As you encourage your children to read, why not encourage them to read a cool book written by a kid? Richmond’s own, Zack Samuels (a.k.a. Henri Maggot), started writing My Life as a Young Wizard when he was 11-years-old. Wise beyond his years, yet down to earth, Zack has now reached the ripe old age of 13 and has a published book to show for it.
Zack’s book tells the tale of a young wizard going to 6th grade for his first (and hopefully only) time, who is faced with many hardships, and must use his powers to survive the grueling world of middle school. Richmondmom.com sat down with Zack, his mother Geri Samuels by his side, to learn more about the process of writing a book as a pre-teen. And for a special kid to kid perspective, my son Cameron (8-years-old), who was recently wowed when he read My Life as a Young Wizard, also joined in the fun.
Zack was quick to establish a rapport during our interview at a local café and appeared at ease as if he had been handling interviews his entire life. He maintains that his parents are his “managers” and also shared, “My mom doesn’t just manage my writing, but also cleaning my room.” Without missing a beat, Geri joked that managing his writing was the easy part!
CB: Why did you decide to write a book? Did you do it for the money or for the happiness?
ZS: Well, it was a lot of work, but a lot of fun too. The 6th grade was a really hard year for me, and I wanted to have a record of what was going on.
CB: How long did it take to write?
ZS: About a year, give or take a few months.
CB: Who were your influences in writing the book?
ZS: J.K.Rowling for sure and Jeff Kinney. I wanted it to be about the 6th grade and a mix up between Harry Potter and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but with a lot more 6th grade-ness.
ZS: How is your orange juice?
CB: Good. What kind of juice do you like?
ZS: That’s a good question. Grape.
RM: White or red?
GS: I vote white. It’s less messy!
RM: Tell me about using the term “journal” in the book instead of “diary”.
ZS. Well, plain and simple, a diary is “girly” but a journal is not.
RM: Why did you choose to use a pen name or pseudonym, and why did you choose to write as Henri Maggot?
ZS: Well, I was reading a book at the time where the author used a pseudonym, and I thought that was pretty cool. I was feeling weird the day that I chose the pseudonym, and I am also fascinated with the French language, so I made the author ¼ French. He is also ¼ French Fry, but that is a different story. Also, I didn’t want the publisher to know I was a kid until (my manuscript) was accepted. I didn’t want them to publish it just because I was a kid.
RM: What was your favorite part of writing the book?
ZS: Writing about action and using magic.
RM: What advice would you give to kids who struggle with reading and writing?
ZS: Read for just a few minutes a day and it adds up to thousands of minutes every year. And the more you read, the better you write. The better you write, the more you can read.
Zack says he has several additional books “in the works”. When he isn’t writing, Zack enjoys playing Tennis, as well as “playing video games, playing with my sister, and playing video games with my sister!”
My Life as a Young Wizard, by Henri Maggot is available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. For Richmond Mom’s list of Great Gift Book Ideas by Richmond authors, click here.
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When Steven Smith asked me if I’d like a copy of his book, I wasn’t sure it was something I’d really enjoy. After all, it’s written for ages 7-12 and I figured it was just another kid’s book.
But boy was I surprised! As the father of 3 boys, Smith certainly has a good handle on what boys enjoy and that makes this book a must-have for young boys (and even girls will enjoy it too!). A local ‘dad blogger’, he is very engaged as a dad, author and entrepreneur. (Don’t miss his MyBoys3 video below).
The Story
Summer of the Woods is about ten-year-old Derek and eight-year-old Sam who move with their family to Virginia. Just like normal boys, they’re inquisitive about everything and they love exploring around their old house and the nearby woods. They eventually uncover a sixty-year-old mystery of a valuable coin collection stolen from the local museum. And that’s when the excitement really begins. The two young boys spend their summer running from danger and searching the woods, secret caves, and plenty of places that present excitement and danger. Their search continues for a most unusual treasure – but you’ll have to read the book to learn about what it is.
Summer of the Woods was chosen as the 2013-14 WEaver READs book at Bettie Weaver Elementary School in Midlothian. The entire school will read this single book together during their 3rd annual school-wide literacy event in January. This program has included such great classics in the past as The Trumpet of the Swan and The Cricket in Times Square so this is truly an honor for Smith’s book.
Mystery on Church Hill is Smith’s next book, soon to be on shelves everywhere. His next book follows the same two young brothers, Sam and Derek, this time on a historical mystery that takes them from the cemeteries of Richmond to the streets of Colonial Williamsburg.
