Little Rockin' Roger makes a debut in Uk and the USA

Benjamin Moores may be modest about his own name, but not about Little Rockin' Roger. For the last two years, Benjamin worked slowly and painstakingly to develop his story and gradually worked with New York illustrator Valerie Bouthyette to bring that story to life. Benjamin searched for agents in the UK and was determined not to put Little Rockin' Roger on the waiting list too long. I'm glad he didn't wait!

Benjamin wrote in a recent letter to FutureWord the reason he submitted to a US publisher.

"Well, I was having hard luck with English agents here in the UK. Because of the recession, most were sticking with their "sure things". So on a prayer, I emailed Valerie my full manuscript hoping that she might like and recommend it to her friends (at this point I didn't know who Futureword were). A week or so later I got an email telling me she loved it to which I said, "Thank you very much".

Then a week later Valerie said that she had emailed my manuscript to one of her friends (Cheryl Haynes) and that she will let me know when she made a decision.

This took about 3 weeks. In the meantime I researched Cheryl Haynes and her site and made notes and was very impressed of all of its staff. This made me very anxious for her decision... which at first wasn't what I hoped for lol but in time she decided to take me on and here we are now!!"

FutureWord told the author that his book had a very high potential for a British audience. He insisted that the US audience would be a bigger one. He had been working on these series of stories in his mind long before he located an illustrator. Perseverance is one true sign of a winner. FutureWord let him try his hand at placing it with a UK publisher first. We couldn't believe we were lucky enough to have the story. Just reading it gave this publisher ideas . . .created brainstorms within. I contacted Lea Heil and asked her if she could write a musical score to go with Benjamin's lyrics. There is a rare and unique tale here. He never really showed Valerie the full manuscript for the illustrations. He only told her what he wanted for the pictures. She complied. Such was an extraordinary way of getting a book illustrated. You can almost read the whole process on the Little Rockin' Roger fan page created back in 2008.

Benjamin teaches young teens in IT but keeps a private collection of Little Rockin' Roger stories in his back pocket for when these are sold. The 48 page, perfect bound 8 by 10 is fully illustrated and can be purchased in the US for $12.99 and in the UK for as little as £7.78.

The book is also sold globally and at all retail online bookstores including Barnes and Noble.

So now, what is and who is Little Rockin' Roger? He's everywhere on the Internet. Roger, his mother and his pet fish move to a new home. Roger hums to himself at night because he's afraid. Someone or something starts to hum the tune back to Roger. He suspects ghosts but he can't be sure. Then a mouse leads him to the old attic where a magic glass guitar will make him become the next rock star!

The children can sing the song if the parents can read the musical score. It's a lovely way to teach children to love arts and culture. It helps them to learn music and gives the family a sense of togetherness.

Little Rockin' Roger just may rock your world like he has some of the people on his fan page.

Check out www.littlerockin'Roger.com or go to Facebook. He's listed there too!
Little Rockin' Roger! Oh, yeah! Little Rockin' Roger! Oh, Yeah!

GAYA nominee to give "Inspiration" for the banquet

Nicole Izmaylov will present the "Inspiration" at the Georgia State Convention banquet, which will be held at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park. The banquet will commence on Friday, June 25, 2010 at 6 PM EST.

Nicole also received a notice by mail along with silver labels to distinguish her book, Ronnie and BB, as a candidate for the prestigious GAYA Award. The GAYA (Georgia Author of the Year Award) is held each year annually and an author is awarded merits for outstanding achievements in literary works.

This award is presented by the Georgia Writers Association. This event is scheduled for the 19th of June. These are two separate events.

Nicole's first book is about Ronnie, a bumblebee who meets up with a mole named BB. These two characters, created by Nicole Izmaylov, share her message in an acrostic poem that reminds the readers that love and friendship are never to be taken lightly. Her twenty-four page children's book is perfect bound 8.25 by 8.25 with colorful illustrations by Valerie Bouthyette.

Nicole interviewed with this publisher by telephone prior to re-submitting an acrostic poem-story. I asked her if she was familiar with acrostic poetry.

Publishers seek authors who can supply what the publishers believe the readers would enjoy. At the time, I saw the need for acrostic poetry. It wasn't until after I spoke with Nicole that I truly realized how skilled she was in literature and poetry. I made an agreement to see what she could do with acrostics when she replied that she worked with acrostics in the past. Within an hour, I received the first draft of the poem-story converted into an acrostic.

