​I have been a reader forever. I started with picture book favorites like The Snowy Day and Clifford the Big Red Dog.  I moved onto Nancy Drew and The Little House books. I loved Stuart Little and Charlotte’s Web. I followed the Yellow Brick Road through Oz, the whole series!

The best part about books – they took me to places I could never visit. They introduced me to people I could never meet. My favorite books were biographies, historical fiction, and fantasy. 

I became a teacher because I wanted to help kids learn to read. I bought picture books from Judith Viorst and Jan Brett. I found chapter books like Horrible Harry, Magic Treehouse, and Magic School Bus. I had over 15 tubs of books when I retired. 

​I became a writer because a bat found me, and I thought it was a good story. I quickly discovered writing was harder than telling a story to my class. I took that first story to Highlights. My reader said it was good garbage, in a kinder way. Good gave me hope. There was something there, but garbage told me I had a lot of work ahead and a lot to learn.

So how did I get better? I read and read and read. Then I picked my top ten books and they became my teachers. I also took classes with “real” authors who showed me my mistakes, and what was right.

I still read as a writer – to learn how to get better, to keep up with the trends in children’s literature.

But I also read for fun. I still love historical fiction and fantasy. If you combine them, you get my favorite genre – time travel,

Keep your eyes open! My next three My Read reviews are all time travel stories for kids. I absolutely love all three!

I usually avoid having my picture taken but the last couple months I’ve grinned and said ‘cheese.’
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This is me at the Rose Blenn Literary Festival. Neil wasn’t out yet, but my critique partners talked me into going. They said it was good practice for the future. They were right!

You can’t see Debbie and Rick, but Donna’s behind me, to the left of the Story Catcher Publishing sign. She’s been my self-publishing guru. I couldn’t have made this journey without her advice!

This is me at the Marvelous Midwest SCBWI conference. I’m with my friend and conference roommate, Aileen. Without her, Neil might never have been published. 

In November I was ready to quit. Then I went to the Helen Hunt Circle to talk about being a writer. I told them about losing my 3rd illustrator. Those ladies wouldn’t let me give up. Before I left, they gave me three names.
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I also decided to reach out to Aileen. She had an illustrator she thought would be great, It was Cole Roberts, and that’s how I met my illustrator.

​These pictures came from that same SCBWI conference in early May. I took my proof of Neil  so I could get pictures with a few writing friends, BUT I couldn’t share them.

Why not? Purdue has a trademark on Neil’s name and his image. I found out in early April that I had to get permission from Purdue to use them in my book. Without that permission, I couldn’t sell my book, and I couldn’t share these pictures with you. 

BUT I saved them, and now I CAN share them. The first friend is Jarm. She’s in my debut group, On the Scene in 2019. Her debut book, THE HEART CHANGER, was for sale at the conference bookstore. She didn’t have a copy so she used her tablet. I think it’s a great photo!

The second friend is Shirin. I met her last year in The Children’s Book Academy class, the 12 x 12 writing group, and my Writing Magic critique group. I hadn’t met either Jarm or Sharin in person before, but it was great to meet both of them! 

​It meant the world that two of my school friends made time to see me and my book. I’ve known Laura and Fran since I moved into Elida Elementary back in 1999. Fran is in the first picture. She was the school secretary, and she took great care of me and my students. Thanks, Fran!

​The second is one of my 2nd grade teaching friends, Laura. I remember the 1st time I met her . . . she smacked me/my arm. I was so shocked! Normally that’s not how you make friends, but with Laura it was like becoming an honorary sister. 

​​I owe another friend an apology. Becky came down to Wapak, and I forgot to get a picture. I’m so sorry! Becky taught me how to be a teacher back in 1983 when I was brand-new. She was one of my mentors, and I’m grateful for everything she taught me. Thanks, Becky!

 Here are a few more shots from this month’s Meet the Author/book signings. Thanks to my hosts at the Wapakoneta library, Riverside Art Center, and Casa Chic. ​ ​​They welcomed me in and made each event special.They made sure I left with photo memories that included a smile. I am grateful to them for the opportunity to share NEIL ARMSTRONG’S WIND TUNNEL DREAM. 

 An Interview with Susan Edwards Richmond

​Meet Susan Edwards Richmond! She was a California girl till age 4 when she moved to upstate New York. That’s where she discovered woodlands, mountains, and rivers. It awakened a lifelong love of nature. Susan grew up to become a teacher and curriculum director. Now she has the perfect job – working in a wildlife sanctuary in a nature-based preschool. For her debut picture book Susan took her love of nature and translated it into a book about her annual adventure, The Christmas Bird Count with the Audubon Society.
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Now Susan and her husband live west of Boston, Massachusetts. They have 2 adult daughters. Susan is a published poet and member of an SCBWI critique group that she adores. There’s nothing like having someone you trust tell you what they love, but I think it’s more important to have someone tactfully tell you what isn’t working or doesn’t make sense.

