Pages

Monday, April 28, 2014

The Dyerville Tales Blog Tour {Guest Post & Giveaway}


I'm so thrilled to have The Dyerville Tales Blog Tour stopping by today! Last month I had the pleasure of reviewing this fantastical story and interviewing author M.P. Kozlowsky. Below you can check out a Guest Post from the author and enter the awesome Giveaway...

The Dyerville Tales
by M.P. Kozlowsky
4/22/14
Walden Pond Press

Neil Gaiman’s Coraline meets Anne Ursu’s Breadcrumbs in M. P. Kozlowsky’s The Dyerville Tales, a powerfully imaginative middle-grade novel that blurs the line between fantasy and reality, from the author of Juniper Berry.
Vince Elgin is an orphan, having lost his mother and father in a fire when he was young. With only a senile grandfather he barely knows to call family, Vince was interned in a group home, dreaming that his father, whose body was never found, might one day return for him. When a letter arrives telling Vince his grandfather has passed away, he is convinced that if his father is still alive, he’ll find him at the funeral. He strikes out for the small town of Dyerville carrying only one thing with him: his grandfather’s journal. The journal tells a fantastical story of witches and giants and magic, one that can’t be true. But as Vince reads on, he finds that his very real adventure may have more in common with his grandfather’s than he ever could have known.
Its unique voice and ability to combine creepiness with great story and character development make The Dyerville Tales a real standout middle-grade novel.


In Search of Time to Write
Writers, in my experience, are a rather finicky bunch, constantly searching for the Goldilocks of situations in which to regularly expunge their brains of exposition and exciting plot twists for their future readership.  I know because I’ve been there.  
Years ago I needed complete silence to write.  I needed zero distractions.  I needed a long block of time without the slightest of interruptions.  If anything disturbed my writing, however slight, it threw everything off.  There were days when the super had to stop by to do some work and I was forced to throw up my hands and declare my writing dead for the day – I couldn’t begin knowing he might show up any minute and I couldn’t continue when he left, my mind and flow irreparably broken.  Phone calls were like an ax to the screen and it got so bad that if I ran out of bread to eat for lunch, my routine was so thrown off that any writing would have to wait until the next day after a trip to the supermarket so that I could have my peanut butter with toast just like every day before, as if this was in some way tied into the work I produced.
This, of course, may be an extreme, but I know of many writers who need things to be just so in order to get some pages done.  There are great writers – absolute masters – who will never be published because of these idiosyncrasies and irrational demands.  But are these really just elaborate excuses?  A fear of failure?  Perhaps.  Some people state they can’t find the time, some say they’re too busy or too tired or they have children or a job or countless other responsibilities, and I understand that; I truly do.  As evidenced above, I needed things to be just so.
But things change.  I got married, I had two children.  There was no more silence, no more uninterrupted stretch of hours to write.  I was faced with a drastic choice, adapt or kill the dream.  I chose to adapt.  I now write during my youngest’s naps and while my eldest plays with her toys or watches TV.  I have to write through noise, through questions, through severe guilt and inconvenience and a million other things that come with parenting.  I have to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I have to do laundry and food shopping and care for a 15 year old dog.  If inspiration is not there, I cannot wait for it to rear its head.  I have to plunge my hands into the darkness of my mind and pull it free whether it’s ready or not.  I get an hour and a half at a time.  Twice a day.  If I’m lucky.  I don’t write at night because that time is for me to share with my wife.  I don’t write on the weekends because that time is for me to share with my family.  I have to make this work.
Many people, I know, would throw up their hands and complete their novel in the serenity of retirement.  I’ve been there.  But when you are a writer, the need to write has to burn through you, your fingertips have to sizzle with a desperate necessity to hit the keys.  You have to make time.  And all you need is 500 words.  That’s it.  Two pages.  This essay.  500 words a day is one book a year.  And if you can hit 1,000, that’s two books.  
Not everyone can have a life completely devoted to writing.  Not everyone can have a spouse like Nabokov’s, taking care of every little thing so that your genius can flourish.  True, we all need someone in our corner – my career would never have even began without the support of my wife – but it is up to us to prove we really want it.  Our situations cannot control us.  We have to take control of our situations.  We have to bend time, manipulating it to better serve us.  That is the true strength of a writer.  And the ability to thrive is in all of us.  Seize it.
  • M.P. Kozlowsky, New York City, April 2014

M.P. Kozlowsky was a high school English teacher before becoming a writer. Juniper Berry is his first book. He lives in New York with his wife and daughter.

