Sparky The Wonderfish Blog

Orange County Children's Book Festival, Sunday Oct. 2!

2011-09-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

Orange County Children's Book Festival
Sunday, October 2, 2011
9:30am to 4:30pm
Booth Signing and Stage Reading!

SIGNING at BOOTH #35
ALL DAY!
Gillian will be autographing and selling books and merchandise!

READING on the ANIMAL STAGE
2:05pm to 2:20pm!
Gillian Lee Hutshing will read her book

FREE! FREE! FREE!
Sparky the Wonderfish Stickers, Postcards,
Bookmarks and Coloring pages!

Come, bring your kids for all the FUN!
Meet Gillian, have her sign your book
color your own Sparky & take pictures with Sparky!

THIS Sunday October 2, 2011
9:30am until 4:30pm

B&N Long Beach Pacifica Mall, July 23, 24, Sparky SOLD OUT!!!

2011-08-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,

The Long Beach 2 day event was great, but tiring. 10 hour days both days... I was one of the chairman for the event so I was running around checking on the authors, making sure they were happy and had everything they needed... And I was very happy that my Sparky the Wonderfish books SOLD OUT at the event!!!

Each of the 20 featured authors had from 10 to 30 minutes to speak with fans and or read, discuss their book in a separate room at a podium. Because mine is a children's book, I read in the children's Storytime section and colored with the kids as well.

The store in Long Beach is very well laid out, 2 stories high and nice and big. The staff was very helpful. Kristen our B&N Customer Relations Manager (crm) for the event was great.

Watch this video from the event!

A few Happy Snaps from the event:

Bye for now, with love,

Gillian & Sparky

PRESS RELEASE: Book Festival (Oct.1, 2011) To Honor Authors and Illustrators

2011-06-26T00:20:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Gillian Lee Hutshing

Chair: Awards Committee

gilhut@mac.com

Book Festival To Honor Authors and Illustrators

The Orange County Children's Book Festival will honor authors, illustrators and innovators in children's literature at its First Annual Orange County Children's Author and Illustrator Book Awards. A gala awards presentation is planned for the evening of Saturday, October 1, 2011 and will be held in The Forum on the campus of Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa.

Honorees will be selected and acknowledged for outstanding work in the field of children's writing and illustration from a global pool, in a variety of categories each year. Recipients will be selected by a panel of qualified literary experts from a variety of backgrounds.

The awards night will be open to a limited number of attendees and will be followed by a reception with the award winners. The 8^th Annual Orange County Children's Book Festival will take place the following day. For more information, contact Gillian Lee Hutshing.

Gillian Speaking on Santa Barbara Writers Conference: Entrepreneurial Panel!

2011-06-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

WEDNESDAY, 6/22/11 From 1:00 to 3:30pm Hotel Mar Monte

MarketingtheMuse Workshop#4: Entrepreneurial Author Panel: Authors who thinkoutside the box are fast becoming mainstream. Join us for an informative discussion with author./chef Pascale Beale, Montecito Country Kitchen-www.m ckcuisine.com ; Mystery genre blogger & author on the road, Stephanie LindsayDunne,http://stephanielindsaydunne.com & motion picture editor/children book author Gillian Lee Hutshing, www.gillianleehutshing.com.Discussion includes diversifying platform, ‘giving back’ & branding.

New Publicity For My June 15th, Ontario Event!

2011-06-06T17:37:00.000-07:00

I was just sent the flyer for the event in .pdf format. Also a picture of the poster that they’ve had up for a while now. I hope you’ll enjoy them. I’ll recieve a copy of the Ontario Living magazine with me and Sparky listed in it, and send links to any press release that gets picked up. Those will probably not get picked up until closer to the event....

cant's wait to talk to all the kids about writing!!!

Talk soon,

Gillian

Exciting Events for June 2011!

2011-06-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends of Sparky,

I just sent out my new June Newsletter this morning! You can check it out on my Signings & Events page. it's under ARCHIVES on the right. Follow me on FaceBook at Gillian Lee Hutshing. I am excited about these events!

