author Archives - Rhys Keller

October 21, 2021

The Gift Shop Bear – A Sweet Family Christmas Story

It's rare to experience a brand new Christmas book from a talented author / illustrator with a unique story premise! But that's exactly what's been created with Phyllis Harris' sweet family Christmas story, The Gift Shop Bear. Get a sneak peak from my advanced copy and see why it belongs on your Christmas shelf! Find a secret at the bottom of this post for your chance to WIN a SIGNED copy straight from the author / illustrator's desk!

October 15, 2021

Being an Author – Talented Writers Spill the Beans

Curious what life is like being an author? Wondering how experienced writers feel about their craft behind the scenes? In this interview roundup, six talented writers spill the beans on their love-hate relationship with writing, how they stay focused on writing when the muse doesn't speak, who they find encouraging in the often solo-endeavor of writing, and what they're most proud of in their literary journey. The answers will surprise you, guide you, and help you as the illustrious vale is pulled back.

March 2, 2021

Writing that Sells: Lessons Learned from Award-Winning Author, Poet, and Speaker Brian P. Cleary

The average traditionally published author sells 3,000 books, with only a fraction of that sold within the first year. Would it be prudent then, to probe the mind of an author who has sold more than 3 million books? Would the experiences and lessons learned of a writer who spent more than 40 years honing his craft be valuable? Would the perspective of a poet who has visited more than 500 schools, engaged with over 95,000 students, spoken in 42 states and Europe, published over 50 titles, and is Senior Editor at American Greetings be helpful? The correct answer is obviously YES! Now, read on.

February 2, 2021

Crafting Messages with Author and Illustrator Shay Fan

Crafting the perfect message is much more than throwing words at the wall and hoping one of them sticks. Tailoring messages to a target audience is a surefire way to see better results not just in the corporate world, but at home, on blogs, and especially on book store shelves. Helping us see the importance of carefully selecting our words is author and illustrator Shay Fan, who has worked in marketing and Public Relations for companies like Skype and YouTube. She is also represented by Andrea Walker of Azantian Literary Agency. If you care about building your personal brand and communicating effectively, this is one interview you can't afford to miss.

October 25, 2020

8 Ways Your Writing Could Be a Lot Better

Let's face it. We don't always have the best attitude towards our work. If we want to write something worth reading, we must take a hard look at our work and ourselves. Here are 8 ways your writing could be a lot better and exactly what to do about it. Skyrocket your writing results by working through these 8 target areas.

August 24, 2020

Writing the Book You Wish was Written with Megan Lacera – Author of Zombies Don’t Eat Veggies!

There will always be room for great books. Even today, after 6,000 years of recorded history, fresh and unique ideas still exist and are brought into existence. They exist in the heart and soul of a writer. In the ink of an author. In the expression of an illustrator. There are books children need that haven't been published...yet. There are concepts families yearn to have to process their personal experiences. To help us see this first hand is author and long-time kids product creator, Megan Lacera. Megan shares how her family worked together to create Zombies Don't Eat Veggies!, how other authors can do the same, and what her journey has been like. You'll want to carve out some time for this one because we got all the details. After reading this interview, you will feel empowered, motivated, and challenged to take a step towards writing the book you wish was written.

August 18, 2020

Writing Books During a Pandemic – Interview with Author Heather Macht – Win a Giveaway!

Just because the world falls into a pandemic doesn't mean books stop being published. Authors still dream, publishing still acquire, and curious minds still want to know. Writing books during a pandemic is a different ballgame all together. Book launches, library and school visits, and building relationships face-to-face are all different. One thing remains the same: the essence of a successful author as so clearly manifested by creativity, hard work, and determination. Experienced children's book author Heather Macht takes us along for the socially distant ride of publishing books during a pandemic. Learn what's changed, what's remained the same, and enter into a drawing to win a very special giveaway- one of Heather's picture books OR a picture book manuscript critique. Read more to find out how to win!

June 19, 2020

Magic Tree House Books – A Magical Motivator for Reading

If you're like me, it's not always easy finding books kids will love to read. Harder still is finding books we parents enjoy reading to them night after night, day after day. My wife, ever mindful of our children's development, was on the hunt for new reading material for them. She heard about Magic Tree House Books, by Mary Pope Osborne. Our friends loved them so we took a chance and bought the 28-book set (now there are 40 books in the series). We're glad we did.

May 24, 2020

Great Stories Leave Lasting Impressions

There are two primary camps when it comes to story telling - content generation and content consumption. Reader or writer. Baker or eater. Sure, we all do both, but one drives us. One we research. One we have goals and dreams about. The other is simply other. Regardless of the camp, lasting impressions are a game changer in the world of content. Here's why we should care and what we must do if we hope to leave lasting impressions with our readers.

March 24, 2020

Leaving a Career for a Love of Reading and Writing with Kaitlin Scirri

Have you ever considered leaving your day job for a life of reading and writing professionally? No doubt you have a passion for publishing, but what courageous steps have you taken to elevate it's priority in your life? How much time are you carving out to reach you goals? In this interview with traditionally published author, Kaitlin Scirri, see what barriers she chose to overcome and what life is like on the other side of the publishing curtain.