Saturday, December 28, 2013

Press release coming after first of year...

Thank you to everyone who has purchased a book and for those who have shared their thoughts of the book in reviews on Amazon. It is very delightful to read how the book touched different people and their appreciation of the poems and illustrations.

I am going to post a press release of the book after the first of the year to spread the word about the book more widely. My friend did one for his book and it really helped raise awareness!

I will be using quotes from the reviews we have received on Amazon. So if you haven't posted a review, take advantage of the next few days to do so and you might get your comments in as part of the press release!

Also, if you are part of Goodreads, please consider rating and/or reviewing the book at https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=dreams+of+the+turtle+king.
This is a wonderful place to discover books and share your reading insights.


Sunday, December 22, 2013

Dreams of the Turtle King @ the "Fantasy Land" show at JoMar Visions studios

Despite the torrential downpours coming through in waves in Houston, we had some folks come by JoMar Vision Studios to see the art for the "Fantasy Land" show.

Nancy's illustrations were a nice addition to the show.
Below is a cell phone shot of the set up.


There were 7 illustrations framed and hanging on the wall as well as a framed copy of the cover image. Each illustration was also available as a matted print (in the black canvas holder).

I also offered autograph copies of the book for sale (wood podium) and put out Nancy's cards and postcards for people to take home (wood podium).

We held a raffle for the framed cover image (see the blue tickets on the chair!). It was a lot of fun and helped engage people with the artwork and the story of the book. A fellow artist who bought a copy of the book for her daughter won the cover image!

We sold 3 matted prints and 2 books in total.
A copy of the Cover:

Sand Castles
Pigeon



I am hoping to have the illustrations at a local Art League show that is themed "Art inspired by poetry" in early January as well.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Book illustrations exhibiting at JoMar Visions Studio Dec 21st

Nancy's illustrations for the Dreams of Dreams of the Turtle King book will be available for sale at the JoMar Visions "Fantasy Art Land" exhibit. 

There will be framed prints as well as matted prints available for sale.
One lucky person will get a framed copy of the Cover image via raffle!
Each framed print sold will also receive a signed copy of the book.
 

If you are in the Houston area December 21st in the afternoon, come check it out!
If you can't make the exhibit, then you can find matted prints for sale on Amazon at my Radiant Heart Photography store.


Monday, December 16, 2013

"Dreams of the Turtle King" original illustrations available from Nancy

Everyone,

Nancy has the original illustrations for the Dreams of the Turtle King available on her site
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/nancy-standlee-1131.

I have the cover image of the Turtle King hanging on my wall at home, but other illustrations from the book are available direct from Nancy.

Please check out these illustrations and the other wonderful work by Nancy on her page.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

We are now international best sellers!

We are ranked #1 in an Indian Amazon category: Chilren's Science, Nature & Technology!


 Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #820 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Children & Young Adults > Science, Nature & Technology
  • #4 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Poetry
  •  #9 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Arts, Film & Photography
  • #18 Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry
  • #25 Books > Children's & Young Adult > Science, Nature & Technology
  • #34 in Books > Arts, Film & Photography
And of course, hot new release top 3 all around!

The secret? I used to manage a Quality Assurance/Quality Control group in India for my old company's business unit in Pune. It was one of the most fun and challenging experiences in my professional career. The people were great and I do miss working with them. (Hi team!)

So, of course I let them know about my book! It is available on all the international Amazon sites, like Amazon.in, so people can buy the books on the sites geared to them.
It is great fun seeing it on an international site, even if it is just the English version without translation of the book. Maybe in the future???

We made a #1 ranking in Children's ebooks!!!

Dear Friends and Readers,

Our book has now made it to the number one spot!

 Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #108,318 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

    #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Children's eBooks > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Water
    #21 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Children's Nonfiction > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature
    #27 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > Science Studies > Nature > Water
#27 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Water
#35 in Books > Arts & Photography > History & Criticism > Themes > Landscapes & Seascapes

and still a hot new release in:
#1 hot new release for Children's Nonfiction Nature Books
#1 hot new release for Children's Water Books - via Education and Reference
#2 hot new release for Landscape & Seascape Art -via Art and Photography
#3 hot new release for Nature -via Children's ebooks, Science, Nature and How it Works



Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Our book is ranked #2!

Our book is ranked #2 in the Children's "Water" ebooks...




as well as ranked in several other categories:

  •     #2 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Children's eBooks > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Water 
  • #17 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Children's Nonfiction > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature 
  • #28 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > Science Studies > Nature > Water
  • #26 in Books > Arts & Photography > History & Criticism > Themes > Landscapes & Seascapes

And we are also the #1 hot new release in
  • Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Children's eBooks > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Water
  •  Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Children's Nonfiction > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature Books > Arts & Photography > History & Criticism > Themes > Landscapes & Seascapes

See the book listed 4th for viewing in a Children's eBook category...

