Anthony & Jeremhy Cesar

Meet Featured Indie Authors Anthony and Jeremhy Cesar!

Join us for a Book Signing on Saturday, November 18 from 1 - 2pm. 

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Anthony (A): My name is Anthony Cesar and I have been writing this book since I was nine. Also, I have Asperger's, and this book is about my perspective on the world.

Jeremhy (J): My name is Jeremhy Cesar, and I am Anthony Cesar’s brother. I assisted in the creation of Molly and Mousey: The Idiotic Husband. I started high school at the age of 12, and I help Anthony to write books from my experiences in English at school.

2. What do you do when you are not writing?

A: When I am not writing, I watch TV or read a book because it gives me ideas for my next story.

J: When I am not writing, I am studying because I love intelligence, playing some sort of puzzle game (e.g., Chess, Monopoly, Sudoku), or on leisure time. Sometimes there is an overlap between studying and leisure.

3. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A: I first realized I wanted to be a writer when I started watching a lot of cartoons. Watching those cartoons made me want to make my own show and write my own episodes.

J: When Anthony and I started playing toys at a young age, Anthony realized that he wanted to write a book about the episodes we played. When we drafted the first story, it underwent many edits and changes. At that point, I realized I wanted to help Anthony become a writer and also become a writer myself.

4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

A: I can type very fast.

J: If you consider breaking all the lead in a pencil within a day, then yes, I do have an interesting writing quirk. Funny story actually: I bought a six-pack of mechanical pencils
(never buy just six pencils if you’re out), and while I was studying math, I went through all of those pencils, I kid you not, in two hours.

5. Do you have an upcoming book? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?

A: Yes, there will be an upcoming book. The next book is going to be much crazier than the first story, while giving everyone a good laugh and keeping them on the edge of their
seats.

J: Yes, there will be an upcoming book and hopefully more to come after. Introducing more characters, setting, and plot twists, the next book is going to be even more chaotic than the first story, while giving everyone a good laugh and keeping them on the edge of their seats in suspense.

6. Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

A: Our book is mixed some real life experiences that happened to me in the form of imagination.

J: We added real life experiences that have happened to us in the story, so our imagination of this whole Molly and Mousey trilogy is based on real life events.

7. What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

A: My favorite chapter to write was when Mousey was speeding while driving and Mousey going to clothes store because of the chaos and madness Mousey caused.

J: There were so many fun chapters to write, but I think my favorite part to write come up with the whole Mrs. Blitey scenario. I had tons of fun with Anthony brainstorming the things that could’ve happened in place of Mrs. Blitey being a robot. Making the whole plot twist about Mrs. Blitey being a robot was a great experience for me. My favorite Mrs. Blitey scene was when she threw the stapler at the hen.

8. Who is an author that you look up to today?

A: An author that I look up to today is Jeff Kinney.

J: An author that I look up to today would have to be J.K. Rowling. Her story is just incredible and I still admire her to date.

9. What is your favorite genre of book to read?

A: My favorite genre of book to read is teen fiction.

J: My favorite genre of book to read would have to be Action and Adventure. I also love a good Mystery book.

10. What is your favorite book?

A: Of course, my favorite book would have to be Molly and Mousey: The Idiotic Husband.

J: Of course, my favorite book would have to be Heroes of Olympus: The Blood Of Olympus by Rick Riordan. It is an epic conclusion to the Heroes of Olympus trilogy.

11. Is there any particular authors or books that influenced you growing up?

A: Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and some teen fiction books have influenced me growing up.

J: As aforementioned, Riordan and Rowling’s book have done a number (in a good way) on my choice of books and my reading style.

12. Who is an author that has inspired you?

A: Jeff Kinney is a author who has inspired me because he made many great books and is still writing books today.

J: There are so many amazing authors out there, but one who stuck out to me would have to be Rick Riordan. His books are amazing, and those books inspired me to read and write
more.

13. Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

A: Here’s some advice: take your time writing your book and don’t rush. Also, get honest opinions from people who read your book so it can help you next book improve.

J: Writers! From me to you, never lose sight of your goals, whether it be long-term or short. Pursue your dreams and never give up. Perseverance ALWAYS pays off. Passion is an ever-burning fire, so LET IT BURN!
- Jeremhy Cesar

14. Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers?

