Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Central Library, Indianapolis
Co-authors Alison Madden and Joan Bunte took Alison's children - Joan's grandchildren - to the main public library in downtown Indianapolis on 13th June 2013. It is a fantastic, state-of-the-art library, with a vast children's section. Imagine our delight when we saw our book - Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper - on the shelf?! What fun!
Author Alison Madden at The International School of Indiana
I had a wonderful morning with two classes at the International School Of Indiana, in Indianapolis, on April 17. The second grade students had been studying international cities, and were familiar with London. It was very fitting for me to read excerpts from Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper to the students - an adventure set in London.
Upon arrival, I saw the classroom was covered with photographs of all things London, such as Buckingham Palace; a double-decker bus; Queen Elizabeth II; and the Crown Jewels. There was a model of the Tower of London, too! Even the teacher was English! I felt right at home!
I read the story with different regional accents, and took questions from the students at the end. They had a ton of thoughtful, enquiring questions and comments. We all enjoyed the Q&A session.
When our time was up, the children lined up and asked me to autograph the bookmarks I had given each of them. They made me feel so special!
A few weeks later, I received a delightful letter in the mail. It was from Ryan, one of the students from the International School. He told me how much he had enjoyed the book. Wow! This is what makes the endeavor worthwhile. Thank you Ryan. And, thank you to everyone at the school for welcoming me, and embracing the story of Fred & Fiona.
Upon arrival, I saw the classroom was covered with photographs of all things London, such as Buckingham Palace; a double-decker bus; Queen Elizabeth II; and the Crown Jewels. There was a model of the Tower of London, too! Even the teacher was English! I felt right at home!
I read the story with different regional accents, and took questions from the students at the end. They had a ton of thoughtful, enquiring questions and comments. We all enjoyed the Q&A session.
When our time was up, the children lined up and asked me to autograph the bookmarks I had given each of them. They made me feel so special!
A few weeks later, I received a delightful letter in the mail. It was from Ryan, one of the students from the International School. He told me how much he had enjoyed the book. Wow! This is what makes the endeavor worthwhile. Thank you Ryan. And, thank you to everyone at the school for welcoming me, and embracing the story of Fred & Fiona.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Author Alison Madden in the Broad Ripple Gazette
Here is a link to the photos capturing the reading event at St. Richard's Episcopal School in Indianapolis on 27th February 2013. Thank you to the second-graders, Ms. Williams, and Ms. Graber at the school, as well to Alan Hague from the Gazette.
http://www.broadripplegazette.com/images/v10n05/author.htm#bookmark21
http://www.broadripplegazette.com/images/v10n05/author.htm#bookmark21
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Writing Workshop - 1st Grade, St. Richard's Episcopal School, Indianapolis
This morning I visited first grade students at St. Richard's Episcopal School. The students have been creating their own books to sell in their own bookstore tomorrow, 7th March 2013. Good luck with your sale boys and girls! What an exciting and stimulating project.
I took students through the life of an author, how to structure a story, good writing tips, and the publishing process. The students worked in pairs to create a framework for a story that they will complete in the classroom. They came up with some exciting and creative ideas for their stories, and were passionate about the challenge. The workshop wrapped up with lots of great questions from young, inquisitive minds. It was so good to see children excited about reading and writing!
Many thanks to Ms. Williams and Ms. Ritter for inviting me to wonderful St. Richard's.
I took students through the life of an author, how to structure a story, good writing tips, and the publishing process. The students worked in pairs to create a framework for a story that they will complete in the classroom. They came up with some exciting and creative ideas for their stories, and were passionate about the challenge. The workshop wrapped up with lots of great questions from young, inquisitive minds. It was so good to see children excited about reading and writing!
Many thanks to Ms. Williams and Ms. Ritter for inviting me to wonderful St. Richard's.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Kindle Edition
Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper is available on Kindle. Please click on the link to see it on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Fred-Fiona-Flea-Extraordinaire-ebook/dp/B009447D30/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362495445&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=frd+and+fiona+flea
http://www.amazon.com/Fred-Fiona-Flea-Extraordinaire-ebook/dp/B009447D30/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362495445&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=frd+and+fiona+flea
Fred & Fiona on sale at Bookmamas, Irvington.
Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper is now available at Bookmamas - a wonderful independent bookstore in charming Irvington, east side of Indianapolis. Thank you to owner Kathleen for stocking the book.
Visit Bookmamas at 9 Johnson Avenue, Iriving, IN 46219. Tel: 317-375-3715 www.bookmamas.com
Visit Bookmamas at 9 Johnson Avenue, Iriving, IN 46219. Tel: 317-375-3715 www.bookmamas.com
Meridian-Kessler Book Sale & Author Signing
Saturday February 16, 2013 was the first Annual Meridian-Kessler Winter Doldrums Book Sale & Author Signing. As local authors we were invited by the Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association. Our thanks go to Caroline Farrar for inviting us to a fantastic neighborhood event at the Indianpolis Public Library, 4180 N. College Ave. Thank you to all the local families who turned out on a cold winter's day. We look forward to next year's event!
Monday, March 4, 2013
St. Richard's Episcopal School, Indianapolis
I look forward to returning to school on March 6 to meet the first graders!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Thank You Tipsy Cake Chicago!!
Wow, we had a great time at Tipsy Cake just now. A large crowd turned up to hear the Fred & Fiona Flea story, and to partake of the most delicious brownies in Chicago.
Thank you to all of the parents who brought their children to the event. It was wonderful to see you, and to watch the children bond over books and brownies!
Thank you to proprietor Naomi Levine, a generous and creative hostess who put together a lovely event today. Your generosity is appreciated by so many in the community.
Keep reading kids, and keep eating cake from Tipsy Cake!!
Thank you to all of the parents who brought their children to the event. It was wonderful to see you, and to watch the children bond over books and brownies!
Thank you to proprietor Naomi Levine, a generous and creative hostess who put together a lovely event today. Your generosity is appreciated by so many in the community.
Keep reading kids, and keep eating cake from Tipsy Cake!!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Books & Brownies!
Love cake?? Interested in London and the Crown Jewels? Then meet author Alison Madden at Chicago's fabulous Tipsy Cake Bakery Saturday 31st March 12-3pm.
Bring the children along and have some fun as Alison reads excerpts from her book Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper. Children will be treated to an energetic, fun reading, as well as delicious chocolate brownies and shots of ice cold milk.
Drop your name in the mixing bowl to win a free copy of this great children's book!
See you there:
Tipsy Cake
1944 N. Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
Tel: 773 384 4418
www.tipsycakechicago.com
Bring the children along and have some fun as Alison reads excerpts from her book Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper. Children will be treated to an energetic, fun reading, as well as delicious chocolate brownies and shots of ice cold milk.
Drop your name in the mixing bowl to win a free copy of this great children's book!
See you there:
Tipsy Cake
1944 N. Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
Tel: 773 384 4418
www.tipsycakechicago.com
Friday, March 2, 2012
Meet You at I've Been to a Marvelous Party! Saturday 3rd March 12pm!!
Alison Madden will be signing copies of Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper at this cool party store at 12pm Saturday 3rd March.
Find us at 2121 N. Clybourn Avenue in Lincoln Park - near Treasure Island.
See you there!
Find us at 2121 N. Clybourn Avenue in Lincoln Park - near Treasure Island.
See you there!
Alison Madden at Embers Elementary School
On Tuesday 28th February 2012, I went to Embers Elementary School 2000 W. Sibley, Park Ridge, IL. I received such a warm welcome from Principal Davis that I felt right at home. I had the pleasure of meeting 52 students who were ready to hear about the exploits of Fred & Fiona Flea.
The students were engaged with the story, and had a hundred questions for me afterwards. Some students revealed they were writing books of their own. It was most gratifying to see children excited about reading and writing. The students were so well behaved and courteous - such a pleasure to see in this day and age.
