Kathleen Long Bostrom - Kathleen Long Bostrom

STEPPING OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE

9/25/2024

Kathleen Long Bostrom, Kathy Bostrom, Greg Bostrom,

I am terrified of heights...

I am often reluctant to try something new, being very comfortable in my daily routines.
Surprisingly I am the person in the photo paragliding above the Pacific Ocean (with my pilot, of course).

I loved it, except for the one swoop that left me feeling like I'd just been in a falling elevator.
The view from above the ocean and beach is incredible. It is the view of a bird, soaring free on the currents. We saw sharks and sea lions, schools of fish and bathers on the beach. It was quiet, peaceful, amazing.

Greg wanted to go paragliding for his birthday last week, and so we went. I stepped completely out of my comfort zone and off the edge of the cliff, and I'm glad I did! I saw the world I often see but with new eyes.

I recently stepped out of my comfort zone to take a break from social media, a scary thing to do when I hear so much about how an author has to be posting constantly in order to build a following. I gave my small following a break, too.

I had time to think about my skills and where to best spend my energies. I will be returning to social media soon, but with a clearer view of what I need to do, and what I can do, without taking precious time from my writing, my family, my puppy, my life.

What have you done lately to step out of your comfort zone? Leave a comment below and let me know! I'm eager to hear from you.

Paragliding, anyone?

Social Media Break

8/1/2024

I'm going into self-imposed hibernation this month in order to focus on my mental, physical, and spiritual health and on my writing. I'll be back in September with posts, newsletter and more, including some good news on the writing front. Happy summer, everyone!

International Day of Friendship

7/31/2024

International Day of Friendship

I had never heard of the International Day of Friendship until the publication of my children's book, Will You Be Friends with Me? four years ago. Enjoy these fun facts, share with your friends, and above all, be a friend to others, even those with whom you disagree.

The United Nations declared July 30 as International Day of Friendship in 2011 as a way to promote peace and promise rather than division and destruction between peoples of all cultures. Friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.

July 30 is the official day, but every day can be a Day of Friendship. To celebrate International Day of Friendship, I am donating Will You Be Friends with Me? to a wonderful, local afterschool tutoring program called Casa de Amistad in your honor.

Let's all enjoy being a good friend on International Day of Friendship, and every day. I'd love to hear of new and interesting friendships you make along the way!

A few of my favorite Bible verses on friendship:

A sweet friendship refreshes the soul. (Proverbs 27:9, MSG)

I have called you friends. (John 15:15, NRSVU)

Therefore, encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.
(I Thessalonians 5:11, NRSVU)

Click here to discover more about Will You Be Friends With Me?

This post was previously published, but relevant still!

The "Flag-United-Nations-Logo" above is by Prachatai is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Newbery and Caldecott Awards & the American Library Association Convention

7/2/2024

What a fabulous experience!

This past weekend I attended the American Library Association Conference at the San Diego Convention Center, overlooking the gorgeous southern California bay. It was wonderful to see good friends and meet so many people at the book signing for The Worst Christmas Ever.

Author Dave Eggers received the Newbery Award for The Eyes & The Impossible; an imaginative fantasy about a dog, friendship, and liberation. Author Vashti Harrison received the Caldecott Award for BIG; A picture book about the power of words to both build up a person and to bring them down.

The ceremony also honored my fellow San Diego author Pam Muñoz Ryan with the Children's Literature Legacy Award. Pam has written many books; my favorite is Echo about a young boy lost in the Black Forest who finds himself in a puzzling quest involving prophecy, a promise, and a harmonica. I loved my harmonica when I was growing up and now my oldest son, Chris, owns it. Echo is a Newbery Honor Award winner.

I have a special place in my heart for librarians and the great work they do getting books into the hands of children and adults, and standing up against banning books, too.

Newbery Awards

The Newbery Award is given each year for the book chosen as the best middle-grade book from the previous year. I only learned as an adult that many of the books I loved as a child were Newbery Award winners. When I first began writing books for children in the early 1990's, I decided to learn about all the authors. I was curious about their lives and creative process. I met and interviewed many of the winners, and wrote a book about the first 75 Newbery award winners: Winning Authors Profiles of the Newbery Medalists . I made it a goal to own every Newbery book ever written, and have kept up with buying and reading the winner each year. I haven't been able to attend the ALA conference or awards ceremony since moving to California, so it was extra special it to be there this year.

I'd love to hear what your favorite books from childhood. Comment below!

European Adventures & Father's Day!

6/7/2024

European Adventures!

I just returned from a delightful trip to Amsterdam and Paris with my wonderful husband, Greg. Spring is such a gorgeous time of year, although we had rain nearly every day. That didn't stop us from walking many miles each day and enjoying every minute. The flowers were stunning and the food superb. We made sure to stop in the local book stores, both those with books in English and those only in Dutch or French. It's fun to see what various cultures enjoy reading!