A: To my readers: enjoy this book because it is very funny and heart warming.

J: To my readers: Enjoy this book and never stop reading.

Books that Feel Like Fall

Whether unconsciously or purposefully chosen, we usually gravitate toward books that feel like whatever season we're in at the time. Fall reads feel different from others. They feel cozy and nostalgic, and the adventure may be a little bit darker than a summer read, mirroring the shortening days.

Picture Books

A gold leaf appears in the forest. As soon as the animals notice it, each wants it more than anything else in the world. But in their struggle for it, the leaf is destroyed. Heartbroken, the animals wonder: Will we ever again see such a leaf?

This book is the anticipation of fall, beginning with one beautiful golden leaf.

Young Isaac Gutenberg isn't a curious boy... that is, until he meets an old shopkeeper who tells him about The Book of Gold. This special book, hidden somewhere in the world, holds all the answers to every question & turns to solid gold when opened. Isaac is determined to find the book--it will make him rich! He opens many books in his search, but quickly closes them when they don't turn to gold. That changes one day when he opens a book, looks at the page, & a question pops into his mind. From then on, he reads every word. 

When I think of fall, I think of learning new things. The search for knowledge in this book feels right at home with this season's blooming curiosity.

Walking his dog at dusk, one boy catches glimpses of the lives around him in this lovely ode to autumn evenings, exploring your neighborhood, and coming home.

This book feels like warm sweaters & crisp fall evenings, & it will make you want to go for a walk.

Middle Grades Books

Pax & Peter have been inseparable ever since Peter rescued him as a kit. But one day, the unimaginable happens: Peter's dad enlists in the military & makes him return the fox to the wild.

At his grandfather's house, three hundred miles away from home, Peter knows he isn't where he should be—with Pax. He strikes out on his own despite the encroaching war, spurred by love, loyalty, & grief, to be reunited with his fox.

Meanwhile Pax, steadfastly waiting for his boy, embarks on adventures & discoveries of his own...

This book is so obviously fall I want to say it's actually fall in the story. If not, then the tone & atmosphere carry the quintessential essence of fall, such as nostalgia and the comforts of home.

Kansas, 2065: Adri has been handpicked to live on Mars. But weeks before launch, she discovers the journal of a girl who lived in her house more than a hundred years ago and is immediately drawn into the mystery surrounding her fate.

Oklahoma, 1934: Amid the fear and uncertainty of the Dust Bowl, Catherine’s family’s situation is growing dire. She must find the courage to sacrifice everything she loves in order to save the one person she loves most.

England, 1919: In the recovery following World War I, Lenore tries to come to terms with her grief for her brother, a fallen British soldier, and plans to sail to America. But can she make it that far?

While their stories span thousands of miles and multiple generations, Lenore, Catherine, and Adri’s fates are entwined in ways both heartbreaking and hopeful. In Jodi Lynn Anderson’s signature haunting, lyrical prose, human connections spark spellbindingly to life, and a bright light shines on the small but crucial moments that determine one’s fate.

 Melancholy and haunting memory are two elements that make this a good fall read.

Early Young Adult & Classics

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

Caramel popcorn, hot cider, and evenings at the circus: these are the elements of fall in this book. The circus is all fun, games, and illusions, on the surface that is. Something a little more sinister lies underneath the bright lights and carnival treats.

Orphaned Jane Eyre grows up in the home of her heartless aunt, where she endures loneliness and cruelty, and at a charity school with a harsh regime. This troubled childhood strengthens Jane’s natural independence and spirit—which proves necessary when she takes a position as governess at Thornfield Hall. But when she finds love with her sardonic employer, Rochester, the discovery of his terrible secret forces her to make a choice. Should she stay with him and live with the consequences, or follow her convictions, even if it means leaving the man she loves?

The Gothic setting of this classic is perfect for cozying up in the shortening days.

If You Liked...

Choosing what to read next can be a real task. There are so many good options! Let us help you find a new favorite or simply your next book based on one you've previously enjoyed.

With Halloween fast approaching, we thought we'd recommend books that are a little more on the spooky side. These books all have a slightly paranormal element to them, as well as elements of mystery and suspense.  

If you liked this book

“Never go into the deep parts of the forest, for there are many dangers there, and they will ensnare your soul.”

