Good Morning! It is time again for Selma’s Monthly News!
Have you touched base with your teen? Ask them if they need help with anything. It shows them you are interested in who they are and what they are doing. In addition, talking to them will give you insight into how they are feeling and what they may be struggling with. It is so important for all of us to check in with each other.
Battle Against Bullying
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. So, for the final quarter of 2023, we are going to focus on the topic of bullying and ways to battle against it. Here is a link to learn more about this month’s theme and Mentoring A Dream.
Throughout this quarter, we will talk about what Bullying is and provide resources and tips on how to stand up and be a voice for the target of a bully. Bullying is a two sided interaction, so we also want to help you learn what the signs are if your teen is the one who bullies and provide ideas on how to help them.
Each of the books in The Way Series focuses on a teen challenge. Did you know that the teen challenge that Shawn’s Way focuses on is bullying? Shawn Townson is made the target of one who bullies. Josh Alberts is taking his frustrations out on him for his not making the varsity baseball team. Shawn’s story is told in Shawn’s Way and Josh’s side of the story is told in a short story I published this year called Josh’s Story. You can pick up a copy of the book to find out what happens to Shawn (see link below) and you can pick up a copy of the story story by signing up for my email list by following this link to my website Selma P. Verde.
My Journey
Even though my journey started out as an author, it is not only about the series. It has evolved into sharing my story about how my passion made a series of books and a platform that helps parents engage with their teens and young adults. Click on the link and learn more about that side of my dream. Mentoring A Dream.
Writing Updates
Here is the monthly news from the writing side
Waiting for editor comments on The Street’s Way
How is the editing going? Well, the full manuscript is currently with my editor Michelle. I am anxiously awaiting her first read through edit suggestions. As a self-published author, I have the final say on how the final version will appear. With my editor, she reads through and provides suggestions on changes that can be made to make things clearer or more complete. I then read through her suggestions and accept them or decline them. After I read through the first round, I send it back to her for a second look and she will send it back to me. I can’t wait to share the story with you when it is ready. We are looking at having it ready in mid November, just before the holiday shopping season. Stay tuned for further updates!
My cover designer, Jennifer Givner, designed the covers for all of the books in The Way Series. In addition, she will also be creating the one for book four, the final book in the series, which is due to publish in 2025.
Be ready to find out more about all of The Way Series characters in The Street’s Way, coming your way in late 2023!
Have you started reading The Way Series yet?
Are you looking for a couple of good teen coming-of-age reads focusing on teen challenges? Check out The Way Series.
Book #1 – The Hard Way – is the story of Paul Jones and his starting his freshman year of high school and how he must navigate dealing with pressure from his peers to do things to fit in.
Book #2 – Shawn’s Way – although it is a continuation of Paul’s journey from The Hard Way, we meet a new freshman, Shawn Townson, who is forced to navigate being the target of a bully. Because an upperclassman at his school is taking out his frustration on him.
Book #3 – The Street’s Way – is a continuation of The Way Series which introduces Mikala Kalani to the storyline as a runaway and homeless teen. To be released in late 2023!
So, click on link below to my books page to learn more about the series! And be sure to pick up your copies soon, so you can get caught up on the story line before the release of The Street’s Way later this year.
What events are coming up for The Way Series?
Next month, I will be participating in two events to promote The Way Series
Deep Valley Book Festival – October 7th
First, I am participating in the Deep Valley Book Festival in Mankato again this year. It is a one day event on Saturday, October 7th at the Country Inn and Suites in Mankato, MN. If you are in the area, it is a great way to meet me and learn more about the series. I will be there from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Books are available for purchase at this event and it is a great opportunity to get signed copies. For more information, please check out their website Deep Valley Book Festival
Come Meet the Author Series
And, I am participating in a local author series through the cities of New Hope, Robbinsdale, and Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. The event is taking place at the City of Crystal Community Center on Thursday, October 26th from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. I am excited to share my story about how the series came to be and answer questions about my writing process and the books themselves. Books are available for purchase at this event and the attendees can have their copies signed by me.
