Donna Galanti - Where heart and hope meet adventure!

Unicorn Island Hardcover out Feb. 9th plus Events, Giveaways & Reviews!

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It’s been awhile since I’ve posted. Maybe early summer? Yikes! With this pandemic going on, every day seems the same. A blur of time. I’m sure many of you felt like that, too! I’ve been getting in as many hikes, kayaking, and family outdoor trips as I can with my husband and son, in between writing, of course.

It was also a super busy summer and fall for me with writing. I was contracted to write the second book in the Unicorn Island series by Epic. It releases in 5 parts in May 2021 on the Epic platform, the leading digital library for  elementary students, followed with hardcover winter of 2022.

NEWS: I’m thrilled that the illustrated hardcover of Unicorn Island, book 1, releases one month from today, February 9th, by Andrews McMeel Publishing (Simon & Schuster)!

You can pre-order the book here. PLUS, email me your receipt at donna@donnagalanti.com and I’ll mail you out a bookmark and autographed bookplate to place in the book! Just let me know who to personalize it to. 😊

To celebrate the launch of Unicorn Island, I’ll be discussing the book through an Author in Conversation virtual event with the super nice and talented author F.T. (Fleur) Bradley. The event, hosted by my favorite local bookstore, The Doylestown Bookshop, will be held February 9th at 7pm. Register here for free: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/donna-galanti-in

You’ll also get the chance to ask us both questions, too! You’ll definitely want to check out Fleur’s newest book, Midnight at the Barclay Hotel. It’s a delightful, fun mystery in a spooky setting. See my full review here.

Around release day, I’ll also be doing loads of interviews with cool book bloggers and a fun unicorn-themed giveaway that you or your favorite unicorn lover will want to enter. More information to come!

After writing the next book in the Unicorn Island series this summer, I finished a new middle grade that involves more mystery and adventure, and then was contracted to write another middle grade fantasy—and wrote that full length book in a month! And finally, I revised a current novel draft with a new plot line. Needless to say, with all this book writing in 2020, I ran away to get it all done on deadline. Multiple times. This involved going to one of my favorite places to write (three times) at The Highlights Foundation.

In between all this, I raced up to Cape Cod (also three times!) with my critique partner, Erica George, to get some writing done.

Erica’s AMAZING debut novel comes out this May, Words Composed of Sea and Sky. This young adult historical/contemporary novel is beautiful in so many ways. The prose is poetic and lyrical at times, deepening even more the emotion we feel for the characters. See my full review here and purchase the book and follow Erica.

I finished my writing marathon with a few days of relaxation at my very own farmhouse in fall at The Highlights Foundation. This is a wonderful haven for writers! Amazing setting, delicious food, warm and friendly staff.

Writing for children is a magical thing. Yes, writing books is H-A-R-D! Plotting, creating characters, building worlds, adding adventure and mystery…and revision. LOTS of revision. But connecting with kids and sharing books with them is an amazing job. And I get to be a kid again myself. Forever in that wondrous place between childhood and teen, where the world is still full of mystery and fantasy—and anything is possible.

And if you love books, too, then hopefully you love to support authors. The best way to support us is to buy and read our books, post honest reviews online, and share with friends! Help me do that for Unicorn Island and I’ll be forever grateful 😊. Here are some ways to do that:

Pre-order Unicorn Island at your favorite bookseller
Follow me on Amazon
Follow me at BookBub
Follow me on Goodreads
Follow me on Instagram
Follow me on Twitter
Share this post:
Check out #newrelease Unicorn Island! Because beyond the mist lies a magical secret waiting to be discovered. “A fast-paced magical adventure.”-Kirkus Reviews. Pre-order the illustrated hardcover: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Unicorn-Island/Donna-Galanti/Unicorn-Island/9781524864705 #unicorns #childrensbooks

Summer fun + more Unicorn Island books to come!

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Summer is nearly here! I hope you are enjoying outdoor adventures wherever you are. While this time has been hard for so many, I’ve tried to embrace this gift of time to spend with loved ones. Since we’ve been in isolation for nearly three months and my husband’s business was shut down, we’ve had more time together as a family and planned a nature excursion each week. The woods have always been where I go to find peace and solitude–it’s also where most of my story ideas are born!