Walden Pond Press

Win a signed hardcover copy of 
The Dyerville Tales!
The awesome peeps at Walden Pond Press have generoulsy offered one signed hardcover edition for one winner.
DETAILS
-US only
-ends 5/9
-must be 13+, one free entry per person
-winner will be emailed and must claim prize within 48 hours
-Word Spelunking is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen prizes
Fill out Rafflecopter form:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DON'T MISS ANY OF THE BLOG TOUR STOPS
4/29 - KidLit Frenzy
4/30 - Mundie Kids
5/3 - The Book Rat
5/5 - Mundie Kids
5/7 - Small Review
5/8 - Novel Novice
5/14 - The Hiding Spot 

66 comments:

  1. was hoping for a chance to win a copy of this book! thanks for a wonderful opportunity :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Would love to win book so I can read my first M.P. Kozlowsky story and share with my children. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for your giveaway. I would love to win this book.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Juniper Berry is one of my favorite covers, I like that Dyserville Tales includes elements of his grandfathers journal, I have added this onto my TBR list.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I can't wait to read The Dyerville Tales(and Juniper Berry)! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. (This is Darith L)

    It sounds like a great fantasy middle grade! I'm getting into them again. :D

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for writing case study-based content such wonderful informative content.

    CRM software in Delhi has amazing features that help you realize the whole marketplace, customer behavior, and their needs. It is possible by collecting and analyzing all of the pertinent data.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have a similar interest this is website blogs and, This content is simply exciting and creative really i have no words for you. I have been deciding on a institutional move and this has helped me with one aspect. I have found lately for the info that I like to read. Thank you and keep it up :) assignment help online - Assignment Provider - auditing assignment

    ReplyDelete
  12. http://northlondonvintagemarket.blogspot.com/2012/11/1960s-decorations.html
    http://www.thisblessedlife.net/2014/02/my-done-list-aka-how-i-keep-my-sanity.html
    http://caroolkersten.blogspot.com/2011/04/literature-and-future-of-north-africa.html

    ReplyDelete
  13. Its very interesting website about this topic information. this is my first time visit here and i found so many interesting and helpful content info in your blog especially its discussion is so closed my heart. Many certainly will keep coming back to check out updated posts. essay typer - homework help - Assignment help

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi, I'm Chri mith An Technical Advior. We provide Technical Help to our uer by a diagnoi of their computer and other device. And if there i an iue to be olved, we give out the olution. Thi help the uer to avoid any exiting iue
    123.hp.com
    PayPal Login
    www.amazon.com/mytv
    Office.Com/etup

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nice post! Incredible writing. Car Transport In DelhiThe company is the best when it comes to shifting and moving your favorite vehicle. They always appoint experienced and skilled individual as the team members who know the process correctly to do the loading, unloading, and packing process with great perfection. And Well-trained professionals ensure you a safe and secure relocation and shifting strategy.

    ReplyDelete
  16. play online cricket games Download App to know more Play and win Exclusive Prizes & Experiences only with Fantasy Power 11.Instant Paytm Withdrawal Fantasy Power 11 Fantasy Cricket Best App Download Best Fantasy Cricket App in India & win Cash visit Fantasy Cricket Best Website know more Fantasy Cricket Tips. Download Fantasy Power 11.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Test banks and solution manuals are the best learning aids for any student. Try Test Bank For Fundamentals Of Nursing 8th Edition with instant download and unlimited access.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hard exams, assignments and homework are a now things of the past with Essentials Of Nursing Leadership And Management 6th Edition Test Bank. Order and download now!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Matrimonials India is one of the most reliable and trustedAustralia Muslim Matrimony that provides services for millions of Indian worldwide. This portal is the largest Australia Muslim Matrimony with several successful marriages and that comprises an extensive database of NRI Muslims from Australia. Matrimonials India has already helped several people in finding their Australia Muslim life partners.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Exotic Luxury Camp provides the best camp in SAM Sand Dunes and the best luxury tents in Jaisalmer at affordable tariff. Exotic Luxury Camps is home to 26 specious tents with comfortable and unique stone beds. With us you will surely enjoy the jaisalmer tent stay in Jaisalmer as our camp cartels conveniences, comforts and ultra-modern facilities with the affection and personal attention of traditional Indian Rajasthani hospitality. desert festival jaisalmer

    ReplyDelete
  21. Updated version of Test Bank For New American Democracy The available for instant download. Avail great discounts and offers now.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Looking for the best study guides online? We offer Test Bank For Diversity Amid Globalization World Regions Environment Development 5 E at the lowest prices. Download instantly and improve your grades today.

