iPhone Video on Plane from Cozumel Mexico!

Hi!

I met an adorable girl from Russia named Olga.
She let us take a video of her saying hi using the new iPhone.
Check it out!

Gillian

Sparky does good deeds in COZUMEL!!!

Hi There!
Sparky and I went down to Mexico last week, which was TERRIFIC!
I ran into the sweetest little girl, Ashanti and her mother, Donna and baby sister, Zindy!
I bought a cute black and red ankle bracelet from Donna. Ashanti went crazy for my Sparky the Wonderfish book, so I gave her an autographed copy!!!

Here are some photos...

Talk soon!

Gillian & Sparky

Make A "Sparky the Wonderfish" PUZZLE Now!!!

Hi!

http://five.flash-gear.com/npuz/puz.php?c=v&id=3455337&k=13062488
Cut & Paste this link into your browser and build you OWN Sparky The Wonderfish PUZZLE!
Give it a try, it's ADDICTIVE, in a GOOD way!!!

Love,
Gillian & Sparky

Where in the World is Sparky???

Hello!

I heard today that Sparky was sighted in Israel!  He is also in Cozumel Mexico, Castaic CA, New York City, Miami Florida and New Orleans... Sonoma, San Luis Obispo, Santa Monica, Santa Clarita, Los Filez, Burbank, Pasadena, San Diego, Washington DC, Menlo Park CA, Nashville TN!  If you see Sparky out and about, I would love to hear about it AND see pictures...  You know like the gnome thing.  All of this is very new and exciting for Sparky and me.  Sparky is a thrill seeker who loves to go places and see things.  So if you see him out and about PLEASE let us know!!!

Thanks!
Gillian and Sparky 

Barnes & Noble The Grove LA (June 14) Photos!

Hi!

The Barnes & Noble event at The Grove location was fantastic!!! (This is the Flagship Store on the West Coast) I had a video presentation on a big screen. I gave FREE Sparky the Wonderfish Stickers and Coloring pages and we colored Sparky! This B&N location purchased over 40 copies... All SOLD, except a few copies at this event!

*I have booked another event at this B&N Grove location, August 18th for over 100 Kids!!!

Ten time Emmy Award-winning cameraman, Jim Velarde shot my presentation as well as testimonials of the kids and my interview regarding my "Sparky the Wonderfish Gulf Coast Hope & Literacy Tour" plan...

Most important Q&A for me was the description of my passion for my "Sparky the Wonderfish Gulf Coast Hope & Literacy Tour" which is looking for a sponsor...

More information and photos SOON!

Talk soon!

Gillian & Sparky

Sparky at Circus Vargas!

Hi-

A friend of mine, Jimmy has a granddaughter who is obsessed (in a good way) with all things Sparky the Wonderfish!  She has the book, pins, coloring pages, stickers, a T-shirt, a teddy bear wearing a Sparky the Wonderfish T-shirt and she wants me to get cracking on a Sparky PLUSH TOY asap!!! 

 *get your own Sparky swag at the Sparky the Wonderfish Shop! 

http://www.cafepress.com/sparkywonder

She went to Circus Vargas last weekend and had them paint Sparky on her cheek!  And this is her with her favorite performer.  She had a great day!!!

Thanks to a little fish named Sparky... and the Circus!

Bye for now...

Exciting Barnes & Noble Booksellers News!!!

I had a meeting with the Customer Relations Manager Jon and the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society President Tony this weekend.  B&N wants to work with Sparky the Wonderfish in a lot of ways.  The Grove location is stocking 45 books at that location.  We are partnering with The Wonder of Reading which rebuilds and restocks libraries throughout Los Angeles.  We are also partnering on various outreach programs!

More information as I have it...  

Follow me on twitter for updates on my SparkTheGulf efforts at http://twitter.com/sparkthegulf

Love,

Gillian & Sparky

*Making the world a better place a book at a time!

Washington Accelerated Elementary School Reading for 800 kids!!!

Hi!

This event was spectacular thanks much to Adriana Rosales who set it all up and made posters all over the school...  They had me on speaker and teachers throughout the crowd of 800 kids showing the book pages as I read!  It was incredible!!! 

Take a look!

Gillian

LA Times Festival of Books UCLA '09 Photos & Positive Feedback!