Here are a few photos of our recent adventures–and I’m excited to say we’ve just added kayaks to our family adventures (my birthday gift to me since today is my birthday!). 🥰

This time has also given me more time to work on new book ideas–including a new story outline for the next book in my Unicorn Island series! Since its release digitally in May on the Epic platform in a 5-part book serial (hardcover coming May 2021), the book has done so well that Epic hired me to write more books in the series. Yay! Watch for them coming spring 2021. You can get Epic free with a 30-day trial here and access 40K titles as the leading digital library for kids 12 and under: https://www.getepic.com/

So, last year Epic hired me to write a book for middle grade readers. With our first conversation, all I knew was that they “wanted a book where a girl must take care of a unicorn.” From this grew the idea for Unicorn Island: The Secret of Lost Luck–and I had no idea of the reception it would get! I’m happy to see that Unicorn Island has made its way on to many elementary school summer reading lists. It’s also out in audio book! And if you’re looking for more adventure books then check out my Joshua and the Lightning Road series!

I’ve also had so many wonderful messages from teachers, parents, and kids telling me how much they enjoy Unicorn Island.

This one below made my day today! How cute is this? I’ve never had anyone sign it “your fan”. For some reason, they all want to know how old I am. Ha ha! (51 today!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another little girl truly touched my heart. Her mom reached out to me with immense gratitude this past month. Her daughter had been so depressed by the pandemic, and the most heartbreaking thing was that she hadn’t seen her dad since December as he is an essential worker working far away. The little girl discovered my Unicorn Island series and something clicked–she “got a twinkle in her eye” and couldn’t wait to read all the books.

The mom thanked me from the bottom of her heart for bringing her daughter’s spark back for the first time in months. I offered to do a Zoom video call and it was so fun! The little girl asked the smartest questions, too. She also just sent me ideas for the next books in the series. This is what makes my heart burst with joy as a children’s book author. This is so why our world needs storytellers–to inspire, give hope, and entertain when we most need it.

I’ve had several kids write and let me know that they’d like to become an author now, too.

And speaking of becoming an author–if you’re a novelist seeking to finish your first draft or revise it for publication, check out my brand new online course I just launched!

I’ll cover what you need to improve your novel writing and editing skills to create a better manuscript that can catch the eye of an agent, editor, publisher, or reader—while saving thousands of dollars on story developmental editing services.

You’ll discover 9 story building issues that could be preventing YOU from getting published—or capturing a reader’s attention—and the techniques to fix them. PLUS, you’ll get direct access to my writing and editing toolbox AND my 10 years of author experience. ENROLL NOW and get my new course now for just $19.99 (reg. $59.99) for a limited time and save 67%. ENDS JUNE 20.

Since today is my birthday, your gift can be to share this promotion with writers you may know! 🥰

I know these times are difficult right now still, but I hope you are finding ways to cope. Meditating is a wonderful way to achieve this. And discovering transcendental meditation last year has changed my life. I practice it daily. I’ve lost 20 lbs. I’m more focused. But most importantly, I’m no longer quick to anger and I let things go. I’m filled with peace, compassion and hope every day. I wish the whole world would meditate right now–it would be a much better place.

Wishing you peace and love!

XXOO–Donna

P.S. Here are recent messages I’ve found on walks in the park near me. I hope they inspire!

New Book Release for Kids! Unicorn Island

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**UPDATED May 2021** Check out more new books in Unicorn Island!

I had mentioned last month that I had a surprise coming that involved unicorns—and here it is! I’m so excited to share that my new middle grade series with Epic for Kids just released!

Unicorn Island: The Secret of Lost Luck, Book 1, is out digitally right now. It releases in a 5-part serial one book per week for the next 5 weeks. Watch for it in hardcover release in the spring of 2021. It’s perfect for kids ages 8-12. Sign up and get access on Epic for one month for free.

About Unicorn Island series …

Off the South Carolina coast, a young girl discovers a mysterious island full of mythical beasts and darker dangers.

We all need a bit more magic in the world right now, don’t we? 😊 You don’t get more magical then unicorns!

When Epic hired me to write this middle grade series in 2019, all I knew was that it was to be about a girl who cared for a unicorn. Over many months, it was super exciting to bash around ideas with the Epic team until we had a full concept for the story.

Then the week before my 50th birthday and celebration trip, I hunkered down and wrote the entire book in just five days. I fell in love with these characters and its world—and I hope you do, too.

I had so much fun writing Unicorn Island because … unicorns! The illustrator, Bethany Stancliffe, did such an amazing job with the artwork throughout, too.

Unicorn Island Book 1: The Secret of Lost Luck

By: Donna Galanti

Illustrated By: Bethany Stancliffe

When Sam moves to a small South Carolina town full of secrets, she stumbles upon the truth behind Lost Luck, Foggy Harbor’s biggest mystery.