Then You'll Like These Titles

It's World War II, Franny and her parents, Sina and Old Tom, enjoy a quiet life on a farm on Vancouver Island. Franny writes, Sina sculpts, and Old Tom tends to their many gardens--including the ancient, mysterious night garden. Their peaceful life is interrupted when their neighbor, Crying Alice, begs Sina to watch her children while she goes to visit her husband at the military base because she suspects he's up to no good. Soon after the children move in, letters arrive from their father that suggest he's about to do something to change their lives; and appearances from a stubborn young cook, UFOs, hermits, and ghosts only make life stranger. Can the forbidden night garden that supposedly grants everyone one wish help them all out of trouble? And if so, at what cost?

A rambling old inn, a strange map, an attic packed with treasures, squabbling guests, theft, friendship, and an unusual haunting mark this smart middle grade mystery in the tradition of the Mysterious Benedict Society books and Blue Balliet's Chasing Vermeer series.

Corinne La Mer claims she isn't afraid of anything. Not scorpions, not the boys who tease her, and certainly not jumbies. They're just tricksters made up by parents to frighten their children. Then one night Corinne chases an agouti all the way into the forbidden forest, and shining yellow eyes follow her to the edge of the trees. They couldn't belong to a jumbie. Or could they?

For our Young Adult Readers

Sierra Santiago was looking forward to a fun summer of making art, hanging out with her friends, and skating around Brooklyn. But then a weird zombie guy crashes the first party of the season. Sierra's near-comatose abuelo begins to say "Lo siento" over and over. And when the graffiti murals in Bed-Stuy start to weep.... Well, something stranger than the usual New York mayhem is going on.

Ged, the greatest sorcerer in all Earthsea, was called Sparrowhawk in his reckless youth.

Hungry for power and knowledge, Sparrowhawk tampered with long-held secrets and loosed a terrible shadow upon the world. This is the tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death's threshold to restore the balance.

Greenglass House

Summary from the publisher:

It's wintertime at Greenglass House. The creaky smuggler's inn is always quiet during this season, and 12-year-old Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, plans to spend his holidays relaxing. But on the first icy night of vacation, out of nowhere, the guest bell rings. Then it rings again. And again. Soon Milo's home is bursting with odd, secretive guests, each one bearing a strange story that is somehow connected to the rambling old house. As objects go missing and tempers flare, Milo and Meddy, the cook's daughter, must decipher clues and untangle the web of deepening mysteries to discover the truth about Greenglass House—and themselves.           

---

Review:

This book has everything: mystery, interesting characters, suspense, fantastic world building, and several twists and turns. I loved every minute of it. I resonated with introverted Milo and his love of holiday traditions, as well as his frustration when those hopes for traditions are dashed one after the other by each new and strange guest. The house itself is just as strange and Milford does a wonderful job of making the oddities of the house as intriguing as the characters themselves. Milo and Meddy are my new favorite partners in crime; I love their character dynamic and what each brings out in the other. The author creates a world in which the characters must uncover the truth at the price of discovering who they are and the part they have to play in their own story.

This is a great adventure to snuggle up with in the (hopefully) cooling weather. Keep an eye out for the sequel, Ghosts of Greenglass House, which releases next Tuesday, October 3.

Julie E. Landon

Meet Featured Indie Author Julie E. Landon!

Meet her in person at the shop on Saturday, September 23 at 1pm for a Meet the Author Story Time, where she will read her book The Little Voice.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. I have always had a vivid imagination and loved to “make believe.” I have a sister, and we used to play together a lot, along with our imaginary friends. I married my high school sweetheart and we’ve been married 18 years. We have two children, Eddy (13) and Lillie (7). I graduated from Georgia College & State University with a degree in Marketing, Public Relations. I have had a few different jobs along the way and they have all brought me to the place where I am now.  I currently walk dogs and bring my children with me. The walks we have together is when we generate most of our story ideas. My children play a big roll in how I have developed the story ideas and picture ideas for the books.

2. What do you do when you are not writing?

I home school my children so that takes up a lot of time. My daughter and I play pretend a lot…she takes after me with her elaborate story lines. So, I devote all the time I’m not writing or promoting my book or working on other projects to my family.

3. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I used to write a family newsletter when I was in high school and I wrote on the school newspaper. But, I’d have to say writing and publishing a book wasn’t something I thought a lot about growing up or even as a young adult. It started out as telling my son a story and it evolved into a story I wanted to share. My entire family gets involved and we have a lot of ideas for more books.