From Jim in photo #2, wrote me these kind words...

"Having taken my 6 year old granddaughter to several book readings at our local Library. She has never responded with such enthusiasm and infectious interest to any other children's book before. SPARKY THE WONDERFISH : A story of how love creates magic has become her favorite children's story. She's now looking forward to seeing the movie and playing with Sparky the Wonderfish toys."  

And Hi!

The LATFOB 2009 went well for Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic

I sold about 15 books total which I hear is good for a festival which can be mostly about exposure and give-away items, which I did too... coloring pages, bookmarks, cards, flyers, coloring pages etc.  Here are a few photos of the festivities!!!

On Thursday I read at a school for 800 students!!!

Talk soon,

Gillian & Sparky the Wonderfish!

"Sparky the Wonderfish" Gulf Coast Hope & Literacy Tour!

Follow me on Twitter!  SparkTheGulf  -  http://twitter.com/sparkthegulf

WE CANNOT FORGET THE GULF COAST!

Moving forward with plans...

We are working very hard on the "Sparky the Wonderfish Gulf Coast Hope & Literacy Tour" taking my children's book "Sparky The Wonderfish" and using this "story of how love creates magic" to help rebuild the Gulf Coast disaster areas, aimed towards the educational wants and needs of the children effected by these disasters i.e. schools, libraries, hospitals.  There have been many more hurricanes since Katrina which have continued to batter the Gulf Coast. We need to increase attention in these areas and support the children who continue to suffer from these hurricanes and devastation to their lives and their hope for the future. I am planning a tour along the Gulf Coast reading and donating books and supplies. I have joined forces with an artistic director for an internationally owned private school on the central coast. Her brother lives on the Gulf Coast and is helping us connect with the right people there.  I will be traveling to the Gulf Coast to do further "boots on the ground" research to determine the specific stops we will make and what the exact needs are as far as books and supplies.  We are also pursuing print and media attention to support our efforts and we need your support.  We are interested in joining forces with organizations or corporations who would help contribute to this cause (or if anyone knows how to forward this plan to Oprah or Ellen...) We appreciate any and all sponsorship!!!  My goal is to renew interest along the Gulf Coast by reading and donating my books and supplies to the kids as well as to raise money to build at least one new green school and library.  We need to get peoples lives back on track and increase HOPE & LITERACY - it's been messed up along the Gulf Coast for way too long!!!

I started a new business for extra income so I can continue to work on my books!

Hello-

Yes, I started my own business as an Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay cosmetics.

I love it so much!  It gives me total freedom to work around my writing instead of fitting writing in with my work schedule.  Everything about it is on my terms with complete flexibility to build my business and write and do my book events or even take a film job, all as I see fit.  How great is that?  So great!

Please contact me for a Sparky the Wonderfish reading and or Mary Kay beauty products!  We could have a party doing both, something nice for mom or dad and the kids!!!

Mary Kay Inc.

Gillian Hutshing

Independent Beauty Consultant

gillianh@marykay.com

http://www.marykay.com/gillianh

A lot of great things are happening...

Yesterday I received an email from Adriana Rosales the Library Coordinator at the Washington Accelerated Elementary School to Read & Sign Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic Thursday, April 30th.  Grades K through 5, the school has over 800 students.  They will be pre-ordering books for the event.

As a member of the Advisory Board for The Greater Los Angeles Writers Society (GLAWS)

the President of GLAWS has asked me to Chair the Booksellers Events.  We are joining forces with Barnes & Noble Booksellers.  Our first event is June 13, 14 2009 at The Grove location.  I believe Sparky and I will be kicking off the event.  We are planning to do one Barnes & Noble Booksellers event per month.  Hopefully we can begin the same situation with Borders Bookstores as well.  I would like our first in that series to be the Borders Torrance, CA location.

Good news!  On Friday I called the Barnes & Noble on Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles.  (I went there a few weeks ago and was told they were sold out of the 25 books they purchased for my book signing.)  I asked if they were going to re-order.  I was told, they had already reordered and stocked 7 more books and would continue to do so.  He said at their store alone, they sold 14 books in one month.  He said that is a very good number and suggested I contact more locations to stock Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic...  because it is selling so well!  

