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

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

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 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

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!

It’s that time of year when we all get rushed to be places, do things, make something or bake something. We attempt to remember those we have somehow forgotten or set aside for a less rushed moment to share. I would like to take this moment to say, thank you and tell each and every one of you, how much I appreciate the moments that you took out of your day to share with me. I have been busy working on another book, as I wait for the Land of Window Shade to be ready for market. I am not sure that my second book will make it for this Christmas, but we are all trying. I have been busy making Christmas presents for a few friends. I now realize that I should have started much earlier this year for the success I had hoped to achieve. That being said, I realize there are only so many hours in the day and I must use them the best that I can.

I hope each and every one of you finds the sparkle of Christmas Joy which warms your heart. I hope you think kinder of those whom you don’t always agree with. I hope you lend a hand to someone in need. A smile can move mountains. A hug can cause a chain reaction which can reach around the world.  I hope you spend your Holidays with family and friends enjoying each others company. Remember the ones who have gone on ahead and cherish the ones that are still here with us. Remember God has a plan for us and we can be a joyous part of his imagination.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas,

as always,

MelInda