David Seow -Children's Book Author

Thank You Kenneth, Auntie Susanna and Sue

2011-08-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

As you know, sometimes we need to go away to get away from it all. I want to say a huge thank you to my friends Kenneth, Auntie Susanna and Sue, three of the kindest, gracious and most generous people that you could ever hope to meet. Yes, there are still people like this in the world today.

Kenneth, Auntie Susanna and Sue allowed me to get away from it all and my time spent with them in Kuala Lumpur was one of the happiest times I've had in a long time. So here is my wish for all of you...that you all be blessed with friends as great as these.

Lana the Angry Banana

2011-07-17T19:57:00.001-07:00

Lana the Angry Banana

By David Seow

Not too long ago in a warm toasty kitchen filled with all kinds of food and fruit,

there lived a banana named Lana.

Now Lana didn’t like being yellow; she didn’t like having brown spots;

she didn’t like being long. And she didn’t like anything or anyone.

Lana was one very angry banana.

No one knew why Lana was so angry.

But just as pigs

are round and fat

Lana was angry

and that was that.

“What’s the big deal?” asked Jim

“It’s great being yellow,” said Harriett

“We adore our brown spots,” said Lucy.

“And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being long,” said Jumbo

All the other bananas nodded their heads in agreement.

This made Lana even angrier.

And the angrier she became, the meaner and nastier she got.

And the meaner and nastier she got meant trouble

for the whole banana lot.

She began to punch and glare.

She began to push and shove.

And whomever she hurt she just did not just care.

Soon the other bananas became just as angry as Lana.

They began to smack and hit.

They began to pinch and poke

And this made Lana smile more than just a bit.

Pleased with what she had done Lana went off in search of others she could make angry.

“Stop fighting!” bellowed Jumbo.

All the bananas stopped fighting right then and there.

They looked at each other.

They had no idea of what they were fighting for.

“Oh dear, this more serious than I thought

All it takes is just one rotten banana to turn us all bad,” said Jumbo.

“Uh-oh!” said the rest of the bananas. “What do we do? What do we do?

We don’t want to turn bad.”

“Well there’s only one thing to do. We’ve got to make Lana happy. Nothing makes a banana happier that making a dessert.”

The bananas thought of all the wonderful desserts they could make.

Each dessert they thought of was more wonderful than the last.

“Let’s make banana pudding,” said Lucy

“How about banana nut bread,” said Harriett

“No, Banana cream Pie,” said Jim.

“No, we’ve got to make the best banana dessert ever,” said Jumbo. “We’ve got to make a banana split.”

So the bananas invited the Sprinkles, the Nuts, Mr Hot Fudge, Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry Ice Cream, and Ms Cherry to help with their plan.

They all found a big bowl and jumped in. The Ice cream family- Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry plunged in first, followed by all the bananas, Mr Hot Fudge, the Sprinkles, the Nuts, and Ms Cherry. They made a beautiful dessert.

“Oh for goodness’ sake,” said Lana.

All that noise is giving me a head ache. What are you doing?”

“We’re throwing you a dessert party,” said Lucy. “There’s nothing better than a dessert party.”

But desserts made Lana angry. And parties made her even angrier.

And the angrier she became,

the meaner she got.

And the meaner she got meant trouble

for the bananas and the lot.

She began to push and shove

She began to punch and glare

But the bananas were so happy,

they didn’t seem to care.

And this made her even angrier.

“Arrggh!!!” Lana screamed.

She jumped off the table and onto the kitchen floor.

“I’m leaving. Don’t ever speak to me!”

Just then two large feet walked toward her through the open door.

And so with a stomp and a squish,

We come to the end of this sorry tale

Of Lana the Angry Banana,

now squashed, flat, rotten and stale.

The End

Book Deal Dead

2011-07-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

You never know which way the publishing tides will go. So after months of discussions and planning, I thought that I would be releasing a book with a major publisher by years' end. But negotiations hit the proverbial brick wall and the deal fell through.

Oh, well, moving along, moving along. I've got other stuff on my plate that's keeping me busy. It's exciting but it's stressful at the same time. I'm not getting my hopes up because every time I do, I get disappointed. It's a tough thing being kids book author. You take a lot of hard knocks that leave you feeling rather bruised. I tend to self medicate with burgers and fries and milkshakes.

Always a pick me up is attending the montly SCBWI meeting group led by our capable captain Kenneth. Though some members were MIA- Pooja, Resham, Sue, Qian etc etc, we still had a good night, discussing Catherine Carvell's latest chapter in her MG book. Good stuff, Catherine. Our group also has a new member, Evelyn, who's from Canada. Evelyn, if we were in Canada now, we'd be hanging with William and Catherine, eh? Any way SCBWI is meeting again next month, and I've made the unilateral decision that it should be somewhere on Orchard Road because that's most convenient for me. So if you're free on the 10th and that's the day after National Day come on by. We'd love to have you. I'll update you about the venue closer to the actual date.

Hedwig Anuar Book Award Shortlist Announced

2011-06-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

Support Choi Sung-Bong

2011-06-12T21:52:00.000-07:00

Please support this very brave and talented young man. Not only does he have talent, but he also has heart! His story would make an inspirational MG or YA book. I call first dibs on it.

There's Soup on My Fly Red Carpet Debut -haha

2011-06-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Tom Hanks and There's Soup on My Fly! on the Red Carpet @ The Larry Crowne
Premiere in Singapore. (photo: ACK)

I gave a copy of my book to Tom Hanks for his granddaughter at last night's premiere of Larry Crowne. Who knew that it would be shot on the red carpet?

A Meeting with Kyle Chandler, a Book Festival and an Award Nomination

2011-05-31T00:12:00.000-07:00

Kyle Chandler and Me

Hey, everyone, I met Kyle Chandler today, but first let me tell you about the Asian Festival of Children's Content where my books There's Soup on My Fly! and Blow A Kiss were vying for the Hedwig Anuar Award, which carried a $10,000 cash prize that was to be shared between the author and illustrator.

The Hong Kong & Singapore members of SCBWI
Top L to R: Janet, Kathleen, Sue. Bottom L to R: Resham, Pooja, Me, Kenneth
Not pictured: Catherine

Well, they didn't announce the shortlist until the awards night and I was pleasantly surprised that There's Soup on My Fly was one of the eight books shortlisted for the award. Well, you know I didn't win, of course, because if I had, this post would have started very differently. I did, however, meet the night's guest of honor, President Jose Ramos Horta of Timor Leste, but as you can tell from the photo, he looks like he'd rather be doing something else than posing with me.

This is what the Prez must be thinking: Why am I posing with this goober?

As you know, I was also a finalist for the Crystal Kite Award so this is shaping up to be a pretty great year. Would have been better if I won the award though, hahaha. No, seriously, it would have.

Cheif Judge of the Hedwig Anuar Award Ken Spillman announces the short list

Kimi 's seated in black jacket in the front row and Kate's right behind her.
Trevor's the only dude in the photo.

Nominee Sue, SCBWI Singapore leader Kenneth and lovely Lynda
who was so supportive

I also met some wonderful people at the festival, who also happen to be great writers, some of whom were shortlisted for the Scholastic Asian Book Award.

Kimi Takazawa who hails from Hawaii was nominated for her book about some very unusual chickens - watch out for it! Kate Whitehead from Hong Kong is another name to look out for. I've got a gut feeling, and my gut is rather sizeable, that both ladies will make it big in the children's lit soon. You heard it here first!

It was fantastic meeting Janet and Lynda, who were so wonderfully supportive and encouraging! And BTW, Trevor Kew, you're a teacher and author and that's kewl! Auntie Susanna Goho Quek, you're such an amazing artist. Thanks for working with me for FREE!! ha ha.

Clockwise from the middle: Sarah, Catherine and Kate

Before I forget, I have to add that I'm so proud of my friend and long-suffering editor Sue Flotow who was among the elite list of Scholastic Asian Book Award finalists for her story Kam's School Fish Rolls. After reading it I knew she would be shortlisted, and guess what, she was!!

Special thanks goes out to everyone who were great during the week, especially my fellow SCBWI Singapore members Resham, Pooja, Catherine, Sue, Qian, and of course, our fearless leader and all-round good guy Ken, who puts up with a lot of ***** mostly, ok, no, all of it, from me.