Nicole was born in Atlanta and received national recognition for literary and musical compositions, including the "Reflections" award for literature during her elementary school years and various times throughout middle school. Her personal interests include: writing poems, playing violin and piano, and acting in the drama club at her school. She is now attending seventh grade at Webb Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia. She recently interviewed on Cynthia Brian's internationally syndicated radio show, "Be the Star You Are." It was during that interview that Nicole made a vocal submission to FutureWord for a forthcoming novel.

Michelle Izmaylov had her own fame established as one of the "Top 20 Under 20" on CNN.com. Her award-winning novel "Dream Saver" sold 35,000 copies. Michelle will also be in attendance as a nominee for her science fiction, "The Galacteran Legacy: Galaxy Watch."

Are the girls nervous? Well, maybe, but when you are already used to the limelight it doesn't hurt to look it straight in the eye.

If anyone would like to attend the awards, the ceremony begins at 7:30 PM and is free and open to the public. There is a fee of $55.00 for the banquet, which precedes the ceremony and begins at 6 PM, but this money is going to a great cause. Just click on the link GAYA for more information. The deadline for purchasing tickets for the banquet is June 8th.

Nicole Izmaylov Nominated for GAYA Award

FutureWord is overwhelmed with excitement for Nicole Izmaylov who will be dining among other nominees for the 46th annual GAYA (Georgia Author of the Year Award) on June 19th at the Kennesaw State University.

Nicole received the notice by mail along with silver labels to distinguish her book, Ronnie and BB as a candidate for this prestigious award. Each year an author is presented with this honor by the Georgia Writers Association.

FutureWord has been flooded with email addresses requesting press releases and any details that can update magazines or media,as well as inquiries about the GAYA Award.

Nicole's first book is about Ronnie, a bumblebee who meets up with a mole named BB. These two characters, created by Nicole Izmaylov, share her message in an acrostic poem that reminds the readers that love and friendship are never to be taken lightly. Her twenty-four page children's book is perfect bound 8.25 by 8.25 with colorful illustrations by Valerie Bouthyette.

Nicole's first book sales were contributed to Lily's Run to help a young cancer patient with receiving the needed medical care.

Sales records reflect that she was able to match Amazon sales with her books signing sales over a 45-day period.

Cheryl Haynes, publisher at FutureWord gave the following account of her interview with Izmaylov before she agreed to a contract.

"Nicole interviewed with me by telephone prior to re-submitting an acrostic poem-story. I asked her if she was familiar with acrostic poetry. Publishers seek authors who can supply what the publishers believe the readers would enjoy. At the time I saw the need for acrostic poetry. It wasn't until after I spoke with Nicole that I truly realized how skilled she was in literature and poetry. I made an agreement to see what she could do with acrostics when she said she worked with acrostics in the past. Within an hour, I received the first draft of the poem-story converted into an acrostic. I was baffled by how versatile she was for a twelve-year-old. It's not every day that you meet someone so young with such great talent. That's when I decided on working out a contract."

Nicole was born in Atlanta and received national recognition for literary and musical compositions during her elementary school years, as well as various times throughout middle school. Her personal interests include: writing poems, playing violin and piano, and acting in the drama club at her school. She is now attending seventh grade at Webb Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia.

A copy of the original press release can be found on this web site link at the FutureWord web site.

FutureWord also posted a copy of Nicole's nomination letter on the same headline page for everyone to reference for information about the award event.

FutureWord has seven more titles coming out this year from various authors across the United States, but Haynes says she believes she tapped into the best "Authors of the Future" right out of Georgia.

For more information about ordering books for Ronnie and BB, email the publisher at: ourfutureword@aol.com.

384 E Goodman Road, Southaven, Ms 38671.www.futureword.net | Fax (901)-(672-6303)
901-217-8514 office

Little Rockin Roger rocks

Now and then, Valerie Bouthyette has a book that she is illustrating that she runs by me to see what I think.

I saw this one and it was a no-brainer. My own personal ethical code will not allow me to talk Benjamin Moores into letting me publish his first book of The Little Rockin Roger series that he has been talking about for months.

This book needs a home at brick and mortar stores.

There are novels that can be read on Kindle and novels that can be printed on demand and purchased on line, but this one will pop out on a book store shelf to any child or adult.

Little Rockin Roger & the Magic Glass Guitar is about a young boy, Roger, who moves to a new house and encounters some seriously spooky events. No rattling chains or creaking noises, but a "tune".

Roger and his pet fish get carried away with the magic of a glass guitar that makes Roger a singing idol .

The lyrics are lively, the illustrations, by Valerie Bouthyette are once again, remarkable and eye-catching.

FutureWord had to turn Benjamin Moores in another direction. All suggestions for Benjamin Moore's book should be sent to: Ourfutureword@aol.com.