August, 2010 I met the senior library clerk from the Ovitt Family Community Library, Ontario, CA. We met at the UCLA Writers Fair. Lauren graciously invited me to read at her library (6:00PM to 7:30PM) this June 15, 2011.

The Library will publicize in the area includng a press release, mention in Ontario Living Magazine, a poster, and flyers. "These talks are about craft, process, and the publishing industry".

Each month nearly 43,000 Ontario residents enjoy the services of the City's main library facility. This current facility opened on January 17, 2006, after a total renovation and 15,000 sq. ft. expansion. The public now has access to dozens of electronic workstations, wireless computer access, a large community room, and a Children's Story time room.

Also, MarketingtheMuse expert, and Santa Barbara Writers Conference editor Marla Miller has invited me to participate at the 39th Annual Santa Barbara Writers Conference: Afternoon Writers Workshop (1:00PM to 3:30PM) Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at the Santa Barbara Hotel Mar Monte to discuss multi-platform marketing of my book. I am very excited to be invited to be a featured author at these two important events!

Come check us out!!!

Contact Me!

Twitter@SparktheGulf

Talk soon,
Gillian & Sparky

I was 1st author mentioned in Orange County Register!

2011-05-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody!

I went on the The OC Register website to see pictures of the kids with the Sparky the Wonderfish costume from the book faire this weekend, Saturday 5-14-11 at the OC Department of Education Young Authors' Book Faire and was happily surprised to see my name mentioned in the newspaper for the event!

Take a look, and I hope to see you at my next event!!!

May 2011 Events!

2011-05-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends of Sparky,

It has been awhile since my last blog post for many reasons...
I got married and have been working on several editing projects...

I am also now Chairman for the 1st Annual, Orange County Children's Book Fair (OCCBF) Author and Illustrator Award (yet to be given an official title; the award will draw from a global pool of authors and illustrators).

In addition, I am working with a 501C3 non-profit, "Wings with Wishes".org which works with children with cancer to get them toys
and give to these children, in a variety of very significant ways!
Check out A Wish for Kyle

This Saturday, May 14, 2011 I will be a featured author, reading (Authors' Chair Stage) and signing (Barnes & Noble Booth) my
Sparky the Wonderfish book at the 10th Annual Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) Young Authors' Faire.

The Book Faire is very pleased about the inclusion of the
SPARKY COSTUME

greeting children all day at the faire!

Come check us out!!!

AWESOME Orange County Children's Book Festival!

2010-10-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

OMG!

They treated me so well! Co-founders of OCCBF Barry Ackerman and Pat Burns, who run it so well, were great! They made sure I had everything I needed... including the size of volunteer for my Sparky costume 5'3" to 5'6"... And the 3 volunteers who wore the "Sparky" costume during the festival were amazingly fantastic!!! Thank you OCCBF!!!

Here are some pictures, and more to come... www.gillianleehutshing.com

WEHO went great, except for the HEAT!!!

2010-09-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

Hello,

WEHO was awesome, I read on the Kids' Stage then ran to our GLAWS booth to sign books, then SPOKE about my marketing techniques... it was so HOT!!! that day, I felt dizzy a few times and a few authors begged off, feeling ill from the heat!

Here is a photo of me at the booth...

Cute New Graphic for WEHO Kids' Stage Reading Sun. Sept. 26 1:00PM!

2010-09-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

Check it out!

1:00PM to 1:30PM I'll be at the Kid's Stage at The 9th Annual West Hollywood Book Fair! Meet Sparky in person and hear me read the book out loud!

Then 3:00PM to 4:30PM at the GLAWS Booth E7,8 I will be autographing and selling books and merchandise!

And 4:45PM to 5:45PM I will be discussing my marketing techniques as one of 9 authors speaking in the Suspense Pavilion.

Come see me there!

I've been asked to read at the Orange County Childrens Book Festival!

2010-09-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

Last night I received a call from a man named Barry, who started the Orange County Children's Book Festival. He said he cleared out a great spot on the Animal Stage from 11:45AM - 12:20PM for me to show off my sparky costume and read to the kids and talk to them and give out stickers and coloring pages, etc.

I am very excited and I hope to see lots of new people and friends there!