Kyle Chandler and Me( David Seow)

So you might be wondering how I met Kyle Chandler. Well, I found out that J.J. Abrams and the cast of the movie Super 8 flew in town to promote their movie and I was lucky enough to meet Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights, Early Edition, Homefront) who stars in the movie along with Elle Fanning (Dakota's kid sis) and Joel Courtney, who plays his son.

I've been a fan since Early Edition and Kyle was really great. He's such a nice down-to-earth guy and listened to me babbling about Friday Night Lights and he waited patiently as the contents of my laptop bag fell out as I tried to fish out my books to give him as a souvenir. Of course I had to do the fanboy thing and ask for an autograph and he graciously obliged. Let me just say he's not one of those celebrities who has the handwriting skills of a doctor, his signature is legible! I apologized for being a bother, and he kindly assured me that I wasn't.

Kyle Chandler and my friend Ray

I told him that 'Fly' was recently nominated for a book award and he offered his congratulations. He then asked me to pose for a pic with him using his camera, not mine, but his! What a thrill! At first my friend Ray couldn't work his camera and told him that he'd take the pic with my camera and then we would email it to him. Ray's attempt to get the personal contact details of a Hollywood star was an epic fail!

The pic was eventually taken and with a firm handshake, and a smile thanks were exchanged and he was off to his next appointment. I said it before he's a very friendly guy. Thank you, Mr Chandler! Go see Super 8, people!

And before I forget, head on down to the bookstore to get Adeline Foo's latest book Whoopie Lee, Almost Famous and Shermay Loh's Archibald and the Blue-Blood Conspiracy. They're fantastic authors. Oh and you might like to get my books too if you haven't already. Ta for now.

Thank You cards from the OFS Kids

2011-04-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

Thank You Overseas Family School

2011-04-22T02:54:00.000-07:00

On the 14th I had the honor of visiting the Overseas Family School. They've been so supportive of me and I just can't thank them enough. I have to thank Ms McGoldrik, Ms Riffel, Ms Alishjabana and Mr VanStone for having me over. I had a really good time and the kids were amazing, really smart and well-behaved. I just hope they don't get any ideas from my stories about my naughty nephew's antics.

At the end of my visit the presented me with some fantastic Thank You cards which I will be posting as soon as I scan them in. Such visits always give me a boost to carry on writing stories. Right now I've got loads of ideas in my head and I've just got to type them all down.

But for now I'll just enjoy the long weekend. Hope you all have a fantastic Good Friday and a very Happy Easter.

A Finalist

2011-04-13T09:05:00.000-07:00

It's such and honor to be a finalist. Big surprise here!

School Visits.

2011-04-07T05:46:00.000-07:00

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank Jan Cox of the Overseas Family School and Mick Smith of the International School Singapore for inviting me to visit their schools last month. I had a fantastic time and the kids were great, though I'm not sure how the teachers felt about my story about The 'Windy' Forest! I thought telling it was a gas! Thanks again!

Stop The Canadian Seal Slaugher

2011-04-06T00:08:00.000-07:00

The slaughter of Baby Harp Seals has begun. Please spread the news of this horrific and despicable act. My friend and fellow author JC Sparrow has been working on a about this very topic. She's given me permission to post her story here. If you have the time, please read this story. Help spread the news.

Amy Harpseal
By JC Sparrow

Amy Harp Seal scurries across the ice.

‘Bobbie! Bobbie! Where are you?’

Bobby Seagull pops out from behind a snow dune.

He gives her a cheeky wink. ‘Caught two fish!’

Flippity flop, they go on the ice.

‘Me too!’

Floppity Flip, they go on the ice.

Slurp. Gobble. Slurp. Gobble.

Yum! Yum! Yum!

Let’s play!

Amy weaves through the ice dunes.

Bobbie somersaults in the air after her.

Amy slips and slides. Bobbie dips and glides.

Thump! A big heavy club crashes onto the ice, just beside Amy.

Amy looks up. A man looks down.

‘Do you want to play with us too?’ Amy asks.

Thump! Amy swerves left.

Thump, thump! Amy swerves right.

‘I don’t like this game,’ Amy cries.

‘It’s not a game!’ Bobbie screams from above.

‘Seal hunter! Seal hunter! Run!’

Amy scrambles. Bobbie swoops down.

Snap! Snap! Bobbie pecks the hunter.

Swish! The hunter swings his club.

Amy sleds as fast as lightning towards the water.

The hunter blocks her path.

‘Leave Amy alone!’ Bobbie screams.

He flaps his wings in the hunter’s face.

The hunter looks up.

Amy slides under his legs.

SPLASH!

‘Want to play?’ Humpback Wai asks.

‘Shhhh! Seal hunter!’

‘Seal hunter? Where?’

‘On the ice. Don’t make a sound or he’ll hear us!’

Amy and Wai hide under the ice ledge.

‘Amy! Amy!’

Two heads pop out of the water.

‘You can come out now. The hunter is gone,’ Bobbie says.

‘I have to warn Mama.’

‘I’ll go for help,’ Bobbie says.

‘You can ride on my back to Seal Country,’ Wai says.

Wai and Amy barrel through the ocean.

They hurtle past a blue and white hunting boat.

‘Look,’ says Amy. ‘The colony!’

A hunting boat sails into view.

The seals cannot go into the water now.

Click! Click! Click!

The hunters on the boat take aim.

Wai slaps his tail on the water.

SPLISH! SPLASH! SPLOSH!

Enormous waves crash across the deck of the boat.

The hunters go slipping and sliding into the frigid waters.

The hunters clamber onto the ice.

They wave their clubs angrily above their heads.

The seals do not move.

A squadron of seagulls spirals overhead.

‘READY! AIM! FIRE!’ Bobby shouts.

The Gulls drop their poop bombs.

Splat! Splat! Splat!

The hunters scramble onto their boat.

Peck. Screech. Claw. Squawk.

The boat pulls its anchor up and sails away.

‘Thank you, Bobby. Thank you, Wai,’ Amy says.

The Gulls fly back to the Craggy Cliffs.

Wai swims back to the open sea.

‘Will the hunters come back?’ Amy asks.

Mama nods her head.

‘Then Bobbie and Wai will help us again,’ Amy says.

Mama shakes her head.

‘Hunters are clever. They will find a way to stop your friends.’

Amy frowns. ‘Is there anyone who can help us then?’

Mama nods. ‘Not all people are mean. There are nice people too.

But they do not know our story, so they do not know that we need their help.’

Amy thinks a while.

‘If they knew our story, would that help?

Mama smiles."Yes, Amy, I think it just might.

News

2011-03-24T04:04:00.000-07:00

Like most everyone I've been watching the tragic events of the last couple of weeks on the news. Prayers of the Japanese who have suffered unspeakable loss. My thoughts go out to them, especially the children like little Toshihito Aisawa who is still searching for his parents. It is heart breaking. Please spare a thought for those trapped and still waiting for rescue.

Prayers also go out to those in the Middle East. As corny as this sounds, and I can't believe that I'm actually saying this but what the world needs now is Love ...so let's send it out there.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2010-12-27T03:29:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas here and all has been quiet on the home front. I'm thankful for my family, and all the friends I've made both in person and on Twitter over this past year.

As you all know, two of my books were released this year after months of production problems. I did a couple of school visits and received lots of positive feedback and that encouraged me to submit them for the Hedwig Anuar Book Award, so we'll see how that goes. I've never really won anything before so I'm not expecting things to be different in this case. haha. Thanks to Jan Cox of (OSFS) and Denise Jackson of (AIS) for arranging the school visits. They were fantastic!

I have to say a big thanks to my parents, my brother, sister-in-law, sister, bro-in-law and niece and nephews for their support and advice throughout the years, I love you guys a lot, even though you know that I can be a massive pain. I'm still trying to find out who I am and whether this is really what I'm supposed to do with my life.

Also I'm grateful for my fellow authors, @KatApel, @KarenCollum, @KatrinaGermein, @WendyOrr, @

Despite all the ups and downs, God's been good to me and he always puts up with my....grumpy, curmudgeon ways.