Sparky and I have been chosen to be a featured author and title at the LA Times Festival of Books at UCLA on April 25th, 26th.  

I will be signing books at booth 631. 

Saturday, April 25th - from 12:00PM until 2:00PM

Sunday, April 26th - from 2:00PM until 4:00PM

My hero, The Honorable Al Gore wrote me!

Hello there!

I received my letter back from the Honorable Al Gore and here it is...

Hi-

While I was on my latest book tour in northern California, and just six days after my letter was received at The Honorable Al & Tipper Gore's office, I got an email requesting my home address for a response to my package and letter.  I called yesterday to check in and was told that they have been swamped the last few months and I will probably receive something in the next couple of weeks. 

Waiting, excited...

Gillian & Sparky

My 2 new best friends from the Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula!

I had a fantastic time at The Center for A New Generation (founded by Condaleezza Rice) & The Boy's & Girls Club of the Peninsula.

The kids asked great questions, they colored Sparky coloring pages and Amy who set it all up said the kids were so engaged that it reminded her why she chose this for her career...  So satisfying!

The Laureate School...

The brilliant kids of the Laureate School...  And my friend Joanie seen in the first photo who was very instrumental in all this coming together and so well.  I can't thank her enough!

Another sign?! Closer to my Dream?

Hi-

News flash!  In a stunning turn of events, I heard that the Obama's went to chill out from a stressful day by reading to 2nd graders!  This on the heels of me writing a letter and sending my children's book 'Sparky the Wonderfish' to them about just that.  I heard him say he wanted to have readings for kids in The White House to promote literacy in the US, but he is spontaneously doing it ALREADY.  I want so much to be a part of this effort. (Dave Cook of Vote Blog writes) "...According to the White House, the charter school was founded in 2000 by a group of Washington public school parents working with teachers and other education professionals interested in reform.  The building the Obama's visited serves 244 students Grades Pre-K through 8.  The student body is 39 percent African-American, 24 percent Latino and 34 percent white.  More than half the students qualify for reduced-price lunch.  Student achievement in the school ranks in the top one-third of D.C. public schools...  One student wanted to be a veterinarian.  "We had a fish.  I've got to admit the fish died,"  the President said.  Mrs. Obama added, "The girls say we keep killing them." ...enter Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic, my true story of a tiny feeder fish who survives being dinner for six big mean Oscar fish and lives happily for 13 years!

Sparky wants to do more good deeds, wish him luck for Washington D.C. & The White House!

-Gillian

Letter to the Honorable Al Gore -

2 Readings at The Center For A New Generation (Feb. 17th)!

Hi there-

I was watching "The View" Thursday morning.  On it was Condoleezza Rice who discussed a children's foundation she started to increase literacy for children grades one to eight.  It is based in Menlo Park, California.  I jumped up and Googled it.  I left a message saying I was doing readings and signings all over the country for just that reason.  I got an excited call from them not more that ten minutes later!  Now, I have a Reading & Signing, Q & A and Coloring Session for two different age groups set up for Tuesday February 17th at 3:30PM and 4:30PM!!!  They also asked me to be a part of an auction event scheduled for May of this year.  I said I would love to!

Sparky and I couldn't be happier!!!

Gillian

Sparky Travels to The White House!!!

Hello-

The night before the inauguration of President Barack Obama, I watched a retrospective of his life on television.  On it he said he wanted to invite kids to The White House for children's book readings to help encourage literacy in the US.  I was stunned and amazed that he was planning something so perfectly in tune with what I am doing with various programs, charities, schools, libraries, etc.  I wrote him a letter and sent a signed copy of Sparky the Wonderfish: A Story of How Love Creates Magic book.  I included a coloring page, stickers, postcard, business card, bookmark and information sheet along with it.  

How in keeping with what I am about, and how exciting to make a bigger impact would it be if I am invited to join in his efforts at The White House?!  EXCITING!

I will keep you posted...

Gillian & Sparky the Wonderfish

P.S.  By the way, if you scroll down to November 14th on this blog, you will see a photo (from Barnes & Noble Booksellers in LA) of 'Sparky the Wonderfish' on display right next to Michelle Obama's book!  Is it a sign?

Interesting observation!