Sunday, October 3, 2010 - 9:30am - 4:30pm
Orange Coast College - Costa Mesa, CA

Orange County Childrens Book Festival

Orange Coast College

2701 Fairview

Costa Mesa, CA

92628

(Enter College at Arlington Street off of Fairview)

Click here for a map

Click here to go to the OCCBF website

Gillian has 3 Appearances Featured, 9th Annual West Hollywood Book Fair, Sun. Sept. 26!

2010-08-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Very Exciting news!

I had a meeting with the coordinator of WEHO the West Hollywood Book Fair being held Sunday, September 26, 2010. I will be reading Sparky the Wonderfish on the Children's Stage at 12:00PM! I will be at the GLAWS, Greater Los Angeles Writers Society booth after that for an hour and a half selling books and merchandise as well as signing autographs...

As usual, there will be FREE stickers for the kids and Sparky coloring pages too!

And the New Sparky Costume will be there!!!

Come and see me!!!

Check out the links:

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150276137930377

http://www.westhollywoodbookfair.org/?page_id=1889.

http://www.westhollywoodbookfair.org/

Gillian will be Featured 3 Times at the West Hollywood Book Fair Sun. Aug. 26th!

READING-Approximately 1:00PM Gillian will be reading Sparky on theKids Stage.

SIGNING-3:00PM to 4:30PM at the GLAWS Booth E7,8 Gillian will be autographing books, and selling books & merchandise. She will also give away FREE Stickers, Bookmarks, coloring pages and more!!!

SPEAKING-4:45PM to 5:45PM the "Evening Program" Suspense, Thriller Pavilion GLAWS Presents: Great Los Angeles Writers. Gillian will be one of nine authors chosen for this honor. Gillian has been very successful branding and marketing her Sparky the Wonderfish book. She will discuss marketing techniques which have taken her around the country for appearances, book events, charities, bookstore readings, Barnes and Noble and Borders Bookstores...

Spark the Gulf Hope & Literacy Tour is Looking for Sponsors and Investors!

2010-07-31T14:22:00.001-07:00

I am planing a "Sparky the Wonderfish: Hope and Literacy Tour" (and documentary). We will use this "story of how love creates magic" to help rebuild the opportunities of literacy along the New Orleans disaster areas. Our project is aimed toward the educational wants and needs of the children effected by these disasters. I will read, conduct Q&A's... the kids will receive Sparky stickers, they will do coloring pages, interactive games and meet Sparky (costume)! I will donate books & supplies that the children need. We intend for Sparky to reach at least schools, libraries and hospitals. We also plan a Music Festival Fundraiser which will conclude this tour in New Orleans Parish next year.

This SPARKY PROJECT will raise money to rebuild at least one new green school and library room devoted to this literacy program. Upon completion of this project, Sparky will leave behin an agenda for mentoring students to read & write, play and interact with books for years to come!

Help me HELP those in need!

I am looking for sponsors and investors who want to help make this dream come true -- and the dreams of children. Please contact me!

Warm regards,

Gillian & Sparky

follow me: twitter.com/SparkTheGulf

watch video: Gillian Working for Charity & Literacy

Letters I received from President Obama & The Honorable Al Gore!

2010-07-29T18:11:00.000-07:00

Check this out! My heros...

Pretty awesome, huh!?

One step closer to reading at The White House!

Sparky, Gillian and James Patterson have children's literacy in common!

2010-07-27T23:57:00.000-07:00

I just tweeted that, my dear friend Diane A. gave me a book, Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet as a gift and said, "This is perfect for you and Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic." Boy, was she correct!

I just finished reading it. At the end of the book James Patterson describes his passion for his cause / website ReadKiddoRead.com - getting kids hooked on books. And his co-author is a children's book author!

I am going to contact them tomorrow to see if Sparky could help with this important mission. As you know, I have been working hard for literacy and the joy of reading and writing, as well!

Love and talk soon,

Gillian & Sparky

VOTE Gillian Lee Hutshing: Hardest Working for Charity and Literacy CONTEST!

2010-07-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

I entered a contest to win $100,000 dollars from Revlon and Mitchum Deodorant for the "Hardest Working Person" in America. Promoting Charity and Literacy throughout the US and Beyond...

