Tag Archives: Books

The Last Week of Summer

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Here we are in the last week of summer. The last summer my son will be a seven-year-old as he approaches birthday number eight in September and will be starting school next week.

I am experiencing highs and lows. I would be lying if I said I was not eager to regain my daily freedom and that I do not enjoy structure and routine the school year brings to our home. Early bedtimes, early rising, and knowing my child is in good hands and learning all the things to prepare him for life.

But I see and hear him voicing insecurity and thoughts of the unknown.

Will his teacher be a good match for his wildly curious, easily bored, silly, and vocal personality?

Will he make new friends?

All the “what if’s” and “what nots” we have all experienced as children and in adulthood.

We are preparing to attend the back-to-school bash tomorrow night where he will find out who his second grade teacher will be and meet new classmates— and reconnect with the old friends and teachers from school. An exciting time of nervous butterflies that will couple with realizing it’s not all that scary…. I am reminding myself.

He’s growing up.

He’s got this.

He’s a good kid.

He’s a smart boy.

He’s friendly and outgoing.

He’s imaginative.

He’s funny.

He’s my awesome boy.

So if you are like me and worry over your children and want to watch them succeed and have a place in the world, set your mind at ease.

You’ve got this.

But while other parents are preparing their kids already with routines and early lights out, we will be enjoying the last moments of summer.

Holding onto the fun and whimsy.

Leaving a sparkling trail of memories behind us.

– Alison Paul Klakowicz

Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

https://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Big-Red-Monster-Truck/dp/1525530178

http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

Alison Paul Klakowicz is an Eastern North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.

Vote for Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck!

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I am elated my children’s book, Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck, is in the running for a 2019 Reader’s Choice Award!

Please consider voting.

Click on the link below and go to page 11 then simply click on the book cover to cast your vote!

GO HERE:

https://www.tckpublishing.com/2019-readers-choice-voting-page/

Or here:

https://www.opinionstage.com/belprado1/vote-for-your-favorite-children-s-book1

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

-Alison Paul Klakowicz

Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

Hodge Podge Podcast: anchor.fm/jalisonpaulyahoocom

Instagram @alisonklak

Twitter @KlakowiczAlison

Alison Paul Klakowicz is an Eastern North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.

Cumberland County Public Library: Local Author Showcase

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Fayetteville, North Carolina-

Trinity Bursey, Children’s Book Author

From Children’s Books to Science Fiction, Romance to Fantasy, Creative Writing Anthologies to Spiritual Inspiration, Poetry to Memoirs, Mystery to Anime Enthusiasts, Fiction to Non-Fiction, Cumberland County authors span all genres of literature.

On Saturday, June 15, 2019, Cumberland County Public Library Headquarters location downtown Fayetteville, NC, hosted the annual Local Authors Showcase where talented area writers groups and authors were invited to display their published books in an effort to bring attention to the growing writers community here in the Sandhills.

Alison Paul Klakowicz, Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

I was honored to be a part of this event alongside fellow authors and local writers groups in an effort to support my peers, educate myself on local writer’s resources as well as display my children’s travel and adventure picture book, Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck: http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

Fantasy Fiction Novelist Rebecca Lang

The vast amount of literature created by Cumberland County residents is impressive. I was taken aback by the fortitude and lyrical artistry of the authors featured at this year’s event.

Jack Welsh and Lorraina Nyanza- Veteran Memoirists

I found myself walking around the Pate Room of Headquarters Library in awe of each of the individuals I met— who poured their heart and soul into creating meaningful, poignant and entertaining prose.

Members of Off the Page Writers Group and contributors to The Mayor’s Tales anthology

Writing can at times be a lonely walk. So it was wonderful to be a part of an event that connected individuals such as myself with one another in order to nourish fellowship and support.

Donald Kemp, Novelist
Robin Minnick, Novelist

Networking with other writers and bookish enthusiasts in the community is crucial in spreading the word about the wonderful people and resources here in Fayetteville.

Talicia Smith, Poet and Spiritual Devotionals

Vivian Boylorn, Poet

Roberta J. Humphries, Inspirational Novelist and Memoirist
Steve Kamradt, Memoir

It was wonderful to see folks of different backgrounds, cultures and experiences gather in one room with the same objective and passion to educate the public on the local literature available to them.

Patricia Blanks, Christian Studies

Elaine J. Martin, Barking Dog Press

Sarah McCormick, Novelist

David & Sara Rothman, Anime/Manga/Japanese Culture Enthusiasts and Novelists

Even better to witness the inclusion and opportunity to share our own unique areas of interest and expertise with one another as well as event visitors.