Right now, we want to see who is paying attention and how it turns out.

"One must never keep a dream waiting." -Og Mandino- The Greatest Salesman in the World

Ronnie and BB

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

FutureWord Publishing Donates Books For Charity Event

FutureWord Publishing has donated a limited number of books to benefit cancer patient, Lily Anderson.

Lily Anderson, 8, was diagnosed Sept. 10 with advanced neuroblastoma cancer in the form of a large tumor in her abdomen. Money is needed for her treatment. The details can be found here: "Lily's Run"

Cheryl Haynes, publisher at FutureWord routed some books that were going to be donated for the Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospital to Nicole Izmaylov for her signing.

"There are a limited number of books. The more money you pay for the book, the more money goes to the cancer fund for Lily Anderson." said Mr. Highfield, Director of sales at FutureWord.

Nicole's older sister, best-selling author Michelle Izmaylov, currently a medical student at Emory University, published "Dream Saver" and "The Galacteran Legacy: Galaxy Watch" will be selling her books as well for the benefit.

Nicole Izmaylov is currently attending Webb Bridge Middle School in Alpharetta, and will sign her title, "Ronnie and BB."

The book signing will be held with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the "Lily's Run" Fund.

Here is the schedule:

Date: Nov. 21

Time: Nicole 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Michelle 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Place: Ocee Library, Alpharetta

Participants: Nicole Izmaylov (Ronnie and BB) and Michelle Izmaylov (The Galacteran Legacy: Galaxy Watch)

Sidney's Pizza, Vickery Village Book Signing.

Date: Dec. 5

Time: Noon to 2 p.m. Both Nicole and Michelle will be signing at this time.

Place: Sidney's Pizza, Vickery Village

Participants: Nicole Izmaylov (Ronnie and BB) and Michelle Izmaylov (The Galacteran Legacy: Galaxy Watch)

Go to Amazon.com to search inside."Ronnie and BB."

FutureWord 's goal is to provide the best books to today's readers.

FutureWord's latest addition--Best-selling author, Michelle Izmaylov

The staff at FutureWord is buzzing with excitement. They have a Sci-fi/Fantasy Editor for Young Adults and she's an accomplished published author.

Cheryl Haynes, president of FutureWord, told this interviewer, "Michelle Izmaylov can edit any genre, but she is very keen in science fiction. That is what I want her to do right now but she is probably going to take flight and do some pretty amazing things on the line of book publishing. She is already on her own fourth novel."

How well rounded with creativity and industry can one eighteen-year-old be? Well, all I can say is--we should all keep an eye on this girl.

About seven years ago, an eleven-year-old girl with a laptop began writing the tale of an ordinary Earth child who discovers an enchanted pocket watch. At eighteen, Michelle Izmaylov is the bestselling author of three novels: The Pocket Watch, Dream Saver, and Galaxy Watch (the first book of The Galacteran Legacy trilogy). Michelle’s story has been featured by CNN, a copy of which may be found here.

Additional accomplishments include winning first place in a national short story contest hosted by Mercury Publishing, Inc. Also, during Michelle’s tenure as the Prose Editor of The Ripple Effect in 2007-2008, the literary magazine received the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Medal.

Although no genre is beyond her reach, Michelle delights in fantasy and science fiction. “I am honored to be part of FutureWord’s editing staff,” says Michelle. “Connecting with authors is an amazing journey. Every writer has a unique story to tell, and I love working together to enhance that story to life.”

Discussion: Kindle

Eventually Kindles will replace textbooks in schools. Well, Maybe not a Kindle but some electronic reading device will be designed to replace textbooks. This electronic world of books seems to fall right into part of a government plan to make an electrical grid, save the environment, and create greater technology.

However, protesters who cannot change their ways, can stay the way they are as far as books are concerned. Downloads off your web site will always be an option. Digital files, Ebooks, audios and Kindles are the way we are headed with this electrical grid. It's been a long time in the making and just needed the right moment to come out.

This will even cause Ebooks to be in higher demand than ever. Not everyone can afford to buy a Kindle. But no one should be concerned about that. There is always a cheaper way for some of us.

I have lots of friends who were in the Amazon program and their Shorts were never sold on digital. Then along came the Kindle and the Shorts were converted...then they started selling and making money on the Kindles. As their rankings on their Kindles grew, they started selling the digitals to the people who didn’t have Kindles. We should embrace new technology as it will pull us with it into the future of publishing.