For those with school kids at home, you can get the Epic platform for free through June 30th or anyone can sign up for a month-free account. Get access to the book and 40,000+ other books for kids here. You can also gift this award-winning subscription to a child. It’s the leading digital library for kids 12 and under: https://www.getepic.com/

Sign up and catch the  second part in the 5-part series next week!

Happy reading!

 

 

New Cover Reveals for The Lightning Road series + Amazon GC Giveaway!

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Look at these awesome new cover reveals for the Lightning Road series! To celebrate I’m giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card at the end of this post PLUS get the first e-book in the series, Joshua and the Lightning Road, on sale now through October 15th for just $0.99 cents!

All of these wonderful book bloggers have chosen to celebrate with me too! Check out their awesome book blogs (and follow them!) with special posts about the Lightning Road series, excerpts, and extra chances to win  the $25 Amazon Gift Card all week long.

Lightning Road Series New Cover Reveals Blog Tour:

October 7th

This and That Book Blog
Joshua and the Arrow Realm told in Memes!

October 8th

Middle Grade Mafioso
About how I love scary stories and how they play into my writing

Log Cabin Library
How I harnessed my imagination to write the Lightning Road series

October 9th

Book Hounds 
I share how I harness my inner child to write for kids

October 10th

Author Karen Pokras Toz
I share what stories affected my childhood and writing

The Author Chronicles
I talk about creating characters

Laura’s Ramblins and Reviews
I talk about the 10 elements to writing thrillers for kids

October 11th

Always In The Middle
I rewind myself back to being 9-years-old and share a day  in my life as a kid

October 12th

Fundimental
I share my dream cast for Joshua and the Arrow Realm!

Enjoy an excerpt from Joshua and the Lightning Road!

Sweat ran down my back  as  the  warm  August air washed  over  me  and  the  scent  of  earthworms filled my nose. Thunder rumbled far in the distance. I pushed aside the broken glass and knelt where Finn had stood. Water bled into my jeans from the rain pooled on the floor. It seemed like forever ago that I wished Finn would hurry up and get here.

Lightning flashed. I welcomed and feared it. My chest tightened, but there was no time for panic. The crystal warmed my fingers through the deep pocket of my jeans. Bo Chez had to be right—the crystal had powers. What would they be?

Thunder crackled.

“Yeah, just come and get me!” I yelled into the storm, and a bolt of light took the tree across the creek. The top exploded in a fiery ball, then sizzled black. Thunder broke loud over my head like a giant clapping his hands together, and blue light exploded through the broken window. Two rough hands yanked me up.

Light blazed everywhere and heavy, scratchy material bound me tight as I was pulled upward into a swirling wind tunnel.

Anger felt better than fear, so I kicked my kidnapper. “Where’s Finn?”

“You’ll find out soon, Reeker.”

Daring a peek, I saw a wide gray hat slung low over one green eye that blazed at me. Where the other eye should have been was a crater. One side of his face oozed red, melted mush!

The man from my nightmares!

ABOUT JOSHUA AND THE LIGHTNING ROAD:
Twelve-year-old Joshua Cooper learns the hard way that lightning never strikes by chance when a bolt strikes his house and whisks away his best friend—possibly forever. Armed with only luck and his grandfather’s mysterious crystal, Joshua must save his friend by traveling the Lightning Road to a dark world that steals children for energy. New friends come to Joshua’s aid and while battling beasts and bandits and fending off the Child Collector, Joshua’s mission quickly becomes more than a search for his friend—it becomes the battle of his life.

PRAISE FOR JOSHUA AND THE LIGHTNING ROAD:
 “Vividly imagined characters in a gripping action fantasy that never lets you go until the very last page.” —Jenny Nimmo, New York Times bestselling author of the Charlie Bone series

**$0.99 DEAL!**
Joshua and the Lightning Road is available now through October 15th for just $0.99cents on e-book from these book sellers:
Amazon: mybook.to/TheLightningRoad
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2zwsiLx
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2Q6Kukn
Apple iBooks: https://apple.co/2NF5MZA

ABOUT JOSHUA AND THE ARROW REALM:
Joshua never thought he’d be called back to the world of Nostos so soon. But when his friend King Apollo needs his help in the Arrow Realm, Joshua braves this dark world once more in order to save him. With Joshua’s loyalties divided between Nostos and Earth, he must rely on his courage and powers to restore magic to this desperate world and to free its people. Abandoned by his friends in his quest, unarmed, and facing great odds, can he survive on instincts alone and not only save those imprisoned—but himself?