About Steven Smith
Smith is not only an author, but an advocate for reading throughout our community. He volunteers his time and works with different schools to promote reading and learning. His most recent adventure with C.H.A.T. in Church Hill provides a glimpse into the organization, where several times each week they reach over 140 kids in the Church Hill section of inner city East Richmond with a variety of programs. His recent visit was to read to the group and talk with the kids about writing a book – something many of them had never dreamed possible until they heard Smith’s talk.
Smith donates 10% of the proceeds from both books to support the non-profit organization, C.H.A.T.
Visit this link to purchase a copy of Summer of the Woods as a Christmas or birthday gift, or just a way to encourage boys to read. Your kids will love the book and you’ll support a local author at the same time. You’ll also enjoy his ‘dad blog’ by clicking here.
See his Myboys3 video below – you’ll love how these kids ROCK!
For a list of more books by Local Richmond Authors, click here.
Click here to view the embedded video.
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When it comes to Real Richmond Parents, no one is more real than Kim Newlen! Kim is the founder of Sweet Monday, a motivational speaker, and an author. She’s also a wife and mother and very busy Richmond parent!
LookBetterThanYouFeel
You may know Kim from a previous article related to her LookBetterThanYouFeel garment for women undergoing breast cancer. Kim battled breast cancer 9 years and and learned how difficult it is for women who have to deal with medical appointments, drains, and all types of uncomfortable things during treatment. That’s when she created the garment. After beating cancer, she continued to speak and entertain audiences all over the country with her humor and down-to-earth, practical tips to help women live a ‘sweet and simple’ life.
Sweet and Sad all at Once
Now Kim is once again battling breast cancer as she undergoes treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas – participating in a clinical trial. Learning of her rare form of breast cancer with no known cure was a difficult day for Kim – and ironically, it came on the same day as her press release announcing her new book that was being published through Tyndale Momentum.
Sweetness and salty all at one time!
Kim, her daughter Kali, and husband Mark.
But just as Kim always does, she took in stride, looked UP, stayed positive, and pushed forward. She continues to promote her new book, The One Year Sweet & Simple Moments with God Devotional, in every way possible. She stays upbeat and inspires and encourages everyone else around her at MD Anderson and everyone who knows her is amazed at her strength, positive attitude, and ability to stay strong under such stressful circumstances.
Celebrating Kim’s Book
To celebrate the September release of Kim’s new book, there will be a Sweet September Sixteen book sale at Sweet Spot in Short Pump – on September 16, 2013! It’s from 11am – 2pm. You are invited to stop by to purchase a book or just say hello – and of course, enjoy some sweet delicious candy.
This book is a great holiday gift too – so you may want to bring your gift list with you. It offers inspiration – and lots of laughter and tears – to help women see the sweet and simple moments right in front of them every day of their lives. Join us as we celebrate this incredible woman who is a true Richmond Parent and Richmond author.
To learn more about Kim, visit her website. You can also follow her journey on Facebook and through Caringbridge.
UPDATE 9/18/13: Click here to read the reviews of Kim’s book signing in Houston and her Sweet September Sixteen Celebration at Sweet Spot!
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Source: http://www.kathleenreid.com/
We just love to celebrate new authors – and especially Richmond authors! We’re excited to hear that one of Richmond’s newest authors has written a great beach read – or just a leisurely read at home. And best of all? It supports the vital research related to diabetes research.
Richmonder Kathleen Reid, a long-time JDRF supporter, has written her first romantic comedy. Boston Found is an entertaining beach read that also sends a positive message of hope about type 1 diabetes.
According to the JDRF website about the book:
It’s an engaging and compelling story that will resonate with all those familiar with the myriad of ways type 1 diabetes can touch and change lives.
About JDRF
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. JDRF’s goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives until we achieve a world without T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, regulatory influence, and a working plan to better treat, prevent, and eventually cure T1D.
Her Inspiration
Inspired by her good friend, Eva Clarke, a community leader for type 1 diabetes, Kathleen will donate a portion of the book’s proceeds to JDRF. On the JDRF website, Kathleen says she is “continually awed by the grace“ with which Eva manages her disease and its effect on her life.
Eva started the “DRIVE OUT DIABETES” license plate program available to Virginia motorists and 
initiated the annual JDRF Gala held at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. Each of these efforts promotes finding a cure for the disease as well as funding vital research.