The first form of a Kindle that I noticed and wished that we had was on Star Trek Voyager. The crew of Voyager walked around with an electronic reading device that looked very much like a Kindle. Science fiction fans are not dumbfounded at this technology. Some of them knew that the idea was very real and soon to be. Then the doctor's offices started bringing something out that simulated the same version of a doctor's report on the first Star Trek Classics.

Imagine a school room of children with no text books because they are all loaded into a ten-ounce Kindle.

If you can get your book on a Kindle then you should do so. Don’t stop your digitals because the common laborer has children who cannot afford Kindles. These children will settle for using a big laptop to read a book or lean over a desktop. The laptops will be used like a Kindles for reading Ebooks and the computers in schools will have the information that the teacher needs. Have you ever heard of people who go on job training with a computer in front of them for days, teaching them the new job?

These children know how to adapt. It is good for the publishing industry to embrace the Kindle and they have thus far.

Anyone who signs onto Amazon will see a video demonstration of the Kindle II.

Laurie Foston to publish independently

I’m Laurie Foston but my real name is Cheryl Haynes. I’m published under the pseudonyms Cheryl Henry Hodgetts in the Hebrew language for the title, Leon the Chameleon. My stories are broken down by their genres to have different pseudonyms. Laurie Foston for adult fiction and Cheryl Henry Hodgetts for children's stories.

I write science fiction/fantasy with a religious allegory. My novel, The Coming of the Magi was released December, 2006.

I offered free books for a survey feedback on Amazon.com in 2007 for the 285 page novel. It is my belief that the customer is always right. I have taken advice from the public on what the readers want or desire to read in the genre that I write. I intend to follow through with revisions for what the public desires.

The book, The Coming of the Magi proved to be viable after testing it on the market and has surpassed C.S. Lewis in the Amazon.com sales ranks in its category many times over the last six months.

This pleasant surprise encouraged me to seek more publishing opportunities. The book is currently a work-in-progress revision to be offered to a wider audience of young adults as well. The present book is written in a style that emulates Jane Austen but it has been decided that a longer, simplified, contemporary version is more practical for the current readers of today.

I seek to publish this newer version independently under the title, The Next Phase Chronicles, Just in Time For You and anticipate it to be ready in early 2011 through Amazon.com.

Amazon.com is the largest venue of book sales globally and I find the readers and members of the Amazon community seek out books that are of the highest quality for their children to read. I hope that my new version will be satisfactory for this community.

My publisher, Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC. has produced a beautifully bound paperback with an exceptionally nice inside layout. I have decided to try out publishing independently and have terminated the contract with Tate Publishing. Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC. has wished me the best of success in my independent publishing endeavor and I would like to say that they have exceeded my expectations in a first time publisher.

The following titles are available through http://www.amazon.com/amazon-shorts-digital-shorts/b?ie=UTF8&node=13993911: and were published by Amazon.

Christmas Is Not Just For Children by Laurie Foston
Leon the Chameleon by Cheryl Henry Hodgetts


The latest children’s story is not yet available but is in the illustration process and will become available for publication in the month of June, 2009. The name of the title is expected to be The Mystery of the Sasyrifera Plant.I’m excited to belong to the Amazon community and look forward to building a future in books with Amazon.com.

Cheryl Haynes aka Laurie Foston.

Future of the written word

The future of publishing...has now become the prediction from the past. A comment from Authors' Crossroad Think Tank



"Writers need to come to grips with the electronic medium. My downloads out sell my hard copies at least 4 to 1. The old notion of having a hard copy in your hands will die along with us. Barnes & Noble is already facing that fact and seeing what is happening to record stores. Download is the future, like it or not. Hard copies will be ad displays at best. Ingram is already gearing up to have in-store POD of current books to cut down on store space. The typical retail outlet costs at least $25 per sq. ft. in rent alone. That's a lot of books just to pay the rent. Those who can market successfully with download will make the money. Shipping alone is prohibitive for a small press. On my Winning Thinking, I make about 10 cents on a hard copy, if that. With a 55% markup and shipping there is no profit in hardcopy. Download I can make $5 each without the hassle or expense. We'll be selling books like Burger King, making them to order in the store if Ingram has their way. It actually makes total sense for those who insist on a hard copy. I can easily provide a PDF file for a store to use to print a perfect bound on the spot. With technology coming around we should be seeing a standardized format like the rack paperback that can be cranked out as needed or you plug your IPOD into a slot and download your book like at an ATM machine or just do it on line."

The above comment is contributed by author, Michael Cortson. The Authors' Crossroad is a think tank which serves as an advertising tool for authors web sites and books. Any feedback on this comment may go to: http://www.michaelcortson.com/. You may also respond by adding your comment to this blog or by responding directly to the author of this blog at lauriefoston@aol.com.