Anyway, I thought I'd leave this very nice pic - of a family friend Curtis reading to his niece - for my last blog post of the year. Happy New Year everyone. Make it a good one!

Australian International School Visit

2010-10-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

Just last week, I had the honor and the privilege of visiting the Australian International School to speak to about the process of writing kids books. I was kind of nervous at first but the thought that I probably had the same EQ as my audience of 6 to 8 year old kids eventually relaxed me.

Surprisingly, the kids were incredible mature, smart and forthcoming. A lot more mature than I am, that's for sure. When I asked what's the first thing a writer needs before he starts writing a book, their hands shot up and one kid said "A content page," another said "research". When I was their age, the only thing I reasearched was where the candy stand was at the school cafeteria. And I didn't even know that was considered research! Had no clue what research when I was that age!

Anyway, I gave them some words on some index cards, asked them to form groups and come up with stories using the words they were given. Guess what? It didn't take them long at all and they came up with some really intriguing story ideas! They're brilliant!

Thanks to Denise Jackson for arranging the visit. I had a fantastic time!

Singtel Singapore Grand Prix 2010 Pt 3 (Sunday)

2010-09-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we headed down to the National Stadium to be bussed into the circuit once again. This time I was prepared and packed as little as possible into my messenger bag and went through security with as little hassle as possible.

We headed up to the suite at the Paddock Club where I met up with my friend Nora; her husband Darryl was down at the actual Paddock working with Team Redbull - and as you can see, I was wearing my Redbull Cap in a show of support. I must have brought them some luck as Redbull drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber came in second and third and were narrowly pipped at the finish line by Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.

I wish there were Brazilian dancers at all of my meals.

Anyway as we were about to head to place our orders for dinner, Brazilian Carnival dancers burst into the room, shaking their feathers and various body parts to the beat of the drums. Now, it would be fantastic if every meal started this way, wouldn't it? After the pre dinner entertainment and after I stuffed my fat face, I decided to try my luck and see if I could go on the pit walk before the actual race started.

Lucas Di Grassi, Virgin Racing

The throng of guests were ushered along and instructed to keep moving. Some, however, had to stop and pose in front of their favourite driver's pit. I was just about to head back up to the suite, when security pushed me back and a human barrier formed right infront of me. The drivers were about to go on their drive past around the track. I tried to get a photo of 7 time champion Michael Schumacher, but some jackass standing behind me thrust his cell phone infront of me blocking my view.

Sebastian Vettel at the Pit.

Michael Schumacher.

I finally managed to get to a spot where I could view the drivers waving to the crowds on their drive by only to realize that my camera was running out of batteries and I had forgotten to bring any extra! Thankfully I had a friend who had some on hand so after a quick change of batteries I managed to snap the following shots. As you can tell, a photographer I am not. I haven't gotten the hang of using my new canon camera. I suppose reading the instruction book should help.

The Drive by

Anyway after watching the drive by I headed up to Jean Georges to get something to eat: A couple of wagyu beef hamburgers with truffle oil among other things. Then I headed up to the suite for the start of the race.

Everyone had taken the prime spots in the suite so I decided to head on outdoors to the grandstand to see if I could get a better view.

The start of the Race

We left slightly before the end of the race to avoid the crowds. Last year it took me about an hour to leave the circuit and I was positively drenched. I headed back home, relatively dry and got ready to head out again to meet some friends for post-race drinks. I'm kind of surprised that we spotted some drivers out and about soon. If it had been me, I would have been completely KO'ed after driving for two hours around the track. The one question I've always wanted to ask, but have never had to cojones to do so is what do they do if they've got to poop or pee in the middle of a race. Do they just do it in their pants?

Rubens Barrichello, AT &T Williams

Jamie Alguersuari,Toro Rosso

Anyway, that's about it for this year. We bumped into more drivers at one of the after parties. Finnish driver Heikki Kovalainen was kind of surprised when I spoke to him in Finnish, so much so that he started speaking to my friend Joyce in Finnish as well. Kovalainen provided some dramatic tension when his car burst into flame on one of his last laps. It's no wonder he needed to head out for a drink. We also spotted Rupert Grint again as well as several other drivers. We called it a night at about 4:00am, yes I am such a party animal. Children's authors are a wild bunch! Thanks to my family for a terrific weekend.

Rupert Grint

Heikki Kovalainen, Lotus

Singtel Singapore Grand Prix 2010 Pt 2 (Saturday)

2010-09-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

The Press Room @ the Paddock

As I stepped out of the suite, I walked across the corridor which overlooked the Paddock area, where I spotted Mark Webber posing for pics with some fans and Jenson Button stepping into the MClaren headquarters after stopping to answer some questions from reporters.

Mark Webber

F1 2009 World Champ Jenson Button

I tried taking some photos from the third level but they didn't turn out as I had hoped, but I really wasn't too bothered about that as I had met the two drivers a few days before.

My growling stomach screamed: Feed Me! so I headed back to the suite where I bumped into my friends Darryl and Nora. After catching up

Darryl and Nora at the Paddock Club

with them for a bit, I headed down to the second floor, where celebrity master chef Jean Georges Vongerichten and a team of chefs were whipping up such culinary masterpieces such as Foie Gras with caviar, Tuna Tartare, wagyu beef hamburgers with truffle oil.

Foie Gras with caviar

I caught up with more family there before I decided to head on down for the 'Pit Walk', where guests get the opportunity to view the team garages up close.

As I was lining up for the walk I spotted a familiar face - Rupert Grint aka Ron Weasley of the Harry Potter films who was obviously there to watch the race with us muggles.

He stopped for a quick photo but I have no idea what the deal is with those Yoko Ono sunglasses at night!

Rupert Grint aka Ron Weasley

Lotus's Heikki Kovalainen at the Pit

As the line for the pit walk had grown to large I decided to head back up to the suite to watch the race that would determine the pole positions for the Grand Prix the next day and that's pretty much how I spent the rest of the evening, before heading home...To Be Continued...

Singtel Singapore Grand Prix 2010

2010-09-28T19:17:00.001-07:00

Busses headed to the Paddock Club

This year, I was lucky enough to be invited to the Paddock Club once again, thanks Kor & Jacq, to view the practice session and the main race and, yes, to people watch. Once again we headed down to the National Stadium to go through the prerequisite security checks and to be bussed into the F1 circuit.

The Paddock Club Pass

At the F1 circuit there was another round of security checks - Our passes were checked and our carry-through items - camera bags, waist pouches etc had to be screened before we were waved on through into the Paddock Club. I don't know why, but every time I go through a metal detector I set it off and the screeners always insist on checking my bags.

Guests were already mingling at the outdoor cocktail area, soaking in the sights and sounds of THE sporting event of the year and noshing on appetizers like lobster sliders, while being entertained by classical girl band Escala.

Elsewhere in the F1 park, guests were being treated to performances by several musical acts and loads of ladies headed down to catch the men of Chippendales. I think my friend Joyce found it one of the highlights of the entire race.

We made our way to the third floor suite and were offered cold wet towels for our brows, drinks and appetizers as we were shown to our table. I grabbed a pair of earplugs and ventured out to explore the rest of the Paddock.

Paddock Club ear plugs

To Be Continued...

Singtel Singapore Grand Prix

2010-09-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

Back in 2008, I was thrilled when my big brother invited me to the Paddock Club to watch the inaugural Singtel Singapore Grand Prix. Security was tight and we had to be bussed into the Paddock Club from the National Stadium. Once we arrived at our destination, I saw one of the most stunning visions I have ever seen in my life. No it wasn't one of the F1 cars, it was Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela.

Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008

I turned into a complete babbling idiot as I approached this latin goddess and asked for a photo, which my big brother took before I settled down at our table for a sumptous gourmet dinner. As I gazed around the room I spotted Mark Burnett, creator of "Survivor", socialites and captains of various industries. I felt like I was on a segment of Sesame Street, the one that Grover sings. "One of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn't belong." Ok, you can pretty much surmise which 'thing' I was. Regardless, I had a blast. Over the course of the race weekend I was also able to meet some of the F1 drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Fernando Alonso, and F1 legend Mika Hakkinen.