As you know, my passionate cause has always been Charity and Literacy, with a special passion
to give aid along the Gulf Coast...

If I win, I will be rewarded with $100,000 and will be the subject of a short film by the legendary Albert Maysles and co-filmmaker Bradley Kaplan.

Please try both links and VOTE!
VOTE Mitchum: Hardest Working Person site
Or
VOTE on YouTube!

Please VOTE every day...
The first round of voting ends July 18.
Finalists will be voted on from
July 19 through August 15th.

LA Times Festival of Books 2010: Me & Cathy, flip videos of GLAWS Booth #624 & Gillian!

2010-04-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Well, we had the greatest time at the 15th Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of books last weekend! I was chairman of this event for the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society at Booth #624... I sold lots of Sparky the Wonderfish books both at the event and since on Amazon.com

I was giving away stickers like nobody's business, I think I gave away over 500 stickers!

Parents told me their kids had seen them throught the campus and were trying to find out who was giving them out...

Here is a flip video and picture of me and seven year old Cathy Velarde... More images to come...

See you soon!

Gillian & Sparky

Showing GLAWS booth and authors...

Gillian at LATFOB says hello!

Gillian at Los Angeles Times Festival of Books UCLA campus, Sat. Sun. April 24,25!

2010-04-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

Hi there-

Just a friendly reminder saying COME VISIT ME at the 30th Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books this coming weekend of April 24, 25 on the UCLA campus. I will be at the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society (GLAWS) Booth #624 ALL DAY both days! I am chairman for this event, which is the largest Book Fair on the west coast. It should be a blast!

Better yet CLICK the link, to buy a Sparky T-Shirt and WEAR it at the festival! Way to REPRESENT!!!

With love,

Gillian & Sparky

P.S. I will not be signing books as I am sold out at this time. But I will be there with buttons and other swag for purchase, as well as giving out FREE coloring sheets and stickers!!!

I hope to see you there!!!

Sparky at Los Angeles Times Festival of Books April 24,25!

2010-03-31T15:23:00.000-07:00

I will be appearing with my children's picture book, Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (LATFOB) Saturday & Sunday April 24,25 2010 on the UCLA campus. I will be at Booth #624 in Zone F with the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society. I will be there all day, both days!

Here is the link to check it out: http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/

I really hope you will come and visit us there!!!

Gillian & Sparky

Gillian on Marketing Panel for GLAWS: Watch the VIDEO!

2010-03-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

Hi There,

The panel went great. It was very fun and informative. I learned a lot from the 3 professionals who were on the panel following ours. Check out this flip video (in 2 parts) of what I had to share that day...

On the Author Panel: Gillian Lee Hutshing, Tom Ruck, Kathy Porter, Leslie Ann Moore, Frank Zanka. (On the Industry Professional Panel: Gayl Murphy, David Matheson, Marla Miller)

Talk soon,

Gillian

GLAWS Panel Pt. 1

GLAWS Panel Pt.2

Gillian on Marketing Panel for GLAWS Sat. March 20th 3:00PM!

2010-03-06T22:09:00.000-08:00

Date: March 20th, 2010

Time: 3:00PM

Place: Palms Rancho-Park Library

Ray Bradbury Room-upstairs

2920 Overland Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90064

Hi there-

I was asked by GLAWS president, Tony Todaro to discuss the success of my children's picture book, Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic and to sit on a marketing panel for the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society.

There will be a panel of three marketing professionals, followed by a panel of six authors including me. It should be great information for those interested in being successful at sales and exposure. It's about more than just writing a good book these days...

Come give a listen!

Gillian

Reading and Coloring Sparky to Pre-K in Pasadena, California!

2010-03-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful, fun time reading Sparky and coloring Sparky the Wonderfish with kindergarten kids in Pasadena at 8:00AM on Tuesday March 2nd for Dr. Seuss's Birthday celebration! I also gave them Sparky stickers and postcards and all the kids wanted me to autograph everything. We all had a really great morning. I think Dr. Seuss would have liked it!

Here are some photos and flip!

Sparky & I Moved to Santa Clarita, California!