Members of Chosen Pen Writing Group

Video courtesy of Cumberland County Public Library:

Kathleen Wanamaker, Fantasy Novelist

I encourage Cumberland County residents to attend next year’s event at the library and encourage you to seek out local authors for your next book purchase and schedule an author event at your school or venue.

There are some very talented individuals right here in our community that would greatly appreciate your support!

You can check out books from the Local Author Section at the library. For more information check here: http://www.cumberland.lib.nc.us/ccplicinfo/mobile_website/m.homepage.html

-Alison Paul Klakowicz, BA, MS

Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

Podcast: anchor.fm/jalisonpaulyahoocom

Instagram @alisonklak

Twitter @KlakowiczAlison

Alison Paul Klakowicz is an Eastern North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.

I can add puppetry to my resume!

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I have Donna Cowan, California-based author of With the Courage of a Mouse: The Superhero School Series (https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Mouse-Superhero-School/dp/1640853839) to thank for this. She inspired me to take the plunge into the world of puppeteering.

You see, Donna told me all about her special handmade puppet created by a puppet-maker genius and children’s book author by the name of Debra Williams who lives way on the other side of the world 🌎 from the USA 🇺🇸 in New South Wales, Australia 🇦🇺. http://www.clewerpuppets.com

I fell in love 😍 with the idea of having my very own puppet designed to use as part of author events for Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck https://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Big-Red-Monster-Truck/dp/1525530178.

Donna kindly provided me Debra’s contact information and I got in contact with her right away. Although a bit of a challenge from Debra’s normal requests, she jumped right in and created the most adorable monster truck hand puppet that arrived on my doorstep today.

I tore open the package like a child on Christmas morning— the package that traveled so far to reach little old me here in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

When I opened the box, I smiled ear-to-ear because it could not have been anymore perfect. She did an amazing job hand stitching 🧵 the monster truck with perfect accents to match the illustrations from the book; not to mention two finger puppets to represent Mommy and her son which velcro neatly into place inside the cab of the truck.

No detail left undone.

I give Debra and http://www.clewerpuppets.com 👍👍👍 and an A+ 💯! I could not be happier with the quality and design.

Thank you Debra for bringing me such joy today! I can’t wait for the adventures to come with my new puppet.

Alison Paul Klakowicz, BA, MS

Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

https://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Big-Red-Monster-Truck/dp/1525530178

Instagram @alisonklak

Twitter @KlakowiczAlison

anchor.fm/jalisonpaulyahoocom

Alison Paul Klakowicz is a North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.

Do unto others and reap the rewards.

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Over the past several months since publishing my first children’s book, I have had to ask others for help and support.

I’ve had to reach out and ask people to trust in me and my little book— and allow me to visit their elementary schools, libraries, bookstores, as well as other venues.

Not to mention I’ve annoyed friends and family with my constant posts on social media while asking them to share the news of my book.

Placing yourself on front street can be so scary. It’s much easier to hide behind the scenes, but I knew if I wanted to get my book in the hands of children I was going to have to work hard and get out there. Out of my comfort zone.

Sure, there have been some minor disappointments and rejections along the way. However, more than not, people have been EXTREMELY supportive of me; and given me (and my book) a chance.

To my delight and surprise, I have been shown so, so, so much kindness.

It truly amazes me.

Thanks to everyone who has shown me kindness and helped me to believe in myself.

Thank you.

I’m a firm believer that if you show someone an unexpected act of kindness it will pay off tenfold. I have certainly been the recipient of this as of late and feel it’s affects rubbing off on me. Not only from dearest friends and family, but also from complete strangers.

I love how the entrepreneurial world embraces one another. I’ve found myself being so affected by this empathy that when I meet new people whether here in my home state or across the country or world, I cheer for them and their pursuits toward their dreams. Because they are doing the same for me. And it feels good to my soul.

The world is the most connected it has ever been— thank you, Bill Gates. Through my interactions with other creatives and dreamers online, I am thrilled to connect with folks who hold a similar zest and zeal for chasing after dreams. And, it’s all the more sweeter when people— who do not even know you— can recognize the time, energy and struggle of your pursuits; and, applaud your efforts and encourage you.

How cool is that?

So, if you are out there thinking about your next steps in life, I want to cheer you on.

KUDOS!

I want to encourage you.

You can do it!

I want to give you some good, sound advice:

Keep a level head.

Don’t worry about the “what if’s” and “”what nots.”