Highlights of the trip included two canal boat rides in Amsterdam, one in the afternoon and one in the evening; The Van Gogh museum, also in Amsterdam; Monet's home in Giverny, Notre Dame Cathedral (still not open) and an amazing flower market in Paris with my favorite flowers in abundance: the hydrangeas, or Hortense in French. The local boulangerie (bakery) near our place in Paris was out of this world. We miss stopping there for freshly baked fruit tarts and chocolate croissants!

Remember when your parent read to you?
This Father's Day recreate that experience for your child.

Get Your Father's Day Gift Today - Bonus: It's On Sale!

Kathy Tell Us A Story

4/23/2024

Kathy, tell us a story.

I’d love to! Which one?

Tell us the story of how you started writing books for children.

Once upon a time, long, long ago, when my three children were very young, I loved reading to them and treasured the time together. “These will be some of my most precious memories,” I thought, “reading a book with my child snuggled in my lap.” I had a dream: to write books that would create precious memories for adults and kids. With lots of practice and perseverance, the dream came true.

How wonderful! Now tell us how you wrote, Daddy, Tell Me a Story.

My husband and I made up stories for our kids, and sometimes they became the characters. Of course, they provided their own input! The moments when a child changed the story line became my new dream: to write a book to encourage adults and kids to use their imaginations when reading a book together.

Did you write this book when your kids were little?

I did— nearly thirty years ago! It took many years to find an interested publisher. I rewrote the story many times, and finally found just the right home with WorthyKids, who made my new dream come true. It takes a team to create a book, which includes my wonderful agent, editor, publisher, marketers, and illustrator. Ela was the perfect choice! She conveyed the whimsy and joy of the love between Daddy and Sophie.

What’s next, now that your story is a book?

I’m excited to read the book to children, and adults, too! Which leads me to ask: Would you read the book to a child; share it with your family and friends, libraries, and bookstores; leave a review on the bookstore sites? A book gets lonely sitting on a shelf. Above all, have fun! Read the book with a child and then create your own story together. Tell me your story about sharing my story. I’d love to hear from you! With grateful thanks from Daddy, Sophie, and me. Oh, and the dragon, too.

Get Yours Today!

MY NEWEST BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE!

4/16/2024

My newest book, Daddy, Tell Me a Story, is being released today! It's now available online and in your local bookstore. The book celebrates the special bond between fathers and daughters with this silly picture book about a bedtime story gone awry.

Getting this wonderful book published has been a dream of mine for over 20 years. It has been well worth the wait: the illustrations by Ela Smietanka bring to life the joy (and challenges) of a parent putting their creative and active child to bed.

Bedtime is looming, and Sophie wants to hear a story. So she asks her dad—the best storyteller she knows—to tell her one. He's just started telling a story about a queen and a unicorn when—HOLD ON—this is not the story Sophie had envisioned! She interrupts to request a teeny, tiny change. And then she interrupts again, and again, and again, resulting in an entertaining game of storytelling ping pong as Sophie and Daddy work together to create an unforgettable tale.

This beautifully illustrated book is a sweet tribute to daughters, their daddies, and the time they share together. But it is not just for dads and daughters, but for all adults and children enjoying the magic of creating their own story.

Let me know how you like the book, I'd be happy to hear from you in the comments below!

Great New Year News!

1/23/2024

Kathleen Long Bostrom, Author, Children's picture books, adult spiritual books

It is 2024 and the new calendar year has begun.
With it comes lots of great news, including a book award I received,
new books by author friends and a peek at my next book being released in April!

Norther Lights Book Awards, winner Kathleen Long Bostrom, Author, Children's picture books, adult spiritual books

I am thrilled to announce that my book, Since the Baby Came: A Sibling's Learning-to-Love Story in 16 Poems received first prize in poetry from the Northern Light Book Awards. What a joy to open an email with the news:

"Congratulations! Since the Baby Came: A Sibling’s Learning-to-Love Story in 16 Poems has won the 2023 Northern Lights Book Awards in the Poetry Category.
Out of hundreds of outstanding entries from around the world, your book stood out.

We are confident it will stand the test of time, and children will enjoy your story for generations to come. To view the complete list of winners, visit 2023 Winners!"

Click here to discover more about "Since The Baby Came"

And the great news continues...

A number of my friends and fellow authors of children's books also received awards. Check out their books!

Wherever You Are by Glenys Nellist, won in the Northern Light's Book Award Picture Book/Preschool category.

Finding Calm in Nature: A Guide for Mindful Kids by Jennifer Grant, won in the Nature category.

Sparrow's Prayer by Roger Hutchison (who is also an incredible artist) won in the Religious/Spiritual category.

Coming in April to your local bookstore!