I love Susan’s cover! I can’t wait to follow Ava when she gets to be a citizen scientist for the annual Christmas Bird Count. She has a huge job, using her eyes, ears, and binoculars to identify, count, and tally each bird she sees along the way. I can’t wait to see what Ava spots. Go, Ava, go!

Susan’s Interview Link:
ttp://onthescenein19.weebly.com/blog/an-interview-with-author-susan-edwards-richmond

​That’s right! One of these animals disintegrates in the afternoon sun. The answer: Jellyfish
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Did you guess right? Jellyfish might look scary. They might shock you, literally. But washed up on the beach, they’re helpless. Why? How? Jellyfish are 98% water. If they wash up on the beach, they’ll probably evaporate in a few hours, leaving hardly a trace behind.

Source: 
https://quizzclub.com/games/bonus/which-sea-creature-evaporates-in-the-sun/answer/1563/

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​Question 2- Caterpillars must melt into a liquid before they can change into a moth . . . True or False?

TRUE! I guessed right! That’s because I used to watch tiny caterpillars make cocoons, then hatch into butterflies. They always left some red liquid behind. I always wondered why. Thanks to this link I now understand: https://quizzclub.com/games/bonus/caterpillars-completely-liquify-as-they-transform-into-moths/answer/1932/

​​Inside the chrysalis the caterpillar melts down. Really! As its body melts, it releases enzymes. Those enzymes change most of the old body into a rich caterpillar soup. What’s left of the caterpillar feeds on that soup and grows into a brand-new butterfly.


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​​The answer: their feet. EWWWW! I can’t imagine tasting anything with my stinky smelly feet. YUCK! But butterflies have taste sensors in their feet so they taste a flower by stepping on it. 
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Butterflies don’t have mouths to bite or chew with. Instead they have a proboscis. I always thought of it as a tongue, but it’s not. It’s more like an elephant’s trunk, or a pig’s snout, or human straws. It’s a great way to drink your lunch, but it’s a terrible way to taste it. The nectar would be flavor-LESS!

More Info: biointerestingfacts.blogspot.com 
https://quizzclub.com/games/bonus/a-butterfly-tastes-food-with/answer/44050/ 

Thirty minutes later he returned with salad. I thanked him, and that’s when he told me about the number of people who blew up at him for small mistakes like this. He thanked me for my kindness.
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I was so surprised, but then I remembered my younger days when I might have gotten upset too. Maybe with age comes wisdom. No one means for mistakes to happen, and he corrected it. Why be upset? Eventually I’ll be on the other side of the mistake. You can’t avoid them, and I appreciate when people understand and forgive my errors. 

An Interview with Jennifer Buchet

Meet Jennifer Buchet before she breezes by! She is one busy lady! She’s an award-winning author, major foodie, and a pre-kindergarten teacher. She also coaches softball and manages book fairs. When work is done, Jennifer hunts down the most elusive creature of all, ‘spare time.’ That’s when she can enjoy reading a good book, making a magical meal, or crushing her family at Catan. I had to Google it! If you’re curious like me, click on this link. Catan sounds like fun!

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catan

Jennifer has been writing since her days reporting for her 4th grade newspaper and her anxt-filled childhood diaries. She moved onto a career writing advertising copy and blogs, but her heart remained in children’s lit. She’s been a feature contributor to Cricket Magazine since 2011, and she’s written over 50 articles and interviews for AppleSeeds and Faces Magazines.

She’s also an active member of many writing communities including SCBWI and 12x12. I met Jennifer a year ago through Mira Reisburg’s Children’s Book Academy and then through 12x12. The writing world really is a small world after all!

This is her temporary cover until the real one’s finished. Hint- there are snakes and a Medusa from Greek Mythology in this story. I’m dying to read it!

Little Medusa comes from a long line of snake-loving, serpentine-wearing Gorgons. When she gets her first snake, she discovers having it slither and slide through her hair isn’t as great as she thought. PLUS, does she really want to turn her friends to stone using her scary new forever-friend? How will Little Medusa please her family, her best-pet snake, but most of all herself?
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Read Jennifer’s interview to find out where she came up with this stone-cold idea! Link: http://onthescenein19.weebly.com/blog/an-interview-with-author-jennifer-buchett

                                                                                                              An Act of Kindness, Part 1

                                                                                                                                                  An Act of Kindness, Part 2

This one came in the mail! It’s from author A. LaFaye. I know! I got mail from a REAL LIVE author! What a thrill!

I met A at the Marvelous Midwest SCBWI conference. She was a speaker, and friend of my conference roommate, Ailleen. Here’s the story of how I got this envelope.
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I was dying to buy a book, but I only buy e-chapter books. I also try to buy books from people who have critiqued my work. A never critiqued me, but I wish she had!  When I heard her speak, I knew I’d found another teacher to help me become a better writer. 