Mika Hakkinen

Nico Rosberg

Lewis Hamilton

Fernando Alonso

Nelson Piquet Jr.

That first night race was memorable for lots of things: 1) Ferrari's Felipe Massa took off from the pits with the fuel hose still attached to his car 2.) Fernado Alonso won the title 3.) Renault boss Flavio Briatore and driver Nelson Piquet jr, were implicated in a cheating scandal, one of the worst scandals in F1 history.

It's been two years since that inaugural race and excitement for the Sporting event has grown exponentially. Last year there was an F1 Rocks concert hosted by Lindsay Lohan and featuring Beyonce, the Black Eyed Peas, and No Doubt. This year Missy Elliott, Adam Lambert, Mariah Carey and The Chippendales were flown in to entertain spectators between practice sessions and after the main race. A slew of pre and post race parties sprang up with race fans paying big $$$, hoping to mingle with the drivers and other gliterrati. It's no wonder the main event sold out!

To Be Continued...

A Flash into the Past and a Podcast for New Dads

2010-09-04T05:18:00.000-07:00

I guess one of the reasons I became a children's book author is part of me doesn't want to grow up. (Well my family insists I still haven't grown up and hence they're constantly telling me to do so). I'm into comic book superheroes, Star Wars, action figures and the unexplained etc, etc. So this post I'll be talking about the podcasts that I've found on itunes that I enjoy tremendously and allow me to remain in part of my childhood.

As I said my family thinks I haven't grown up (My theme song is 'I'm a Toys 'R' Us Kid'). So it shouldn't be a surprise that I really enjoy Flash Past on itunes. Now, if you're looking to relieve your childhood or youth, then check out Flash Past with my friends Dan @DanFugate and Steve @Wavesoftech on itunes. Each week the guys discuss something from the past: fast food restaurants, motorcycles, rollercoasters, TV shows, you name it. Needless to say the show's an absolute blast. You can even join them live while they're podcasting. There's also a trivia quiz, but you might not want to answer as you may be showing your age. Dan and Steve have great podistry: pod chemistry. Also check out the other podcasts on Waves of Tech. It'll be great to share these shows with your dad.

Speaking of dads, being a dad is a lot of hard work, just ask my dad or big brother. Ok, before I go any further let me just say that I'm not a dad or a dad-to-be. For that I would have to find a willing accomplice to inflict that kind of cruel and unusual punishment on this poor unsuspecting world. But what I have recently come to realize is that there is not a lot of information for dads-to-be and new dads. While there are numerous books for expectant mommies, there are hardly any guide books for expectant or new daddies. They're plunged into the deep end of poopy diapers and hit face first with errant streams of golden newborn pee. If you're about to traverse the joys and travails of fatherhood, where do you turn? Fret not, there's hope for new dads in the form of the Daddy on Board podcast, hosted by Clayton Morris and Mike Quackenbush. Childhood chums Mike and Clayton have come up with exactly what new dads need -- a weekly podcast addressing everything from big DO dos to big Do nots. If you like their hit podcast The Grizzly Bear Egg Cafe, which covers everything hip & happening in the world of music, gadgets, comics, entertainment and everything else, then you're going to dig Daddy on Board. It's hilarious, it's a riot and more importantly it's informative. So if you're a long time dad, a new dad, an expectant dad or even if you're not, follow them on twitter @TheDaddyonBoard and subscribe to their podcast on itunes. Also you might like to check out Mike's other podcast Chikara Video Podcast A Go Go, and Clayton's other podcasts Today in Social Media and The Paranormal Report which he co hosts with Jim Harold on itunes.

And if you're kind enough, please give the podcasts a five star rating. They all deserve it.

Thank You, Myra

2010-08-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

Myra from Gathering Books did a very nice profile on me. I don't look like the idiot that I usually am.

Gathering Books

Borders Books and Music

2010-03-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

There's Soup on My Fly! is finally on the shelves at Borders Books and Music, along side my earlier books the Littlest Emperor and Monkey, the Classic Chinese Adventure Tale. I was taking a walk through the store after dinner with my friend Ray when I spotted it. Like a tourist, I had to take a picture. My friend explained to the lady stacking the books that I was the author. She gave me the once over and said, "eh" before going back to the task at hand. Could she have been any less enthused? I think not.

In other news, children's book author Adeline Foo, see one of the links below, just won the Little Red Dot award for her book The Diary of Amos Lee, congratulations, Adeline, Well done. The Little Red Dot Award is one of Singapore's first awards for children's literature.

Bookstore reading and signing today by best-selling author of 'Stones into Schools' Greg Mortenson. Looking forward to it. If anyone is in Singapore, stop by Borders at 2:30pm on Saturday and Kinokuniya at 3pm on Sunday. The man is doing great work. Check out his website.

http://www.stonesintoschools.com/about-greg-mortenson/

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

2010-03-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Authors, Authors, Authors & Me at The Overseas Family School's Book Week

2010-03-06T15:28:00.000-08:00

I spent lunch hour on February 22, 2010 at the Overseas Family School and it was fantastic. A group of about five authors and illustrators spoke to groups of children about writing, the writing process. It was a fantastic hour filled with lots of questions from some very insightful kids.

At first I was not sure as to what to expect from the session. Should I prepare a speech, a written statement of what I was going to say, or should I just have a rough out-line and wing it the rest of the time. You never know what you're going to expect when it comes to kids. After all, they are wonderfully unpredictable, aren't they?

I have to thank Janette Cox for arranging a fantastic session and for inviting me to be a part of a wonderful experience. I met some very talented writers: Grant S. Clark author of Monkey Magic: The Curse of Mukada and Ben Morley author of the recently released The Silence Seeker. Please pick up a copies of these books if you haven't done so already. I can't wait to see more stories from these two gifted writers and I was actually humbled and honored to be included in the session with them.

All the writers were seated seated in different sections of the library and groups of kids would come by to listen to us. I brought along copies of The Littlest Emperor and Monkey:The Classic Chinese Adventure Tale as well as copies of There's Soup on My Fly to get things started. I read out some passages from the books, asked questions and I handed out custom made bookmarks to the kids. Thankfully I had printed more than enough book marks were a hit with the kids. And at the end of the session the kids asked us for our autographs. That's something I've never quite gotten used to here. I'm just little old me, why on earth would anyone want my signature? But I've been repeatedly told that I should sign my books as it's just like an artist signing a painting. Huh? I know, right. I get the artist thing but I just don't get the signing thing.

Which is kind of ironic because a few days later I found myself standing in line at Borders Books at a Mitch Albom book signing. But hey it's Mitch Albom, the world-famous author who penned "Tuesdays with Morrie". There are some people who may think that book is facile but they'll be pleasantly surprised when they actually read it. I read it years ago and I've been a fan ever since.

After waiting for about an hour Mitch arrived and he spoke to his fans, encouraging any writers never to give up and keep plugging at it. He also spoke about kindness, charitable and human nature, and how we can all make a difference.

I was the second in line and of course after acting like a starstruck groupie, I gave him a copy of 'Soup' hoping some of his best-selling magic would rub off onto me. Hasn't worked yet; still waiting. Check out a clip I took of the Albom at the signing.

Book covers

2010-02-09T06:49:00.000-08:00

These are two possible covers for the new book Blow A Kiss. My preference is for the cover on the top. The book is more of a poem, rather than a story, per se, and inspired by the kids I come into contact with every day. What cover do you prefer? I would really appreciate your input. Thanks, David.

This Just In: Illustrations by Enrico.

2010-02-02T15:49:00.000-08:00

Enrico Sallustio, my talented illustrator just sent me the first few pictures from our new book. Here's a preview of what's to come. As the song goes, I have to pick myself up, dust myself off and start all over again.

They're Only Words

2010-02-02T06:12:00.000-08:00

"Words can never hurt me." Can someone tell me who came up with that and what kind of psychedelic drugs they were on when they penned that phrase? Seriously!

As a kids book writer, one works with words all the time and let me tell you, they are not easy to deal with. Actors may have a hard time working with kids and animals, but writers can have an impossible time with words. By turns, these wild untamable creatures can be unpredictable, uncooperative and rather tempremental. Like wilful children, more often than not, they don't do what you want them to do. So when you're finally get them to cooperate to form coherent sentences and a plausible plot, you're finally able to heave a sigh of relief, put a story to bed and get some much needed relaxation before the chaos of printing and post production.

