Showing posts with label Chronicles of the Stone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chronicles of the Stone. Show all posts

Fiona Ingram Launches Her Blog Tour of The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper

Monday, August 13, 2018
...and giveaway!

A plane crash! Lost in the jungle! Hunted by their old enemy, will Adam, Justin, and Kim survive long enough to find the Third Stone of Power? With only a young boy, Tukum, as their guide, the kids make their way through the dense and dangerous jungle to find the lost city of stone gods, where the Stone of Power might be located. River rafting on a crocodile-infested river and evading predators are just part of this hazardous task. Of course, their old adversary Dr. Khalid is close behind as the kids press on. But he is not the worst of their problems. This time Adam will clash with a terrible enemy who adopts the persona of an evil Aztec god, Tezcatlipoca, and is keen to revive the ancient tradition of human sacrifice. Adam, Justin, and Tukum must play a dreadful ball game of life and death and maybe survive. Will they emerge alive from the jungle? Will Dr. Khalid find the third Stone of Power before they do?

Print Length: 318 Pages
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction, Adventure
Publisher: Bublish, Incorporated (November 2017)
ISBN: 978-1946229465

While this is the third in the series, this can be read as a standalone book, however the author encourages readers to reader the first two books in The Chronicle of the Stone series as well: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab and The Search for the Stone of Excalibur.

The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper is now available to purchase on AmazonBarnes & Noble, and IndieBound.



Book Giveaway Contest!

To win a copy of the book The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper by Fiona Ingram, please enter using Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post. Giveaway ends on August 19th at 12AM EST. We will announce the winner the next day on the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!

About the Author, Fiona Ingram


Fiona Ingram is a children’s author, but up until a few years ago, she was a journalist and editor. Something rather unexpected sparked her new career as an author—a family trip to Egypt with her mother and two young nephews. They had a great time and she thought she’d write them a short story as a different kind of souvenir…. Well, one book and a planned book series later, she had changed careers. She has now published Book 3 (The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper) in her middle grade adventure series Chronicles of the Stone, with many awards for the first book,The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, and a few for Book 2, The Search for the Stone of Excalibur, and one already for Book 3! She also teaches online novel writing for aspiring authors and she finds that very satisfying. Relaxation time finds her enjoying something creative or artistic, music, books, theatre or ballet. She loves doing research for her book series. Fiona loves animals and has written two animal rescue stories. She has two adorable (naughty) little dogs called Chloe and Pumpkin, and a beautiful black cat called Bertie.

You can find Fiona at –

Website: www.chroniclesofthestone.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/FionaRobyn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secretofthesacredscarab

Author Site: http://www.FionaIngram.com

Blog: http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2868182.Fiona_Ingram

-- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: First, I'm so excited you are joining us again for another blog tour! What has changed for you since your last tour with us in 2015?

Fiona: I’m very excited to be back with WOW, since you hosted my very first book tour with Book 1: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab. In the meantime, I have landed a Japanese and a Chinese publishing deal for all my books, even the ones I have yet to write, and all 3 books have won awards, and even more for Book 1, which seems to be an evergreen favourite. I have a great movie agent who also does international book deals and we’re working on getting the books into the Latin American market, especially as Book 3: The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper is set in Mexico. I am working on Book 4: The Cabal of the Ouroboros right now. It is set in the catacombs of Paris and the adventure theme is around the Knights Templar.

WOW: That is absolutely unbelievable! You are a true success story of self-publishing! What tips do you have for authors looking to self-publish their books?

Fiona: a) Never fall into the trap of thinking that your story is so great you can bypass the services of a professional editor and cover designer. Make sure your book meets the industry’s highest standards in editing, cover, and layout. Spend the money – it’ll be worth it.

b) Enter book awards. The more you win (even if it’s just a nomination), the better you look to the professionals. My Asian publishers were impressed by the books’ awards and nominations, and that’s why I got these deals.

c) Tell the world every day about your book/s. Marketing need not be expensive and word of mouth is the simplest and easiest way of getting your book out there.

d) Don’t give up. There’s fierce competition out there, but if your book is a worthy product, it will get noticed. (PS: I usually give up every day, around 4 p.m. but then after a good night’s sleep I start all over again!)

WOW: Ha, that is about the same time I give up everyday too, actually. Somehow though I always recover and start over! So, do you have any advice for writers seeking to write for a younger audience?