2010-02-03T17:39:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone-

I got a new HD Flip camera for Christmas from my boyfriend Jimmy. And I just moved in with him... BIG news! I shot 3 videos on the last day of my move with my beloved FLIP CAMERA!

Wanna take a look? Check them out!!!

Gillian gets an award from GLAWS!

2010-01-01T12:55:00.000-08:00

Certificate of Appreciation-

Awarded to:

Gillian Lee Hutshing, Advisory Board Member & Booksellers Chair

For Your Outstanding Service, Contribution of Time and Energy, and Dedicated Support of the Society's Mission and Vision.

From President of the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society, Tony Todaro

Christmas Morning 2009!

2009-12-26T15:58:00.000-08:00

"The Brody Chronicles" Pt 1 & 2

I got an HD Flip camera for Christmas from my boyfriend Jimmy.

Here are the first two videos of our Christmas morning with his dog Brody & my parrot Henry.

Hope you think they're cute!

Gillian

Brody chronicles Pt.1

Photos from the WEHO Book Fair Oct.4!

2009-10-06T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

The event at The WEHO Book Fair in West Hollywood, California was very successful and fun! For this event, no one could wear the NEW Sparky costume so he was suspended above my booth for all to see, from far and wide... People came to the booth and took photos, I heard people on their cell phones telling friends, "I'm by the the big fish!" I got many new fans for my newsletter as well as 4 more exciting new booking opportunities which I am discussing dates for now, including the Rosewood Elementary School in Los Angeles, California, The Children's Nature Institute, Huntley Preschool in Los Angeles, California, and With Wings & a Halo R.E.A.C.H. a Child!

I'll keep you posted!

Gillian

My 3rd Barnes & Noble Event at The Grove!!!

2009-09-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

HI!

We previewed my new Sparky Costume to raves from the kids!

Check out the video and photos of the event...

Barnes & Noble The Grove LA (September 26th) Reading for over 200 Kids!

2009-09-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

I spoke with Jon, manager at Barnes & Noble The Grove, he said they placed posters in the store for the event and that they posted the event online... Very exciting to now have my 3rd engagement at the flagship store in Southern California!!!

GLAWS moderating YA books Sept. 19, 2009!

2009-09-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

GLAWS Moderating was fantastic! At the last minute an author had to drop out. We were scheduled to have two panels but because of this and the fact that two agents came to the event, we decided to have one big panel with all the young adult authors and the agents, Ashley Grayson Agency... And because we combined panels Judy (the other moderator) and I decided to combine our questions (which were very different).

We had very few questions during the Q & A which I took to mean that we answered those questions during the panel discussion.

...Since then the authors and GLAWS have written to say they thought it went very well and had a very good time. It was my first time moderating and I really enjoyed it!

Gillian & her pals celebrate the retirement of a great teacher!

2009-09-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hi- I had to share, because I really love this photo of me, my friend Jimmy and his granddaughter Cathy, who is for sure one of Sparky's BIGGEST FANS! It was taken at a huge retirement party for Jimmy's sister Diane. She received a plaque for over 33 years of service to LA Unified School District, and they named this years scholarship fund in her honor!

My New Friend, Faith!

2009-09-08T14:10:00.001-07:00

Hi again-

This is the little girl, Faith who I met at sushi up in Arroyo Grande last weekend over Labor Day. She and her sister were so sweet! I gave them both Sparky stickers and, signed postcards for them. Faith asked if I was on Twitter, I said yes. I hope she logs on and sees herself!

Talk soon!

G&S

Look NEW Sparky COSTUME!!! (Shot on iPhone)

2009-09-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I was up north in Arroyo Grande for my friend Joanie's birthday.

We had a blast! One of the things we did was visit her sister who has made me a custom Sparky the Wonderfish costume. I had someone put it on at a party that night and the kids went CRAZY for it! The little boy, Thomas begged me to wear it and thought it was a real fish!!!

Take a look,

Love, Gillian & Sparky

Sparky bonding with MobiStories???

2009-09-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

I received an email today from MobiStories saying, "Firstly congratulations on what looks to be a fabulous book with gorgeous illustrations and impeccable reviews."... "What we're doing is making it possible for kids to read more often and more easily by giving them books in a format they use everyday, can take wherever they're going, and view on pretty much anything with a screen, from an iPod to a 60" HDTV."