Hi-

It's Friday, January 16th at about 4:00PM...  I was just washing my lunch dishes (pasta alfredo with chicken, and a gorgonzola and tomato salad - yumm!) it occurred to me I always thought my Sparky book would appeal most to kids 3 - 8 years old.  The more Readings, Signings, Q & A's that I do however, the more I realize kids as young as 1 & 2 years old are keeping focused and entertained and kids as old as 5th & 6th grade, are going crazy for it.  

During the Q & A's, the kids ask me all kinds of questions about how to write a book, about the inspiration and the illustrations... about Sparky's life, other sea creatures and animals.  They ask if I'm writing a sequel, do I have other books, when are the "Big Word Books" coming out...  Teachers tell me with a lot of these kids it is difficult to get them to read at all.  Teachers have said, after hearing Sparky read to them and getting their questions answered,  the same kids are not only excited to read, but are interested in writing as well!  It is remarkable.  There were 90 plus kids for a couple of events and afterwards they swarmed me like a rock star.  They wanted autographs, photos taken, they argued about who would help me to the car with my stuff.  WOW, cool.  Love creating magic...

Anyway, just felt like jotting down a few quick thoughts.  Now I am going back to my Cafe Press account, where I am redesigning and adding many more products to my Sparky the Wonderfish Shop.  That is where, on my site it says "Purchase Gifts & Clothing".

By for now!

Have a great weekend!

Gillian & Sparky 

Reading / Signing / Q & A San Rafael Elementary School! (Wed. Jan. 14th 2009)

Hi There-

We had a great time Reading and Signing for the "Book Club" at the San Rafael Elementary School in Pasadena today!  One was for about 90+ students in the school auditorium...  from 12PM to 12:45PM for 4th and 6th Graders; the second Reading & Signing was from 1PM to 2PM for 1st and 2nd graders.  Both the kids and I had a wonderful time.  They asked great, interesting questions.  I signed lots of Give Away postcards and everyone had a good time!  The wonderful Library Coordinator, Adriana Rosales worked very hard putting together a very organized and good looking event!

Adriana and I also discussed doing more readings at another school she works at with a student body of 800 students.  Hopefully in February or March, 2009.

Here are some photos from the day!

See you soon,

Gillian & Sparky

Sparky HELPS: Charity & Literacy - Schools, Hospitals, Libraries... Next Stop Gulf Coast*

Hello-

Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic is a story of triumph over adversity, the underdog overcoming...  And about love.  I have been donating books to schools, libraries, hospitals and various charities.  I have also been doing readings & signings, which I love to do!  Here is a partial list so far of the places I have donated books.

Ocean Ave. Charter School, Santa Monica, CA

Hilltop Preschool, Los Feliz, CA

Playgroup Preschool, Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles Family School, Los Angeles, CA