Fiona: My advice is to treat your young audience with respect. Don’t talk down to them. Kids are very clever. They read, they watch television, they know a lot. Don’t be afraid to use big words or complex ideas. Kids love learning new jawbreakers they can show off to their friends. Test your ideas on some kids of the right age, either your own, or those of friends/relatives. They’ll soon tell you if you’re on the right track. As an adult writer one can do the research required and structure a children’s story well. However, I think it is very important to remember how one felt at the age group one is writing for. I remember the magical middle grade years very, very well. That sense of adventure, jumping into anything exciting because who knew where it would end up. I hope I have conveyed that in my adventures when Adam and Justin hurtle headlong into an exciting quest.



“I remember the magical middle grade years very, very well. That sense of adventure, jumping into anything exciting because who knew where it would end up.”


WOW: Oh I recall that sense of adventure as well and it was so vivid in those middle grade years! Your books have a little bit of everything—history, geography, action, adventure—for the older child. What led you to write middle grade fiction? What inspired you to begin writing for children?

Fiona: I didn’t deliberately choose middle grade fiction; it sort of chose me. I also love the middle grade age group when kids are not quite teens looking towards adulthood, but still believe in the magical possibilities of adventure and excitement. When I was a child, all the technological gadgetry kids now have to entertain them was just a twinkle in some inventors’ eyes. We had to entertain ourselves. I started writing stories for my three younger brothers and their friends, and then we’d act out the tales (always dangerous and involving near death close shaves and usually a few monsters) for our very long suffering and patient parents – they were a very supportive and enthusiastic audience.

WOW: You know, your adventures as a kid sounds like the ones I enjoyed as a kid! Growing up in a pre-technology overload era is definitely something I'm grateful for! How much research went into writing this book? What were you surprised to learn?

Fiona: The amount of research for each book is phenomenal. Each book is based on the mythology, culture, legends and history of a new country. It’s important to choose the information that fits beautifully with the theme and the adventure. It’s also important not to burden the young reader with too much detail, just enough to get the heroes out of danger, or to help them work out a solution to a problem. But I love research, so I don’t see it as hard work. I always have a Young Readers’ Guide at the back of each book, with interesting details on some of the topics touched on in the story. On the books’ website, www.chroniclesofthestone.com, I have included a Young Readers’ Companion, which is a downloadable nonfiction guide to the story with lots more detail. I was always interested in the Maya and the Aztecs, but just had a passing knowledge. This book really required in-depth research into a lot of mythology and legendary important figures in Mesoamerican culture. But it was fascinating!

WOW: That is awesome you include that type of information in your books! That's so valuable to young readers! In your books, there is a young girl that joins the two main characters in their adventures, who happens to be African. Did you base this character on your own adopted daughter?

Fiona: The year I went to Egypt with my two nephews, I fostered an underprivileged African child. Mabel came to live with me as a foster child and then later I adopted her. She and my youngest nephew bonded and since the books are based on my nephews, it seemed almost inevitable that Mabel enter the series. She chose her character’s name, Kim, and I included in her backstory a lot of what Mabel had experienced with learning difficulties, and issues raised by a black child living with a white person. It was quite a learning experience for both of us and a lot of this is included in the second book, The Search for the Stone of Excalibur. Kim’s entry into the series was very fortuitous because including a girl in a boys’ adventure certainly made the whole dynamic much more interesting, especially as the boys are quite annoyed that she has such good ideas!

WOW: What a rewarding experience that is for both of you! Ha, and I love the idea of the boys being annoyed at her good ideas! So, I love the story of how you came to write this series. Can you share that with our readers?

Fiona: In one of those serendipitous events that change lives, I went to Egypt with my mom and my two young nephews (aged 10 and 12 at the time). We had the most incredible and fascinating time, and when we got back home I thought I’d write a short story for the boys, with them as the heroes, as a different kind of memento. The short story turned into a multi award-winning book; the book turned in a 7-adventure book series! The young cousins, Adam and Justin, are based almost entirely on my nephews and some of the lines of dialogue come straight from them. Their enthusiasm and excitement at being in Egypt rubbed off on me and really inspired me.

WOWThank you so much for taking the time to chat with us and best of luck to you and your books! 

