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Review: Burning Darkness by Jaime Rush

Wow, I think I swallowed the sun!     BURNING DARKNESS was sooooo super hot and emotionally engaging on all levels. The brilliance of the offspring books pertains to how expertly Jaime weaves their “ability” as something they must accept and learn before it becomes their strength. This really gives me a chance to connect and root for her characters! …and what an amazing read! As a fan of the…

[marisacleveland]

The Wedding Shoe Snatch by Madhu Messenger

New Book Alert! Dear Readers! Madhu Messenger’s debut picture book just released today! About The Wedding Shoe Snatch An exciting Indian wedding tradition helps a young girl accept the new members of her expanding family.It’s the big day, and Shilpa’s whole family has gathered for her big sister’s wedding. But Shilpa doesn’t want Maya to get married—she wants her family to stay the same.…

[marisacleveland]

Broommates by Lynne Marie and Brenda

New Book Alert! Dear Readers, The Little Press just released Broommates by Lynne Marie and Brenda Reeves Sturgis, illustrated by Nico Ecenarro! About Broommates A sibling rivalry with a Halloween twist to be enjoyed all year long! There’s room for improvement when witchy sisters Mathilda and Malin share a broom, and a room! One’s bright and airy, the other dark and scary! Each sister knows…

[marisacleveland]

August New Year

The first day of a brand new year for me… RWA’s Conference ended yesterday. I am full of motivation, excitement, and… fear. My husband encouraged me to embrace my dream, an agent decided to take a leap of faith in me, and my critique partner already finished more than several manuscripts. So starting right now, I will indulge in my wildest fantasies, superglue my fingers to the keyboard, and…

[marisacleveland]

He ran a marathon

Simon ran his first marathon!!! And we posted a video about it here: Here are the details of his first run for charity (#racingtogiveback): Washington, DCMarch 19, 2023 – 18 degrees and 30 mph wind gustsSt. Patrick’s MarathonBishop Events He’s already planning his next one. Have you run a marathon? He’s taking recommendations!

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Baba’s Peach Tree by Marie Tang

New Book Alert! Dear Readers! Look at this beautiful new book that released by Marie Tang, illustrated by Seo Kim! About Baba’s Peach Tree In this moving picture book, a migrant worker and his daughter, find good fortune in the form of a peach tree growing behind their house in rural China. Filled with stunning illustrations, this is a unique and poignant story about love, perseverance, and…

[marisacleveland]

The 5 Truths for Transformational Leaders by Ed Mishrell

New Book Alert! Dear Readers! Ed Mishrell’s The 5 Truths for Transformational Leaders: How Nonprofit Organizations Thrive, Grow, and Make a Profound Difference is now available wherever books are sold! Use mission-driven leadership to create dramatic growth at your nonprofit  In The Five Truths for Transformational Leaders: How Nonprofit Organizations Thrive, Grow, and Make a Profound…

[marisacleveland]

Team Paws and the Chicago Marathon

Dear Friends! Please consider donating $5 to Paws Chicago. Simon is raising funds for TEAM PAWS Chicago, and in October he’ll run in the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon as a member of TEAM PAWS Chicago. Please consider sponsoring his participation in this race to help save the lives of homeless pets. This cause is near and dear to his heart, and your support would mean the world.  PAWS…

[marisacleveland]

The Palace Rat by Lynne Marie

New Book Alert! Dear Readers! I’m so very excited to share information about Lynne Marie’s new picture book, illustrated by Eva Santana! Henri is a palace rat living as the pampered pet of King Louis the XVI! He’s waited on paw and foot . . . but not everybody is happy about it. When a dastardly plan by the royal staff casts Henri out to the streets, he must find his own way safely home.…

[marisacleveland]

All By Myself by Stephanie Shaw

New Book Alert! Dear Readers! I’m so very excited to share the news! Stephanie Shaw‘s newest picture book, ALL BY MYSELF, released yesterday and is available for purchase at all major retailers! This one is the first picture book I sold as a literary agent all by myself!!! I can’t wait to hear what you think about this darling picture book celebrating independence! Hen insists on doing…

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Yuna's Cardboard Castles by Marie Tang

New Book Alert! Dear Readers! Today is the day! Yuna’s Cardboard Castles by Marie Tang and illustrated by Jieting Chen is available! Check out what others are saying about Yuna’s Cardboard Castles: “With its poetic language and beautiful imagery, this story of immigration and connection through play is a worthwhile ­addition to most collections.” – School Library Journal “Most children will…

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There Is No Box is almost here!

There Is No Box is almost here!

Dear Readers, Simon and I are excited to share the link for our first leadership book, There Is No Box. We had such a wonderful time researching, interviewing, and composing this book, and while I know it’s been a bit of time since I last posted here, I hope you’re doing well and getting this email at a time when you’re wondering what your next book buy should be. There are several ways to…

[marisacleveland]

An Open Reflection

When I look at these book covers now, I see so much more than a girl who thought, “I’ve always wanted to write a book.” I see years of friendship and support from my super agent. I see hours, days, and months of guidance from my editors, marketing team, and publisher. I see all the encouragement from the other writers and readers and strangers who helped me get here from there.  And I see the…

[marisacleveland]

#EscapeReality

Welcome to the #EscapeReality giveaway!

What is it? Nine young adult fiction authors have collaborated to give our readers the chance to win an $80 Amazon gift card. 

Entering is easy and free.

Here’s the Rafflecopter link: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/27854a79667/

More details from the organizers: *One $80 Amazon gift card is up for grabs. *Winners will be…

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The Beginning of an Ideology

The Beginning of an Ideology

This past year — the entire decade — has been one where my systemic beliefs have been challenged, and I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I’ve listened and learned more as an adult learner than I ever did as a child, and I’ve witnessed how education is a fantastic equalizer for everything, and yes, I do mean everything. 

YOU can fix stupid, and even though I don’t quite yet have the…

[marisacleveland]

Last Month

It’s the last month of the decade, and… What a decade! But that’s another post another time.

This is about last month. 

I’m so thankful for so much so often, and my latest bout of gratitude goes out to my Entangled Publishing team, Jaime from Rockstar Book Tours, Ben and Dan, and all the readers and reviewers who contributed to my book release last month.

I’m late to the posting party,…

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Enough

I love reading people’s year-end words, assessments, and achievements… Summations of years really show how many wonderful and creative ways people can enjoy their time on earth. Last year, we entered 2018 with hope and adventure as our guiding words.

For 2019, my hubby (I love calling him my hubby) and I spent some time thinking about what word or phrase or theme would fit with us, now, in our…