New Release: Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving by Cheryl C. Malandrinos
I hope I’m not the only author who gets excited about each new book release. It’s so much fun to see your work in print…and not just a printed Word document on a computer.
The idea for Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving came about thanks to my participation in two annual events dedicated to picture book writing: Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo) and National Picture Book Writing Week (NaPiBoWriWee).
Originally in November–but moving to January in 2017–PiBoIdMo is a challenge where writers strive to create 30 picture book concepts in 30 days. You don’t need to write them, only come up with the ideas. The reason this appealed to me so much is that November has long been National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). After a few attempts at NaNoWriMo, I discovered it truly isn’t for me. I write too slow and I haven’t always been able to complete my research on time to propel me to that 50,000 word goal. Historical fiction can be a drag.
NaPiBoWriWee takes place at the beginning of May. In this challenge, you endeavor to write 7 picture books in 7 days. You can brainstorm, research, and take notes prior to May 1, but no writing is allowed.
Though real estate has prevented me from participating in these two events the last couple of years, I am a huge fan of these challenges because they are truly inspiring…and since PiBoIdMo sets you up for success with NaPiBoWriWee, it’s fun to watch the results. I ended up with six first drafts for picture books the year I participated–the most I had ever written.
Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving is the story of ten-year-old Macy, who is waiting for her grandparents to arrive on Thanksgiving Day. Their greetings are interrupted by a loud crash, and the family rushes into the kitchen to discover the dog gnawing on a meaty turkey leg. It will take Macy’s quick thinking to save dinner.
This book is currently available at:
It will soon be available directly from the publisher’s website as well.
Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving!
