Next 4RV results for Preditors & Editors

Standings for Category: Children's Book (6 of the top 10 from 4RV Publishing)



1st Tilly's Tale by Harry (Brian) Porter, illustrated by Mandy Hedrick, 4RV Publishing, http://4rvpublishingllc.com

2nd Would a Kangaraffe Make You Laffe? by Rich Aaron, illustrated by Stephen Macquignon, 4RV Publishing, http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com/index.html

3rd A New Job for Dilly by Rena Jones,illustrated by Lisa Oakman, 4RV Publishing, http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com/index.html

4th Tommy Turtle: Exercise Is Fun by Eric Mathe, illustrated by Rey Marz, 4RV Publishing, http://4rvpublishingllc.com

7th A Puppy, Not a Guppy by Holly Jahangiri,illustrated by Ryan Shaw, 4RV Publishing, http://jahangiri.us/books

9th Bait for Lunch by K.A. Okagaki,illustrated by Ryan Shaw, 4RV Publishing, http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com/index.html


Standings for Category: Young Adult

2nd Just Breeze, Beverly Stowe McClure, 4RV Publishing, http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com

4th The Art of Science, Ransom Noble, 4RV Publishing, http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com/index.html

Congratulations, Beverly, Ransom, Harry, Mandy, Rich, Stephen, Rena, Lisa, Eric, Rey, Holly, and Ryan.

We're still waiting for Mainstream Novel.

Reviewing 2009

As I sit trying to decide the major occurrences in 2009, I realize I don't know where to start.

Personally, the year was filled with health problems. Both Robert and I had our low points and difficulties, but things could have been so much worse. We're both fighters, so we will keep going as long as we possibly can. God has been good to us.

Professionally, I didn't have anything published in 2009, first year in four years, but I have works in progress and one novel that will be out in 2010, Stolen - the novel based on the emotions and heartache suffered when two of grandchildren were taken from our lives in 1996. They are now back, and I thank God.

4RV has kept me busy. The company is growing more rapidly than I expected, and we're having to do some readjusting to keep up. The pile of submissions is growing, but editors are busy editing manuscripts under contract. We've tried to have writers submit electronically, but some insist on mailing submissions, which takes longer for editors to receive.

We released 16 books in 2009, and reworked one other that will now have to wait until 2010 to come out.

Releases in 2009:

1. The First Miracle by Lisa Willis, illustrated by Aidana WillowRaven (children/everyone - color)
2. Being Jacob: First Day of School by Suzy Koch, illustrated by Aidana WillowRaven (chidren - color)
3. Just Breeze by Beverly Stowe McClure (tween/teen - b/w)
4. A Puppy, Not a Guppy by Holly Jahangiri, illustrated by Ryan Shaw (tween - b/w)
5. Priscilla Holmes, Ace Detective by John Lance, illustrated by Diana Navarro (children/tween - color)
6. Colors by Dana Warren, illustrated by Stephen Macquignon (children - color)
7. Spider in Our Mailbox by Linda Asato, illustrated by Stephen Macquignon (children - color)
8. A New Job for Dilly by Rena Jones, illustrated by Lisa Oakman (children - color)
9. The Art of Science by Ransom Noble, illustrated by Stephen Macquignon (tween/teen - b/w)
10. Confessions of a Former Rock Queen by Kirik Bjornsgaard (novel - b/w)
11. Tommy Turtle: Exercise is Fun by Eric Mathe, illustrated by Rey Marz (children and up - color)
12. Bait for Lunch by KA Okagaki, illustrated by Ryan Shaw (children/tween - color)
13. Would a Kangaraffe Make You Laff? by Rich Aaron, illustrated by Stephen Macquignon (children - color)
14. Tilly's Tale by Harry Porter, illustrated by Mandy Hedrick (children/teen - b/w)
15. Lemur Troops & Critter Groups by Rena Jones, illustrated by Nikki Shoemaker
16. State of Quarries by Elysabeth Eldering, illustrated by Aidana WillowRaven (tween - b/w)

One very sad note, we lost Kirk Bjornsgaard, but at least we have his book to help keep his memory alive.

In 2010, 4RV has 24 books in the schedule. We need to slow down a bit with our limited staff. We need more good editors and designers for sure. Whew. Maybe some editors and book designers to be would be willing to be interns.

I hope everyone had highlights to remember in 2009, and I hope everyone has a marvelous and blessed 2010.

Oops, ran out of space for labels. Sorry those I didn't get listed.


Happy New Year


Note: All books published by 4RV can be obtained through any bookstore and Amazon.com. The 4RV Publishing online bookstore also has all the books, which are often less expensive.