I'd like to thank Mrs. Davis, teachers and students for welcoming me to their delightful school, and I look forward to returning to read book two!
The students were engaged with the story, and had a hundred questions for me afterwards. Some students revealed they were writing books of their own. It was most gratifying to see children excited about reading and writing. The students were so well behaved and courteous - such a pleasure to see in this day and age.
I'd like to thank Mrs. Davis, teachers and students for welcoming me to their delightful school, and I look forward to returning to read book two!
Fred & Fiona Flea in the Chicago Tribune
Please click here to see the Fred & Fiona Flea feature in the Park Ridge/Niles/Des Plaines Trib Local about my visit to Embers Elementary School in Park Ridge on February 28, 2012. http://triblocal.com/park-ridge/galleries/2012/02/flea-read/#/1
Click here to see the printed version that made the actual paper! http://www.readoz.com/publication/embed?p=18280
Click here to see the printed version that made the actual paper! http://www.readoz.com/publication/embed?p=18280
Friday, January 20, 2012
Who Said Selling Books Was Easy?
Blimey, being an author is challenging... After the hectic holiday season I picked up where I left of with regard to promoting Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper.
Book promotion is a constant uphill battle for a first-time, unknown author. No-one out there cares about the book more than I do, so I work tirelessly to open up new opportunities to highlight this new children's adventure story. If I don't bring it to the attention of retailers, parents, teachers, librarians, and children then who will? I can't simply leave it alone to become a bestseller all by itself, as if by magic. How can it sell if no-one knows it exists?
I am under the impression that some writers and new authors think that just because their book is published then it WILL sell, and bring in substantial royalty payments. Some may think "I am a published author. Just sit back and watch the money roll in. The hard work is over." Fortunately, I was not too naive in that regard. I knew I would have to work at it, but was not prepared - to be honest - for how difficult an uphill struggle it would be. I have energy and enthusiasm. I believe it this awesome adventure story I co-wrote. I work very hard to push my product. However, it is tiresome to depend on other people to give you a leg-up, and when it takes ten calls and emails just to speak to someone - never mind agree on a consignment or an event. Other people have their jobs to do; their own lives; their own families; their own special projects which take precedence.
I guess, what I want to say to writers and new authors is this. No-one cares about your work more than you. Keep plugging away and make it happen. Work hard and do not give up. It may not be an overnight success, but it won't be a success at all if you don't work at it.
Book promotion is a constant uphill battle for a first-time, unknown author. No-one out there cares about the book more than I do, so I work tirelessly to open up new opportunities to highlight this new children's adventure story. If I don't bring it to the attention of retailers, parents, teachers, librarians, and children then who will? I can't simply leave it alone to become a bestseller all by itself, as if by magic. How can it sell if no-one knows it exists?
I am under the impression that some writers and new authors think that just because their book is published then it WILL sell, and bring in substantial royalty payments. Some may think "I am a published author. Just sit back and watch the money roll in. The hard work is over." Fortunately, I was not too naive in that regard. I knew I would have to work at it, but was not prepared - to be honest - for how difficult an uphill struggle it would be. I have energy and enthusiasm. I believe it this awesome adventure story I co-wrote. I work very hard to push my product. However, it is tiresome to depend on other people to give you a leg-up, and when it takes ten calls and emails just to speak to someone - never mind agree on a consignment or an event. Other people have their jobs to do; their own lives; their own families; their own special projects which take precedence.
I guess, what I want to say to writers and new authors is this. No-one cares about your work more than you. Keep plugging away and make it happen. Work hard and do not give up. It may not be an overnight success, but it won't be a success at all if you don't work at it.
Chicago Events for 2012
Author Alison Madden looks forward to the following events in Chicago:
February 15, 2012 (Wednesday):
1-2pm: St. Josaphat School, Lincloln Park. A Fred & Fiona reading, and a writing workshop.
February 28, 2012 (Tuesday):
9.30am: The Embers Elementary School, Park Ridge. A Fred & Fiona reading, and a writing workshop.