Tesoro de Valle School, Santa Clarita, CA

Wesley School, North Hollywood, CA

Coral Reef Elementary School, Miami Florida

John Muir Elementary School, Santa Monica, CA

The Growing Place School, Santa Monica, CA

Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School, San Diego, CA

Hillsides School: foster care, Pasadena, CA

The Laureate School, San Luis Obispo, CA

San Rafael Elementary School, Pasadena, CA

Santa Monica Library, Santa Monica, CA

Venice Library, Venice, CA

Palms Rancho Park Library, Los Angeles, CA

Fontana Library, Fontana, CA

Pasadena Library, Pasadena, CA

Los Angeles County Art Museum, Los Angeles, CA

The Wonder of Reading, Los Angeles, CA

Center For A New Generation, Menlo Park, CA

Boys & Girls Club of The Peninsula

Andean Dream, LLC. Bolivia

Global Green, Santa Monica, CA

Boys & Girls Club, Venice, CA

Mr. President Barack Obama, Washington DC

Honorable Al Gore, Nashville, TN

Los Angeles Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, CA

*New Orleans, Louisiana

Cozumel, Mexico

*My biggest wish! - to positively impact those affected by hurricane KATRINA!  I  am planning a Reading & Donating tour down the Gulf Coast giving Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic books and merchandise (T-shirts, bookbags, hats, journals, gifts and clothing) for the children.  It's time to start a 2nd wave of rebuilding: hope, supplies and literacy.  I will do readings & signings in schools, libraries, hospitals and for whoever else would like/need it... ending up in New Orleans where I will donate a big check to the rebuilding efforts there and Global Green.  I am partnered with The Wonder of Reading who have successfully renovated 200 libraries and overseen the purchase of more than $2,000,000 worth of new books.  Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic is about overcoming adversity and surviving against all odds.  It is about supporting the underdog.  Sharing Sparky is about literacy and love creating magic...  I have donated over 100+ books and continue to do so...  However, to make a difference for those affected by hurricane Katrina, I need to donate many more books and supplies than I can afford on my own, and to contribute enough money to really HELP, I need you!  Sparky is a GREEN book.  Sparky the Wonderfish is zero waste printing, on recycled paper from sustainable forests, ink used... (I am also a member of Global Green and Al Gore's We Can Solve It campaigns, among others).

Help me HELP those in need!  If you have an idea or the ear of a great sponsor like PetCo or Whole Foods (something 'green', literacy, charity, health related) or someone like Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, Bonnie Hunt who cares about people, I would love to hear from you!!!  Contact me through the 'write me' link on the Sparky the Wonderfish home page.

Thank you!  Thank you!  Let's make it happen!

Gillian & Sparky

Joining forces with THE WONDER OF READING!

Hello-

Last week at the Euclid Ave. Elementary School Grand Opening several really cool things happened.  Besides it being so fun already, I was approached by a woman from THE WONDER OF READING program.  They supplied the books for the new library at Euclid Ave.  The Wonder of Reading focuses on Los Angeles's most disadvantaged children.  They use the 3R's Program (Renovate, Restock and Read).  They have successfully renovated 187 libraries and overseen the purchase of more than $2,000,000 worth of new books.  The Program Coordinator, Eliza Karagezian asked me to join in their efforts and read at as many of their schools as I could, and I said YES, I would love to.  That is what Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic is all about, helping the underdog and triumph over adversity.  So I am thrilled to help with their literacy program.  I will be joining forces with them starting in early 2009.

I was also asked by the Principal to return to the Euclid Ave. Elementary School to read Sparky to more of their classes.  I think they are going to make Sparky the Wonderfish their book of the month, which would mean all grades will be reading Sparky and doing a book report on it!  So great!

Sparky's Private Reading was Amazing!

Hello again!

Sparky and I had a terrific time on Sunday reading at a private home!  They made this adorable Sparky cake which was so sweet.  I read the book and gave out stickers and we all colored Sparky Coloring Pages.  The kids really liked it and I got the chance to have long conversations with the parents.  It turned out that one of the mothers had worked with Sir Ridley Scott on several films (I worked with Ridley editing his "Blade Runner: The Final Cut").  She is also friends with one of the producers of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth".  She said she would pass my Gulf Coast dream of a Reading & Donating tour on to her (for the children affected by hurricane Katrina & hope to give money to Global Green for their rebuilding efforts).  I have spoken with Global Green and to The Wonder of Books to see if we can all join forces...

I'll keep you posted,

Gillian

This is a picture of little Emily and Grace Delossa and artwork by Emily.

Barnes & Noble Raffle Winner's Coloring Page!

Hi-

I am finally getting around to posting the Coloring Page that the Raffle Winner colored when I had my Barnes & Noble Reading / Signing on November 8th at the Westside Pavilion.  The little boy's name was Christopher.  After I read the book to about 20 people I gave away Sparky Stickers and then everyone Colored Sparky, even the parents!  Then I decided to Raffle off a FREE Signed Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of ow love creates magic book.  Christopher was very excited and happy to hear I would post his art on my website!

See you soon!

Gillian & Sparky

Photos from Euclid Ave. Elementary School Library Grand Opening! (Fri. Dec. 5th 2008)

The Euclid Ave. Library Grand Opening was amazing!  Hundreds of people were there as well as press, for the event.  During the event the kids sang songs about reading and about the new library.  There was then a ribbon cutting ceremony and I read Sparky to a select group of kids.  They were awesome and so sweet.  They had me sign all of the Sparky items I gave them like the postcards and coloring pages.  Two of the kids asked to help take all of my gear to my car, which was so sweet!  The Principal of the schools invited me to be their next book of the month and come back to read to many of their classes.  I also met the coordinator of "The Wonder of Reading" who supplied the new library with new books.  She asked me to join forces with them and read Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic to all of the LA schools that they represent this coming year!  Sparky is (hopefully) BLOWING UP!!!