Daddy, Tell Me A Story by Kathleen Long Bostrom, Author, Children's picture books, Illustrated by Ela Smietanka

I am very excited about the upcoming release of my newest book, Daddy, Tell Me A Story: a delightfully-illustrated picture book celebrating the special bond between fathers and daughters in a wonderfully silly tale about a bedtime story gone awry.

Much more information will be coming in future newsletters. In the meantime it is available on Amazon for pre-order!

Pre-order your copy today!

Happy New Year! God bless you, every one!

12/12/2023

Advent thoughts... I am a few weeks late in wishing everyone a Happy New Year! Yes, for those of us who follow the liturgical (church) calendar, Advent is the beginning of the year. We are already mid-point in Advent, and the days end earlier, and darkness descends upon our world in many different ways. But Advent brings hope, the promise of the Light of the World being born among us, and with us always.

As we close the calendar year, I want to thank everyone who reads my newsletters and my books or who shares both/and. I am grateful for my congregation spread throughout the world; for as a pastor, my congregation is my readers: YOU! Bless you all for your encouragement and support.

A special thanks to my writer's critique group; my agent, Rachel Kent; my editors and publicists and marketers and the publishing houses who bring my dreams and words to life. Books would not happen without all of you.

I want to give a shout-out to my dear friend and web designer extraordinaire, Lisa Scott Jones, without whose help these newsletters, my website, and all the beautiful graphics I use would not happen. Lisa belongs to the church where Greg serves as pastor, and she creates beautiful slides for worship and events that enhance the words and music in remarkable ways. Lisa founded Envision Worship and is extremely skilled at what she does. Check out her PowerPoints, they're incredible! And as you read her story below, you will discover that the work she does is a calling as well as a gift. It is certainly a gift to me! Bless you, Lisa!

Church PowerPoints by EnvisionWorship.com

Kathleen Long Bostrom, Author and Lisa Scott Jones, Church PowerPoints, Envisionworship.com

My life was changed forever one morning when I walked into church and saw that huge TV screens were suddenly projecting the lyrics of the songs. Truthfully, at first, I was not sure I like them. But I was intrigued by the potential of bringing art into our very plain looking Sanctuary. Soon I found myself volunteering to create the worship slides each week and slowly my passion for worship visuals grew.

After a year or so, I was surprised that church visitors started stopping by the tech booth to ask how they could get the worship slides for their church. I knew many churches were struggling with how to create quality worship slides. I also could see how meaningful worship visuals were deepening the worship experience at my own church. I wanted this for all churches.

I felt called to start EnvisionWorship.com - to create an affordable, high quality, online PowerPoint resource for all churches. This was quite an unexpected turn of events for me - up to this point in my life - I had always worked professionally as a children's program manager for non-profits. Yet I believed it was the right thing to do so I stepped out of the boat.

It has been quite a learning experience - with many, many struggles and frustrations. Yet twelve years later, Envision Worship PowerPoints are now a part of worship in 31 countries - a fact that still amazes me. I especially love Christmas Eve and Easter - from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep at night - somewhere in the world - Envision Worship PowerPoints are a part of glorifying God in worship - it takes my breath away. I have always felt that Envision Worship is a God thing - all successes have come from God and I am simply blessed to be a part of it.

It brings me great joy to still be volunteering at my own church creating the weekly worship PowerPoint, social media graphics and event posters - it's a centerpiece of my life.

Along my journey with Envision Worship, I developed skills in graphic design, website design and social media. I enjoy helping friends create website platforms to build and strengthen their own creative careers. I especially love working with Kathy Bostrom who is so incredibly creative and gifted. Her books add depth and meaning to our lives.

Thank you for letting me share my faith journey. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas ~ Lisa

IT'S RAFFLE TIME!

11/5/2023

This is my first time offering a raffle for any of my books and I'm thrilled to be offering not only my newest book, Since the Baby Came, but many gifts for a baby, mom, and if applicable, a sibling.

YOU can win this basket of books and goodies for yourself, or for someone you know who will be welcoming a baby to their family.

Sign up for my newsletter to find out ways to earn tickets. Winner will be announced November 20. Please feel free to share!
www.babasbeanies.com

I'm grateful to be offering gifts from several of my friends: Arianne Braithwaite Lehn, Author, who donated a copy of her beautiful book of devotions, Ash and Starlight; and Amy Witt Younts, founder of Baba's Beanies who donated a beautiful, handmade baby beanie.
Thank you, everyone! Let the raffle begin!

https://www.kathleenlongbostrom.com/raffletime.html

Awards

2013
Distinguished Alumna of Princeton Theological Seminary

2014
David Steele
Distinguished Writer
The most prestigious award given by the Presbyterian Writers Guild

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Kathleen Long Bostrom, author, children's books, women's spiritual books

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