... That if I like what they are doing and might be interested in them creating either a traditional MobiStory version or an iPhone version with more interactivity (or both) of my book, they would like to discuss it! Like my work with Sparky, MobiStories has interest in a low carbon footprint as well... http://www.mobistories.com/

We'll keep you posted!

G & S

Trip to New Orleans Confirmed!!! (Sept 13-18, 2009)

2009-08-31T23:55:00.000-07:00

Regarding my "Sparky the Wonderfish Hope & Literacy Tour: New Orleans", so much is happening very fast... I am traveling to Arroyo Grande to visit my friend Joanie September 4 thrugh 6, both for her birthday (I will also pick up my Sparky the Wonderfish Costume, made by her sister for my Sparky events) and plan for my New Orleans trip this month (Sept. 13 to 18 to meet and location scout). We are using this "story of how love creates magic" to help rebuild Hope & Literacy along the New Orleans disaster areas. The project is aimed toward the educational wants and needs of the children effected by these disasters. I will reach 20 schools, 5 libraries and 2 hospitals. I am planning a Concert Fundraiser to conclude my tour in New Orleans next year, which will raise money to build at least one new green school and library. I plan on a meeting with the "Make it Right" foundation... Upon completion of this project/documentary, I will leave behind an agenda of mentoring students to read & write at that school and library!

Note: It has been my singular vision... what I want from my book of 'love creating magic' is to encourage and give back... I am thrilled to see it earnestly taking hold!

Gillian and Sparky the Wonderfish

See you soon!

Barnes & Noble Photos from Long Beach Sat. 8-22-09!

2009-08-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hello-

The book event went well. I was told not that many kids go to this location.

The kids that were there were pretty cute. The parents said it would be OK to show photos.

This week coming up I don't have any specific Sparky events planned so I will be continuing my NOLA research for my Sparky Hope & Literacy tour. I also sold autographed books to a woman who is going to auction them to raise money for autism. That feels good!

Enjoy the photos!

Gillian

Totz Only Event Photos 8-20-09!

2009-08-20T17:45:00.000-07:00

Hi -

We shot video for the most part, so I only have a couple of still photos from this event.

We had a good time! I had merchandise with me as well as books, coloring pages and stickers, creepers, bibs, book bags, buttons etc. 35 kids were there as well as 20 parents... Totz Only is a very cute store, I recommend it highly!!! Very great and original clothes and toys on sale there!

Talk soon,

Gillian & Sparky the Wonderfish

iPhone Video Barnes & Noble - The Grove, Kids Entering... 8-18-09

2009-08-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Hello-

We have begun filming events leading up to my Gulf Coast, New Orleans Parish Documentary, "Sparky the Wonderfish Hope & Literacy Tour". Most of what we shot today is on a bigger HD camera so it sits on the hard drive for awhile... Suffice it to say, I wanted to show a little something from todays event so I grabbed an iPhone and shot the 100+ kids just starting to arrive... It was a great event! We all had fun. I read Sparky twice due to popular demand and new people coming in... We also COLORED Sparky and I gave FREE stickers! The book pages were projected on a big screen behind me so, the kids had better viewing!

Check it out!

Talk soon,

Gillian & Sparky

Sparky at the 8th Annual West Hollywood Book Fair (Sun. October 4, 2009 - All Day)!

2009-08-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

8TH ANNUAL WEST HOLLYWOOD BOOK FAIR

8TH ANNUAL WEST HOLLYWOOD BOOK FAIR

Sunday, October 4, 2009 10AM to 6PM West Hollywood Park 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood

400+ AUTHORS & ARTISTS Literary legends, celebrity guests, poets, storytellers & LA authors
CHILDREN’S AREA Kids’ Stage with storytelling, music, theater & dance. Arts, crafts & games hosted by exhibitors

***Gillian & Sparky the Wonderfish will receive BOOTH Assignments soon and will keep you posted!

Roz Helfand
Coordinator
West Hollywood Book Fair
323-848-6515
rhelfand@weho.org

Gillian Reads & Signs at TOTZ ONLY, (August 20, 11:00AM)!