Talk soon,

Gillian (and Sparky of course!)

Pasadena Reading & Signings were AWESOME!

Last week I read and signed Sparky at four libraries in Pasadena.  At the first, there were 80 kids.  2nd and 3rd graders who LOVED Sparky.  We had a Q&A afterwards and the kids asked so many wonderful questions and got very excited about the writing process.  Their teacher invited me to their school and to meet the principal.  They invited me to do more readings at the school on January 14th!  These are some photos from all the fun that week!

See you soon,

Gillian & Sparky

Photos from Hastings Reading & Raffle Winner Art!

Hi-

These are photos from the Hastings library reading from december 3rd.  It was all little babies and kids 1, 2 and 3 year olds...  Later that day I had another Reading & Signing for kids slightly older and I held a raffle and gave away a FREE autographed Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic book to the winner!  As always, I let them know that I would post the winning artist's coloring page here on my website.  This winner was Olivia Leddie!  The fun was a blast for us all and I can't wait to do it again!!!

More soon,

Gillian

Barnes & Noble Reading / Signing was Awesome!!!

My reading & signing of Sparky last Saturday November 8th was AMAZING!  They went all out.  They had posters all over the store in the front of the store and downstairs where the kids section is.  They had my bio and photo at the front counter with my book right next to MICHELLE OBAMA's book at the main register!  Can't beat that, really...  The reading was really fun.  Afterwards everyone colored Sparky and I raffled off a FREE copy of my book!  I also donated a Sparky the Wonderfish book to the LA Children's Hospital.  Also, they asked if they could book me for readings at other Barnes & Noble locations and of course I said YES!!!  Here are some photos!

Talk soon,

Gillian & Sparky

Letter of thanks from Boys & Girls Club!

Hi-

I received a very nice thank you letter from the Executive Director of the Venice, CA Boys & Girls Club thanking me for my donation of a Sparky gift pack which included a signed copy of the book, also a baseball cap, T-shirt, book bag, and journal.  The letter said, "...thank you very much for your suport of our 3rd Annual Westside Champion of Youth Dinner & Silent Auction.  Your generous donation of a Sparky Gift Pack to our auction is acknowledged and greatly appreciated.  Your support will help us deliver exciting and educational programs to over 4000 youth each year...support such as yours is very meaningful and will help enable young people who need us most to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens."

Erikk O. Aldridge

Executive Director

Received Letter from Writers Digest Awards!

Hello-

16th Annual International Book Awards...

No, I didn't win the award but they really loved Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic.

Here is what they wrote.  "The illustrations in Sparky the Wonderfish are a knock-out.  They have a childlike charm and simplicity and a luminescence.  This is a very sweet story that will appeal to a wide range of young readers, many of whom have been nose-to-nose with the feeder fish tank at the pet shop.  and the fact that this is based on a true story only makes it more appealing.  The book is professionally presented with a very pleasing and eye-catching cover.  There is the right mix of active illustrations with text on the pages and the story has a good message about the pay-off of persistence. Great Job!"  "This category was highly competitive and this book was among the best submitted.  Keep up the wonderful work!"

Structure, Organization, Grammar ****

Cover Design *****

------------------------

Team Sparky, signing off for now...

Somebody Blogged about Sparky!!!

Hey-

Someone who met me at the WeHo (West Hollywood Book Fair) Juliansblog.com wrote me that he loved the book and added this to his blog site.  What a sweetie!!!

5 Pasadena readings booked for December 2nd, 3rd, 4th

Hi-

I just got a confirmation from Pam Gaggioli who runs the children's book section at many Pasadena libraries.  We have been speaking about booking dates for a while now so I am very excited to be confirmed with dates.  Also, my Palms library reading was very fun.  The kids really liked the Sparky stickers and we all had a 'color your own Sparky' session after the reading.  I had kids all day at my WeHo booth coloring.  THAT was awesome!!!  I am going to post those here and on 'Image Gallery' on my home page very soon!  The pictures are ADORABLE and I will scan and post some of their art as well!  Here are my Pasadena dates and times...