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Kreativ Blogger Award for Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap

Jean Henry Mead sent me the Kreativ Blogger Award (translation: Creative Blogger Award). Thank you, Jean.

I'm now required to pass the award to seven bloggers. As many blogs I know that meet the definition of being creative, choosing only seven was difficult. However, after many hours of mental gymnastics, I pass this award to the following:

1. Holly Jahangiri's It's All a Matter of Perspective blog site.

2. Katie Hines - Walking on Water.

3. Aidana WillowRaven's WillowRaven Illustration & Design Plus.

4. Nikki Shoemaker's What Comes from Nikki's Pencil ...

5. Rena Jones Children's Author & Nature Photographer.

6. Lea Schizas' The Writing Jungle.

7. L. Diane Wolfe's Spunk on a Stick.

The rules for the Kreativ Blogger Award:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

I thanked Jean above and will on her blog. I copied the logo and pasted it above. I linked to Jean's blog and the seven (7) I nominated. I will leave a comment on each blog informing the nominees to come read this post about their nominations.

Now, for the seven (7) things people might find interesting about me; although, I'm not sure what about me might be interesting.

1. I had twenty-two school changes.
2. I lived in Morocco from October of eighth grade until April of ninth grade.
3. Guam is a place I would like to visit, since I lived there in part of the second and third grades.
4. I was born in Texas, but Oklahoma has always been home.
5. I thought marrying a man who had always stayed in one place for over twenty-two years would mean I wouldn't move very much -- boy, was I in for a surprise.
6. Robert and I have lived in thirty-six places in over forty-seven years.
7. We have lived in this house seventeen years -- home at last.

A Visit with Dilly, the pickle lover

4RV is honored to release A New Job for Dilly, written by Rena Jones and illustrated by Lisa Oakman. The story is fun-filled as pickle-loving Dilly tries to find a way to obtain sour pickles without "stealing" them.

I visited with Dilly the other day, over sour pickles and pickle juice, of course. He politely answered questions I asked.



Vivian: When did you first discover your love of sour pickles, Dilly?

Dilly: I tried my first sour pickle when I was just a pup. I was born in an alley behind a little place called the Pickle Barrel Deli. It was in the back, by one of the trash cans, that I discovered just how wonderful and yummy sour pickles tasted. I’ve been a fan ever since!

Vivian: You are a rather unusual rat. Why do you want to be able to “purchase” or earn your pickles?

Dilly: I’d like to earn them because it’s really hard to steal them. Besides, stealing is wrong, and I don’t want to go to jail. Getting chased by scary men or having pots and pans thrown at me is no fun either.

Vivian: That makes sense, Dilly. You know, most people are afraid of rats. Why should they not be afraid of you?

Dilly: I’m a nice rat, and I don’t want to scare or hurt anyone. I just want sour pickles.

Vivian: I'll have to agree that you're a nice rat, cuddly, too. Your author, Rena Jones, gave you a personality. Do other rats have personalities? Why aren’t most other rats considered personable?

Dilly: Rats have wonderful personalities, but we’re often misunderstood. That whole bubonic plague thing wasn’t our fault – it was the fleas that caused that mess. Rats are very social, and when kept as pets, they will come when you call their name. They also love to be petted and can even learn tricks. However, a lot of people don’t like us and think we’re scary, which makes me sad.

Vivian: Please don't be sad. Here have another pickle. Author Lisa Oakman drew your pictures so well. You’re cute as can be, yet “cute” isn’t a word usually associated with rats. Can you tell us what makes you attractive?

Dilly: I’m not really sure, but maybe it has something to do with my pretty, blue eyes and pink nose. Maybe it’s my feet, too – I think my feet are pretty cute, don’t you?

Vivian: Yes, very cute, but I like your eyes best. Dilly, where do you live?

Dilly: I live in Bigfork, Montana, but I’m not a native. I’m a brown rat, which is also known as a Norway rat, though my species didn’t come from Norway. Brown rats live all over the world, except in Antarctica. It is way too cold there for my little, pink feet. And, besides, there are no pickles in Antarctica, so no wonder no one lives there.

Vivian: *laugh* Good point. What is your favorite part of your story? Why?

Dilly: My favorite part was when I discovered the beautiful sour pickle in the trash truck. It was huge! It was also a moment of discovery because I knew exactly what type of job was best for me.

Vivian: I've often wondered: How did you and your story find your way to 4RV Publishing? By the way, we’re very glad you did, and I never thought I’d say that about a rat. You’re different in a very good way.