Get the Book and Learn More
Visit the JDRF website to learn more about Kathleen and to see how research is making a difference in the lives of those living with diabetes.
In 1978, John Hunter decided that he wanted to teach his inner-city students about global issues in such a way that “they could experience the feeling of learning through their bodies.” He designed the World Peace Game and for more than 30 years, Hunter has used it to introduce these issues to students from his fourth-grade class and beyond.
John was born and raised in Richmond – he lives and teaches today in Charlottesville, VA. He is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University.
In World Peace and Other 4th-Grade Achievements, Hunter shares the wisdom he’s gleaned from over thirty years teaching the World Peace Game.
Over a period of weeks, through a complex set of scenarios (and a three-dimensional structure representing the entire planet), children and teens learn to:
- negotiate, battle, obtain resources
- cooperate in the wake of natural disasters
- and resolve all manner of conflicts
The kids (in schools both well-funded and under-resourced) read Sun Tzu in order to see past the logic of war. They test the possibility of confrontation, only, later, to choose peace.
World Peace is a look at the relentless optimism and wisdom of children. It reveals the principles of successful collaboration that people of any age can apply and shares the tools which may help us all in efforts for a more peaceful world.
Praise for the Book
“Hunter’s optimism is infectious” –Publishers Weekly
“A veteran educator’s uplifting account of how he introduced schoolchildren to global problems through a visionary game that charged them with saving the world….Inspired, breath-of-fresh-air reading, especially for those who have ever questioned what the public school system can do for American children.” –Kirkus
“With numerous reflections on the game’s impact on certain students and a resounding final chapter highlighting his class’s 2012 visit to the Pentagon, Hunter proves the value of “slow teaching” in this important, fascinating, highly readable resource for educators and parents alike.” –Booklist
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Paul Tough, bestselling author of How Children Succeed, will speak about his book at Sabot at Stony Point on June 13, 2013 at the inaugural Peg Spangenthal Memorial Lecture.
Sabot at Stony Point and Tom Chewning, Honorary Chair, invite you to join in the quest to make our community a place where all children can succeed.
- Paul Tough is the author of best-selling: How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character.
- He is also a contributing writer to the New York Times Magazine and a speaker on topics including education, poverty, parenting, and politics.
Peg Spangenthal (1927 – 2011) was an outstanding Richmond early childhood educator. Her long career was distinguished by wise leadership and dedicated advocacy for children and their parents. Through this memorial lecture series, we aim to highlight voices and views like Peg’s, and to keep them at the forefront in our work.
Join Paul tough on Thursday, June 13, 2013, at 7 p.m. in Founders Hall. Tickets, at $25 each, can be purchased by clicking here.
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Author Mair and her family. Photo by Scott Quarforth.
When Mair Downing sent me a copy of her book, I was thrilled to sit down and read it with my little platinum-blonde princess. Mair’s bio alone made me want to read the book because she “got her writing start the old-fashioned way–drafting heartfelt apology notes for breaking the rules.” Any girl this sassy has got to write a great book.
Presto! is a darling little paperback book featuring a little girl with a wand, a dream,
and a spunky attitude (where’d she get that?).
She desperately wants to be a ballerina, but she falls down, wobbles, and slips. She even gets dizzy along the way. She thinks her little wand is the secret weapon to her success but learns otherwise along her journey to a perfected peer-a-wet. I don’t want to give it all away, but this paperback is a great read, adorably illustrated by Rohn Price, Mair’s father-in-law.
One item of note: Rohn likes to include “Easter Eggs” in his artwork, meaning there’s always a name of a family member embedded somewhere. Fun family, fun book.
Find it at Barnes and Noble and lots of other cool places online and consider supporting this Richmond mom & author.
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Check out a super fun event right here in Richmond, Virginia with some fantastic celebrities – including Kate Hall!
Young House Love: 243 Ways to Paint, Craft, Update and Show Your Home Some Love
Sherry Petersik, John Petersik
Author Event
Sherry and John Petersik are the creators of the hit home improvement blog Young House Love and authors of Young House Love: 243 Ways to Paint, Craft, Update and Show Your Home Some Love. We are excited to host them for a discussion and book signing.
When:
Tuesday – May 07, 2013
Time:
7:00 PM
Location:
Creeks @ VA Center
9850 Brook Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059
804-264-6850
Special Guest!
Sherry and John will be joined by Kate Hall, Richmondmom.com CEO/founder and author of Richmond Rocks and Spooky Sequel! Let’s show Young House Love and Kate Hall some real Richmond love!