• Tuesday, December 2 at 11:00am 

San Rafael at 1240 Nithsdale Road

• Wednesday, December 3 at 10:15am and 11:15

Hastings at 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.

• Thursday, December 4 at 3:30pm

Lamanda Park at 140 S. Altadena Drive

Hope to see you there!!!

Gillian

Gillian & Sparky invited to be on a marketing panel Sat. Nov. 15th!!!

Exciting!  My writers society was impressed with my marketing of Sparky and invited me to discuss what I am doing on a writers panel.  It should be very fun and informative for us all!

Barnes & Noble Storytime Reading / Signing!!! (Nov. 8th 2:00PM)

Hi and PLEASE COME see me at the Barnes & Noble at the Westside Pavilion at 10850 Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles Saturday, November 8th at 2:00pm I will be doing their Storytime Reading and then Book Signing of Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic.  This is a HUGE deal to me and I really hope a lot of people come!  They purchased 20 books for the event and are doing 6 weeks of advertising leading up to the event.

Please come see me and Sparky there, it would mean a lot to me!

Gillian

Boys & Girls Club of Venice Fundraiser Oct. 17th

Hello there-

Good news!  I received confirmation from the President of the Venice chapter yesterday regarding the 3rd annual Dinner and Fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Venice, CA.  I will be donating items for a "Sparky the Wonderfish" gift basket including some swag and a signed copy of the book. It takes place at the Ritz-Clarlton Marina del Rey at 6:30PM.

Wish us luck!  It feels good to give!

Gillian

Santa Monica Library reading Main St. October 15th

Hi-

This should be really fun!  I was asked by the head librarian Celia Carroll at the Main Street Branch of the Santa Monica Libraries to do an event.  That event is to do a Reading / Signing / Q & A / Color your own Sparky coloring page.  It will hopefully be a big and fun event.  I hope everyone reading this will come!  They will be advertising the vent in their October Newsletter and there will be Sparky posters in the Library for a week leading up to the event.  I will be coming from 4 readings and a book fair at Ocean Charter School that day so it will be a VERY busy day for Sparky and me.  Wish us luck and we hope to see you there!!!

October 15th at 7:00pm

2601 Main St.

Santa Monica, CA

310-392-3804

Gillian

P.S. ALWAYS BEST PLACE FOR DETAILS OF EVENTS go to the "Signings & Events" link on the home page.  There you will find detailed information on contacts, adresses, location info and more...

4 Class readings at Ocean Charter School - Festival of Books Oct. 15th

Hello-

October 15th will be a very busy Sparky day!  I will be doing 4 class readings at the Ocean Charter School - Festival of Books from 9AM to 12:15PM in Santa Monica, CA.

9AM to 9:45, 3rd Grade

10AM to 10:45AM, 2nd Grade

11AM to 11:30AM, 3rd Grade

11:30AM to 12:15PM, 1st Grade

Then...

At 7PM I will be at the Santa Monica Library on Main St. doing a reading and Q & A for Sparky...  So please stop by, I would love to see you there at the library!  I think the kids will be coloring COLORING pages of Sparky as well, so it should be lots of fun!!!

7th Annual West Hollywood Book Fair Sept. 28th

7th annual West Hollywood Book Fair (called WeHo)

Sunday September 28th

Gillian 2 hour signing booth F7 & F8 from 10:00AM to noon

All day booth E42-B on "Authors Row" noon to 6:00PM

A great time was had by all!  Look how cute the kids are coloring Sparky.  They are concentrating so hard.  All day we had kids usually 2 at a time sitting and coloring at my booth.  I had forgotten to bring crayons but they let me use a box from the kids section of the fair.  I am so glad I did.  It made the day for me to see the kiddies color all day!  Oh, and I sold some books and met some very nice people as well.

Talk soon,

Gillian

Signing time for WeHo Book Fair!!! (Sun Sept. 28)

Hi and exciting news!

I will be at the 7th annual West Hollywood Book Fair (called WeHo) on Sunday September 28th from 10:00AM until 6:00PM.  I will be signing books for 2 hours from 10:00AM until 12:00PM at booth F7 &8.  After that I will be at booth E42-B on "Authors Row' from noon until 6:00PM.  Please come say hello and have me sign a book!  I will have PLENTY on hand for you to buy as well!  I am really looking forward to this, it should be awesome and I hope to see you there!!!