But that's not the end of the story, so to speak, once printed you have to get the book into the stores and hopefully into the papers and the school libraries, which brings me to the topic of hurtful words, wounding words. Ok, I may be a hypersensitive author, an insecure one, that's for sure. I'm wracked with insecurities, always have been, always will be. Imagine Woody Allen at his most nuerotic, that's me times ten.

If someone compliments my work, I find it hard to swallow, but if someone criticizes or rejects it. I take it more to heart and a tsunami of insecurities,self doubt crash over me. I take everything the critics say to be 100% spot on, regardless of the fact that someone else may disagree.

Today an international school sent me a seemingly pointed and harsh email. saying that they found my book unacceptable on all counts: the artwork, the storyline, the flow - everything. I suppose it was meant as constructive criticism, but after reading it I felt like I had been decked in the face. I've accepted constructive criticism before but never criticism that's left me feeling in need of major reconstructive surgery. Now after a decade I'd like to think that I've learnt a thing or two about children's books, not much but a thing or two. Now I feel like I don't know anything at all. My question is should I focus on what the library committee members of this one school say, change everything about the way I write or should I stay true to myself? Words can never hurt you, yeah right. Maybe, maybe not. I know you can never please everyone, that is impossible and there'll always be critics. So what should I do?

End of My Career?

2010-01-21T16:07:00.000-08:00

Every so often, when I try to type this blog address in address bar, I get diverted to a Christian end times page. Strange thing is that the address in the address bar is: authordavidseow.blogspot.com ! Is God trying to tell me something? Maybe my career's going to be over before it actually gets started? Anyone out there have blogs and have been diverted to other websites? Just curious, because if it's just me I'm going to be freaking out.

Moving on, ok, I've been having a tough time getting my books on Amazon. Well, I've got two on Amazon already: The Littlest Emperor and Monkey: The Classic Chinese Adventure Tale (shameless plug here) but trying to get 'Soup' on there has kind of been a hellish procedure. Maybe I ain't smart enough to use Amazon. To quote my nephew "Uncle Dave, What's wrong with your brain?" And so I plod on, trying to figure out the technicalities of something that should be so simple otherwise. Guess that's why I'm a kids book author and not very good at doing anything on the net except blabbering.

Anyway, my distributor is discouraging me from going the amazon route and he promises my book will be up for sale on his website soon. http://www.marketasia.com.sg/ Thankfully he ships worldwide. Thinking perhaps I should get next book out and place both of them on amazon, so that I'll have four titles on the site.

Moving on, BAK my next book is plodding along and you can see two of the illustrations above. Things are coming along, coming along. Think I'm going to stick with Enrico as he knows me all too well. And he puts up with me, which is amazing!

Also before I go, just want you to know that I'm reading Gary Vaynerchuk's book Crush It! I have one thing to say, "Buy It!"Before I forget, please check out Today In Social Media with Clayton Morris on Itunes. Great, great podcast and I'm learning so much. Ok, it's to the market I go, I'm being summoned.

Celebrity Kids Book Authors

2010-01-10T22:26:00.000-08:00

When you're a kids book author you're not going to have it easy, especially if you're based out of a small country that isn't exactly a publishing hub. This is something I've come to terms with a long time ago. However, there have been many times I've thought of calling it quits. I've realized that you can't really make $$$ writing kid's books. Well, unless you're JK Rowling, Wendy Orr, Stephanie Meyer, Maurice Sendak or a celebrity author like Madonna, Jamie Lee Curtis, then sure yeah. That's a different story entirely.

Ok, I'm going to digress for a moment, but why do entertainment celebrities (popstars, movie stars) who make tons of money cross over into writing children's books? Authors have got it hard enough trying to make a buck and then these big time stars with mega bank accounts and huge fan bases and get massive advances and mega $$$ for doing children's books. Do children's authors attempt to act in movies? Or become recording artistes? No! But man, perhaps we should. Hey, Tim McGraw, Billy Crystal, Bette Midler move over, I'm moving into the world of entertainment... Ok, you can relax, Madonna, I'm not going to record multiple albums, I'm not going to stage massive world-wide concerts or comedy tours. Basically because I can't tell a joke to save myself, and I can't dance, play a musical instrument or sing as I'm completely and utterly 100% tone deaf. And the only acting I do is acting innocent whenever the brownies, meatballs or whatever suddenly and mysteriously disappear from the fridge.

Ok, sorry for that little tirade. I'm done. I guess celebrities write for kids for the same reason children's authors do and I can't fault them for that. Why do we do it, why do I do it? Because I love it. And cos I can't really do anything else. Ha, ha, ha...ha. Wait, no, that's not so funny, it's quite sad and pathetic actually.

Truthfully, through ups, of which they have been few, and the downs, of which they have been many, I wouldn't want to be doing anything else. I get to have my head in the clouds all the time, much to my Mom & Dad's chagrin. And though, you can't really make any $$$ out of writing picture books, there is one thing that makes it all worth the while: When a kid writes to you to tell you they love your story. And that is something that no money can ever buy.

The End of Another Year and the Start of a New One

2009-12-29T22:32:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Hope you had a good Christmas, Can't believe another year is coming to a close already. I don't know about you but I tend to get a tad melancholy around this time. Why? Well, for me it's time to look back and reflect on things: What I've accomplished or haven't accomplished ; the mistakes I've made, the stupid things I've done, those whom I've hurt or offended unintentionally by word, deed or thought and my relationship, with God and let's face it, I could make a bigger effort where that is concerned really. As I look to the new year, I'm filled with anxiety and trepidation about what the future holds. Whatever it may be I hope all of you have a very happy year!

Before I forget I'm working on a new book project, thank goodness for financial backers! I'm working with my very first illustrator Enrico Sallustio. Here's one of the preliminary sketches. It's very different from TSOMF, but I'm ready for a change.

As of now, I've decided to set up a youtube account to read my stories aloud. Okay, I don't have a radio friendly voice but until I find a narrator, please put up with me. Here's a link to my very first story, Sebbie's First Day of School, which is inspired by my nephew's first day of school!

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=AuthorDaveSeow#p/u/0/hRCNVbzzWj4

Anyway Happy New year to one and all, and Happy Birthday to Clayton Morris and Jane Goh!

Christmas Time in the City

2009-12-18T06:53:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

It's hot, it's humid and it's wet and it's rainy. A typical Christmas in Singapore. No snow in Singapore unless you're talking snow of the manufactured variety at Snow City, not quite the same thing as the real deal. Has everyone done their Christmas shopping? I've got everything sorted out for the kids, it's just the grown ups I have to worry about.

Ah kids. I remember it wasn't too long ago that I had my niece and nephews convinced that I had Santa's personal cell phone number to get them to behave. Always told them Santa was out, or that he wouldn't take calls from kids before the big day. Now that they're older they say I was a big fat liar! LIAR!

Anyway another tradition was tracking Santa on Norad. http://www.noradsanta.org/. Since 9/11, Santa C's got government agency watching out for his personal safety and that's a good thing too, since no one wants anything to happen to the man in red.

Which brings me to some things that I never really understood about the man. I mean does he wear that fur trimmed wollen suit all the time? Even in humid, tropical climates? Think about the sweat stains man, really. Hope he's got extra strength deodorant

Wares at the Fair

2009-12-10T02:27:00.000-08:00

Anyway, things got off to a pretty slow start but at least we got a couple of customers within the first few hours. I have a new respect for anyone who sells anything anywhere. It isn't easy, let me tell you. Potential customers will come and look, touch, feel your products before deciding not to buy anything. I was tempted to implement a you touch it, you buy it policy, LOL but that was vetoed by a higher authority. My neighbor Daniela, however, was attracting a steady stream of customers with her travel bra protectors. Check out the link to her site on one of my earlier postings.

Thank goodness my nephew Alexander was there to help with sales. I mean if you've got a kid around to help with sales, do it. Exploit their cuteness. One lady told Sandy that her kids were too old for picture books, so without missing a beat, he said, "How about for your grandchildren then?" The lady, who I assume was in her early forties was taken aback. It was one of those kodak moments.