Our book shows up in the fourth viewing spot when you search in the category

Kindle Store › Kindle eBooks › Children's eBooks › Science, Nature & How It Works › Nature › Water

Great position to be seen when people are browsing!


Monday, December 9, 2013

Book ranked on Amazon.com!

Book update...

Ranked:
#22 in Books > Arts & Photography > History & Criticism > Themes > Landscapes & Seascapes



and is the #1 hot new release in
Books > Arts & Photography > History & Criticism > Themes > Landscapes & Seascape
 





It is working its way up in these categories as well:

 
And a wonderful review by a friend of Nancy's.
They really connected with the book in the way I was hoping everyone would!


If you purchase either the paperback or the kindle, please come back and rate the book and provide a few words of feedback. These reviews really help other people get a feel for the book and help convince them to buy!

Happy reading!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Dreams of the Turtle King is now available as paperback and kindle!!

Dear friends,

We have made it!

Nancy and I are very pleased to announce that our  book "Dreams of the Turtle King" is now available on Amazon.com.

It is available as a paperback for ~$12 a book.
It is also available as a kindle book for $1.99.

These are both full color editions.
 
If you are an Amazon.com Prime member, you may borrow the Kindle version for free, as well.

Right now the Amazon.com machinery has not connected these items together so that you can find both on one page. If you search for the title, you will find both versions and can then select which one you want to purchase.

Thank you so much for your support and happy reading!!


Note:
If you have an older kindle that is in black and white rather than color, you can download either the following programs from Amazon for FREE to read the book on your PC or smartphone.
  • Kindle for PC software: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=1000426311
  • Kindle for Android :http://www.amazon.com/Amazon-com-Kindle-for-Android/dp/B004DLPXAO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1386420278&sr=8-2&keywords=kindle+software+for+pc

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Book proofing update...

Made great progress in formatting the ebook version for kindle today!

I am lucky my friend Dave has gone through this challenge before for his book, The Gift, or I would be really lost in the process. He has been invaluable in helping me along this self-publishing journey.

Hoping to get the minor formatting tweaks worked out by the end of the weekend.
Then it will be RELEASE TIME!

Can't wait!

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

The poem is Early Risers...

"Early Risers" illustration from Nancy Standlee for my "Dreams of the Turtle King" beach poem book.

The poem is Early Risers and the illustration is for a stanza in the poem ...

"I greet the early risers
as I walk down the beach..."

It was interesting who you would find on the beach at sunrise. Some people would be walking, some jogging, some sitting in a chair reading the paper. There was an AA meeting held above the water line on the sand that was usually wrapping up when I got to that part of the beach. The locals with their routines and the tourist with their white bodies anxious to get as much sun and fun as possible.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Watercolor Beach Painting, Early Risers 13082, Book of Poems, Dreams of the Turtle King by Denise Bossarte. Illustrated by Texas Contemporary Artist Nancy Standlee

Watercolor Beach Painting, Early Risers 13082, Book of Poems, Dreams of the Turtle King by Denise Bossarte. Illustrated by Texas Contemporary Artist Nancy Standlee

 Early Risers 13082
Watercolor on Bockingford Rough 140 lb paper
Pen and ink 7.5x11" unmatted 


This painting is an illustration for a book of poems, Dreams of the Turtle King, written by Denise Bossarte that should be available on Amazon around the first of December, 2013.  Denise is a Texas photographer and a member of Artists of Texas. 
This was illustration No. 6 and of 24, including a cover. I worked on these each day, posting them on my Daily Paintworks Gallery and website and Facebook, sending them to Denise to be scanned. The book in undergoing proofing, now.


Original fine art and affordable prints can be found at:
Follow me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/NancyStandlee/
                           http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nancy-standlee.html
Order personalized checks, side tear checks, checkbook covers and address labels with a choice of 20 of my paintings on them.

contact: NancyStandlee@sbcglobal.net

Sunday, December 1, 2013

The poem is SEAWEED...

"Seaweed" illustration from Nancy Standlee for my "Dreams of the Turtle King" beach poem book.

The poem is Seaweed and the illustration is for a stanza in the poem ...

"Instead,
for long miles,
the sand is strewn
with clumps of seaweed..."

There were times I would walk the beach and it would be empty of objects, other times it would be covered with seas shells (another poem!) of all shapes and size. Then there were the times when the sand was blanketed by seaweed and kelp for long stretches of brown sliminess. Before it could start to rot and cause a stench for the tourist, they bulldozers (another poem!) would come and sweep up all the organic matter.

Book proofing update...

I have gotten through the soft cover book proofing and am on to the Kindle ebook proofing, which is through a separate "group" online. Hoping I will get lucky and the files will work for both. If not, then my friend Dave will help me create what I need for the Kindle side of things. On track for this to be available in the next week or two!