    ReplyDelete
  23. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Looking for the best study guides online? We offer Test Bank For Meaningful Curriculum For Young Children Plus Myeducationlab With Pearson Etext Access Card Package at the lowest prices. Download instantly and improve your grades today.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Information on web is always fascinating. Let me point you to this page with more interesting stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Checkout our beautiful collection of Natural Opal Earrings, rings, necklaces, cufflinks and watches only at AustralianOpalDirect. We offer products 40% below the retail prices.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Student needs are changing at an amazing rate now and dependency on online test banks and solution manuals are trending. TestBanks21 provides Operations Management Global 11th Edition Solution Manual to help students acheive top grades at ease.

    ReplyDelete
  28. HBO Max constitutes a go-to platform for many people to entertain with streaming content in a flawless manner. Whether with movies, web series or even tutorials, HBO Max is the place to be. While you can go for HBO Max on your smartphone and computers with Internet connectivity as well as a supported browser, watching HBO Max on TV is a simple luxury. HBO Max smart TV support can easily be activated with the hbomax.com/tvsignin code link.
    Hbomax.com/tvsignin code

    ReplyDelete
  29. HBO Max constitutes a go-to platform for many people to entertain with streaming content in a flawless manner. Whether with movies, web series or even tutorials, HBO Max is the place to be. While you can go for HBO Max on your smartphone and computers with Internet connectivity as well as a supported browser, watching HBO Max on TV is a simple luxury. HBO Max smart TV support can easily be activated with the Hbo max tvcode link.
    Hbo max tvcode

    ReplyDelete
  30. If you are in a tight fix with an exam or homework, TestBank2022 could be the solution you are looking for. Browse through our vast collection of test banks and solution manuals like Recruitment And Selection In Canada Seventh Canadian Edition Test Bank Browe now for better grades!

    ReplyDelete
  31. hbomax.com/tvsignin lets you stream content on three different devices online, which means you can share it with family and friends. By contrast, Netflix lets you watch on multiple screens if you pay for the Standard (2 screens) or Premium plan (4 screens).
    Hbomax.com tvsignin
    hbomax.tvsignin

    ReplyDelete
  32. HBO Max allows users to stream video on demand, including series, movies, sports, and more in one place. Get all the details about the hbo max tv sign in Enter Code site in this article and stream HBO Max shows on your tv. HBO MAX lets you watch movies, exclusive tv shows and other videos at one place but it only works when it is activated. hbomax com tvsignin is an American OTT video streaming system that gives films, television shows, and sports on consumer demand.
    hbo max tv sign in
    hbomax com tvsignin

    ReplyDelete

  33. HBO Max costs $15/month without ads or $10/month with ads. The service offers everything on HBO's cable channel and follow the procedure of streaming with hbo max tv sign in streaming player.HBO Max is a premium streaming app that combines all of hbomax/tvsignin with even more must-see TV series, blockbuster movies, and exclusive Max Originals.
    hbo max tv sign in
    hbomax/tvsignin

    ReplyDelete
  34. I am very thankful for such a wonderful blog. It's very interesting to read and easy to understand. Thanks for sharing. For instant support related to Common AOL Mail Login Issues please contact our team for instant help.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Reading is a multifaceted process involving word recognition, comprehension, fluency, and motivation. You may like the Javed Chaudhry Zero Point book in pdf and you also check out the Novel Kashf ul Mahjoob, and a novel Bheegi Palkon Par
    Mushaf Novel
    Mujhe Mukamal Novel
    Dil Makan Uska Hua Novel
    Dar e Dil Novel
    Khwab Sheeshay ka Novel

    ReplyDelete
  36. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks for the nice blog. It was very useful for me. Keep sharing such ideas in the future as well. This was actually what I was looking for, and I am glad to come here! Thanks for sharing such information with us
    Logistics Company in San Diego

    ReplyDelete
  38. Da si bila ljepša, ne bih te zavolio. Da si bila draža, ne bih te izabrao. Da si bila bilo što drukčije nego što si sada, ja te ne bih htio. Volim te baš ovakvu kakva jesi i ne ljubavne poruke za njubih mijenjao ni jedan dio tebe. Ni danas, ni sutra , a ni za svo blago ovog svijeta jer moje blago si ti.