--- Blog Tour Dates

August 13 @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning with coffee than a muffin? Grab your cup of morning brew and join us today when we celebrate the launch of Fiona Ingram's book, The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.  You can read our interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

August 14th @ Write Like Crazy
Make sure you stop by Mary Jo's blog Write Like Crazy where Fiona Ingram talks about why your child doesn't like reading and how to fix this. Also, you can enter to win a copy of the book The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.
http://www.writelikecrazy.com

August 15th @ Girl Zombie Authors
Come by Christine's blog where Fiona Ingram shares her thoughts on writing about different places for kids.
https://girlzombieauthors.blogspot.com/

August 16th @ Jessica Samuel's Blog
Come by Jessica's blog today where Fiona Ingram talks about how to transform your non-reader into a reader.
https://jessicasamuelsauthor.com/

August 19th @ Madeline Sharples' Blog
Stop by Madeline's blog today where author Fiona Ingram shares her thoughts with young writers on writing and creating characters.
http://madelinesharples.com/

August 20th @ Mari's #JournalingPower Blog
Stop by Mari's blog where author Fiona Ingram shares her thoughts on developing characters that children will relate to.
https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog

August 20th @ Bairn's Bard
Stop by Rebecca's blog Bairn's Bard today where you can read a post by Fiona Ingram's daughter and also you can read about Rebecca's thoughts on the book The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.
https://bairnsbard.wordpress.com/

August 21st @ Cover2Cover Blog
Stop by Steph's Cover2Cover where you can read Fiona Ingram's blog post about choosing books for your kids.
http://cover2coverblog.blogspot.com/

August 22nd @ Look to the Western Sky
Come by Margo Dill's blog Look to the Western Sky where Fiona Ingram writes about her experiences fostering (and later adopting) an illiterate African child who is now a lovely young woman who loves reading.
http://margoldill.com/

August 22nd @ A New Look on Books
Come by Rae's blog where Fiona Ingram writes about the joy of writing for children.
https://anewlookonbooks.com/

August 26th @ Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi
Come by Karen's blog where Fiona Ingram shares her thoughts on how to encourage your kids to start writing.
http://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/

August 27th @ Mommy Daze: Say What??
Stop by Ashley's blog where Fiona Ingram talks about helping kids read better with homeschooling. A must read as school is about to start!
https://adayinthelifeofmom.com/

August 27th @ Rebecca Whitman's Blog
Come by Rebecca's blog where you can read Fiona Ingram's post about using computers to improve reading skills.
https://rebeccawhitman.wordpress.com

August 28th @ Jennifer's Deals
Stop by Jennifer's blog where she shares what she her thoughts about Fiona Ingram's incredible middle grade adventure book The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.
https://www.jennifers-deals2.com/

August 29th @ Jill Sheets Blog
Stop by Jill's blog where she reviews The Temple of the  Crystal Timekeeper and shares what she thinks about the book.
https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

August 30th @ Story Teller Alley
Visit Veronica's blog and check out her thoughts on the book The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.
http://storytelleralley.com/blog

August 31st @ Mommy Daze: Say What??
Make sure you stop by Ashley's blog again where she shares her thoughts on Fiona Ingram's book The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.
https://adayinthelifeofmom.com/

August 31st @ Rebecca Whitman's Blog
Stop by Rebecca's blog again where you can read Fiona Ingram's post about writing a children series.
https://rebeccawhitman.wordpress.com/

September 1st @ Cathy C. Hall's Blog
Visit Cathy's blog today where Fiona Ingram shares the top ten things you never knew about Mexico!
https://c-c-hall.com/

September 2nd @ Break Even Books
Come by Erik's blog Break Even Books where Fiona Ingram talks about how to make your books both enjoyable and educational.
https://breakevenbooks.com/

September 3rd @ Beverly A. Baird's Blog
Join us over at Beverley A. Barid's blog where author Fiona Ingram shares her thoughts on developing a children's series.
http://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

September 4th @ Cathy C. Hall's Blog
Make sure to come by Cathy's blog again where she shares her thoughts on Fiona Ingram's book The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.
https://c-c-hall.com/

September 4th @ Carpinello's Writing Pages
Stop by Cheryl's blog and make sure you catch her review of Fiona Ingram's book The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper. 
http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/

September 5th @ Jill Sheet's Blog
Come by Jill's blog today where Fiona Ingram shares her thoughts on writing for children.
https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

September 5th @ Ali's Bookshelf
Stop by Ali's blog where Fiona Ingram talks about whether books can help children cope with life.
http://alisbookshelfreviews.blogspot.com