Still he did rack up the sales, while I just sat back and directed the operation. Now he wants 5% of the total sales. He's got a better business acumen than I have that's for sure.

I met two other nice ladies at the fair Angelina Seow (no relation as far as I know) who designs jewelry and Helena Pollard, a Julianne Moore look-a-like, a dress and fabric designer. To boost sales during the lack luster hours, I suggested that we join forces. Buy a book and get a free pair of earings or a one-of-a-kind dress. Needless to say, they didn't go for it.

By the end of the two days, we had managed to make a tiny, miniscule profit. Some, however, were not as fortunate. "Waste of time, waste of money" echoed through certain sections of the ballroom. But it was a great learning experience. To me, the fair was not just about selling products but making the human connection with potential customers. Now I just have to strategize how I'm going to make the business work. Any suggestions?

BATTLE OF THE WARES AT THE CHRISTMAS FAIR

2009-12-09T16:07:00.000-08:00

So at 8:30am I trudged up the back entrance of the hotel and into the ballroom where people were setting up their tables with jewelry, clothes, more jewelry, baked goods, jewelry etc. I found my table and began setting up shop. A few tables away the other author had set up a huge standee, well over six feet, could have possibly been eight, advertising her many accomplishments and reviews. One thought kept looping over and over in my head: David Seow, you're a big fat loser; no one's going to look at your books. I glanced to the other corner and where there was a wine table and pondered if it would be a tad early to start drinking. Yes, I'm allergic to alcohol, but I figured it would be less painful than this experience.

What I actually needed was a soda so I tried ordering a coke but I ending up spitting out the strawberry cupcake I was eating when I saw the hotel was charging $ 5:00+++ for a glass. Heck the table cost $380, so there was no way I would pay 5:00 bucks for a glass of coke, half of which would be filled with ice. So parched as I was for a soda, I decided to quench my thirst with regular ice water.

With books set up, I sat down and waited and began the long arduous task of plugging the books for the next 10 hours. At least my neighbors seemed friendly enough. On my left was Daniela, an extremely friendly Australian lady selling tools (gardening & workshop kits) for ladies http://glamourpuss.com.sg/. I have to admit I've never seen a pink crystal encrusted hammer before! Maybe Elin Nordegren needs one to keep her Tiger in check.

To my right was a local group promoting their tarot card reading biz and such. I wonder how accurate their tarot readings actually are, because if they had known how the fair would have turned out, they may not have booked a table in the first place.
To Be Continued...

BATTLE OF THE WARES AT THE CHRISTMAS FAIR

2009-12-09T04:38:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

It's Christmas time and what precedes Christmas? Christmas fairs. There's Soup on My Fly has been out for about a week and a half or so and since then I've been on the go. About two days after the books came out Mom told me that she had booked me half a table. I was like, "what?' half a table of what?" She explained that she booked half a table for me at a Christmas fair, where I could sell my books. My first thought was, What good is half a table with two legs? I mean, really, seriously, was I going to balance part of the table on my lap? What would happen if I needed to take a leak? Alternatively if she meant I would be sharing the table, with whom would I be sharing the table? I mean I certainly couldn't be sharing one with a massage therapist, that's for sure.

Well, what she actually meant was that she had booked me a small table for me at a Christmas fair, one of the many Christmas fairs that have been going around town. Yes, I know we're supposed to be in a global recession, but when it comes to shopping, Singapore's the Consumer Capitol of SE Asia.

Anyway Mom had a friend who would be selling her wares too so she thought it would be good fun if I tried to try selling the book there before I commited to a sole distributor So without knowing what I was getting into I headed off to the grand ballroom of the Orchard Hotel, where there would be over one hundred vendors, vying with one another to get customers to part with their hard-earned cash.

One benefit was the fact that I would be the only children's book vendor at the fair, or so the organizer assured me. Most of the other vendors would be selling jewelry etc. Well, at least I won't have any competition, I thought. Then two days ago, the day before the fair, the organzier called, offering profuse apologies, another author would be there, a children's author, a teen author and a novelist and one who is known to be extremely effective when it comes to marketing her books...Oh crap, I thought...(To Be Continued)

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T02:25:00.001-08:00

It's Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Things for which I'm thankful for.

1. My family.

2. Discovering Today in Social Media

3. Advice and support in my new, possibly suicidal venture of setting up my own book biz from following: @Heatherk_hk, @DanFugate @Colleenmcd @jwsems, @Clayton Morris @BarbiSetlock, @Barbie52, @GwenFL, @TnMe. @mmGood1208 @Chasedward301, @Horsefly 1013
@GekkoStatebooks @Verywriter, @Writergal13 @TrishCarey (If I've left anyone out sorry!)

4. My new book

5. My illustrator for my new book Blow A Kiss.

What are you thankful for?

Potential Charity Book project

2009-11-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Ok book has been put to bed, figuratively speaking. TSOMF will be out in approx two weeks. After that I hand it over to the distributor in Singapore who has guaranteed me that he'll get it into Borders, Kinokuniya and all the other major book shops. Publicity is up to me. Daunting, yes. Challenging, absolutely, But I think I am up for it. Thankfully I still have my friends in the newspaper/magazine industry who are going to lend a helping hand. Thanks to my family who've had to put up with a complete basket case for the past year, but according to them they've probably put up with it for my whole life! Also thanks to those who have been encouraging and supportive for the past couple of months, weeks days - Heathers, Colleen McDaniel, Dan Fugate and Clayton Morris. I wouldn't have been able to get through it without your advice and support. Thank God for TSIM and Twitter.

Next step is getting the books stateside and onto Amazon, which will probably happen early 2010. But now it's aslo time to focus on some other projects which have been percolating. I have been volunteering with a international children's charity here for the past four years and a couple of years ago we participated in a storytelling project for kids. Now, I still have the story and I hope to publish it to raise funds for the aforementioned charity. I've already approached them with the prospect and they are keen so this Friday, Heather Anderson, GekkoState Books and I shall be having an explatory meeting with them about the possibilities. God willing we can make this work and raise funds for a very good cause.

So until then Heather A is working on the presentation which is a good thing because I would probably mumble and stumble through it myself.

Print, The Writers Festival, Neil Gaiman & Best-Selling Magic Hand Sweat

2009-11-08T18:37:00.000-08:00

After months of anguishing over TSOMF, it's finally going to print. Paying the illustrator this week, paying the printer after that. Anxious, nervous basketcase is basically my current state of being. Just wondering if anyone else out there is equally as frazzled when they've just completed a project, or is it just me?

I remember when I was in school, I'd make long distance calls home, convinced I had failed a course or an exam, only to find out that I aced it when the results came out. Needless to say, Mom and Dad weren't too amused. Does anyone else set themselves up with low expectations so that they don't jinx themselves, or is it just me again?

Anyway, working on my next book, Blow A Kiss. It's very different from my previous stories and it's basically about one child's wish. This one's going to be somewhat challenging as I'm illustrating this one myself. Time to step out of the comfort zone. The book is scheduled to be out by February next year.

Oh, before I forget, I met Neil Gaiman at the Singapore Writer's Festival. Terrific speaker, who would have thought someone who writes such such dark and macabre stories could be so funny? Got in line right after his first talk so that I could get a book signed for my nephew and myself. Then I was told everyone could get only one item signed. Fortuitously, I spotted one of my Sunday School students attending another talk, and his mother graciously agreed to lend him to me so that I could get my other book signed.

As his current project is based on the Chinese classic 'Journey to the West", I brought along a copy of my book 'Monkey the Classic Chinese Adventure Tale"in the hopes of presenting it to him. I didn't know if it would be possible as the ushers were ushing people along at NASCAR pace. Soon I was in front of the great writer himself. 'Mr Gaiman, I thought you might like this. I wrote it," I stammered. He looked at me and smiled, and then he did something quite unexpected--he asked for my email or my business card.

I stood there motionless like a blithering idiot before scrummaging my pockets for a name card. "You can write your email down on the book," he suggested. The people behind me started to sigh in frustration; the ushers rolled their eyes. I finally produced a rather earmarked one from my wallet, trembling I handed it to him. "Thank you for the book, he said, shaking my hand firmly, before signing my book.

