Cat's Corner

Video and Chapter Preview of Children’s Book Title Reveal Characters, Add Hint of Mystery for 8 to 12-yo Kids

7/2/2020

Rosie Russell and I have been working for weeks to come up with a knockout title for the children’s book we’re co-authoring for kids ages 8-12. Join us for an inside look at our quest as we announce our title in a one-of-a-kind video reveal. (Think two authors attempting a video for the first time in a pandemic from 1,500 miles away.)

Plus, we have a bonus for you at the end of this post ...your exclusive FREE preview of our first chapter. It’s our way of saying THANKS for your company!

You’d think coming up with a title for a children’s book would be easy.

Nope.

My co-author Rosie Russell and I wanted something catchy to attract young readers in grades 4-6.  The title also had to hint at our story and characters without giving away too much.

It was hard to move forward some days as the crush of pandemic fears blocked my creative mojo, but Rosie and I kept working in lockdown. As we polished our manuscript, we bounced titles back and forth in our respective writers’ rooms near Kansas City, Missouri, and Raleigh, North Carolina, from 1,500 miles/2,400 kilometers apart.

Our first choices were already used in other books or song titles. We kept searching. Brainstormed a list of nearly 100 possibilities. Used an online title generator. Asked our critique group and beta readers for suggestions.

After two months, we finally have a title that hits our sweet spots.

Rosie and I reveal our title in a 4-minute video.  (Yep, I'm in my glam shaggy quarantine hairstyle, so please be kind about my Covid styling -:D.)

Chapter Preview

As our way of saying THANKS! ....

Rosie and I are offering our readers an exclusive *free* preview of the first chapter of our book.

You'll meet our characters named in the title (they might not be who you expect!) and explore their surroundings in Rosie’s corner of the world … the American Midwest.

To get your complimentary Chapter 1 sneak peek, click the link below for your pdf download on ProlificWorks.

Preview available only through 15 July 2020

download your free chapter 1 here

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SPOILER ALERT!
Stop reading this section and skip to the end if you want to be surprised
about the title and Chapter 1
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What do you think of the title? (Feel free to nom us for an Oscar for first film by clueless vid production authors <wink>).
Did you suspect the identify of the titular Sam?
Was Sam who you imagined?
What do you think about what's going on just between Sam and the unidentified Me?
How was it for you exploring the book's settings in Rosie Russell's corner of the world? It's quite a change from mySweet T settings on the North Carolina shore.
Do you think the first chapter is enough of a hook to keep kids' turning the pages?

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SPOILERS END HERE
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Your Turn

I’m glued to the headlines these days but step away when the news gets too intense, which is every day. My family, faith and writing keep me grounded. And connecting with readers like YOU fuels my writing journey. Beyond grateful!

I'd love to know your reaction to the title and first chapter. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.