Meet Stephanie Burkhart - Author

Just a little about me: I was born in Manchester, NH but live in Castaic, California with my husband, Brent, and two sons, Andrew and Joseph. I have fond memories of Manchester, but have made California my home. I earned a BS in political science from California Baptist University in 1995. I currently work for LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher.

My writer's journey began when I was five. It was the 1970's and I liked to watch a show called "The Electric Company." They usually had a Spiderman skit on. After the show, I would sit down at the kitchen table and make a homemade comic after the skit. During my teen years, I wrote poetry, short stories, and homemade comics.

My first novel, "Destination: Berlin" was written during my time in the military, but it took me about ten years to really flesh it out and it didn't get published until after I was out of the military in 2001. I enjoy writing romance and I had a short historical romance called "Royal Pretender" published in the Cupid Diaries, a short story about muses called "Matchmaking Amusement" in the Be Mused Anthology by Desert Breeze Publishing, and a paranormal romance called "The Hungarian" also by Desert Breeze Publishing released this year.

My latest story, "The Giving Meadow," is a children's story about a caterpillar who travels through a meadow making friends before he turns into a butterfly. It was written as an Easter play for my church's preschool program.

Sometimes a good book begins with a great concept

I'd like to welcome Stephanie Burkhart who has taken time out of writing in the adult world to give us a children's book entitled, A Giving Meadow is making the rounds. I'm always on the lookout for something different and something new to read to my grandson. I think Stephanie has a winner here.

The Giving Meadow was released in May 2010.


The Giving Meadow is about a caterpillar who hatches from his egg in the middle of a meadow. As he travels through the meadow, he meets new friends who learn the value of sharing.


Buy Links:

4RV PUBLISHING:
http://4rvpublishingllc.com/Childrens_Books.html


AMAZON:
http://www.amazon.com/Giving-Meadow-Stephanie-Burkhart/dp/0982588690/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279556653&sr=1-1

BARNES & NOBLE:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Giving-Meadow/Stephanie-Burkhart/e/9780982588697/?itm=1&USRI=The+giving+Meadow

We will have more with Stephanie as the week continues. Please feel free to ask questions and check the links about this adorable book.

RWA Nationals

Wow, I've been home now a bit over a week and finally got the suitcases unpacked. So much went on it reminds me of being in a blender, spun around and spit out. What do I have to say about being at RWA??



First - GO

If you've never been in the company of writers, go. There were over 2100 women, men, agents, editors in attendance. Sitting alone at lunch or with friends, you could learn so very much from what was going on. Small things like discussions of trends, how to format manuscripts, and just the fact that, like yourself, some people were stuck in their manuscripts and brainstorming went on.

Plan to Network

You don't have to drink, but go and sit down in the lobby or the bar and mingle. I over heard several people get asked for manuscripts partials and fulls in this process. Yes, it gets loud with lots of people milling around but that's ok. Remember that is what your room is for, to get away and rest.

a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCODQBcoD7G-6cSzZAGDntEeBeFtGqrA12cJTGXSyta4tMFsYrTHdpHtdQMw2kAIgJZfL7aZ_tlA-nSfPJuBNGp9z6efZTe_AJSKRqsH7MTc28fCNK33obBXGUVsCFOCSK64zav0TXQ/s1600/100_0898.JPG">

Do take in the literacy signing

I stood in line with a very famous author's mom. We talked about her daughter's work and she hustled me up to meet her. That was so cool. Authors also stop by and greet you, even get that hug. It was a tremendous lift for an ego.

Take time to go to the open house and spotlights.

There you will learn invaluable things for your manuscript and queries. I was able to give the editor that rejected my first work a handshake and thank her for her advice. She actually remembered the story and wanted to know if I had continued to work. That was cool.

What are the lasting memories I'll take from this.

There is never enough time to do what you want to do. You can not take in ALL the great programs. With that said plan to go again.
Do take advantage of mailing your books back and not clutter up the car or pay the extra on the airplane.
Do remember to USE the camera you brought with you.
If a writer asks you to come to dinner... GO. They may want to pass off some great information or you get to rub elbows with others.

Am I planning on attending again.. Oh golly yes. I've already started saving for next year. Now, if the agent can sell the book.. then by golly I'll really be able to go in style.