March 3, 2012 (Saturday):
12pm: I've Been to a Marvelous Party!, 2121 N. Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614. Book signing!
March 7, 2012 (Wednesday):
1.30pm: St. Clement School, Lincloln Park. A Fred & Fiona reading, and a writing workshop.
March 31, 2012 (Saturday):
1-3pm: TipsyCake, 1944 N. Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
Tel: 773 384 4418. http://www.tipsycakechicago.com/
Thank you to my hostesses Shannon Valko of Little Beans and Naomi Levine of TipsyCake - two fabulous, entrepreneurial working mothers - for welcoming me into their establishments. Thank you to the kind teachers and principals who welcome me into their schools. I appreciate all of your generosity and support.
February 15, 2012 (Wednesday):
1-2pm: St. Josaphat School, Lincloln Park. A Fred & Fiona reading, and a writing workshop.
February 28, 2012 (Tuesday):
9.30am: The Embers Elementary School, Park Ridge. A Fred & Fiona reading, and a writing workshop.
March 3, 2012 (Saturday):
12pm: I've Been to a Marvelous Party!, 2121 N. Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614. Book signing!
March 7, 2012 (Wednesday):
1.30pm: St. Clement School, Lincloln Park. A Fred & Fiona reading, and a writing workshop.
March 31, 2012 (Saturday):
1-3pm: TipsyCake, 1944 N. Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
Tel: 773 384 4418. http://www.tipsycakechicago.com/
Thank you to my hostesses Shannon Valko of Little Beans and Naomi Levine of TipsyCake - two fabulous, entrepreneurial working mothers - for welcoming me into their establishments. Thank you to the kind teachers and principals who welcome me into their schools. I appreciate all of your generosity and support.
Fred & Fiona Flea at Jean De Lafayette Elementary School
The British School of Chicago
Two days prior to Thanksgiving I had the privilege of meeting staff and students at the British School of Chicago. I felt right at home there! All of the teachers there are British, and a number of the students are either British with accents or had British parents.
I met about 125 students split into three groups. I read excerpts of the book and brought the story to life by using different English accents. We had such fun with it!! The students seemed to love the story, and asked all sort of interesting and probing questions afterwards. I was impressed by their intelligence, and their thirst for information.
Many of the children told me they had visited London, and had been to either Buckingham Palace , the Tower of London, or both. They really got to grips with the story, which had meaning for them because they were familiar with the subject matter.
After the reading and questions, we had time to discuss my publishing experience, as well as writing tips. The children were amazed that the publishing process can be such a long and drawn-out process. I highlighted to them that the idea for the story came when they were just babies, and that finally the story was accepted, and then published 6 or 7 years later. They came to understand that all writers need patience, and that a good story is worth writing and deserves perseverance.
Thank you to Mr. Henry Bray - Head of Literacy at the British School of Chicago - for giving me the opportunity. It was a pleasure to meet the students and staff, and to bring Fred & Fiona Flea to life for everyone.
I met about 125 students split into three groups. I read excerpts of the book and brought the story to life by using different English accents. We had such fun with it!! The students seemed to love the story, and asked all sort of interesting and probing questions afterwards. I was impressed by their intelligence, and their thirst for information.
Many of the children told me they had visited London, and had been to either Buckingham Palace , the Tower of London, or both. They really got to grips with the story, which had meaning for them because they were familiar with the subject matter.
Thank you to Mr. Henry Bray - Head of Literacy at the British School of Chicago - for giving me the opportunity. It was a pleasure to meet the students and staff, and to bring Fred & Fiona Flea to life for everyone.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Fred & Fiona Flea on Sale at These Fine Independent Retailers!!
Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper is now on sale at the following independent retailers. Thank you to Linda and Ann at Women & Children First; Jeanette at Sprout;, Jennifer at The Red Balloon; Maria at I've Been to a Marvelous Party!; and Shirley at Kids Ink for selling the book in their fine establishments!
