Books come in all sizes for all types of readers. I’ve jumped around in some of those types. I’ve written for the general market and the Christian market. I’ve written for young adults and for middle readers. I’ve even written a picture book that hasn’t made it out to readers yet. I’ve written historical romance, mysteries, Shaker stories and family stories. I told someone once that I didn’t want to be “Brand Ann.” By that I mean writing just one brand or genre of stories. It may have cost me readers who like one genre better than others. At the same time, I’ve been greatly blessed by you readers willing to give my different books a try. You’ve followed me down a lot of story paths and that has not only been a blessing to me but has enabled me to keep writing my stories. Publishers have a way of liking it when books get read. 🙂
At the same time, I’ve had some stories that haven’t found publishers. Back in the 1990s, I went through a time where everything I wrote made the rounds of publishers and came back to my reject shelf. Freak of the Week was one of those stories. I wrote it back when I was writing stories for middle readers. It got some nibbles from an editor. I rewrote it for that editor several times, but then her company decided against the story. So now years later, with books so much easier to get out to readers with the internet companies that let you independently publish stories without great expense, I decided to ask a friend who has experience with independently publishing to help me get this story out to readers.
Some people might ask why. This book is nothing like my inspirational novels or my mysteries for adults. But this story is one I’ve always loved. First off, it was a story inspired by one of my dad’s friends, Dave Williams. Dave was a great guy, who in spite of some physical handicaps, had an adventurous spirit. He’d been to Alaska, a place Dad always wanted to go but never made it there. Dave tried cave exploring by climbing down in holes he was sure opened up into big caves on our farm. And he tried to fly up in the air from the ground using an old parachute. That’s part of my story, Freak of the Week.
I modeled my old guy Dan in the story on Dave with a lot of imagination added. Still, Dave’s love of nature and the way he sometimes tried the impossible came through in my character. The story is about a boy with a slight physical handicap that makes him feel different. Don’t we all remember how it was to be in middle school and afraid the other kids were going to laugh at us? That’s Clay’s problem. But Clay is also a talented baseball pitcher, but he has to get brave enough to play on a team with other kids. Old Dan teaches him not to worry about his looks while doing his best no matter the situation or problems.
I do hope some kids will give the story a try and it might even be a fun read for some of my more mature readers. I’ve read quite a few books written with a younger reader in mind, and generally enjoyed them all. Made me feel young, maybe. 🙂 If you’re interested in checking out more about Freak of the Week, here’s the Amazon link. I had fun writing for young readers when I was publishing my kids’ books. So I’m glad to have this new book out there for readers.
I’ll be sending out a newsletter next week with some giveaway chances for Freak of the Week and a Christmas giveaway too. Watch for it in your inboxes if you’ve already signed up for my newsletter. If you haven’t signed up, it’s easy. Just check out the sign-up form here on my website to sign up.
As always, thanks for reading. Hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving. Are you going to shop till you drop this weekend or maybe sit down and relax while you read a book?
Comments 8
I received this book today! Ann, I sat and read the entire book in one very satisfying read! What a wonderful story! I then took it to Connor and told him that you and I were Facebook friends. He looked at me and asked if I really read the entire story. I told him that I did and that he would really like it as well. He then asked me if you had sent it to me! Gotta love him! Hopefully, he will get started on it very soon. He played outside all day today with his cousins and friends. They don’t get cold like us old folks! Happy Thanksgiving!
Author
So glad you enjoyed the story, Laura. It’s fun that you read it. If Connor has time to read it, then the two of you can do a mini book club to talk about it. But sometimes boys can be too busy to read at that age. Playing outside with cousins is the best.
Yes, I would like to win a copy of “Freak of the Week” for my grandson. He’ s 11 tomorrow, he doesn’t realize how important it is to read, also what an enjoyment it can be. I feel sorry for today’s kids as the electronic age has taken away their desire to see how exciting reading can be. I have read more books since I retired than any other phrase of my life. Thank you. I have so enjoyed your books. Also your newsletters.
Author
Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed my newsletter and like to read my books, Edith. I’m always glad to hear that. I totally agree with you about many of the kids right now missing out on the special adventure of reading. The phones and electronic games are compelling and addicting but not nearly as much fun in the long run as reading and letting your imagination bring the story to life. I’ll put your name in the hat to have a chance to win Freak of the Week. And happy birthday to your grandson. Eleven is such a fun age for boys.
Sounds like it will be a great read!
Author
Thanks, Pat. I appreciate your encouraging words.
Sounds great, Ann. Just whetting the appetites of younger readers so they will grab your books as they get older! Thanks for not giving up on a favorite story. It seems like you have some good advice to empart.
Author
When it comes to writing, Paula, I as stubborn as a woodpecker trying to get at that bug in a tree trunk. I just keep knocking away. I do hope some young readers will give this book a try.