2009-08-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

FREE
EVENT

presents

SPECIAL AUTHOR EVENT
Storytelling, Singing, and Booksigning

GILLIAN LEE HUTSHING
"SPARKY THE WONDERFISH"

Thursday, August 20, 2009
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

About The Book. . .
Sparky the Wonderfish: A Story of How Love Creates Magic is a charming true story of triumph over adversity. Based on a true story, Sparky the Wonderfish, is about a little girl who manages to save a tiny feeder fish from becoming dinner for six ferocious Oscar fish. Although feeder fish aren't expected to live longer than days, the real-life Sparky lived happily for thirteen years in his bowl, and thanks to the little girl in the story, the fictional Sparky thrives as well,

About The Author. . .
Gillian Lee Hutshing knows a good story when she sees one. As a feature film editor in Los Angeles, she has worked with acclaimed director's Sir Ridley Scott, Peter Weir, Kevin Costner among others. Sparky the Wonderfish is a story of how love creates magic. Gillian is currently working on a series of books to teach children big words in a fun and humorous way. She is also involved in many children's charities and literacy programs throughout the US.

To Learn More About Gillian Hutshing, Visit Her Website:

www.gillianleehutshing.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS AND OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS AT TOTZ ONLY, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:

www.totzonly.com

We hope to see you there....
Your Friends @

Sparky HELPS: Charity & Literacy - Schools, Hospitals, Libraries... Next Stop New Orleans, LA*

2009-07-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Hello-

Sparky the Wonderfish: A story of how love creates magic is a story of triumph over adversity, the underdog thriving against all odds...and about love! I have been donating books to schools, libraries, hospitals etc. as well as doing readings and signings for literacy and outreach programs throughout the Unites States and overseas.

This 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

Crossroads School, Santa Monica, CA

San Rafael Elementary School, Pasadena, CA

Washington Accelerated Elementary School, Pasadena

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

R.E.A.C.H. a Child! Central California

Pals Around The World TM

Andean Dream, LLC. Bolivia

Global Green, Santa Monica, CA

Boys & Girls Club, Venice, CA

MobiStories, Virtual Books for Kids

Mr. President & Mrs. Barack Obama, Washington DC

The Honorable Al Gore, Nashville, TN

Horace Grant, Los Angeles Lakers NBA

Los Angeles Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, CA

Children in Cozumel, Mexico

*New Orleans, Louisiana

I am planing a "Sparky the Wonderfish: Opportunity through Literacy Tour" (and documentary). We will use this "story of how love creates magic" to help rebuild the opportunities of literacy along the New Orleans disaster areas. Our project is aimed toward the educational wants and needs of the children effected by these disasters. I will read, conduct Q&A's... the kids will receive Sparky stickers, they will do coloring pages, interactive games, meet Sparky (costume) and I will donate the books & supplies that the children need. We intend for Sparky to reach at least 20 schools, 5 libraries and 2 hospitals. We also plan a Music Festival Fundraiser which will conclude this tour in New Orleans Parish next year.

This SPARKY PROJECT will raise money to build at least one new green school and library room devoted to this literacy program. Upon completion of this project, Sparky will leave behin an agenda for mentoring students to read & write, play and interact for years to come!

Help me HELP those in need!

*We are working hard on our 501C3 but, If you have an idea to raise awareness for this Sparky Literacy Tour or the ear of a great sponsor please contact me!

Thanks!

Gillian & Sparky

New iPhone Video Post!

2009-07-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

P.S. This video was shot by Ten time Emmy Award Winning cameraman Jim Velarde on his new iPhone.

Photos from B&N Orange Event Saturday July 11, 2009!

2009-07-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

Hello-

We had a fun event this weekend! I got great photos and some video which I will post soon...

If you want to see photos, here they are! Also, B&N Orange asked me back for some kids book fairs in the Fall.

I will have those dates by the end of the month and post them on my Signings & Events page.

Here are the cute photos!

Talk soon,

Gillian & Sparky

iPhone Video on Plane from Cozumel Mexico!

2009-07-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hi!