September 7th @ Beverly A. Baird's Blog
Join us at Beverly's blog again for her thoughts on Fiona Ingram's adventurous book The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.
http://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

September 7th @ Anthony Avina's Blog
Stop by Anthony's Blog where you can read Fiona Ingram's post about why a book series is so good for non-readers.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/

September 9th @ Anthony Avina's Blog
Make sure to check out Anthony's blog again where you can read his thoughts on Fiona Ingram's book The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/

September 10th @ Misadventures with Andi
Come by Andi's blog where you can read Fiona Ingram's post about why children love reading about other countries and cultures.
https://misadventureswithandi.com/

September 10th @ Whitman's Academics
Stop by Rebecca's blog where Fiona Ingram's talks about turning a non-reader into a reader.
https://whitmansacademics.wordpress.com/

September 12th@ Coffee with Lacey
Stop by Lacey's blog where she reviews Fiona Ingram's book The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.
coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com

September 13th @ Coffee With Lacey
Be sure to stop by again when Lacey interviews author Fiona Ingram and chats about her newest book The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.
coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com

September 14th @ Seraphina Reads
Stop by Seraphina's blog where she interviews author Fiona Ingram about her book The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.
http://www.seraphinareads.com/

September 14th @ World of My Imagination
Come by Nicole's blog where she shares her opinion about Fiona Ingram's middle grade fiction book The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.
http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com

September 15th @ Story Teller Alley
Stop by Veronica's blog Story Teller Alley to read Fiona Ingram's post on how she came about to write the series The Chronicles of the Stone. 
http://storytelleralley.com/blog

*****BOOK GIVEAWAY*****

Enter the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win a print copy of The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper! The giveaway ends on August 19th at 12AM EST. We will announce the winner the next day on the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Fiona Ingram Launches her blog tour for The Search for the Stone of Excalibur

Monday, January 19, 2015
& giveaway contest!

Fiona Ingram first toured with WOW! with the release of her first book in her Chronicles of the Stone series, and now she's back with the second installment, The Search for the Stone of Excalibur, which one reviewer described as being "filled with action and adventure, puzzles and ghostly presences, and stalwart companions ready to face any and all perils that come their way."

Continuing the adventure that began in Egypt a few months prior in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, cousins Adam and Justin Sinclair are hot on the trail of the second Stone of Power, one of seven ancient stones lost centuries ago. This stone might be embedded in the hilt of a newly discovered sword that archaeologists believe belonged to King Arthur: Excalibur.

However, their long-standing enemy, Dr. Khalid, is following them as they travel to Scotland to investigate an old castle. Little do they know there is another deadly force, the Eaters of Poison, who have their own mission to complete. Time is running out as the confluence of the planets draws closer. Can Justin and Adam find the second Stone of Power and survive? And why did Aunt Isabel send a girl with them?

Join Justin and Adam as they search not only for the second Stone of Power, but also for the Scroll of the Ancients, a mysterious document that holds important clues to the Seven Stones of Power. As their adventure unfolds, they learn many things and face dangers that make even their perils in Egypt look tame. And how annoying for them that their tag-along companion, Kim, seems to have such good ideas when they are stumped.

Paperback: 378 pages (also available in e-format)
Publisher: The Educational Publisher / Biblio Publishing (October 6, 2014)
ISBN-10: 1622492188
ISBN-13: 978-1622492183

The Search for the Stone of Excalibur is available as a print and e-book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble,  and IndieBound.

Book Giveaway Contest:
To win a copy of The Search for the Stone of Excalibur, please enter using the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of this post. The giveaway contest closes this Friday, January 23 at 12:00 AM EST. We will announce the winner the same day in the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!

About the Author:
Fiona Ingram was born and educated in South Africa, and has worked as a full-time journalist and editor. Her interest in ancient history, mystery, and legends, and her enjoyment of travel resulted in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, the first in her exciting children’s adventure series—The Chronicles of the Stone. This was inspired by a family trip the author took with her mom and two young nephews aged ten and twelve at the time. The book began as a short story for her nephews and grew from there. The Search for the Stone of Excalibur is a treat for young King Arthur fans. Fiona is busy with Book 3 entitled The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper, set in Mexico.

