I soon realized that here is a powerhouse in children’s writing when it comes to stories with a mental health message.
Karen is a passionate mental health advocate and her stories have received strong support and recognition from schools and mental health professionals.
Karen works tirelessly and is a frequent speaker on the subjects of writing and building an author platform.
It has been wonderful having Karen as part of our group through her encouragement and support of other writers and in sharing information and her experiences.
Without further ado, I would like to present Karen’s latest book, a Junior Novel, STOP the Bully:
SYNOPSIS: Eleven year old Brian is hiding something. His life is falling apart. Dad abandoned the family. Brian hates his new school. And now an aggressive bully attacks him every day. Can Brian STOP the Bully without revealing his shameful secret?
STOP the Bully is a riveting junior novel to empower girls and boys with assertive strategies. The mystery reveals the bullying dilemma from all perspectives.
STOP the Bully raises big issues: bullying, family break-ups, poverty, self-esteem, coping with change, friendship, forgiveness and reconciliation.
5% sales go to Kids Helpline to help Kids in Crisis, STOP the Bully is now available from Amazon.
How to Write a Junior Novel with Karen Tyrrell:
How did STOP the Bully develop?
First I pictured the ending with a twist, and then I wrote the story “backwards.”
I created STOP the Bully as a fast paced mystery incorporating positive messages and offering bullying solutions.
How did you know STOP the Bully was ready to publish?
When I could improve STOP the Bully no more, I sent it out to five Beta readers for critique. I listened to their feedback and suggestion continually upgrading and improving my story. I changed some of the action, dialogue, prose and even character’s descriptions until STOP the Bully became a much stronger version than the original idea.
Why did you publish STOP the Bully?
My dream was to create a junior novel to empower children to overcome bullying and become more resilient in future episodes. Prevention is FAR better than cure.
I wanted to empower children with anti-bullying strategies and boost their self-esteem at the same time be entertaining.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to publish their children’s book?
A. Immerse yourself into the genre of children’s chapter and junior books. Practice writing techniques such as dialogue, setting, character development, creating a character the reader can empathize with while crafting a strong story arc.
B. Create a junior novel on a theme you’re passionate about. Your energy will shine through in your writing.
C. Send out your to junior novel to experienced Beta readers for critique and advice.
D. Develop your junior novel over time by rewriting, redrafting and perfecting.
E. Contract the very best editor, illustrator, cover designer and formatter you can find to create a professional child-centred junior novel appealing to kids, parents and teachers alike.
STOP the Bully is aligned with Kids Matter, national education curriculum and supported by Kids Helpline.
ISBN: 9780987274069 Available on Amazon and independent bookshops (such as Black Cat Books in Paddington, Brisbane).
Download FREE children’s activities and FREE teacher notes from www.karentyrrell.com
WIN: Signed copies and eBooks of STOP the Bully.
Leave a comment on any of the 15 hops June 2- 11
The MORE comments you leave the MORE chances you WIN.
WINNERS announced on June 16 http:// www.karentyrrell.com
Blog Tour June 2-11
2 June STOP the Bully Release Party & Reviews http:// www.karentyrrell.com
Sally Odgers Interview http://spinningpearls.blogspot.com.au
3 June Jill Smith Review http://authorjillsmith.wordpress.com
Charmaine Clancy Interview http://clancytales.blogspot.com.au
4 June Sally Murphy QUICK Questions http://aussiereviews.com/2014/06/karen-tyrell-blog-tour
5 June Melissa Wray Interview http://www.melissawray.blogspot.com.au
Yvonne Mes Interview https://yvonnemes.com/
6 June Ali Stegert Interview http://ali-stegert.com
7 June Kids Book Review CURLY Questions http://www.kids-bookreview.com
9 June Bug in a Book Review http://buginabook.org/category/childrens-books
Jackie Hosking Interview http://jackiehoskingpio.wordpress.com/school-magazine
10 June June Perkins Interview http://pearlz.wordpress.com
Robyn Parnell Interview http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com.au
11 June Nicky Johnson Review http://www.nickyjohnston.com.au/blog
Literati Radio Interview 9am AEST http://www.blogtalkradio.com/laliteraticarpelibrum
Bailey Beats the Blah (2013) empowers children with resilience skills. STOP the Bully (2014) junior novel empowers children with assertive anti-bullying strategies.