Just put one foot in front of the other and keep your eyes on the prize.

You don’t have to be the best. But you do have to at least try.

TRY.

And if you fail, pick your ego up off the floor and try again.

Humility equals empowerment.

To know oneself and where you want to go in life is powerful.

Accept your faults. Strive to be a better person— be a loving, humble, kind, helpful person.

Be a determined and passionate human being.

You got this. I promise.

I am proud of you.

You ARE worthy.

Go for it!

Dream those big and little dreams. Put a plan into action.

The world is holding you up and cheering for your successes.

-Alison Paul Klakowicz, BA, MS

Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

https://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Big-Red-Monster-Truck/dp/1525530178

Instagram @alisonklak

Twitter @KlakowiczAlison

anchor.fm/jalisonpaulyahoocom

Alison Paul Klakowicz is a North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.

Visit Bookstores

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I have always loved bookstores— especially the small, independent bookshops in little nooks and crannies.

The ones made with brick and mortar on downtown streets with glass window fronts with pleasant displays of books and more books that beg you to visit.

The sound of a bell’s chime 🔔 when you enter the door 🚪 with a smiling face to welcome you into the little world filled of whimsical fantasy and fiction, true stories of heroes and the woe begotten, survivors and foreign places.

There is also a smell of a bookshop that quenches my senses. The smell of timelessness and wonder.

Now that I am on my journey introducing the children of my home state of North Carolina to my book— Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck— I am getting to visit so many wonderful Indie bookstores and it makes my heart so happy.

The best part is meeting so many wonderful people… bookshop owners (living out their own dreams), beautiful children, parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles— and their friends.

I have made so many new friends across North Carolina in such a short time and cannot wait to make more!

I learn so much about them and the community where they live. It is rewarding and enriching to my life.

I love to hear, and see their reactions to my book when I have the honor of reading to them.

Joy surrounds me! It gives me hope and peace to be in their presence. What a blessing it is in my life. ❤️

The partnership of creating events at bookstores is a two-way street. Not only does it allow me to present my book to potential readers, but it brings people into bookstores. In a world of technology, it is so nice to unplug and spend some quality time reading, interacting, crafting, communicating, and getting to know the people of North Carolina better— and my city of Fayetteville, NC.

So, go visit your local bookstores!

Support local shop owners and authors. Feed your child’s brain with literature, and real interactions with your fellow neighbors.

The benefits of this ageless pastime are ten folds the rewards of not taking the thirty minutes out of your day to visit a bookshop.

Happy Reading!

And, come see me at the bookstore!

Alison Paul Klakowicz, BA, MS

Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

Author, Blogger, Podcaster, Artisan, Milspouse

Follow Me:

Facebook @mommysbigredmonstertruck

Instagram @alisonklak

Twitter @KlakowiczAlison

Alison Paul Klakowicz is an Eastern North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.

Read to Children

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Some of my fondest childhood memories are those snuggled up to my mother while she read bedtime stories to my brother and me.

The simplicity and sanctitude of those memories are like tiny perfect pearls all strung together in a perfect circle of life.

Now that I am a mother, I carry on this nighttime tradition.

There is something wonderful about reading to your child with them nestled close to you, watching intently as you read each word to them.

I’ve found even when my son is in the foulest of moods— crying the blues because he does not want to go to bed— that if I can contain him long enough in the four corners of his bedroom and crack the pages of a book, it will tame the beast roaring inside him.

Slowly, he will begin to pay attention and crawl to my side to listen to the story unfolding from the pages.

I know from my own experience as a child, there is no time you feel safer or more secure than when your parents give you their undivided time to whittle a fantastical tale into your tired mind and tuck you snug into your bed.

That is truly “the stuff” of life.

We all need more of those still moments together. Where you unwind and listen— and love.

I suppose this is how I came to love books and storytelling so much.

Thanks, Mom.

Thanks for taking the time to snuggle and read to us.

Without it, I surely would have been lost.

Quite possibly, I would have been wandering about life unaware of the beauty that lies within books.

The thought makes me cringe.

Yikes!

So, my point is… take the time to read to or with your children. You could be helping to feed a love of words for the world’s next greatest writer.

And without words and writers, where would our world be?

Not a place I want to be.

So, go on now. Start collecting those books for your home library.

And, make memories of a lifetime through the pages of a wonderful bedtime story.

Alison Paul Klakowicz BA, MS

Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

Mother, Milspouse, Writer, Podcaster, Artisan

Alison Paul Klakowicz is a North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.