While writing The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, Fiona fostered (and later adopted) a young African child from a disadvantaged background. Her daughter became the inspiration for the little heroine, Kim, in The Search for the Stone of Excalibur. Interestingly, the fictional character’s background and social problems are reflected in the book as Kim learns to deal with life. Fiona’s experiences in teaching her daughter to read and to enjoy books also inspired many of her articles on child literacy and getting kids to love reading.

Author Site: http://www.FionaIngram.com

Blog: http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/FionaRobyn

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fiona.robyn.ingram

------Interview by Renee Roberson

WOW: You originally toured with WOW! to promote your first book in this series, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, and since then you’ve earned scores of contest wins and nominations. Can you give us an overview of a few of them?

Fiona: I have been very fortunate to win or be nominated for 11 book awards, and this truly made a big difference to how people viewed my books. It enabled me to get a traditional publisher (Biblio Publishing) for my second book, and also a Japanese publisher for Book 1. The Secret of the Sacred Scarab has been translated into Japanese and is now available in print in that country. At the risk of blowing my own trumpet, here’s the list of wins and nominations.

  • Finalist Children's Fiction USA Next Generation 2009 Indie Book Awards
  • Finalist Juvenile Fiction USA National Best Books 2009 Awards
  • Winner Pre-Teen USA 2009 Readers' Favorite Awards
  • Number 2 in the USA Children's & Teens Book Connection Top Ten Favourite Books of 2009 for Kids, Tweens & Teens
  • Winner Silver Medal Teen Fiction 2010 Nautilus Book Awards
  • Finalist Children’s Fiction 2010 International Book Awards
  • Winner Bronze Medal Pre-Teen Fiction 2010 Moonbeam Book Awards
  • Finalist 2011 Rubery Book Awards
  • Winner Gold Award Mystery Pre-Teen 2011 Children’s Literary Classics Awards
  • 2nd Place in the 2011 YA Sharpwrit Book Awards
  • Gold Medal 2013 Wise Bear Book Awards Winner

WOW: I am so impressed! And now very motivated to get back to my own MG and YA manuscripts, but that's another story . . . You seem like you've always possessed a very vivid imagination. I love the story on your website about the story you developed at age 10 as a way to entertain your younger brothers and their friends—can you share that anecdote with our readers?

Fiona: In the ‘olden days’ in South Africa (which only got television in 1976), my parents (like many parents then) expected us five children to entertain ourselves. We had toys, a big garden, and lots of books, and we had each other. Night times were the best times because having a midnight feast was one of the pleasures of being in a big family. We’d get all set up with snacks and then I’d tell stories to my four brothers and their friends, plus the little girl next door who practically lived at our house. Of course the stories were dark and dangerous, populated with monsters like vampires, werewolves, skeletons and basically anything that could be considered as belonging to the class of the ‘undead.’ The setting was, by popular vote, an old castle called Gruesome Gables, and we were (of course) the young heroes. I never ran out of adventures and we always escaped. Later we graduated to ‘dinner theatre’ which was enormous fun. I realise now how patient and long-suffering my parents were. We would adapt stories from children’s books into plays, create a menu (my mom would have to get the ingredients), cook the food, write the play and act it out. My parents also had to pay an entrance fee for the ‘entertainment.’ Those were some of the happiest times of our lives.

WOW: In our original interview with you, you described how it took you about three years from the initial writing of The Secret of the Sacred Scarab to your decision to publish with iUniverse. How long was the process this time around for The Search for the Stone of Excalibur?

Fiona: Happily, as a writer I found that writing gets easier the more you write. When I wrote Book 1, I overwrote to a large degree. I put so much into that adventure that it would have ended up being enormous in print. That was basically my learning curve. I also had a full-time job in publishing so my time to write was limited. My wonderful mother, sadly now deceased, made everything possible for me by asking me to give up my job (stressful and exhausting) and stay at home to write and keep her company since she had become a bit frail. She supported me and enabled me to just push ahead with writing. Writing the second book took about two years, but publishing was delayed because of Mom’s health and her demise. All my books are dedicated to her. Without her incredible help I would not be where I am today.

WOW: Your mother sounds like she was a very wise and amazing woman, and very supportive! Your books are full of rich characters, historical references and mythology, which obviously requires a lot of research before the writing even begins. What is that process like for you?