Gillian & Sparky

Barnes & Noble Storytime Reading / Signing!!! (Nov. 8th 2:00PM))

SUPER exciting news for Sparky the Wonderfish!!!  Today we booked a reading and signing at the Barnes & Noble on Pico Blvd. at the Westside Pavilion for November 8th at 2:00PM.

They will be advertising it leading up to that time and if you are reading this now or know someone with kids it should really be a BLAST!!!  They think a lot of people will be there.

That particular Barnes & Noble has the largest children's section in LA, from what I am told.

So tell your friends!!!  And I hope to see you there!

Gillian & Sparky

West Hollywood Book Fair Flyer!

Palms Library & Santa Monica Library Readings October 4th & 15th

Well Helloooooooooo-

We (me and Sparky) have a very fun reading and signing for the Palms Library scheduled for Saturday, October 4th at 10:00AM!  The address is listed above.  Please swing by if you are in the neighborhood, we'd sure love to see you!!!

We also have a reading, signing and Q&A for Sparky the Wonderfish at the Santa Monica Library 7:00Pm Wednesday,October 15th!  It is located at 2601 Main St. Santa Monica, CA. I think the kids are going to be having a Sparky COLORING session prior to my arrival!  It will be SO much fun to talk to all the kids and see the different perspectives as they create their own Sparky in his underwater environment!!!

Maybe you should come by and check us out!

Gillian

"Green' Fundraiser!

Pharmaka is a pioneer of sustainable redevelopment of downtown Los Angeles.  Pharmaka reduced their energy consumption by 90% and set a new standard for sustainable design.  http://www.greentorch.com/pharmaka.html  Check out all the good they do!

Adriene Grenier star of "Entourage" is working on 'green' renovations with experts and rebuilt the Los Filez home that the fundraiser was at from the ground up.

Sparky now Available and Returnable through Baker & Taylor

Hi there-

Great news!!! Sparky is now being stocked at the Baker & Taylor warehouses.  Baker & Taylor is the largest book and entertainment distributor.  They have been in business for 180 years.  They are the wholesaler of choice for retailers and libraries worldwide.  Basically any Bookstores or library now has access to purchasing Sparky the Wonderfish.  Borders Bookstores and Barnes & Noble Bookstores are currently stocking the book!  Please feel free to go to your local bookstore and order "Sparky" today!  Maybe the demand will get even more books in the warehouse.  I will of course keep you posted on progress from my end.

Talk soon,

Gillian

Sparky at the West Hollywood Book Fair!!!

Exciting news!  Sparky the Wonderfish was chosen as a featured title.  I will be doing a 2 hour signing!  I also have a booth for the day (10AM to 6PM) at the 7th Annual West Hollywood Book Fair on September 28th. 

I don't know which 2 hours it will be yet so, I will keep you posted!

Please come and bring your kids!!!

Gillian & Sparky

Sparky in stock at Borders Bookstores!

Hello-

I am happy to announce that Sparky the Wonderish is now available at the Borders Bookstore in Torrance, Calif.  And we are in the process of getting into others as well.  We have readings and signings coming up too!  Buy a book today and make someone happy!!!

Talk soon,

Gillian

Sparky is Green!

Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic is GREEN in every way

because it is zero waste printing, on recycled paper, from sustainable forests and on...

So YEAH!  Sparky is helping the panet!!!

Gillian

New reading at Playgroup School!

More Great news!  The Executive Director of the Playgroup School in Los Angeles has asked me to do a reading for the kids at 10:00AM on Thursday, July 31st.  I am very excited!!!

I'll add pictures when I have them.

Talk soon,

Gillian & Sparky

Hilltop School reading went great!

Hi-

I really love doing the school readings and interacting with the kids. The Sparky reading yesterday at hilltop nursery school was a blast!  The kids really liked it and went crazy for the stickers!  They all got 'color your own Sparky' pages to color. The school director was super nice and gave me the names and info for 4 more local schools to contact for future Sparky readings.

Here are a couple of photos.

Gillian