​Yes, I was only going to buy 1 book, but when I couldn’t decide, I bought both. A left before I could ask for an autograph so I decided to email her. I did, and she sent me TWO autographs. Thanks A!

Here’s what was inside the envelope, a lovely card, and an autograph for each book. 

​A card was inside with a note from A! Here’s what it said:

To Rinda,
Thank you for buying my books and sharing them!
I’d be so honored if you could review them for Amazon and Good Reads.
Thank you!
A. LaFaye

​Dear A,
Your reviews are coming! I planned to write them when I wrote this post about kindness. Now that it’s done, I’m writing them tomorrow. I loved your books, and I hope my reviews will help you find more readers. I’m  honored that you wanted my words!
Thank you for your kindness!
Rinda
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Dear Readers,
If  you’ve bought and read my book, I’d be honored if you’d review it. If you’re not sure how, here’s a link I wrote about writing a review.
http://www.rindabeach.com/blog/why-should-you-review-a-book-and-how-should-you-do-it
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I have 3 reviews so far . . . from SB, Connie, and Nadine! I know Nadine from Northern Ohio SCBWI, but I’m wondering who the other 2 are. Maybe they’ll read this, and tell me.
Regardless, thanks to the 3 of you for your kind words!
Rinda

                                                                                                                                            An Act of Kindness, Part 3

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​Sometimes it’s the small things that mean the most. I ordered pizza and salad a week or so ago. When the delivery guy arrived, he had forgotten the salad. I asked him to drop it off on his next trip through my neighborhood. No problem! I had pizza to eat.
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Thirty minutes later he returned with salad. I thanked him, and that’s when he told me about the number of people who blew up at him for small mistakes like this. He thanked me for my kindness.
​
I was so surprised, but then I remembered my younger days when I might have gotten upset too. Maybe with age comes wisdom. No one means for mistakes to happen, and he corrected it. Why be upset? Eventually I’ll be on the other side of the mistake. You can’t avoid them, and I appreciate when people understand and forgive my errors. 

​     An Interview with Tina Shepherdson

Meet Tina Shepherdson! She’s from Upstate New York, and I’ve known her electronically for a year or two through Children’s Book Academy and 12 x 12. Both are great places to connect with other writers.

Tina has been sharing books with kids forever! She started as a teenager. She wrote her own books, tied them together with string, then read them to the kids she babysat. Tina still reads to kids as a 6th grade teacher. She’s been teaching for 30 years and has won awards for her work. When Tina’s not teaching or writing, she’s walking her akitas with her family, spending time at camp, eating chocolate, and enjoying winter snowstorms. Life sounds perfect!

This is an early thumbnail/character sketch for Tina’s debut book, WALKOUT. It’s based on a true story, and it’s democracy in action. Maddie wants to organize an anti-school-violence walkout like kids in other states. She perseveres even when the principal announces their school won’t participate, and her BFF Stella is afraid to join her. Read to find out if Maddie helps Stella find the courage to walkout. This is the perfect story for today’s schools, and Tina’s the perfect writer to tell it.

​Tina’s Interview Link: http://onthescenein19.weebly.com/blog/an-interview-with-author-tina-m-shepardson

Look what came in the mail! My first box of paperback books. The writing and publishing end are finished. Now it’s time for sales!

​I opened my box. I was so excited I found 2 different ways to count to 44! Two groups of 22, or four groups of 10 with 4 left-over. ​

This is me, still at Riverside. Della asked me to sign the books, and she got the great idea to take a picture of that moment. Of course we embellished it a little. The 4 ladies in the picture didn’t buy my book, but they were good sports and posed for the photo. Thanks, ladies!

What surprised me the most is how I started shaking when I started writing. Who knew happy nerves could make you shake!
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Della took pity on me. She wrote an inscription about dreams in each book. Best of all she put a different one in each book, then I signed it. Thanks, Della for the help, and the idea!

I wanted a picture of me dropping off books at Casa Chic, and this is it! We had a great background, all things Wapakoneta. I’ve shopped at Casa for years. When I want something interesting or unique, it’s my go-to place. Landa is one of the owners, and she’s been a church friend for years. She followed my writing dream from the start, and she always believed in it. I’m thrilled to sell Neil’s story at Casa Chic!

Landa didn’t hand me a check. She does her business differently than Riverside. She waits for the entire shipment to sell, then she pays for the whole order. Different strokes for different folks! I’m grateful to Riverside and Casa Chic for offering Neil to their customers.
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If you need Neil or Wapakoneta souvenirs, go to Riverside or Casa Chic. They have treasures for sale, things that you’ll want to buy and take home! Happy treasure hunting!

​I started a business that produces a new product to sell, what am I?

A Manager             Bureaucrat             Entrepreneur             Salesman             Inventor

Tomorrow . . . The paperbacks are here!