Fiona: I absolutely love research and my own personal interests have dictated much of my choices. I already have either read around the topics I tackle or else have loads of books on various subjects. Interestingly enough, about halfway though Book 1, I began to see other plots arising and then decided to create a series. I did so much research then that clearly the four years I took to write it was well spent because by the end I had mapped out the remaining books, plots, locations and (very important) historical figures and ancient artifacts that play a part.

WOW: The first book in the Chronicles of the Stone series is set in Egypt, and The Search for the Stone of Excalibur carries the main characters into Britain. From what I understand the next book will take place in Central America. Have you physically traveled to all the places in your books, and if so, did your travels play a large part in deciding where to set the books in the series?

Fiona: Interestingly, while I was writing Book 1, I jaunted off to Britain to tour the castles in Scotland. It was fabulous and inspiring. I had an idea I wanted my subsequent books to unfold in different locations, using history, geography and archaeology as the foundations of my plots. For Britain, think King Arthur. For Book 3, I wanted something completely different and exotic. I am a big fan of Mayan and Aztec history so I thought, given such a rich and amazing history, it would be perfect. I so wish I could travel to all the places, but sadly the state of the South African rand does not allow me at the moment. I watch documentaries, communicate with experts in various subjects, and just hope my books do well enough for me to pack my bags and globetrot! I think my abiding interest in ancient history has played a significant part in my choices for future book locations. There is so much to offer young readers.

WOW: I agree--there really is! We’d love to hear about your decision to adopt your daughter Mabel, who is from another race group, and how having her as part of your family highlighted the need for diverse characters in children’s literature.

Fiona: Mabel arrived in my life the year my mom and I went to Egypt with my two young nephews. About three months after this trip, I had a visit from a domestic worker who had worked for me a few years back—she had a problem. She arrived with her daughter Mabel, now aged eleven. I remembered Mabel as an enchanting child aged six, all arms and legs and a big smile. But I got married, Josephine left my employ, and we didn’t see each other for another five years. Josephine came straight to the point and asked me to foster Mabel so she could get a better education.

Thinking for the briefest of nano-seconds that nothing would change, I said yes. Of course, everything changed. I developed maternal feelings worthy of a lioness guarding her cubs from danger. I also became an expert on the shortcomings of our ever-changing education system, the life-cycle of any insect, reptile, or bird you care to mention, and in anything to help my foster child get an education. Mabel had already failed Grade 2, was advised to repeat Grade 4, and was basically illiterate. How is that possible, I asked myself? I began the slow and often painful task of teaching her all over again, supplemented by many extra lessons.

Mabel baulked at first, having never had to apply her mind or develop motivation. She’d been told so many times she was a failure—what else was there to look forward to? Eight years later, she was scoring 70-80% in most of her subjects, had plans to be a writer (just like me!) and is an amazingly well-adjusted, charming, sunny-tempered young lady with a delightful sense of humour. She is a credit to her mother, Josephine, and to me, her Paper Mom (as she calls me, since I am legally her ‘mom’ on paper). I adopted Mabel in February 2009 at the specific request of both her parents, since they believe that with me she will “have a real life.” Those are her mother’s words, one of the bravest women I have ever known, for who else but a courageous and unselfish woman would willingly give her child to someone else for that child’s sake. Mabel has a bright future and I am proud to be part of it.

Interestingly, Mabel and my youngest nephew (then ten) bonded and since I had already begun writing the second book and getting my plot and characters together, I was intrigued by this. Almost without my knowing it, the plot called for an extra hero, actually a heroine. I found that including a young girl from a disadvantaged background brought home to me, and I hope young readers, the need for children to see how other people live. My nephews, who enjoyed all the advantages of good education and a nice lifestyle, were utterly shocked that Mabel came from such humble and poverty-stricken origins. The whole experience brought home to me the need for including diversity in my children’s adventure stories and I find that as the plots unfold the messages come through loud and clear.

WOW: I know there are several bloggers on your tour who agree with the need for diversity in children's books! Like so many writers, you wear many different hats. Can you tell us little about the other genres you write?