4. Do you have an upcoming book? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?

I am working on a mystery book with my daughter. It’s for children ages 4-8 years old I’d say. She wanted me to tell her a mystery story once and that’s how that one took off. She’s had more input in this book and I’m very excited about it! It should be out early 2018.

5. Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

The Little Voice was a story that I made up with my son. He asked me to tell him a story once and then again and again. So each time it got better. After a few years I decided to write it down. Once the timing was right, I found the illustrator Amanda Gaskins Morris, and it all fell into place. It’s all imagination except for the characters who are inspired by my son and husband. The illustrations are created from pictures of my son and husband so that makes this book extra special to our family.

6. What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why for The Little Voice?

I love the “talking” frog. He represents our inner voice. He has SO much to say if we’d just listen. Of course to me, the inner voice is God’s voice speaking to us. It’s amazing how if you listen you will hear and if you follow you will be amazed at what can happen!

7. Who is an author that you look up to today?

Because I have children and my daughter loves the Berenstain Bears, I’d have to say Stan and Jan Berenstain. I love how their family is still involved with those books and new books are still coming out. I love that so many have a message of doing good for others and how to treat others.

8. What is your favorite genre of book to read?

I love to read about history, but historical fiction is a favorite because you can put yourself into that time period and experience what those people were going through.

9. What is your favorite book?

A book that really gives you something to think about is The Same Kind of Different. I read it last year and I still think about it. I’m so excited that a movie based on the book will be released this fall.

10. Who is an author that has inspired you?

At this point in my life Corrie ten Boom has become a source of inspiration. I devoured the books written about her and by her this summer. She and her family were amazing.

11. Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Never give up! Listen to advice from others and decide what to take and apply. Also, seek out other authors, they aren’t so much your competition as they are your teachers along the way. It may be that you learn what not to do, or you learn what works.

12. Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers?

I hope you will listen to The Little Voice and enjoy the story. But once the story book has closed, I hope you will then begin to listen to your own little voice.

E. Danielle Butler

Meet Featured Indie Author E. Danielle Butler!

Meet her in person at the shop on Saturday, August 26 at 1pm for a Meet the Author Story Time, where she will read her new book Zachary Goes to School.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am wife to Brandon and Mommy to Zoe and Zachary. I am a former teacher and recruiter turned full-time creative.

2. What do you do when you are not writing?

I love sleeping, eating and dancing when I’m not writing. And those are in no particular order. LOL.

3. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

As a kid, I wrote many elaborate stories. I’d create characters and storylines and then assign the roles to my dolls and stuffed animals. As a young adult I contemplated the idea of really going full force but chickened out to write in the background instead.

4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I compose most of my “greatest” works on scraps of paper and napkins.

5. Is there any particular authors or books that influenced you growing up?

As a young kid my favorite books were series like Sweet Valley High and The Babysitters Club.

Pearl Cleage was one of my favorite authors. Though her themes featured lots of mature subject matter, I was fascinated by her characters. I knew them.

6. Do you have an upcoming book? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?

I just finished and released my third children’s book, Zachary Goes to School, this month. I am working on a devotional for women called Thoughts and Prayers for the PostPartum Mom. I’ll have it ready for an early fall release.

7. Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

The events in my children’s book are inspired by real life experiences!

8. What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why for Zachary Goes to School?

My favorite part to write was the conversation between Zachary and Daddy as they headed out for the first day of school. The things he shares are things that we live by in our home.

9. Who is an author that you look up to today?

I really like the work of Kimberla Lawson Roby. While her books are fiction, there’s some truth and brave exposure that can be found in her writing.

10. What is your favorite genre of book to read?

 I like dramatic fiction. I also like fiction that focuses on the quirks of average characters.

11. What is your favorite book?

My favorite book (right now LOL) is Shonda Rhimes’ Year of Yes. 

12. Who is an author that has inspired you?

C. Cherie Hardy; She’s got 13 years in the business as an independent author and continues to refine her process and approach. Many of her books are also inspirational in nature.

13. Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Go for it! Do it afraid! Don’t talk about writing, be writing.

14. Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers?

Thank you for your continued support. I hope that you find and see yourself reflected in some part of each of my works.