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Seaweed 13108, a Watercolor, Gouache, and Pen Illustration for the Poem, Seaweed, in the Book of Poetry, Dreams of the Turtle King by Bossarte and Standlee



Seaweed 13108
Watercolor and Gouache and Pen and Ink 11x10

This is an illustration for the beach poems, Dreams of the Turtle King, and the publication date is nearing. Suitable for grades 3, 4 and up (that means adults) and a great way to inspire poetry writing and some watercolor illustrations for the Christmas break.

Original fine art and affordable prints can be found at:
Follow me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/NancyStandlee/
                           http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nancy-standlee.html
Order personalized checks, side tear checks, checkbook covers and address labels with a choice of 20 of my paintings on them.




Dreams of the Turtle King blog http://www.dreamsoftheturtleking.com/


Denise Bossarte
Found Worlds Photography
Dreams of the Turtle King: Poems Inspired by South Florida Beaches by Denise Ippensen Bossarte


Dreams:
Texas Daily Painter, Watercolor, Pen and Ink sketches,  Beach paintings, small paper painting, poetry book, poems, beach poems, gouache, TX,  Artists of Texas, Nancy Standlee Fine Art, Daily Paintworks, Pinterest,  Dreams of the Turtle King,   Denise Bossarte, photography, Amazon, Florida, Found Worlds,seaweed,

Friday, November 29, 2013

The poem is SIBLINGS...

"Siblings" illustration from Nancy Standlee for my "Dreams of the Turtle King" beach poem book.

The poem is Siblings and the illustration is for a stanza in the poem ...

"A father brings
his son and daughter
to the beach..."

There were occasionally families out on the beach or in the water when I did my morning walks. Usually, they waited until a bit later in the day to come down to the beach, but a few were there bright and early.

This morning I saw a father with his two children, a boy and a girl. The boy was being the typical adventuresome boy and was jumping into the waves. The little girl wanted to join him but was a bit too timid to rush into the water, but was hopping from one leg to the other at the water's edge!

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Siblings 13105, Watercolor Illustration for a Book of Poetry, Dreams of the Turtle King, by Denise Bossarte with Illustrations by Nancy Standlee

Seaweed 13108
Watercolor and Pen and Ink 11x10

This is an illustration for the beach poems, Dreams of the Turtle King, and the publication date is nearing. Suitable for grades 3, 4 and up (that means adults) and a great way to inspire poetry writing and some watercolor illustrations for the Christmas break.

Original fine art and affordable prints can be found at:
Follow me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/NancyStandlee/
                           http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nancy-standlee.html
Order personalized checks, side tear checks, checkbook covers and address labels with a choice of 20 of my paintings on them.




Dreams of the Turtle King blog http://www.dreamsoftheturtleking.com/


Denise Bossarte
Found Worlds Photography
Dreams of the Turtle King: Poems Inspired by South Florida Beaches by Denise Ippensen Bossarte


Dreams:
Texas Daily Painter, Watercolor, Pen and Ink sketches,  Beach paintings, small paper painting, poetry book, poems, beach poems, TX,  Artists of Texas, Nancy Standlee Fine Art, Daily Paintworks, Pinterest,  Dreams of the Turtle King,   Denise Bossarte, photography, Amazon, Florida, Found Worlds, siblings,

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The poem is DEFIANT...

"Defiant" illustration from Nancy Standlee for my "Dreams of the Turtle King" beach poem book.

The poem is Defiant and the illustration is for a stanza in the poem ...

"Red flags fluttering,
the “No Swimming” signs
are posted along the beach..."

The morning walks were not always pleasant. Sometimes the weather would tour a bit sour and the wind pick up. That was when the sand would dig into your eyes and pelt your body.

There were red flags used at the beach to warn of rip tides and bad water conditions. The often came out with this type of windy weather.

This time, the flags were prominently displayed, but a young man ignored the posted risks to take advantage of the increase in wave activity.

Book proofing update...

Got the proofs of the book today. One for me to review and one to send off to Nancy.

The book looks AWESOME!
Nancy's illustrations are fabulously displayed.
And my poems sound great - I read them out loud to the cat to check the rhythm and look for edits.

Just a few very minor changes, so fixed and resubmitted to be processed online.
Publishing very soon to book and kindle!!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Defiant an illustration for the book of beach poems by Denise Bossarte with illustrations by Nancy Standlee

Defiant 13102
Watercolor and Pen and Ink 11x10

This is an illustration for the beach poems, Dreams of the Turtle King, and the publication date is nearing. Suitable for grades 3, 4 and up (that means adults) and a great way to inspire poetry writing and some watercolor illustrations for the Christmas break.

Original fine art and affordable prints can be found at:
Follow me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/NancyStandlee/
                           http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nancy-standlee.html
Order personalized checks, side tear checks, checkbook covers and address labels with a choice of 20 of my paintings on them.