Fiona: I am a big fan of Regency romance and cut my teeth on Jane Austen and other well known authors in that genre. One day my mother said she was tired of reading ‘the same old stuff’ from a big publisher of the genre and she was sure I could do better. So, to entertain her, I wrote my first Regency romance and completely by accident found a traditional publisher. They loved the book and then asked me if I had more stories. I said no, but I can write more if you like. I write under the suitably charming name Arabella Sheraton and writing those books was huge fun. My animal books fall under my own label, Caladrius Books. Basically, I find a sad-to-glad story about a rescued animal, and write about its journey back to health and happiness. I include serious material for adults, and then always a poem and a wonderful short adventure, starring the animal (written of course by the animal!) for young readers, plus tips on animal and pet care advice. The proceeds go towards the rescue site that saved the animal. It’s heartbreaking but so many stories like this abound, where an animal is saved only by loving, caring animal advocates. There’s no shortage of material. My aim is to hopefully write books that parents can use to show kids how important the qualities of love, compassion and respect for the animal kingdom are in our lives.

WOW: How do you juggle writing both for children and romance novels? Do you find it challenging? I’m curious if you are able to work on different manuscripts simultaneously or if you tackle one project at a time.

Fiona: I do a bit of everything, in between teaching online novel writing and editing book reviews for a big book review site in the USA. While Mom was alive I forged ahead mostly with books for her to read. Having done seven Regency books now (available on Amazon), I have put them on the back burner for a bit. I have started a YA fantasy novel which is a new direction for me. Basically I do a big push on outlining and getting all my material ready, then I move between projects so I don’t get stuck or bored. I also find time away from a project results in my looking at it with fresh eyes.

WOW: How is book number three in the series coming along?

Fiona: Fabulously. My gifted artist Lori Bentley is working on the cover and interior images, and I am about to send the text to my editor. Hopefully, I’ll be doing another blog tour with WOW! very soon!

----------Blog Tour Dates

Monday, January 19 (today!) @ The Muffin
Stop by for an interview with Fiona Ingram and a chance to win The Search for the Stone of Excalibur!
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

Wednesday, January 21 @ Margo L. Dill, Children's and YA Author: Be Unique. Be Strong. Be Yourself.
Children's author Fiona Ingram discusses how to get children to enjoy reading in a world filled with electronic media in this informative guest post.
http://margodill.com

Thursday, January 22 @ Words by Webb
Jodi reviews Fiona Ingram's The Search for the Stone of Excalibur, book two in "The Chronicles of the Stone" series.
http://jodiwebb.com

Friday, January 23 @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
Stop by for an interview with Fiona Ingram.
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com

Monday, January 26 @ Writing Room 101
Fiona Ingram shares "Five Fun Facts About The Chronicles of the Stone" series with the readers of Writing Room 101. Plus, an interview!
https://writingroom101.wordpress.com

Wednesday, January 28 @ PragmaticMom
Author Fiona Ingram stops by the PragmaticMom blog with a guest post on how teachers can assist children in writing creatively.
http://www.pragmaticmom.com

Thursday, January 29 @ Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi
So you’ve published your first book for young readers—what’s next? Fiona Ingram shares tips for marketing your children's book.
http://karencioffiwritin​gforchildren.com

Wednesday, February 4 @ Cathy C. Hall
Stop by for an enlightening guest post on the importance of diversity in children's books by Fiona Ingram, author of The Search for the Stone of Excalibur.
http://c-c-hall.com

Thursday, February 5 @ Writer with Dogs
Always ready to make a difference, Fiona Ingram discusses how she uses her talents writing for children to also help animal rescue organizations.
http://writerwithdogs.blogspot.com

Friday, February 6 @ Carpinello's Writing Pages
Author Cheryl Carpinello shares her review of Fiona Ingram's novel The Search for the Stone of Excalibur.
http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com

Monday, February 9 @ Building Bookshelves
Jodi interviews Fiona Ingram about her latest book in "The Chronicles of Stone" series at Building Bookshelves.
blogs.republicanherald.com/bookshelves

Thursday, February 12 @ Renee's Pages
Renee offers her thoughts on The Search for the Stone of Excalibur.
www.reneespages.blogspot.com

Friday, February 13 @ Children's and Teen's Book Connection
Cheryl Malandrinos of the Children's and Teen's Book Connection blog reviews The Search for the Stone of Excalibur.
http://childrensandteens​bookconnection.wordpress​.com

Get Involved!
If you have a website or blog and would like to host one of our touring authors or schedule a tour of your own, please email us at blogtour@wow-womenonwriting.com.

*****BOOK GIVEAWAY*****

Enter to win a copy of The Search for the Stone of Excalibur! Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. We will announce the winner in the Rafflecopter widget this Friday, January 23.

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