We (my friend Jim and I) met an adorable girl, Olga (who is from Russia) on the plane home from Cozumel, Mexico. During that trip, I realized that I have not been out of the country for over 10 years. That is way too long!!!
Olga let us take a video of her saying hi, using the new iPhone.
Check it out!

Gillian

P.S. Olga loved the photo of the 'real' Sparky with my parrot Henry, so I posted it here above the video of her...

Sparky does good deeds in COZUMEL!!!

2009-07-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-06-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

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???

2009-06-25T19:55:00.000-07:00

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, Madison WI, 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!

2009-06-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-06-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-05-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-06T00:09:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-31T12:29:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-03-31T11:44:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-02-24T09:30:00.002-08:00

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!

2009-02-23T14:23:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-02-20T15:11:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-02-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

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 -

2009-02-01T08:01:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-31T14:11:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2009-01-31T13:43:00.001-08:00

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!

2009-01-16T16:02:00.000-08:00

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)

2009-01-14T23:23:00.000-08:00

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

Joining forces with THE WONDER OF READING!

2008-12-16T14:11:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

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)

2008-12-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-09T14:38:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-03T16:01:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2008-11-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-14T09:41:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-03T20:26:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2008-10-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2008-10-03T20:18:00.000-07:00

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)

2008-10-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

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)

2008-09-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

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))

2008-09-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-08T09:31:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-29T09:36:00.001-07:00

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!!!

2008-08-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-15T00:50:00.000-07:00

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 planet!!!

Gillian

New reading at Playgroup School!

2008-07-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

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

School reading for July!

2008-06-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

Hi there-

I got some very exciting news from my friend Russ today who's kids go to Hilltop Nursery School in Silverlake, Ca. This July 15, Tuesday at 9:30AM I will be reading "Sparky the Wonderfish" to 2 groups of kids! I might even bring in some original artwork of my illustrations to show them.

If anyone reading this would like an author reading at your school I would love you to contact me!

Talk to you again soon,

Gillian

Very exciting day!

2008-06-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

Well, this morning a mass email went out about the pairing on Amazon.com with Knuffle Bunny as well as reaching out to do readings and signings

More new "Sparky" products!

2008-06-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hello again-

Along with the new Sparky pairing on Amazon with Mo Willems "Knuffle Bunny", I have also made some new 'gifts & clothing'. In addition to T-shirts, bibs, mugs and all manner of Sparky items... NOW you can purchase magnets, super cute little Sparky pins, a clock...
I, of course have purchased them all to check quality. I think you will really like them!

Gillian

The real "Sparky" and Henry...

2008-05-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

Hi kids!

I thought you might want to see a cool picture I have of the real Sparky the wonderfish having a moment with my parrot, Henry. This picture is real. Sparky is 9 years old and Henry is only about 6 months old. Pretty cute, huh?!?

Gillian

Exciting pairing on Amazon.com!

2008-05-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hi-

During the months of June and July "Sparky the Wonderfish" is being paired together with bestselling author Mo Willems book "Knuffle Bunny: A cautionary tale"! You can buy them both together for a discounted price on Amazon.com!

Now is the time to schedule your book signing! My summer book schedule is filling fast! If you, a family member or friend would like to schedule a reading for their school or local library, contact me now at gilhut@mac.com

When we schedule the reading - I'll send you details about how your school or local library can get FREE Sparky stickers!!!

Hope to hear from you soon!

Gillian

Stick with Sparky!!!

2008-05-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

Hey kids!

Exciting news!!! I am designing Sparky stickers as we speak! They should be ready within the next week. I really want to come to your school or library and read Sparky and GIVE AWAY free STICKERS!!! Here is what they look like...

Gillian

Matt, Mili & Me...

2008-04-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there-

This is a photo of my best friend Mili who works with Matt Groening, and myself at Comicon 2008. They had just finished "The Simpsons Movie", which was featured, and I had just finished "Blade Runner: The Final Cut" which was also featured. We were both at Comicon together and I went to dinner with The Simpsons core crew at a new restaurant opening in the area and we had a great time!

Sparky gives...

2008-04-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

Because Sparky is all about love creating magic, I am working on various ways for him to give to charities. One that I am very interested in is the Gulf Coast and rebuilding in New Orleans.