The start of a new year

Well hello my faithful readers,

Here it is  already 11 days into January. Book number 3 is well in progress. I am excited to share it will be released sometime in February. Which leads me to progressing to book number 4 which I hope to have out for early 2013.

I am keeping up with my plans for one book a year. So far so good. Book number 4 will have more illustrations, which is good  but time consuming. The Grandchildren are  excited to see the stories and their illustrations in progress. It is funny how the 6 year old thinks I should have more  done already. She likes hearing the stories and attempting to read them by herself. 

I have also been working on an afghan for a friend who is getting married. Almost completed! hooray!!!  It is turning out really nice. I do hope they like it. 

For Christmas and my Birthday, I got a trike (adult size). I have been faithful about going for a ride at least 3 times a week. Having a bit of fun riding with the Grandkids. It is a nice family event. One learns how much of a grade the street is when attempting to ride uphill. I have learned to go East to begin (uphill) and take the pleasure of going downhill on the way home. It sure doesn’t look like that much of a difference until you  are peddling uphill. However, I can now ride a two mile ride without feeling like I am going to die. Hooray again!!!!

Well I am off to the other computer where the magic of stories and illustration can blossom .  have a wonderful day!

as always

MelInda

Another Year and more is on the way!

As my 4 year old grand-son says “Happy Christmas!” 

It has been so exciting this year. And I wish I had another month to squeeze in. I have stayed very busy writing and illustrating. There are so many stories still on the drawing board. I have changed my system of production. Instead of doing 90% of the writing first then 100% of the illustration, I have written a story and then done the illustration for that story, It feels like it is taking longer, and it probably is, for there are many more pictures for these stories than there were in the previous three books. Did I say Three books? Yes indeed. Book 1: Cranium City, Book 2: The Land of Window Shade, Book 3: Stories from Cranium City Park. yes it will be out, if not by Christmas 2011, just after the new year!  Book number 4 has a working title of: Library Land Cranium City Style. Some of the beloved characters from Cranium City will be back to share stories from their favorite areas of the Library. Rollie Pollie  the book cart will help get your from area to area is the swiftest of time. There will be many new friends who will share their stories with you. 

I hope you have enjoyed the books so far. I plan on a lot more heading your way. Have a wonderful December and enjoy all its holidays.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

MelInda

Land of Window Shade – Review by Joree Williams

The Land of Window Shade
By Melinda Worland
Reviewed by
Joree Williams

To my delight, into my mail box did hop a wondrous book by Melinda Worland. 

I have read all of her books and loved them all. It does a soul good
 to visit a magical, creative, hilarious world of the imagination. And Melinda
 does indeed take us on a beautifully conceived land of her mind.

Her happy-go-lucky fellows are Jitters, a clown, and Sniffles, a dog; great

 friends are they. Tonight they have an adventure most exciting, maybe scary,
 maybe funny, that is the best part of an adventure-you do not know what will
 happen to you or your friend.

They needed a password to get in-aren’t passwords wonderful? Like being in

 a spy adventure. But this is much more fun than a spy show. Yes, it is!

There is a carnival town ‘where giggles and laughs are always around; bright

 in color and loud in fun and baked with perfection by the morning sun.’ 

As you read to your child from this wonderful book; you will find morals and

 lessons of behavior. Such as the direction to “keep a smile on your face and
 an open mind. Everyone here is so very kind.”

The author must be just as kind as those in her land; however else could she

 instill such kindness in her words and prhases? 

The book is written extremely well; this is an author who feels that a

 children’s book is as important as a book for adults and her writing shows it.
 Please do yourself and your children or grandchildren a favor and buy this book today. 

 

Lands of Window Shade – review

Melinda Worland takes us in “The Land of Window Shade”. In this great book the author brings unto her readers a land full of games and cheers.
We see the characters all waiting with excitement to enter into this land. With Jitters and Sniffers standing by watching the children close their eyes. With a Password you can venture in to see Mighty the Clown and Mr. Stilts.
Even the animals are welcomed here. Sally the Elephant will certainly give you a big splash.
A book with rhymes and pictures too.The pictures are so cute and all down by Melinda..I am so impressed. A journey created just for you.
A great book to share with children and grandchildren. I enjoyed the reading.
Mary Ann Duhart, Stockton Ca

The Poetry Connection – interview

The Poetry Connection- guest Melinda Worland

by ErikE

Sat, Aug 20, 2011

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

 

Melinda Worland, author of the book, “Cranium City” has now brought us a brand new collection of stories and characters written in poetic form. So much fun can be had between the pages of this newest installment, by this incredible author!

