Donna Galanti - Where heart and hope meet adventure!

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Inspirational Life Tools for 2022 + 3-Book Giveaway!

By Donna Galanti

Happy New Year!

I hope your holidays were special and comforting.

My son was home for two weeks from Hawaii and it was so wonderful to be with him again.

We picked him up at the Philadelphia airport and the line of cars to get in to the pick-up line was bumper to bumper. A total standstill. Yet, I could see him there, just up ahead! I couldn’t bear one more moment of waiting and dashed out of the car toward him. He turned. Saw me and smiled then ran for me. We collided in one giant hug of laughter and tears. We hugged and hugged and couldn’t let go.

Yes, it was just like a Hallmark card commercial you cry over (because we writers always see ourselves in a story 😊).


We had a fun vacation. Went hiking, to the theater, to Longwood Gardens, the movies on Christmas Day, and just hung out.


While it was wonderful to have to him here it was also hard. It struck me with his being here for a short while, trying to pack in every moment with us and his friends, that this is not his home anymore. It never would be again. He belonged somewhere else. He’d created another home. And our lives as a family of three would never be immersed together once more every day. I am not a mom anymore on a daily basis. Fully understanding that was rough—as well as saying goodbye. And having to grief his leaving all over again.


But I am hopeful that in 2022 I can let go of my grief and loss and get to know him, and myself, in knew ways. Different ways—but good ways.

December was also the month I moved my dad into assisted living in North Carolina. A large adjustment for him, and me. I’m taking on many tasks he can no longer do with vision and hearing problems. Handling finances, investments, healthcare, daily monitoring. And all while he’s a ten-hour drive away.

As you can see, 2021 was a year of upheaval for me. I moved to a new area and home. I moved my son 5,000 miles away. I moved my dad into a new living situation. All of this, during the added stress of the Pandemic. And in doing all this, I left a parenting role behind with my son and yet took on a new kind of parenting role with my dad. It’s been freeing and burdening all at once with complicated emotions tangled up in both. With all this, there has not been much writing going on. At. All. LOL.

But with the start of 2022, I feel a sense of peace. This is a winter of necessary hibernation. I cant wait to see what wonderful things come of it! And I’ve embraced three inspirational words for this year: Belonging—Exploration—Transformation.

  1. Belonging through discovering where it is I want to relocate to on a permanent basis—and who I want to belong with through a community—as I sit in this transitional waiting place.
  2. Exploration with learning new skills and ideas.
  3. Transformation with seeing the world—and myself—in a new perspective.

Here’s my wish list of things to explore this year—and feel free to add mine to your own list:

  • How to juggle (and let me tell you, it’s hard! Still mastering the one-ball 😊)
  • Play the harmonica
  • Balloon twisting
  • Sword fighting
  • Cheese making (signing up for a local creamery class this spring!)
  • Cook one new meal a week
  • Astronomy
  • Origami
  • Classical music form and history

Here I am trying to master the one-ball juggling technique first. Star is my captive audience! 

Are you looking to belong, explore, and transform in 2022?

Here are tools I bring from past years into this New Year that have helped me find peace, release anxiety, and become more self-aware on a daily basis.

Transcendental Meditation (TM):
This is a technique for promoting a state of relaxed awareness, derived from an ancient tradition in India. TM has so many benefits like enhanced focus, heart health, anxiety relief, and stress management. It’s taught through a one-time fee TM program that you can find in your area. TM offers scholarships, too, and I received one in 2019. TM provides me with a great sense of peace and calm.

Journaling:
When I feel lost, in need of answers, or just trying to grasp understanding, I look to write down my thoughts and feelings about specific topics. Writing my jumbled thoughts down brings clarity and a welcome break from confusion. It helps guide me in the right direction of where I seek to go.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT):  
This has the root of ancient forms of relief through tapping of pressure points. And tapping these points, led through a guided mind-body integrated process, sends calming signals to the brain to release overwhelm and anxiety. I began with the free app Tapping Solution, and have since upgraded to an annual subscription.

Denise Austin Workouts:
This can be any free or subscription-based exercise program to do at home, but I love love love Denise! She’s been around for decades and is still peppy and fun. I find myself smiling along with her. She also has such a variety of workouts, many of them low-impact with hand held weights which I love. It’s a real release on a cold, winter day when going out for a hike is not appealing in 25 degree weather!