All the while I was thinking, may your best-selling magic hand sweat rub off on to me. May your best-selling magic hand sweat rub off on to me! Then with another handshake I thanked him and I was ushered off.

And so now, I wait most anxiously for Mr Gaiman's email. Maybe he didn't like the book, maybe he lost my card, maybe he's using the book as a door stopper. Oh well, no use specualting what will be will be. That's all for now folks.

Updates

2009-10-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I haven't updated the blog in a while because there have been major, major hiccups with the book. We're one month behind schedule, we're over budget and I'm really kind of annoyed about that. Still things could be worse I suppose. I guess work, like life, is like a long-haul plane flight.

Once you've made your plans, you prepare for the trip: pack your bags, head to the airport and check in. Then you find out your flight is delayed for hours. When it's finally boarding time, security takes a special interest in you.

After surviving security checks, you finally board. Take-off is a bit of a nerve-wracking experience but once you reach your cruising altitude, and things look smooth, the flight attendants begin serving refreshments, meals, etc.

"Fish or beef?" They ask. You choose the salmon, beef is too heavy for such a lengthy flight. With your plastic tray meal in front of you, you sit back, and dig into what turns out to be a piece of dodgy salmon, which probably made its last run up the river in fall 1997. You bunge it all down anyway.

Just as your getting comfortable and you're thinking you're going to have a smooth flight, the plane hits turbulence. The salmon in your belly does an impersonation of Shawn Johnson at the Beijing Olympics. Flight attendants scramble to their stations, telling you to stay calm while panic is written in ALL CAPS all over their faces. Beads of perspiration embroider your brow; the deodorant you bought proves to be faulty and olympic sized pools of sweat form under your arms. You brace yourself in your seat; you white-knucle it, wondering if you're going to make it to your destination in one piece.

Ok, this is the where I'm basically at right now. Stuck 30,000 feet in the air and with turbulent weather all around me and in dire need of a barf bag. It wouldn't be so bad in first of business class, but I'm in ECONOMY!

Just hit another air pocket. Will let you know when I land, if I land.

Take care. everyone,

D

Free Content & Two Unforgettable Encounters

2009-09-22T22:17:00.000-07:00

The thing I like about marketing or promoting your product with Social Media is that you can do it from the safe confines of your office or home. I also like the concept of free content which you can provide on the web. But how much free content should one give? If you're selling products like vitamins, lotions etc, you can always give out small samples so that your customers can test out your products, but you can't really do that with books. Do you give half the story and tell potential customers to buy the other half? Let me know what free content you give out. I would really like to hear about it.

Over the years, I've had access to various events and round-table interviews with notables, and so I would bring some of my books to give away as souvenirs. Technically it wasn't a marketing exercise, but rather a method to get an all-exclusive quote from the dignitaries.

Well, back in 2005 Hillary Rodham Clinton attended the 117th IOC session in Singapore as part of the New York 2012 Olympic Campaign. As Clinton was departing her lunch venue, Ace, my photographer friend, stopped her for a photo which she graciously obliged. Taking the opportunity, I whipped out a copy of my book 'Monkey: The Classic Chinese Adventure Tale' and presented it to her. She looked at the book and asked, "Do you want me to sign it?" What? she didn't write it, I did! When I told her it was a souvenir, she smiled and thanked me. Her assistant then asked for my name card. 'Oh, #$@##, I thought. Now I've done it. I'm going to be banned for the rest of the session. Thankfully I wasn't. BTW I forgot to get a quote.

The very next day, Albert of Monaco was departing the same restaurant. Ace again stopped him for a photo and before I could stop him, Ace said, "Your Highness, my friend has a souvenir for you."

The Prince looked at me expectantly. I was thrown into a complete state of discombobulation. All I had I in my computer bag was a copy of 'The Littlest Emperor' which I intended to give someone else. I was in a bind. Bodyguards sized me up as I unzipped my computer bag, pulled out the book and handed it to the Prince. He looked at the book, then at me, then at the book again. 'What's this?"he asked. I scrambled to come up with a reply. You see, it was the day he confirmed his paternity of a child with a Togolese flight attendant. The book I presented him with was 'The Littlest Emperor'. What on earth could I be implying? Ace grinned, pleased with himself, snapping pictures. I envisioned myself decking him or strangling him with his camera strap. 'Oh, nothing. It's just a souvenir! I wrote it," I found myself saying. Accepting that as an appropriate answer. The Prince nodded, smiled and thanked me. The bodyguard gave me death-stare before ushering the prince to his next appointment.

And so, those right now I would rather give free content over the web, far less awkward and a lot better for my nerves.

Social Media

2009-09-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who weighed in on the cover design and the color choice. We'll be test printing some of the suggestions to see which one looks best in print.

Now comes the hard part of promoting it. Does any of you have your own business? Do find it hard marketing your business? What are the pitfalls? I would love to hear from you as I've never run my own business before.

When I was writing for publishers, things were very different. They would take care of marketing and promotions and I would go with the flow. After marketing my books, they would move onto new books and mine were left to fend for themselves.

Now as a small, small, small, children's book publisher, I've got to find various ways to keep the books out there on a continous basis. But I don't want to do it in an obnoxious 'in-your-face-manner', you know what I mean? How does one do that?

That's why I'm glad I've discovered Social Media, thanks in large part to Clayton Morris's podcast Today in Social Media. Quite frankly, I had never heard of Social Media before. But thanks to Clayton and some very nice people 'I've 'met' in the TISM community - Colleen, Heather, Dan, Jason, GI Joe - I'm learning a lot and trying to navigate myself through SM's waters. Thanks for the great advice guys!

More green variations for the cover.

2009-09-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

As you can see, YT is a very talented artist. He's done several different tones of green for the cover. What do you think? It's a hard decision between white, orange and green. It's time to make a decision. Help!

Baby Lion's Baby Spots takes a Spot!

2009-09-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

A couple of posts ago or so, I brought up something Clayton Morris, Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs of Fox & Friends Weekend discussed on their show - The Reading Program, a program in which kids are allowed to choose their own text books. I believe that it is important to let kids read what they like as it will cultivate a healthy reading habit. Well as it turns out, here in Singapore one of my books, 'Baby Lion's Baby Spots', has earned a spot on the recommended reading list for 1st and 2nd graders.

As I perused the list of other recommended books, I was awestruck. Books by authors like Enid Blyton, Allison Utley, Stan Berenstain, and Jamie Lee Curtis (okay, she's technically an actress but she writes as well) were on the list and my book was along side them! Talk about sticking out like a proverbial sore thumb. But seriously, it is an honor to be included.

Having said that, if a child chooses to read my book because he/she likes it, that's the biggest thrill of all. Thanks be to God. Have a good day everyone.

Labor and Delivery

2009-09-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a good Happy Labor Day weekend. Speaking of labor, after years of laboring over my story 'TSOMF', it's ready to be delivered and like most parents I'm anxious, excitited and a little bit scared. Some have asked me what 'TSOMF' stands for - There's Soup on My Fly!

As mentioned in a previous post, the story is about one small boy's quest for a pet. When his requests are constantly rejected, he adopts a pet fly, but it isn't an ordinary fly - it's a magic make-a-wish-and-it-can-be-any-kind-of-pet-you'd-like kind of fly!

I've had meetings a couple of bookstores and they have expressed interest. Now the real hard work of promoting the book begins. Marketing is not one of my strong points since I basically like to hide in the shadows. So I'm stepping out of my comfort zone. Right now I'm still working on the website, trying to make sure that I get it just right before it goes online. I've had meetings with a couple of stores and they've confirmed orders for it, and I'm setting up an Amazon account.

I've edited the manuscript so many times that I feel I'm going blind. My illustrator is trying to finish coloring by the deadline and that's why the image above isn't colored yet. Do they call deadlines deadlines because if they're not met someone is quite likely to end up dead? Hey YT, hurry up, man! lol.

I just want to say thank you to everyone for your support, encouragement and advice. I'll keep you updated on the book's progress.