PRAISE FOR JOSHUA AND THE ARROW REALM:
“Fast-paced and endlessly inventive, this is a high-stakes romp through a wild world where descendants of the Greek gods walk beside you, beasts abound, and not everything—or everyone—is as it seems.” –Michael Northrop, New York Times bestselling author of the TombQuest series

Joshua and the Arrow Realm is available through these book sellers:
Amazon: mybook.to/ArrowRealm
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2N3OYGG
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2IjXYGX
Apple iBooks: https://apple.co/2xFU4Ea

Watch the Joshua and the Lightning Road trailer!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library + ARC Giveaway!

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I’m super excited to share my review of book two in the Fairday Morrow series, Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library, by the talented authors, Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson. It’s comes out October 23rd but you can pre-order it here. I’ve been waiting for this book ever since I fell in love with book one, The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow! Read my 5-star review of that here.

PLUS, I’m giving away one print advanced reader copy of Fairday and the Talking Library! Just comment below and share why you’d like to read this book. 🙂 U.S. only please. Ends 10/19, 11pm ET.

First, here is what Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library is all about:

Eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow had no clue that moving from Manhattan to the small town of Ashpot, Connecticut, would lead to an unsolved mystery. Her parents’ dream of renovating a crumbling Victorian, called the Begonia House, into a bed and breakfast had seemed like treachery at the time. But Fairday found out that her new house kept secrets, and once inside its twisted front gates, anything was possible.

When mysterious notes start showing up warning that a librarian is in trouble and a bookworm is eating words, Fairday thinks the Begonia House has more skeletons in its closets. She notices a passage in her favorite book has been changed, and she’s certain something is dreadfully wrong. What happens to stories when their words get eaten?

The Detective Mystery Squad is ready to investigate! Fairday, Lizzy, and Marcus take off on a sticky trail and tumble into Nowhere. Like Alice in Wonderland, Fairday finds herself in a world where nothing makes sense and the lines of reality are blurred.

The three sleuths discover amazing things about themselves as they unravel more secrets within the walls of the Begonia House. Follow along with Fairday and friends as they open the next case in the DMS files to unlock the mystery of the Talking Library.

MY REVIEW:

This new Fairday adventure will appeal to kids (and grown ups!) who love stories with mystery, friendship, and puzzles. And what an imaginative adventure book two is! Fairday lives in a house with many surprises. She never knows what will happen next but she’s up for the challenge.

Fairday jumps into a new world within her own, along with her trusty sidekick friends, and meets fascinating new characters. It’s a world of bookworms (who actually eat words!) and wordweavers (cool job!) where children are needed to save books from disappearing. Books truly live and breathe in this story – literally! What a fun place to be where ink is alive and books can talk and you can enter stories and meet characters.

There are so many magical concepts in this story to inspire kids to fall in love with reading – and words. Figuring out riddles is a big part of solving the mystery and it’s fun to follow Fairday and friends in a race to solve them before books are lost.

But not all is fun. They must beware of things that lurk in shadows and get their punctuation just right (love this!). This is Fairday’s most complicated case to solve yet in a world where she does not know who to trust, so she must trust herself – and her friends – to survive.

Kids will eat up the words in Fairday’s new adventure in this inventive, magical mystery that keeps you on your toes. Can you guess your way through to solve the puzzles? And can Fairday and her friends add up the clues in time to save books? You’ll have to read it to find out!

Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library
 
Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson, Co-authors 
Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson have been friends since they met freshman year of high school. After discovering they both loved the same books, their friendship grew, and they went on to co-author The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow. The first mystery in the Fairday Morrow series, released with Delacorte Press in December 2015. Stephanie and Jess are excited to present the next case in the DMS files. Having the brilliant illustrations created by their close high school friend, David SanAngelo, has made bringing the story to life magical. To contact Stephanie and Jess or learn more about their journey, please visit: fairdaysfiles.com
 
David SanAngelo, Illustrator
David SanAngelo is an award winning illustrator, and a two-time Emmy nominated director of animated shows for children and he won a kite flying contest in the fourth grade. Dave attended high school with Jessica and Stephanie, and they’ve all been friends for a billion years. Some of Dave’s favorite things are: old monster movies, superheros and shred-a-licious rock music. Although he grew up in New England, Dave currently lives with his wife and sons in Decatur, GA. To learn more about Dave’s illustrations, please visit: davidsanangelo.com
 


Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library 
Book 2: Fairday Morrow series
Release date: October 2017
Age Range: 8 years old and up
Grade Level: 3-9
Publisher: Willow Press


PRE-ORDER THE BOOK! 

Catch the first mystery before the next case in the DMS files opens on October 23rd!

 

The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow
Publish date: December 2015
Age Range: 8 years old and up
Grade Level: 3-9
Publisher: Delacorte Press