Master Class Subscription:
I purchased this online subscription this year to soak up knowledge and inspiration from influential people. My goal: less television, more growing 😊. And I’m loving it… from leaders to musicians to writers to conservationists. It’s a window into people who’ve made a difference.

With all this discovery, mental and physical, sometimes we just need to escape! And that can mean escaping into books. Yay! So, this month I’m giving away three hardcover middle grade books to indulge in this winter.

A PLACE TO HANG THE MOON by Kate Albus

It is 1940 and William, 12, Edmund, 11, and Anna, 9, aren’t terribly upset by the death of the not-so-grandmotherly grandmother who has taken care of them since their parents died.

But the children do need a guardian, and in the dark days of World War II London, those are in short supply, especially if they hope to stay together. Could the mass wartime evacuation of children from London to the countryside be the answer?

It’s a preposterous plan, but off they go– keeping their predicament a secret, and hoping to be placed in a temporary home that ends up lasting forever. Moving from one billet to another, the children suffer the cruel trickery of foster brothers, the cold realities of outdoor toilets and the hollowness of empty stomachs.

They find comfort in the village lending library, whose kind librarian, Nora Müller, seems an excellent choice of billet, except that her German husband’s whereabouts are currently unknown, and some of the villagers consider her unsuitable.

THE NEWSPAPER CLUB by Beth Vrabel

Nellie Murrow — the daughter of two (former) newspaper reporters — was named after one of the fiercest journalists who ever lived. When she moves to sleepy Bear Creek, Maine, rumors of vandalism and attacks at the only park in town are keeping her saddled to the house.

Some townspeople say the attacks are gang recruitments. Others blame a vagrant spotted on the hiking trails around town. But when Nellie thinks like a reporter, none of those explanations make sense. Something is happening at the park, but what? All of the fake online news and rumors are clouding the truth.

Nellie wants to break the story — and break free from the front yard — but she can’t do it alone. She needs a whole club if she’s going to start the Cub Report, the town’s first independent newspaper. Creating a newspaper from scratch is going to be tough; but for Nellie, making friends is even harder.

JOURNEY BEYOND THE BURROW by Rina Heisel

There are rules every mouse must follow if they’re to survive in the forest.

Tobin knows these guidelines by heart. After all, with one younger sibling, another on the way, and a best friend with a penchant for trouble-making, he needs to be prepared for anything.

But one stormy night, Tobin’s safe burrow is invaded by monstrous arachnids, and his baby brother stolen away. To save him, Tobin will have to do something he’s never done before: break the rules.

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A reminder that SECRET BENEATH THE SAND is almost here!

Yes! Volume 2 of Unicorn Island, Secret Beneath the Sand, releases March 8th in hardcover! AND you can pre-order Secret Beneath the Sand now. If you do, I’d love to send you a bookmark and autographed book plate label for you—or another special reader. Just email me your address and who you’d like the book personalized for at donna@donnagalanti.com.

Enter 3-Book Middle Grade Giveaway + Watch Me Answer Reader Questions!

By Donna Galanti

Happy spring everyone! Here’s my first walk in the woods in 3 weeks since surgery–and on the first day of spring! Took it slow but love my new pop up chair to doze in the sun when I get tired. Daffodils are springing up. Where flowers bloom, so does hope. My buddy, Star, also helped me get through a long recovery.



And it’s been a fun month since the illustrated hardcover of Unicorn Island released in February. Book 2, Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand, releases in 5 parts on Epic!, the leading digital library for kids 12 and under, starting May 10th. Sign up here to read it.

First, here’s some updated news!

I’ve had so many wonderful virtual author school visits this month and got such great questions from young readers, I thought I’d answer some of them here. Take a look!

Read a review by Author Lee McKenzie. “A delightful story that young readers will fall in love with.

What a fun review of Unicorn Island by a young reader at Reader Views. “Things were so exciting I couldn’t wait to keep reading to find out what would happen next!”

Do you love to read middle grade, no matter your age—like me? Then enter to win my 3-book giveaway below! I’m giving away 3 hardcovers of new books I fell in love with. Check out my reviews and enter. U.S. and Canada only please. 😊 Read more about these books.