Jeremy's Gems

2009-09-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the Bill Cosby Show 'Kids Say the Darndest Things' ? Well, I would also say they do the darndest things and more. When my niece and nephews were younger they would always do and say things that would capture my imagination. Kids nowadays are a lot smarter than I used to be, that's for sure. (My 2 year old niece Ashley Flora [right] is a real fire cracker).

Read on and you'll see just what I mean.

When I was on a family holiday at a beach resort in Thailand I spotted some bikini-clad babes basking in the sun (Well, obviously, it was a beach resort, right?). I observed from a distance. When Jeremy asked me what I was looking at, I pointed toward the beach beauties. With a shrug and a disapproving sigh, Jeremy said, "Yeah, they're pretty but when I'm a man, they'll be grandmas!" He was only three years old at the time, believe it or not.

Aware of my family's perpetual quest to find a nice gal for me, he took it upon himself to play matchmaker on the flight home. With a glint in his eye and a cheeky grin, he attracted the attention of a flight attendant and asked, "Do you have a boyfriend?" My siblings chuckled uncontrollably knowing perfectly well where the direction of the conversation was headed. I slinked down in my seat and buried my face in the in-flight sales magazine, hoping that this would blow over.

The aforementioned flight attendant was spoken for, but she invited him to the galley, and when he emerged beaming, his arms were overflowing with stuffed toys, coloring books and crayons. As he took his seat, he proudly declared: "She loves me!" Believe me, Jeremy's done a lot more classic things but I'm saving those stories for now.

So do your kids say or do the darndest things?

Writing for Kids

2009-09-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

I've had some people ask me about the process of writing kids' books. Well, I would say it is pretty much like a pregnancy. Yeah, what would I know about being pregnant, right? But think about it - you start by conceiving the idea, then you get cravings during the gestation -for me it's usually potato chips or cheetos. Then you go through mood swings and finally you suffer intense labor pains to bring your story into the world and without the benefit of a literary epidural!

So how do you figure out what kids like or want to read? It helps if you're around kids a lot so you can observe them - watch what they do, how they talk, what they talk about, and what they like to read or watch on TV. When you get signed to a publisher, a lot of your ideas may get thrown out the window. it's happened to me and others as well, but it's something you have to put up with if you want to see your story in print.

Having said that, I believe that everyone has a story in them, be it a kids story or an adult one and it deserves to be shared in one form or another. So if you have any questions about writing for kids, please let me know and I'll try to answer them.

Reading Workshop Program

2009-08-31T06:04:00.000-07:00

Are your kids voracious readers or are they reluctant ones? Is picking up a book akin to a root canal for them? I bring this up because I was watching Fox and Friends Weekend yesterday, and there was a segment about The Reading Workshop program, a program in which kids are now selecting their own books to read in school.

One kid chose to do a report on 'Captain Underpants'. Ok, granted it's no 'Moby Dick' or 'Great Expectations', but it is humorous and kids are able to relate to it. I totally agree with host Clayton Morris who thinks that if reluctant readers can choose what to read, it may foster a love of reading. From there they'll possibly develop an interest in the classics. Hey, imagine this - your kids will actually enjoy doing their homework! Revolutionary concept, isn't it?

When I was in school, I never really appreciated the classics. In middle school, I had to read 'Merchant of Venice' over and over again. Yes, Shylock did claim his pound of flesh - from my brain! My comprehension of 'Tess' was an utter mess, and I really didn't have a care for 'Jane Eyre'. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate them now, but I didn't then.

Kids already have their other text books to trudge through. Why not leave the classics for when they'll actually enjoy them. So do you think letting them choose their own books is a good idea? I do.

Poopsies

2009-08-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

When I was just a baby my big brother lent me his one and only teddy bear. In a show of gratitude, or maybe I was just being territorial, I promptly pooped all over it. That incident scarred my brother as it did his beloved teddy. And he has never let me forget about it!

Which brings me to today's topic - poopsies. How many parents out there are having a hard time training their kids to go poopsies by themselves. I'm asking because my cousin Gaby is in the midst of training her youngest to go potty by himself. Is it harder to train a girl or a boy to go potty by themselves?

Are boys more possessive of their poopsies? I know that my nephews, one in particular, enjoyed giving me blow-by-blow accounts of their poopsie movements. Maybe it's harder to train boys because they enjoy sharing the experience. I don't know. What do you think?

So please let me know what are your preferred methods of potty training. What works, what doesn't? Is there a need for books about potty training? Talk to you soon. D

Back to School

2009-08-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

Summer's almost over. Well, it's over for some kids who are already back to school. I remember when the first day of school was fast approaching - I dreaded it. I didn't want to go back. Come to think of it, I didn't want to go to school at all, ever - period!

Well, in that respect my nephew Sebastian was pretty much like me when I was a kid. He cried when he found out he would have to go to school, he cried every minute when he was at school, and he cried when he realized he would have to go back to school the very next day.

Sebbie's First Day of School was the very first book that I ever wrote and I think it's pretty much about what both of us experienced on our respective first days of school. The book sold really well, but my publisher decided against a second print run - go figure!

Can you remember your very first day of school? Did you go through a gamut of emotions - fear, anxiety, excitement? Are your kids about to start going to school? Are they getting anxious about it? If so, let's talk. Maybe we can compare notes to figure out the best way to make the first day of school a positive experience.

Anyway, I have a few copies of SFDOS available so if you're a parent with a kid struggling with first school day blues, let me know and I'll send you up a copy. Talk to you soon, D

'I WANT A PET!'

2009-08-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

When you were a kid, did you ever ask your parents for a pet? Did they grant your wish or did they shoot you down continuously? My parents did the latter. Well, I guess I sort of had a pet - kind of. We had a daschund, but she was a year older than me. And technically she wasn't MY pet, she was my sister's.

It was when I was about 18 months old that my parents discovered that I wasn't very good with animals. Apparently I was in the midst of shoving a cookie into my face when most of it fell on the floor. My philosophy has always been never let a good cookie go to waste, so I scrambled out of my high chair to pick it up, only to see Waggley, our daschund, gobble it up.

You know what they say about taking candy, or in this case a cookie, from babies? Well, THIS baby was having none of it. Before Mom could stop me, I yanked Waggley's mouth open and attempted to retrive MY cookie. When that didn't work, I decided to get even. I grabbed Waggley's tail and clamped down on it with my teeth! Apparently I was spitting reddish-brown dog fur out of my mouth for the next couple of minutes. So you can see why my parents kept on refusing my pet requests. I was a potential Michael Vick in the making.

My upcoming book 'TSOMF" is based on my childhood quest for a pet. And here's a sneak peak of my main character Jeremy Alexander. I think my illustrator YT Chieu is a phenomenal artist and has captured the essence of the story incredibly well. I'm totally psyched about this story and I hope you will like it too.

Kids and Kids' Books

2009-08-18T08:14:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm David but please call me Dave.

Well, I was inspired to start writing kid's stories when I used to babysit my niece Sam and three nephews Sebastian, Jeremy, and Alexander when my their parents went on their weekly Friday night dates. With four kids under the age of six, Mom and Dad really needed their alone time.

Those marathon babysitting sessions were an experience - a roller coaster of emotions - laughter, happiness, tears, temper tantrums and endless calls to Mom and Dad, pleading with them to come home ASAP! Ok, truth be told I made most of those phone calls.

By bed time, this frazzled uncle, would read stacks of bedtime stories until I lost my voice. That's when my two-and-a-half year old nephew Jeremy would snap: "What's wrong with your brain? Read faster!"

After having my intelligence questioned by a toddler, I decided to come up with a couple of short, and easy-to-read-aloud stories about the Sam and her brothers. I wrote about Sebastian's traumatic first school day - it was traumatic for all of us, believe you me. I wrote about Gramps having the Grumps, an all too common occurence. And I wrote about their cousins, a pair of monkeys my big sister adopted at the zoo. Yes, I am a monkey's uncle!

Well, the kids have grown from toddlers into tweens and teens, but I'm still writing about them. They've given me a lot of material to work with. I've recently set up a small publishing business, Bonnie Books and I hope to publish a series of quality children's picture books. What kind children's picture books you would like to see? Have your kids inspired you to write picture books? Would you like to know anything about picture book publishing? I would love to hear from you. Thanks to Clayton Morris and Today In Social Media for the great advice.