Searching For A Starry Night - Contest & Blog Stops!

The SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT Blog Stops have begun!

** Today: Stop by Mayra's Secret Bookcase for an interview with me.


Searching For A Starry Night - CONTEST 1
* Take a chance to win a signed copy of SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT - ** and a special miniature collector's edition of chapter one of my book made by Lee Ann Borgia of LABH Miniature Books.
*** Be sure to check back tomorrow to read an interview with this amazing artist - and see a photo of this unique prize (I'm waiting for it to arrive by mail!) ***

Contest 1 RULES:
* 1. Sign up for my periodic newsletter; link here at my blog and on my website on the Starry Night page.
* 2. Answer 3 questions relating to miniatures and chapter 1 of SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT - answers and chapter to download can be found on my website.
* 3. Email answers to all 3 questions (copy and paste) with your full mailing address via the email on the CONTACT Page at my website, http://cverstraete.com/contact.html .
4. Contest ends JULY 4. Names will be matched to newsletter list; any entries that didn't follow rules or sent to any other email will be disqualified.
- Have Fun and Good Luck!!!

Contest 1 Questions:
* Question 1: What is the name of the typically English item found on the table in my teapot shoppe? (Hint: there are 2 pages)
* Question 2: Van Gogh sold how many works in his lifetime?
* Question 3: Sam doesn't like the idea of working where?

Searching For A Starry Night June Events

Upcoming events for JUNE:

Online:

JUNE:

  * Featured Guest Author, Stories For Children Magazine

  * New interview at the YA (Young Adult) Books Central

  * Searching For A Starry Night is listed under New Next Month at
Mystery Lover's Corner
(See New This Month in July)

  * Sam from SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT tells her
Best Friend's Story

  * Featured Book Cover at Erin Aislinn's website, week of June 2

BLOG STOPS:

  * June 11 - Mayra's Secret Bookcase

  * June 12 - Elysabeth's Stories Blog

  * June 27 - The Stiletto Gang

* INTERVIEW at the Acme Authors Blog

  * Searching For A Starry Night - March '08 Cover Winner at the New Covey Cover Awards. Thanks!

IN-PERSON EVENTS:

  * June 14, Sat.,10-4, Authorfest

Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 South Roselle Rd., Schaumburg, IL

  * June 21, Sat., 10-4, Woofstock!

Lambs Farm,14245 W. Rockland Road,(I-94 & Rte. 176), Libertyville, IL

  * July 12, 12-6, 8th Annual Unity Fest, Drake Field, Elgin, IL. Doxie races and more, sponsored by the Midwest Dachshund Rescue

SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT PRE-ORDERS!

You can now pre-order SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT, A Miniature Art Mystery, set for a JUNE 15 release. See Amazon.com link here on right side.

SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT Review!

Woo-hoo! The reviews are coming in...

A young reader shares her opinion on SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT, A Miniature Art Mystery:

"Gripping, surprising, and leaving you wanting more… you'll be shocked at the twists and turns…" --Lily Huber, Grade 8

Searching For A Starry Night - mini Petey!

For fun, I was playing with the Model Magic air-dry clay and wanted to see if an idea I had would work. Sometimes, as crafters know, what looks good in your head, doesn't always quite turn out as you envisioned it.

Granted my first examples had a kind of "little piggie" look to the face, with too long of snouts. But hey, not all the dogs in the litter are always picture-perfect! Still, I kind of like this little guy!



After several tries, I ended up with a couple small versions of "Petey," the nosy Dachshund from SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT that I liked. The dogs are about 1 3/4" long (nose to tail) and the same dimensions from the top of his head to the floor.

After the clay dried, I painted them with Folk Art acrylic paint in Nutmeg and sprinkled on light brown velvet flocking. I found on my second try that the flocking seems to stick better on the wet paint instead of adding glue, though it still leaves only a thin layer. I used a 11/0 Czech glass bead for the nose and 1 mm no hole beads for the eyes.

Yes, there are quite a few I've made and have to finish. I was thinking of trying the little dogs for a kid's class at the library, with them only painting and not flocking an already-assembled dog to make it easier. What do you think?

I'm pretty happy with the results. I'd love to hear your comments!

Searching For A Starry Night Interview!

I'm talking today about my upcoming mystery SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT, miniatures and other things at the Acme Authors Blog.

If you're still curious, I'm also the Featured Author at Book Place.

So, meander over and leave a comment! Thanks!

Food - in Miniature!

For fun, I've joined several other persons in blogging about food - but in miniature!

Check out the latest realistic offerings, such as pasta, cheeses, cakes and more at The Mini Food Blog.

My first entry features a few of my favorite food scenes.

SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT COVER A WINNER!

SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT was voted the MOST EYE-CATCHING COVER for March '08 at the New Covey Cover Awards! Thanks for the votes!

Miniatures of the Month: April Showers Bring May Flowers

Canadian Monica “Peaches” Lavoie has a green thumb – for miniatures.

Monica says her venture into miniatures began innocently enough… (How often have you heard that story?! Ha!)

“I started making and collecting miniatures 25 years ago,” she says. “My husband and I were bored. One weekend they advertised a miniature show and sale in Calgary. We went and the rest is history! I turned out to be a mini addict!!! Hahahahahaha!”

That’s okay, we’re glad she’s joined right in! Especially as in the past five years, Monica has been helping make the world, and miniature gardens, a little brighter with her wonderful creations like this fun floral dog! (My parents got me one of these in real life for my 21st birthday!)



Getting into Gardening

Monica began her miniature gardening after a friend taught her how to make some basic flowers using punched circles. She now owns an incredible 200 punches! She also uses laser petals now and is always on the lookout for more punch shapes. She just loves flowers!

“A bouquet of flowers or a plant bring cheer to people and look great in any decor,” she says.

Just think – even if you don’t collect miniatures, or have room for a big dollhouse, you can still enjoy fresh grown flowers – anytime. The best part? No allergies, no muss, no fuss!

Bringing nature in

Can you imagine the look on coworkers’ faces when they see your garden? Set a few pots on your desk at work.
I like the delicate look and colors of these Sweet Peas.



How about a small floral display in your kitchen? Nothing beats a whole pot full of beautiful Bearded Iris or this pretty blooming Wisteria.



Or how about my favorite for mid-summer, a pretty Peony bouquet? - Without the ants!



Even better, you can enjoy the wonderful colors of spring or summer anytime, anywhere. You can savor your favorite flowers even out of season!

For fun, Monica made a special plant in honor of Candid Canine—What else, but a Dogwood!



Oops, it seems even some miniature canines are drawn to her flowers! (I sure hope they aren’t watering them!)



Monica sells flower-making kits or just petals and leaves in 1" scale and other sizes. She takes Paypal, too. Contact her at minswxyz@telus.net or visit her Someone Once Promised Me a Rosegarden blog to see more of her creations just in time for spring and summer planting. #

I'd love to hear your comments!

Vote for Searching For A Starry Night Cover!

My cover is among those considered until April 4 for the Covey Cover Awards. Please vote for the cover of Searching For A Starry Night - #18 - at
http://thenewcoveycoverawards.blogspot.com/

The poll is on the left of the page.

Thanks!
Chris V.