Dreams of the Turtle King blog http://www.dreamsoftheturtleking.com/


Denise Bossarte
Found Worlds Photography
Dreams of the Turtle King: Poems Inspired by South Florida Beaches by Denise Ippensen Bossarte


Dreams:
Texas Daily Painter, Watercolor, Pen and Ink sketches,  Beach paintings, small paper painting, poetry book, poems, beach poems, TX,  Artists of Texas, Nancy Standlee Fine Art, Daily Paintworks, Pinterest,  Dreams of the Turtle King,   Denise Bossarte, photography, Amazon, Florida, Found Worlds,CheckAdvantage,Defiant,

Monday, November 25, 2013

The poem is FLOCK OF PELICANS...

"Pelican" illustration from Nancy Standlee for my "Dreams of the Turtle King" beach poem book.

The poem is Flock of Pelicans and the illustration is for a stanza in the poem ...

"A flock of pelicans
glides in formation..."

As awkward as pelicans can seem, especially when standing around on a pier, they seem to have their own type of grace when they fly. I particularly like seeing them flying together in formation as they work their way down the beach, hunting for breakfast.

It is fun to watch them at work as they dive head first into the water and come up with a fish, tossing their head to get it securely into their mouths and into their gullets.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

The Pelican 13084, a Watercolor Illustration for the Beach Poems, Dreams of the Turtle King, written by Denise Bossarte and Illustrated by Nancy Standlee

The Pelican 13084
11x9 3/4 mats to 11x14
Bockingford rough watercolor paper 140 lb
Namiki Falcon Pen, Noodlers Gray Ink

 Another Artist of Texas , Denise Bossarte, has asked me to illustrate her book of poems, "Dreams of the Turtle King" poems inspired by South Florida beaches, and this is my third watercolor sketch with the Namiki Falcon and Lexington Gray ink. I've been plein air painting on the  Sandbridge beach in Virginia while in the Leslie Saeta workshop. Now I have 20 more illustrations to go for the book and they will all be beach related. I have about 5 to go for the Leslie Saeta challenge and some of these can overlap. After the book illustration images are scanned they will be available for shipping, approximately in two weeks. 


Please like our Facebook page Dreams of the Turtle King  


My paintings are available on the Daily Paintworks gallery page HERE.

I have an ArtByte, an affordable collage tutorial available HERE. 

Original fine art and affordable prints can be found at:
Follow me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/NancyStandlee/
                           http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nancy-standlee.html
Order personalized checks, side tear checks, checkbook covers and address labels with a choice of 20 of my paintings on them.




Dreams of the Turtle King blog http://www.dreamsoftheturtleking.com/
 

Saturday, November 23, 2013

The poem is MIGRATION

"Migration" illustration from Nancy Standlee for my "Dreams of the Turtle King" beach poem book.

The poem is Migration and the illustration is for a stanza in the poem ...

"A teenage boy
with a skateboard
walks with an adolescent girl
dragging a sleeping bag..."

This is based on a series of the most moving sights I saw one morning at the beach. The homeless were vacating the beach as the tourist were getting up from their safe and cool night in the hotels lining the beach. This poem covers two groups as they made their way to the spots where they would spend the daytime, the boy and girl moving off together here in Nancy's illustration.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Migration 13086, a Watercolor Illustration for the Beach Poems, Dreams of the Turtle King, written by Denise Bossarte and Illustrated by Nancy Standlee





Migration 13086
11x10 watercolor, pen and ink
Bockingford Rough 140 lb paper, Nakimi Falcon pen, Lexington Gray Ink

Please like our Facebook page Dreams of the Turtle King 

My paintings are available on the Daily Paintworks gallery page HERE.

I have an ArtByte, an affordable collage tutorial available HERE.  

This painting is an illustration for a book of poems, Dreams of the Turtle King, written by Denise Bossarte that should be available on Amazon around first of December, 2013.  Denise is a Texas photographer and a member of Artists of Texas. 
This is illustration No. 5 and I had 19 more to do at the time. I worked  on these each day, posting them on my Daily Paintworks Gallery and website and Facebook, sending them to Denise to be scanned, and matting in a 14x11 mat and shipping when sold, and allow 2 weeks for the painting to be mailed if you purchase.

The teenage couple on the beach:
This is an interesting and a new project for me, reading the written words in a poem and translating the images and stories that develop into an image on paper. The words here that called to me were teenage, skateboard, girl and sleeping bag. When you read the poem maybe you will "see" another image from a different line in the poem. 

Original fine art and affordable prints can be found at:

Follow me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/NancyStandlee/
                           http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nancy-standlee.html
Order personalized checks, side tear checks, checkbook covers and address labels with a choice of 20 of my paintings on them.

contact: NancyStandlee@sbcglobal.net