as family bonds, and illustrates that children, when left to their own imaginations, can solve problems as well as any adult.
And even more so, when it's a child.
Creative writing is a passion that's lay dormant for far too long. When I swapped my corporate high heels for a pair of gumboots and slippers (as a full time mother on a farm), I rediscovered children's books and my desire to write was rekindled. I began writing in earnest. But my manuscript was shoved into a drawer after doing the rounds of rejection from traditional publishers, waiting for the chance to revamp it into a best-seller.
After a period of illness, I vowed to make it happen. I dredged the manuscript from the bottom drawer, rejuvenated, edited and polished it, and it became my first children's novel - made possible through self-publishing just last year. Doubts still plagued me, until I received a Finalist Award in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the US. What a thrill! Kids who'd read my book told me how much they loved it (and so did their parents), and they are pleading me for the next installment. I love the sparkle in their eyes as their imaginations kick into play, remembering their favourite character or part of the story. I realised how important story-telling is to develop kid's imagination and problem solving skills.
So the sequel is now written, and with a little help from my friends (you), it will be published by Christmas. "The Hybrid and the Emeralds of Elisar" is in the final stages of self-editing and ready for professional copy-editing. However, self-publishing has its drawbacks - it needs a kick start of funds to get it to market.
By seeding this project, you will help create the second book in The Hybrid series and ignite kids imaginations. It subtly encourages kids to use their brains to solve problems, to help others and look after our environment. Most importantly, it helps kids appreciate that we ALL have special gifts - but sometimes we have to face a challenge to realise what they are.
The Hybrid's Mermaid Story
In the first novel we meet Kirsten McGee - a twelve year old girl with unusually large feet. Her mother has been gone for years and now her grandfather, an experienced fisherman, is missing at sea. She's convinced she's been cursed.
Only when she is asked to care for a beautiful, but mysterious white horse, Kirsten discovers that things aren't always what they seem. On a beach holiday with her Aunt and brother Jeremy, she discovers her true family heritage. Her Grandpa had married a mermaid, and clumsy Kirsten is a Hybrid: part human, part mermaid.
The two children, and their flying horse Merri embark on a quest to find Grandpa and meet their mermaid grandmother for the first time. However, so much more is at risk as the undersea city of Mermirran is under threat from volcanic eruption. The trio must use each of their unique skills, including Jeremy's brimming backpack of junk, to wriggle their way out of trouble and outwit the Greek mythological monsters that stand in their way - they must recover a stolen artifact that is key to the mermaid's survival.
In the second novel (subject of this campaign) Kirsten McGee is faced with another challenge. While satisfying her curiosity about their mother, the children venture back to Mermirran and discover how their mother really died. But the Elder Council need her to complete the mission that their mother failed to do.
This time the children and the pegalusian mare travel to the mountains of New Zealand to traipse the angry glacier of Pukuriri Tioutau. Their quest:- to find the missing crown prince of Elisar before the King dies. Using the only remaining Emerald of Elisar to aid them, the children uncover a chilling story when they dig deep in the ice.
These novels, aimed at the 9 to 12 age group, are packed with humour, thrills and ingenious techniques for getting out of trouble - like only children can do. It carries messages of preserving our environment as well as family bonds, and illustrates that children, when left to their own imaginations, can solve problems as well as any adult.
A word from a mermaid
The Challenges
Timing - I've been working feverishly to polish the story to a shiny, smart finish. However, once it's handed over to editors and printers, timing is that slippery little sucker that can run right through your fingertips. But I'll do whatever I can to have the book printed and ready for Christmas. I've sourced a Melbourne based editor who is top notch, and they're giving my project a high priority.
Shipping - The book will be printed in the US. There should only be a four week turnaround to have it delivered to Australia after ordering. If the timing slips for any reason, then I can elect priority shipping to land my prize much sooner. And for supporters who live in the US, I can mail their books direct.
Weather? - Nope. That won't affect my project unless the electricity goes down.
Shipping - The book will be printed in the US. There should only be a four week turnaround to have it delivered to Australia after ordering. If the timing slips for any reason, then I can elect priority shipping to land my prize much sooner. And for supporters who live in the US, I can mail their books direct.
Weather? - Nope. That won't affect my project unless the electricity goes down.
A word of thanks from me - THANK YOU! (Well, that's two words.) Your pledge is very much appreciated.
0 chosen / 500 available
Est. delivery is Nov 13
E-books and Souvenir Postcard - Kindle e-book - "The Hybrid and the Lost Tails of Mermirran" (first book) - Kindle e-book - "The Hybrid and the Emeralds of Elisar" - souvenir postcard with my appreciation for your support.
3 chosen / 497 available
Est. delivery is Nov 13
Book Only (Australia or US) - No frills but plenty of action - receive one copy of the printed book in your mailbox before Christmas. Postage paid within US or Australia only. For other countries please add $5.
3 chosen / 97 available
Est. delivery is Dec 13
The Printed Book (unsigned) plus E-books - a copy of the printed book (unsigned) delivered to your letterbox before Christmas. - plus both books in the series as e-books (Kindle format). You'll be notified when you can download them.
6 chosen / 194 available
Est. delivery is Dec 14
Hot-off-the-press Autographed Book - personally autographed copy of the book delivered to your letter box - hot off the press! - Kindle e-book access (as above) - plus an invitation/souvenir card to "The Hybrid and the Emeralds of Elisar" book launch (Dec 2013) We'd love to celebrate with you!!!
11 chosen / 189 available
Est. delivery is Dec 13
Christmas Gift Book Box - Both books in the series so far (unsigned) - Reading booklight (for reading under the covers) - Crystal stylus pen for writing your own stories - Pegalusian necklet/bag tag to help your spirit fly! - A beaded mermaid book hook (bookmark) - An itsy-bitsy mermaid gift card - All packaged in a beautiful shimmer gift box - postage paid within Australia (Dec 2013)
0 chosen / 10 available
Est. delivery is Dec 13
Double Book Pack & a Bejeweled Pegasus - signed copies of both printed books, "The Hybrid and the Emeralds of Elisar" AND "The Hybrid and the Lost Tails of Mermirran" delivered - Kindle e-book access to both books - AND a souvenir postcard/ book launch invitation with my sincerest appreciation. - PLUS a special "pegalusian" necklet/bag tag as a memento of your generosity.
9 chosen / 66 available
Est. delivery is Dec 13
Skype Writing Workshop for Kids - Sponsor your school for a one hour Skype workshop (recommend limit of 25 kids) where children age 9 to 12 will learn skills for creating great stories. The author will share, via webcam, her helpful hints for children to capture their imaginations onto paper. - a Story Skills Workbook for Kids will be emailed to the class teacher for distribution beforehand - ten free books (5 of each title) for your school's library or local library
0 chosen / 10 available
Est. delivery is Jul 14