If you picked up a copy of “Cranium City” then you are sure to love “The Land Of Window Shade” as it has the same adventuresome trail, fun, and wisdom held within. “I truly love reading stories written by Mel to my Grand Children, who all laugh out loud, when I read, and beg for more when I get tired.” Ken Cowle – Editor

 

Make sure to pick up both books by Melinda Worland, and look for more books to come, as Mel is filled with creativity, and amazing stories!

I won an award. Poet of the month of May

I am a member of Poetry with Passion. I was surprised just a few days ago with the notification they chose me to be Poet of the month for May. They awarded me a video of one of my poems and my art work I created. I thought some of you might enjoy seeing the video. Thank you for stopping by. Enjoy and keep writing and drawing.

as always
MelInda

Cranium City is now an E-Book!

Check it out!  Cranium City is now available as an E book

 

CLICK THE BOOK to get to the download page!

I am working on a new series for one of my next books. thinking of how the characters all came together, and still have their separate lives to explore. The differences that each character has and still they have the same issues to overcome in their lives.  HOw will they be helped, who will help. And will there be someone that will stand out as a shining star?

The Land of Pretend

I thought about writing a poem today
about something silly I heard someone say
but wouldn’t you know it the laughter did rise
and the tears rolled out of my big brown eyes
and the thing so silly did float away
so I’m left with a poem with nothing to say.

I heard a noise outside my door
it sounded familiar, like I’d heard it before
so I opened the door to take a peek
to satisfy my curiosity, the first time this week
and what did I see looking back a me
an elephant in a tootoo saying whoopee!

You’re home! Oh good, I have a problem for you
the elephant smile do you like fondue?
see I ran into some friends along my way
a hippo,a crock and a fish named Olay!
and they had friends who tagged along
now this group is five miles long!

I thought for a moment of what I could do
and naturally my thoughts first came to you
You are the most talented person I know
with so many resources and this big chateau
we could rest in your yard while you think what to do
we’ll be really quiet if you’d like us to

I was still looking in those sweet green eyes
I thought of at least 7 different replies
Okay, Take your friends through the gate to the right
there are tents and shelters some black and some white
my chef will deliver a banquet for you
with drinks and pastries and a chocolate fondue

so I sat as I watched miles of friends walk through the gate
it was three in the morning – which is rather late
everyone ate and settled in for the night
my it was an amazing sight
creatures from tiny to amazingly grand
sleeping and snoring , it looked like wonderland

as I rocked on the porch I gave this some thought
look at the friends one elephant has caught
with her tootoo in pink and wink and a smile
she brought them along a just for a while
so I’ll write them a story that might entertain
about this group of friends who didn’t complain.

it started with one elephant who met up with a friend
on her way to go visiting in the land of pretend.

MelInda Worland
copyright 16/02/2011

The Land of Window Shade

The Land of Window Shade
doors to adventure

Jitters and Sniffer go to the lands of Window Shade. Through doorways that take them on wonderful adventures.

There they meet Password, a bright pink bird , and his pal Teddy, who makes sure the land is safe from rif-raf invastions. They fly with Bart on deliveries and visit the Lost Wish Falls to find a lost wish. You’ll meet Derf and his best friend Jeb, who knows every word to every song. They go into a door shaped like a hat. There they try on different hats and it allows them to experience the excitement each hat holds.They go in search of a door which has been re-painted and find a carver who makes the most wonderful toys to give to families and friends. They meet Catch Um, Send Um and Hold On Tight, three friends who care for dreams while they mature. They explore doors shaped like; a top hat, quilt, shoes and even a tray of cup cakes.They meet the Dragons of Mount Smoke, Franklin, Bouregard, Filbert and Andrew who keep the furnice lit. They encounter Mouselini, a guard, who is a talented magician. They visit a couple of old friends who happen to be bumper cars named Zoom and Whoosh.They visit a zoo and take a ride on a tram.They even take a survey for the twins from the Soda Shop. They meet a Setter from the land of Sneeze who has built his home in a box beneath an old tree. OH the fun they have in the Lands of Window Shade. Hope to see you there!