Dilly: Thank you, Ms. Vivian. I’m very happy 4RV Publishing told my story. Rena found out about 4RV through a writer’s message board you posted on. When you mentioned you wanted to give talented people a chance to establish themselves as writers, Rena saw that as an open door and walked through it. You sent her my contract on 08-08-08. Rena’s birthday is on the 8th, and it’s always been her favorite number, so it had to be a lucky sign.

Vivian: Will there be more stories about you? Do you know any titles yet?

Dilly: Yes! I find a special friend in A New Friend for Dilly and then in A Dinner Date for Dilly, I get to sample all sorts of yummy foods with my new friend. Both books are going to be great, and I’m sure Lisa Oakman will do a wonderful job with the pictures again. Rena has even more ideas for me, but we’ll just have to wait and see what happens with the first three books.

Vivian: Where can we read more about you and your search for a new job?

Dilly: You can find out more about me at the following sites –

Rena’s website
Rena’s blog
4RV Publishing
You can join my fanpage on Facebook by searching “A New Job for Dilly”

Also, on Rena’s website on the “Links” page, you will find a PDF of activities your children can do after reading the book. It’s fun stuff!

Thanks so much for interviewing me, Vivian. This blog tour for my new book has been lots of fun and I’m honored that I was chosen for the final stop. I hope everyone enjoys reading A New Job for Dilly, and a very special thanks to everyone who participated. I think now is a good time to celebrate – got pickles?

Vivian: Thank you for joining me today, Dilly. You have been a delightful guest.

Today is the last stop on the book blog tour, but the contest is still going.

Win an autographed copy of A New Job for Dilly. All you need to do is leave a comment on at least FOUR of the seven blog stops. Rena will put your name in a pot, and a winner will be chosen at the end of the tour. Please make sure she has a way to contact you. But remember, you have to reply to at least FOUR different stops to qualify. Rena will contact the winner at the end of the tour to find out how they'd like the book to be signed. Thanks and good luck.


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Blog tour schedule for A New Job for Dilly

Dilly is going on a book tour from June 21 - June 27. A New Job for Dilly, written by Rena Jones and illustrated by Lisa Oakman, helps children learn the alphabet in a fun and colorful way. The book is published by 4RV Publishing.



Book Blog Tour Schedule

June 21st – Sherrie Petersen


June 22nd – Beth Reinke


June 23rd – Elysabeth Eldering


June 24th – Sharon Spray


June 25th – Adrienne Saldivar


June 26th – Nikki Shoemaker


June 27th – Vivian Zabel


Win an autographed copy of A New Job for Dilly. All you need to do is leave a comment on at least FOUR of the seven blog stops. Rena will put your name in a pot, and a winner will be chosen at the end of the tour. Please make sure she has a way to contact you. But remember, you have to reply to at least FOUR different stops to qualify. Rena will contact the winner at the end of the tour to find out how they'd like the book to be signed. Thanks and good luck. Wish I could win that autographed copy, but ...


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Blog tour winners

I used a virtual dice device on Writing.Com to find the winners of the four 4RV bags. First I assigned numbers to each person who left a comment; some people had more than one number because they let a comment on more than one blog. Over 80 numbers were assigned.

I've sent emails to all four and will mail the bags as soon as I receive addresses.

And the winners are:

From Rena Jones' blog - Adrienne Saldivar

Commenting on several blogs but the winning number from Ransom Noble's blog - Suzy Koch

Another commenter on more than one blog but with the number from Holly Jahangiri's blog winning - Morgan Mandel

Also with comments on many blogs, but winning with the number assigned her on Beverly Stowe McClure's blog - Charlotte Phillips

Thank you, all tour hosts, and thank you, all who visited and left comments.


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No children's books? Let them read internet porn

On one hand, the government is doing its best, through the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, to remove books from the hands of children. After all, children might be hurt by books (never mind clothes, beds, chairs, etc.). On the other hand, the courts declare children can watch anything available on the internet, even porn. According to Fox New.com "The government lost its final attempt Wednesday to revive a federal law intended to protect children from sexual material and other objectionable content on the Internet."

Huh? As Rena Jones stated on a private forum, "I'm sorry, but people are so mixed up these days. Protecting kids from lead is good. Making the law so it affects everything a child touches nearly illegal is bad. But now this?

"Sorry kids, but I'm gonna have to confiscate that classic copy of Winnie-The-Pooh. Why don't you go surf the Net for porn. Now, go on, have a good time."

Sorry -- some things just make me rage! Who are these people and who voted them into office?"

Good question, Rena. I wonder if anyone has a reasonable answer?

We must keep fighting stupid laws. Have you visited with your Congress members lately? Well, that's too long.

4RV Publishing won't add porn to the book list for children's books, we promise. Ish.

Another blog that has interesting and timely information: The Common Room.

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