365 DAYS TO ALASKA by Cathy Carr

One of my favorite books in a long time! I loved this book all the way through! I was hooked from the very start with Rigel fully embracing her Alaskan wilderness life and then to follow her challenges within suburban life. Carr does a wonderful job of showing us Rigel’s new suburban world through her eyes with a wild Alaska perspective. This is a poignant story about loss, friendship, and about being true to yourself–especially when it’s all you’ve got to hold onto, or at least you think you do! I felt deeply for Rigel especially when we see her so alone in this strange new world and her only friend a crow. This immediately shot me back to middle school where I was placed in a new school and also didn’t fit in and I’d sneak outdoors to be in nature. You can always count on nature to be there for you, and the friendship between Rigel and crow is written with emotional depth. I admit I teared up several times throughout this book! A story full of heart and hope. A bittersweet tale about coming of age–with all it encompasses: self-awareness, transformation, disappointment, sadness, and new beginnings.

Cathy’s books

MARY UNDERWATER by Shannon Doleski

There are so many things to love about this book. We follow Mary, the courageous main character, in her struggle to find her voice and break free of what is holding her back. She is an appealing character and her friend, Kip, is a fun contrast to her. The heart of the book is the unique and challenging adventure Mary pursues and how it transforms her to find the courage she’s always sought. This is a heartfelt story with light moments but also dark undertones.

Shannon’s books

THE BRAVE by James Bird

This was a beautiful and poetic story. We are deeply immersed in Collin’s point of view, a young boy with an OCD issue that isolates him. Yet, we see him come into his own once he finds where he truly belongs–with lost family. Collin is indeed brave and his newfound friend, encourages him. She helps him find his way and also the strength inside him to love and to let go when necessary. The mystical, Native American elements to this story enrich it with lyrical imagery and beauty. A story full of hope and a sense of home.

James’ books

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And in case you missed it, if you’re a fiction writer wondering how to create a world in your story you can sign up for my virtual class, Foundations of Worldbuilding for Any Genre.

INFO:

Pearl S. Buck Writing Center
April 17th from 1:30pm – 3pm (EST)
Fee: $25

All stories happen somewhere. Whether you write fantasy, dystopian, science fiction, or even about the “real world,” world building is key to creating a meaningful story.

I’ll share methods of world building that any writer can apply. From the smallest details to the rules of its universe, discover the way a considered approach to world building can govern the hearts of your characters and help drive your story.

Topics include: elements of world building, using world building to support conflict and tension, world building questions and resources, seven main areas that serve as the foundation for your world, and what to avoid in building your world. I’ll also share real-book examples to supplement my topics.

REGISTER: https://psbwritingcenter.org/…/foundations-of-world…/

Hope to see you there!

Enter to Win a Copy of Unicorn Island plus Reviews, Podcasts & a New Course for Writers!

By Donna Galanti

Thank you everyone for helping me celebrate the release of Unicorn Island this past month! Watch for book 2, Secret Beneath the Sand, launching digitally in a 5-part serial first on the Epic! platform starting May 10.

I also ran away to this farmhouse in the woods at the end of February to get a new middle grade novel completed and sent to my literary agent. It includes adventure with lakes, loons, campgrounds, and the Appalachian Trail. I can’t wait to tell you more about it someday!



It was a rough week after retreat as I had surgery to remove my pesky little gallbladder, but I’ve been comforted by so many wonderful friends who’ve called, texted, emailed, sent flowers, and delivered food! I’m hoping to turn the corner any day soon. 😊

🦄 And now for fun unicorn stuff! Check out an interview on Literary Rambles this week PLUS go there to enter to win an illustrated hardcover copy of Unicorn Island!

Check out this wrap up of Unicorn Island news from this past month:

  • Here’s a new recording I did with Teaching Books. Listen to me talk about the backstory of Unicorn Island, an excerpt from the book, and how my childhood helped me write magical stories! And here’s a recording of my name, its history, and what I think of it. 😊
  • 5 Things to Like About Unicorn Island with Always in the Middle book blog plus a review. “Will for sure capture your imagination.”
  • Read an excerpt of Unicorn Island on The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow plus a review. “Anyone who enjoys magic will fall right into this story.”
  • A fun interview plus 3 fun facts about unicorns on Word Spelunking book blog!
  • Video podcast with Middle Grade Ninja where we talk writing, Unicorn Island, plus a ghost story!
  • Interview plus review on Geo Librarian blog. Find out my favorite part of writing! “A fun fantasy book.”
  • Review of Unicorn Island on Fundimental book blog. “A beautifully written coming of age fantasy.”
  • Interview on Literary Rambles and advice for writers.

