books 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.

May 18, 2021

Book Making Magic with Literary Agent Adria Goetz

Adria Goetz is no stranger to making magic in the publishing industry. Her many years of successful experience, insight, and talented cliental are well known. Book making magic is the essence in identifying great ideas, championing those ideas through the book making process, and delivering valuable stories to kids, families, and communities around the world. Literary Agent Adria Goetz shares perspectives and bares her soul in this eye-opening dive into her life as a book lover.

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 16, 2021

Writing Children’s Books as a Lifestyle with Tara Lazar

Becoming a published author is a common dream. Writing children's books, a common passion. But for the few who have captured writing children's books as a lifestyle and made kidlit a primary focus in their life, day after day, there is much to be gleamed. Sharing experiences, lessons learned, and a traditionally published author journey with us today is prolific kidlit author and Storystorm challenge creator, Tara Lazar. If I could sum up this interview in one word, it would be raw. The next 2,000+ words you'll embrace will peel back not only the publishing curtain but also the curtain of life. And perhaps by the end, you'll embrace writing as a part of your life, not just something you do when there's time.

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.

December 13, 2020

Dragon Masters Book Series – Delightful Reads for Young Minds

After our oldest blew thru Magic Tree House Books, another great book series had to be found. And found fast! His reading appetite was voracious and as parents, we knew the time to find his next favorite book series might pass by quickly. Thanks to prolific author Tracey West, we were delighted to discover the Dragon Masters book series! If you're looking for a book series to captivate your young reader, this should be at the top of your list. Learn more about the books, author Tracey West, and see the books in order here before you buy.

September 19, 2020

The Bear and the Piano – Theme Song Debut by Annie Lynn

Picture book cheerleader and child development extraordinaire is at it again debuting the theme song for David Litchfield's wildly successful series, The Bear and the Piano! If you're looking for a fun song for your kids at home, in school, or at the library, you (and your kiddos) will love this call-and-repeat based song where kids can immediately participate and get those wiggles out! If you're new to publishing (book creating) and would like to learn the role of theme songs in the industry, come along for the details. It's amazing what music can do to connect people with ideas.

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!