1st Flag of NH – 1st stop
REGINA: I’d like to welcome fellow author, Stephanie Burkhart, here to kick off her blog tour for her latest YA/MS release, “First Flag of New Hampshire.”
STEPH: I’m so excited to be here, Gina. I’ve done several blog tours now and I’ve noticed I always start off my tours by visiting your blog in little Rhode Island first so I was glad for the opportunity to do so again.
REGINA: You’re welcome! Tell us about the book.
STEPH: Alyssa and Miguel are high school seniors at Central High in Manchester, NH. As part of their assignment for American Studies, they’re tasked to find out the four times in NH history when the first flag flew and where it is now. Their friends, Greg and Karen, challenge them to a friendly race, adding a sense of urgency to the project.
REGINA: What was the inspiration behind the plot?
STEPH: My American Studies class. I rarely get inspiration from dreams, as I’m a very heavy sleeper. It’s funny, I can still remember sitting in the class and my teachers, Mrs. Hussey and Mr. Lord saying this would be a class that would stay with us the rest of our lives. At the time, I was 17 and just laughed, but they were right. At the end of the school year, I knew this class would resonate with me.
REGINA: How long ago was American Studies?
STEPH: 25 years. Can you believe that?
REGINA: Is there really a ‘first’ flag of New Hampshire?
STEPH: Not really, but I wanted to write a young adult/middle school mystery so I made up the first flag. What I was striving to do was seamlessly blend fact and fiction and I hope I’ve done that.
REGINA: How long did it take you to write?
STEPH: About a month including the research.
REGINA: How did you come to pick the setting?
STEPH: I grew up in New Hampshire. It just felt right to me. Actually, this is going to be a series. Alyssa and Miguel are going to visit all 6 New England states solving mysteries along the way.
REGINA: What are Alyssa’s strengths? Weaknesses?
STEPH: She’s determined and focused. Alyssa has a plan. I would say when a wrench gets thrown into her plan, it takes her a bit to work through it.
REGINA: What does Miguel like about Alyssa?
STEPH: Miguel finds her kind with a pleasant disposition. Her determination and focus helps him do the same. His ability to work through a problem helps her do the same.
REGINA: Who did the illustrations?
STEPH: Ginger Nielson. Ginger is a true blessing. She’s from New Hampshire, as well. I love how her illustrations bring Aly and Miguel to life. They’re perfect!
REGINA: How long have you been writing?
STEPH: About 10 years now.
REGINA: What do you find rewarding about young adult writing?
STEPH: The ability to inspire others – especially young adults and children – to read. I love watching young people embrace a good story.
REGINA: Would you care to share a blurb with us?
STEPH: I’d love to.
BLURB FOR: FIRST FLAG OF NEW HAMPSHIRE:
Alyssa has to take American Studies for college prep, and she hurries to the first class. She’s paired with classmate Miguel De Soto to find the first flag of New Hampshire, but the flag has flown only four times in New Hampshire’s past. Can Alyssa and Miguel track the flag through history before time is up?
BOOK TRAILER:
Hunt For the Flag Giveaway:
Answer the follow questions about the NH flag. I’ll pick a winner to receive an Easter/Spring book bag (made by my talented friend, Lori Powell), full of goodies to include a copy of the book, chocolates, a magnet and more.
What’s the name of the ship on the New Hampshire State flag?
BONUS: Why are there 9 stars dispersed between the laurel leaves on the NH State Flag?
BUY LINKS:
PUBLISHER’S WEBSITE:
http://4rvpublishingcatalog.yolasite.com/burkhart.php
AMAZON:
BARNES & NOBLE:
Romance Under the Moonlight
Regina, thank you so much for having me here today. It’s always fun starting off my blog tours with you.
Smiles
Steph
Stephanie, thanks so
Much for visiting today and for kicking off your blog tour here! It’s great to have you and good luck with your book. Another wonderful publication – congratulations!!
The book is an interesting one, and it should appeal to reluctant readers, too, because it is short.
Coming out in the future will be Steph’s book The First Map of Maine.
Vivian, I agree – the story is short and I think it will appeal to those readers who might be reluctant.
Smiles
Steph
Raleigh was the name of the ship on the Flag. There are nine stars because in June 1788, it became the ninth state to ratify the United States Constitution.
I’d love to have a copy of your book, Stephanie.
Thank you, Regina for having Stephanie on your blog.
Both of you celebrate you and the love you have for writing!
Joan Y. Edwards
Joan, thanks so much for popping in and letting me know about the links. Here’s a link to the youtube video. The publisher’s site and Amazon links are definately working
Pretty soon, you’ll be known as the children’s book author. Looks cute. Nice work.
A question though… how did you go about getting it published? Did you self publish?
Tina, no, these are not self published. 4RV Publishing is a traditional print publisher out of Oklahoma. I know Vivian from being a Moderator over at Writing.com which really helped me to fine tune my writing. I wrote The Giving Meadow back in 2009 and showed Vivian because I knew she wrote Children’s stories just wanting her feedback and she offered to published it. I was tickled pink.