Look what my publisher made! You can download these fun Unicorn Island activities for a book hideaway and make your own banner, bookmark, and door hanger. 

 

 

 

 

I am also doing virtual school visits! I’m hopping across country from Pennsylvania to California and doing 5 in the San Jose school district alone this month. If you’d like me to visit with your school just check out my informational page here or download my virtual flyer here. **NEW** For 2021 I am donating all my virtual author visits for free!


CALLING ALL FICTION WRITERS!
Are you a fiction writer wondering how to create a world in your story? Then sign up for my virtual class: Foundations of Worldbuilding for Any Genre
Pearl S. Buck Writing Center
April 17th from 1:30pm – 3pm

All stories happen somewhere. Whether you write fantasy, dystopian, science fiction, or even about the “real world,” world building is key to creating a meaningful story.

I’ll share methods of world building that any writer can apply. From the smallest details to the rules of its universe, discover the way a considered approach to world building can govern the hearts of your characters and help drive your story.

Topics include: elements of world building, using world building to support conflict and tension, world building questions and resources, seven main areas that serve as the foundation for your world, and what to avoid in building your world. I’ll also share real-book examples to supplement my topics.
Fee is $25. REGISTER: https://psbwritingcenter.org/2021/02/27/foundations-of-world-building-for-all-genres/

Hope to see you there! Please share with your writing friends.

Haven’t gotten a copy yet of Unicorn Island for yourself or a unicorn lover you know? You can order it here at your favorite bookseller.

Spring is nearly here! Hope it’s a good one for you. –Donna

Win $10 B&N Gift Card + Middle Grade Book Giveaway!

By Donna Galanti

I’m cleaning out my bookshelves this week and made some awesome finds in fabulous condition. A great mix of middle grade fantasy reads – two are in hard cover! And since I’ve got spring fever soooooo bad I’m giving them away! Enter giveaway at the bottom of this post.

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Check out this great middle grade book bundle of award winning books and authors:

Off the Page by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer

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Bad Magic by Pseudonymous Bosch

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Curiosity House by Lauren Oliver and H.C. Chester
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Love to win this amazing bunch of goodies? Enter below. And don’t forget to leave these great authors a review after reading. What are some of your favorite children’s authors?

U.S. only. Enter the Rafflecopter to win! Ends 3/2/2017.

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Happy 1st book birthday to THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW + Book Giveaway & Enter to Win a $50 Visa GC!

By Donna Galanti

Happy 1st book birthday to THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW! It’s been a year since the mystery of the Begonia House was revealed to the world, and now the paperback will be available January 3rd, 2017. Check out my 5-star review of this wonderful mystery adventure! The new cover stays true to Fairday’s snazzy style, sprinkling in a few added charms. Can you spot the differences from the hardcover?

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 Catch the book trailer to find out more about the story…


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Planning to pick up the paperback? Pre-order a copy and you could win a $50 VISA card to treat yourself after the holidays. Contest is open to all! For more details on how to enter, click here.

For more information about the book, visit the DMS at fairdaysfiles.com 

 

Write What You Know. It’s Full Of Surprises!
stephanie-robinson-left-jessica-haight-rightBy Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson

One idea that will help give your writing a certain texture and realness about it is to write what you know. There are several scenes in The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow where this tool has come into buy soma play.

When we first began revising with our editor at Delacorte Press, it was suggested that we make Fairday and Lizzy a little more different. We realized that they did talk a lot alike, and of course they did! We’ve been friends for a long time, and we tend to sound the same too. The
answer became obvious once we thought deeper about our characters and who they are. We knew Lizzy was from l-fMinnesota (Stephanie’s family is from there.). People in Minnesota say “You betcha”. Bingo! That was it.

Another example where we incorporate a personal experience in the story had to do with a wardrobe that was full of surprises. The inspiration for the scene Fairday and the DMS find themselves in is based on real circumstances we encountered while living as roommates when we purchased a piece of furniture together. Needless to say, it was a memorable event and we laugh every time we read that part in the book!

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Enter to win a paperback edition of THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW!

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