    Svako slovo tvoga imena podsjeća me na ljubav, sreću i trenutke kada smo skupa. Sretan sam što s tobom dijelim sve svoje sretne i tužne trenutke. Volim svaku našu šetnju, razgovor i zagrljaj jer to su trenutci koji se pamte.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hey here, is Kiara, we provide the best technology service for branding your products and services so you can go right now and visit here, with different products:-

    123.hp.com/setup | Mywifiext | Spectrum Login | webmail.spectrum.net | Spectrum Internet | HBO Watch Party

    ReplyDelete
  40. You’re so cool! I don’t believe I’ve read anything like that before. So wonderful to discover someone with a few unique thoughts on this subject matter. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This web site is something that is required on the internet, someone with a bit of originality! Feel free to visit my website;

    ReplyDelete
  41. Your way of working is very great and cool. This article is very informative and helpful for a lot of people. Thanks for sharing and keep sharing. Feel free to visit my website; 온라인카지노

    ReplyDelete
  42. Its a must read article. I'm super excited for founding this particular blog post. I would've missed too much if not being able to locate it. Its one of my best surf today. thank you for sharing. visit us: maranatha cut off mark for economics

    ReplyDelete

  43. Great Post keep writing. Linking words and phrases have a great role in the English language. Linking Words are also required in the SEO field too. If we post a blog on WordPress there is SEO readability exist and ask for sufficient linking words or transition words structure.

    ReplyDelete

  44. we make it simple for everyone. At We Custom Boxes (WCB), you can design custom presentation boxes cardboard boxes as well as custom packaging stickers, so your packaging needs will be conveniently catered to. We have a wide range of packing boxes to choose from and extremely affordable packaging online. So, if you have been wondering where to buy boxes, we have got you covered!

    ReplyDelete
  45. This is the first time I visit to your website and I really like your website and post also. Keep it up and keep sharing such posts.
    Need help in your college assignment as you are not good in some subjects or don't have a enough time to compete within tight deadlines? We brings you a online assignment help from best academic experts in respective field. Get any technical assignment help like MYOB assignment help, Civil engineering assignment help, HR Assignment Help and etc.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Just bookmarked this blog post as I have found it rather valuable. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  47. PH IT SOLUTION is best website development service provider company in meerut.
    website Development companies Meerut

    ReplyDelete
  48. Join IGS Institute, one of the Best UP SI coaching online in Noida . Free Online UP IAS PCS Coaching Form 2021 The Uttar Pradesh Social Welfare Department (UPSWD) is accepting online applications from OBC, SC, and ST aspirants for free IAS and PCS coaching in various UP districts (Uttar Pradesh). Contact Us: 7400302010

    ReplyDelete

  49. Thanks for sharing this knowledgeable post. What an excellent post and outstanding article. Thanks for your awesome topic. Really I got very valuable information here. If you want to Recover Forgot Roadrunner Email Password then please contact roadrunner support team for solution.

    ReplyDelete
  50. When I was writing my movie critique essay I used the help from a writer online. Then I got an A for my paper and now can recommend the above-mentioned source for getting such writing tips to everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Very informative post! Thanks for sharing! Are you in need of research paper writing help with leadership assignments? Please don’t hesitate to call our Leadership Assignment Helpers Online in the USA at any time. You have a safe opportunity for a transaction with us & send your leadership tasks ahead of schedule so you have enough time to read and comprehend your work. Reach out to us if you have any concerns about your writing & we will reply as soon as possible.

    ReplyDelete
  52. schedule so you have enough time to read and comprehend your work. Reach out to us if you have any concerns about your writing & we will reply as soon

    ReplyDelete
  53. Looking for a durable and versatile solution for your climbing needs in Bhopal? Our premium Aluminium Ladder in Bhopal is the answer. Crafted with precision, it ensures safety and stability for all your tasks. Trust our aluminium ladder for unmatched quality and reliability in Bhopal's diverse environments.

    ReplyDelete
  54. rehabilitation center commonly known as "Center for Addiction Liberation," stands as a beacon of hope for individuals battling substance abuse. This study delves into the operations, methodologies, and outcomes of Nasha Mukti Kendra, focusing on its pivotal role in rehabilitating individuals and breaking the cycle of addiction.

    ReplyDelete
  55. You are a student and need help with marketing assignment, here We are the global assignment expert. We offer assignment services to the students and delivers plagiarism free assignment. Global assignment help has a team of knowledgeable and experienced scholastic writer with 5 plus year of experience. Our team will help you with your assignment and they will also try to clear your doubt related with your assignment. So stop your search here, and connect with us on our website and give us chance to serve you better.

    ReplyDelete

Hey there cupcake! You look lovely today and I can tell you're thinking very smarticle thinky thoughts....so go ahead and post 'em!

After much thought and only recently being introduced to blog awards and blogger tagging, I'm going to have to declare this an award/tag free blog. I'm honored, humbled, and so very grateful for simply being considered for an award, but I simply do not have the time to return the favor. If I could, I'd award y'all with dozens of yummy cupcakes ;) Thanks for understanding.