Tag Archives: how to publish a book

“The Girl Who Tried to Catch the Moon” Inspires Young Readers to Pursue Their Dreams

First time author, Ashby Bland, brilliantly captures the idea of working toward a goal with a simple, yet profound voice.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (USA), August 27th, 2016 — You’ve heard the quote “if at first you don’t succeed, try-try again.” The main character in this new children’s picture, “The Girl Who Tried to Catch the Moon” brings the idea of being persistent to life. First time author, Ashby Bland, brilliantly captures the idea of working toward a goal with a simple, yet profound voice.

“I want young readers to have the confidence to go for their dreams,” said Ashby Bland, author and recently enrolled freshman at Columbia University. “Too many are quick to tell people they can’t do something; this book was written to encourage readers to set their goals and then persistently work towards achieving them.”

Ms. Bland first penned “The Girl Who Tried to Catch” the Moon when she was just four years old. Over the years she would stumble upon the story and make little refinements but the message always stayed the same. “You can do anything you put your mind to,” said Bland.

People discouraged Ms. Bland from applying to Columbia University, number four on the list of most difficult universities to get into according to the 2016 Hardest to Get survey which ranks 1,349 colleges based on acceptance rates. However, she had a goal of attending college there and set her sights on being accepted. She begins her freshman year this fall where she is studying Creating Writing.

Ms. Bland has been writing short stories, poems and novels since her early childhood and hopes that her first book, “The Girl Who Tried to Catch the Moon” is the start of a series of stories about girls and boys who try different things in their life.

“I know that young readers will be captivated by the colorful illustrations that accompany this inspiring tale,” said Lisa Umina, founder and publisher of Halo Publishing International. “Ashby has written a wonderful story that will help children see that, even if a dream seems impossible, like catching the moon, if you try hard enough you just might be successful.”

“I am excited to see this story come to life and be available for children all over,” said Bland. “I hope young readers are encouraged by this story of having a dream, working hard, overcoming obstacles, and problem solving to eventually see your dream become a reality.”

Certainly for Ms. Bland, this delightful story is a testament to her persistence, problem solving skills and ultimate success.

“The Girl Who Tried to Catch the Moon” is available in hard cover for $18.95 through:
Halo Publishing – http://halopublishing.com/1a-c/ashby-bland.html#the-girl-who-tried-to-catch-the-moon

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Who-Tried-Catch-Moon/dp/1612444962/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471880957&sr=8-1&keywords=9781612444963

Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-girl-who-tried-to-catch-the-moon-ashby-bland/1124420099?ean=9781612444963

About Ashby Bland:
Ashby Bland is an eighteen year old writer and artist from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She is currently a freshman at Columbia University in the City of New York. In the future, Ashby will continue to create thought-provoking works of art and literature.

About Halo Publishing International:
Halo Publishing International is a self-publishing company that publishes adult fiction and non-fiction, children’s literature, self-help, spiritual, and faith-based books. We continually strive to help authors reach their publishing goals and provide many different services that help them do so. http://www.HaloPublishing.com

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

Newly Released Dagah: The Great Fish is a Whale of a Tale!

Author Victoria McCarty Pens a Heartfelt Children’s Story of Faith and Trust.

Baltimore, MD (USA), August 26th, 2016 — We are familiar with the story of Jonah, a Bible story of epic proportions told of a man who is swallowed whole by a whale. But have we ever considered the story from the whale’s point of view? “Dagah: The Great Fish” is just that, the tale of a great whale who was called upon by God to participate in a mission far greater than he could have imagined.

“When my friend Inky asked the question – what did the whale think – it inspired me to create a colorful children’s book that would explore the relationship the fish had with God and how he came to swallow Jonah,” said author Victoria McCarty. “The question was asked jokingly but Inky really helped me delve into the story further and imagine what it would be like to be asked to do something far outside our comfort zone. “Dagah: The Great Fish” explores that experience. How do we respond when we are asked to do something we are sure we cannot.

In the story “Dagah: The Great Fish”, the main character is swimming along happily when he hears a voice that asks him to leave the comforts of home, food, and shelter and travel into the cold, dark waters of the unknown. Through a strong faith and trust in God, Dagah travels into a variety of interesting places and plays a major role in the story of Jonah, a simple man that God is also used for far greater good.

“Dagah: The Great Fish” is Victoria’s own experience in being asked to do something out of the norm. Prior to this story, Victoria has enjoyed writing but it was a very private endeavor. However, with “Dagah: The Great Fish” she felt called upon to create a story of faith and share it with the world.

“My hope is that “Dagah: The Great Fish” will resonate with young readers,” said McCarty. “Children have all experienced times when teachers, parents and other adults in their life have asked them to do something they felt was too difficult. Hopefully “Dagah: The Great Fish” will teach them that through faith and trust in God, who is always at their side offering support and comfort, they can accomplish great things.”

“Not only is this a wonderful children’s story,” said Lisa Umina, founder and publisher of Halo Publishing International, “but it is also a tale that will inspire parents to seek out more information about Jonah and other stories in the Bible that focus on God’s love and the importance of trusting in Him.”

Victoria’s story is accompanied by the beautiful art of her sister, Sarah Holtsberg, who is currently attending college. Her drawings bring the story of Dagah to life.

“Dagah: The Great Fish” is available through Halo Publishing as well as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

About Victoria McCarty:
Victoria McCarty is an art teacher, writer and active participant in children’s ministry in rural Carroll County, Maryland. She resides with her husband, dog, and cat focusing on church activities and creating studio artwork. Sharing God’s word in creative ways is one of Victoria’s passions. “Dagah: The Great Fish” is her first published work.

About Halo Publishing International:
Halo Publishing International is a self-publishing company that publishes adult fiction and non-fiction, children’s literature, self-help, spiritual, and faith-based books. We continually strive to help authors reach their publishing goals and provide many different services that help them do so. http://www.HaloPublishing.com

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com