Tina, I have 5 more children/YA books coming out with 4RV Publishing. I have to admit my foray into children’s publishing has been a pleasent surprise, but I’m really enjoying it and I can’t thank Vivian and Adrianna over at 4RV Publishing enough for all their support and guidance.
Smiles
steph
Thanks, Stephanie. It looks like your having fun, even if it was a surprise. And I think my name is fancier the way you write it … lol.
Aidana WillowRaven
http://WillowRaven.weebly.com
Aidana, I can I blame it on a typo? Probably not. Sigh… Forgive. There is a girl at work who spells her name Adrianna and I was thinking of you but spelling her name. **blushes***
Steph
Your book sounds really interesting.
the name of the ship was Raleigh and it has 9 stars because it was the 9th state to ratify the Constitution of the US- June 1788
Thanks for popping in Joye. Don’t forget to leave your email address in case you win so I can get ahold of you!
Smiles
Steph
Stephanie- looks like a wonderful new book.New Hampshire is indeed a beautiful state.Please keep blogging with Regina as she is one of the best.REGARDS BEN SMITH
Regina is the best. I’m glad she was game to have me.
Smiles
Steph
How nice that you have another wonderful children’s book for your fans! I know the Giving Meadow was very well received, and I know this series will inspire lots of readers. Wishing you all the best! Maggie
Stephanie,
WordPress ate my comment, so I’ll try again. This sounds like another wonderful read. I’m sure many of your fans will be thrilled with this tale about New England. Best wishes! Maggie
Thanks, Maggie. It’s great to see you pop in.
Smiles
Steph
Looks an interesting book Steph – this particular Brit isn’t going to attempt the flag questions!
Angela, no worries, Sweetie. It’s nice to see you pop in.
Smiles
Steph
Hi Steph,
This sounds like a fun book. I love New Hampshire. We recently went there for a wedding and flew into Manchester. The place alone would make an interesting book. I also like your new photo! I have to add that I’ve read one of Steph’s books, and enjoyed it very much. She’s an excellent writer.
Congratulations and best wishes for your new book.
Gail, thanks so much. I was born and raised in Manchester so it’s a town close to my heart. My high school friends are still there and we’re still close. I’m so glad to have you pop in and I’m glad you enjoy my writing.
Smiles
Steph
Looks like a fun book,cannot wait to purchase the book.I spent many a summer in New Hampshire as a young boy.But i have not been there in many years.Please keep up the good work.REGARDS BEN SMITH
Thank you, Ben. It’s a beautiful state with lush greenery, rivers, lakes. I miss the landscape. sigh…
Sounds great, Steph! You’re multi-talented. I love that you segue so nicely into middle grade from your paranormal and steampunk stories. Awesome!
Jillian
I’m a Jill of all trades. hehe
Smiles
Steph
CUTE!
Steph, the more historical fiction for kids, the better! Hope this does well. 🙂
Hi Steph, the more historical fiction for kids, the better! Hope they do well. 🙂
I agree, Loraine. I love bringing history to life – especially for kids.
Smiles
Steph
What a surprise to learn that you write YA stories, Steph. I like that you’re writing a story that takes place in your home town. Isn’t it interesting how so many of us were inspired by a certain special teacher? Well, my diverse friend, I wish you tons of success.
Sarah, I agree – teachers are inspirational. At the time, I thought Mrs. Hussey was mean and Mr. Lord demanding. Looking back, I know better. They were challenging us and it was a matter of stepping up to the plate. I never thought the class would resonate as deeply as it has with me.
So happy everyone had the chance to pop in isn’t Stephanie is a wonder? She’s amazing, so multi-talented and versatile, and it’s a thrill to have her visit any time. Great of her to kick off her tour here!
Just got me thinking – does anyone else out there write children’s or YA books? Let me know, I’d love to host you, or your friends…what great fun we’d have!
Regina, you are the sweetest. I think children’s writing and romance crosses over well because we’re all moms (for the most part) and those two genres touch our hearts equally.
Smiles
Steph
Congrats on your new YA book, Steph! You’re a remarkable and gifted writer!
Thanks Diane.
Gina, I’m going to keep the contest up for another day and I’ll come by tomorrow to announce the winner.
Smiles
Steph
Great, let the good times roll! I’ll retweet 🙂 Thanks, Steph
Sounds great, Steph. I”ve never been to NH but know something about it after watching ‘;The West Wing’ as it was President Barlet’s home state! Best of luck with this new release.
Regina, again, thanks so much for having me here on your blog.
Congrats to Joan Edwards who got the questions right – you’ve won the gift bag. Please send me an email at: sgcardin1@yahoo.com or botrina_buchanan@yahoo.com.
Thanks everyone for your support.
My next stop on the “Hunt for the Flag Tour” will be at Amy Alessio’s blog. on 12 APRIL 2012. Amy likes to cook and share receipes. Here’s a link to her blog:
http://amyalessio.com/
I hope to see you there.
Smiles
Steph
STEPH -nice book,cannot wait to read it.You are a great writer,and very versatile also.Please keep up the good efforts in all your books.REGARDS BEN SMITH
STEPH- Please stay on Reginas blog for the future.We need to keep up the good writing going forward for all of us to see. Regina is a great writer also.REGARDS BEN SITH