Women & Children First
5233 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640
Tel: 773 293 2665
Sprouts
4753 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
Tel: 773 8167227
The Red Balloon
1940 N. Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
and 5407 N. Clark Streeet, Chicago 60640
Tel: 773 489 9800 and 773 989 8500
I've Been to a Marvelous Party!
2121 N.. Clybourn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
Tel: 773 404 9400
Kids Ink
5619 N. Illinois Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Tel: 317 255 2598
Women & Children First
5233 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640
Tel: 773 293 2665
Sprouts
4753 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
Tel: 773 8167227
The Red Balloon
1940 N. Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
and 5407 N. Clark Streeet, Chicago 60640
Tel: 773 489 9800 and 773 989 8500
I've Been to a Marvelous Party!
2121 N.. Clybourn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
Tel: 773 404 9400
Kids Ink
5619 N. Illinois Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Tel: 317 255 2598
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Author Readings at St. Mary of the Angels School, Chicago
Author Alison Madden has begun her journey with both Kindergarten and 1st grade classes at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic school in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago.
For the past three weeks I have gone into class to read one chapter to the students. The adventure will last seven weeks because there are seven chapters in the book! I am having such fun bringing the story to life for the children. The protagonists are from Yorkshire, so it is fun to put on a Yorkshire accent when reading the parts of Fred, Fiona and Amos. For the snooty lady on the bus I put on a throaty, Queenly voice. And for the thieves a fun cockney accent - think of the two rats in Chicken Run!
I am amazed at the questions and comments the children have for me when I end the reading and come to the Q&A part. It is obvious that they engage with the story, and enjoy it. The teachers are engaged too, and have created special writing projects for the students to do alongside my readings. The first-grade students are creating their own Fred & Fiona books. After each reading they write and illustrate their own chapters, and by the end of the seven weeks will have their own Fred & Fiona books. It is so satisfying, as an author, to see the story in the hands of my readers and to see them recreate the book in their own styles, capturing the scenes that stand out for them. The teachers have also pulled from the Internet photographs of the Tower of London and such, to bring the story to life even more. Photos are projected onto the Promethean board during the reading, bringing Big Ben, and Beefeaters and the like into the classroom! This is all new and interesting information to six and seven year-old Chicagoans! The thing the Kindergartners liked the most this week, was the Beefeater in his frock-coat. The children thought it was hilarious that a soldier was wearing - and I quote - a girly dress!! So much for culture...!!
Thank you to St. Mary of the Angels Kindergarten and 1st-grade teachers and students for having me in class.
For the past three weeks I have gone into class to read one chapter to the students. The adventure will last seven weeks because there are seven chapters in the book! I am having such fun bringing the story to life for the children. The protagonists are from Yorkshire, so it is fun to put on a Yorkshire accent when reading the parts of Fred, Fiona and Amos. For the snooty lady on the bus I put on a throaty, Queenly voice. And for the thieves a fun cockney accent - think of the two rats in Chicken Run!
I am amazed at the questions and comments the children have for me when I end the reading and come to the Q&A part. It is obvious that they engage with the story, and enjoy it. The teachers are engaged too, and have created special writing projects for the students to do alongside my readings. The first-grade students are creating their own Fred & Fiona books. After each reading they write and illustrate their own chapters, and by the end of the seven weeks will have their own Fred & Fiona books. It is so satisfying, as an author, to see the story in the hands of my readers and to see them recreate the book in their own styles, capturing the scenes that stand out for them. The teachers have also pulled from the Internet photographs of the Tower of London and such, to bring the story to life even more. Photos are projected onto the Promethean board during the reading, bringing Big Ben, and Beefeaters and the like into the classroom! This is all new and interesting information to six and seven year-old Chicagoans! The thing the Kindergartners liked the most this week, was the Beefeater in his frock-coat. The children thought it was hilarious that a soldier was wearing - and I quote - a girly dress!! So much for culture...!!
Thank you to St. Mary of the Angels Kindergarten and 1st-grade teachers and students for having me in class.
Commercial/Trailer for Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper
Here is the trailer that will be aired on TV to promote the book. I hope you like it!
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