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Have you ever wished someone had given you, or would give you, information and step-by-step instructions on what to expect throughout pregnancy and EXACTLY what to do once your bundle of joy arrives?
Okay – that’s not going to happen. But we do have a giveaway for one lucky mom or mom-to-be. Secrets of The Mommyhood by Heather Alexander is a book written by a mom for moms. You can enter our contest to win the book – but first, read on to learn more about it.
Secrets of the Mommyhood Exposed
In a perfect world, an experienced mom would sit down and tell you everything you need to know. But the reality is, most moms with young kids are too busy wiping noses and butts to stop and give you the download.
Secrets of The Mommyhood is everything you wish someone had told you about being pregnant, about childbirth and delivery, and becoming a new mom. And Richmondmom.com is exposing the secret!
It’s a great gift for Mother’s Day and expectant moms. It will help new moms:
- Find out what actually happens during labor and childbirth;
- Laugh as you read what it’s like to be a pregnant woman, learn the stages of pregnancy and the many lovely (and not so lovely) bodily changes that happen during pregnancy;
- Know what to look for when evaluating pediatrician and childcare options;
- Pack the right things in your hospital bag so you have what you need with it’s time to give birth;
- Choose baby gear you will use and avoid spending money on things you won’t;
- Deal with unsolicited advice from random idiots;
- Know how to get a birth certificate and social security card;
- Get post childbirth information so you can figure out what to do with a newborn;
- Understand why it’s a good idea for infants to be on a schedule;
- Learn what you need to know about newborn and new mommy wellness;
- Medical must haves and resources;
- Get a heads-up on common illnesses no one bothers to mention;
- Avoid supermoms and look for super moms;
- Learn the only thing that really matters.
The book is available in paperback from Amazon and Barnes & Noble and in e-book from iTunes, Kindle and Nook. Get the book at this link.
Enter to Win the Book
If you’d like to enter our contest to win the book, click here and provide complete information for our survey no later than April 30, 2013. We’ll announce our winner on Facebook.
About the Author
Heather Alexander is a married mother of two who lives in Knoxville, Tennessee where she avoids laundry, and writes when she can – usually when she’s supposed to be sleeping. She is a columnist for the Knoxville News Sentinel and writes tips, solutions and humor on her blog.
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Best-selling and award-winning author, professor of creative writing, and co-founder of James River Writers and The Podium Foundation, David L. Robbins will conduct a series of 8 short fiction workshops weekly for advanced adult writers. The focus will be on craft, self-editing, and the structural components of good storytelling.
- Dates: Wednesday evenings, 6:30-9:00, June 19-August 7.
- Location: For more information contact lmbumgarner@
thepodiumfoundation.org or call Lindy at 804-921-2328. - $500/JRW members
- $550/non-members
- 10 slot minimum/12 slot maximum
- A 50% deposit is required (refundable only if minimum number of slots is not reached).
- 100% of the proceeds will be donated equally to James River Writers and The Podium Foundation, both 501(c)(3) organizations.
- Please consult with your tax advisor about a tax-deductible donation.
A Note from David
For The Art of the Narrative, I’m looking for serious-minded writers, folks who see themselves on a path towards publication of their work. You need not already be published, but I want a room full of people dedicated to learning and improving their writing craft.
The concentration on short stories will allow us to focus on practicing the principals of storytelling in a concise format, lessons that will extrapolate to long-form novels, even documentary writing, for the precepts of a well told tale extend across genres. Each student will have the opportunity to write 3-4 times, and will edit classmates’ work for every session. This will provide lots of opportunity for learning the nuances of editing others and one’s own work.
We will practice and I will lecture on a variety of topics, including integration of the physical worlds into the story, how to handle back story, pace, tension, brevity, character development, voice, fantasy and action writing, scene selection… I won’t spend a lot of time assessing your creativity or imagination, feeling that these are individual traits each artist brings to his/her own work and should not really be subjected to my influence. You bring in the stories – my job will be to give you the tools and practice needed to tell those stories effectively and artfully. I will not alter what you write, but you have my word that we will change the way you write it.
Lastly, this will be fun. I like an energetic and safe environment in my classrooms. Everyone participates equally, and everyone teaches. Please keep in mind that this is a fundraiser for two very worthy Richmond charities, both focused on aspiring writers.Please consider taking the class, and thereby helping James River Writers and The Podium Foundation.
Sincerely,
David Robbins
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