Friday, June 11, 2010 — GRANDMOTHER

Oh, Denise! My Grandmother just recently passed away (God bless her). I remember reading her Grandmother, Have the Angels Come? To my daughter who is now one. I had a teenage pregnancy when I was seventeen, and my grandmother helped me go through everything that evee happened to Libby (Liberty Johanna Gallhager). My grandmother, Johanna lives with my mom, dad, boyfriend (Paul), sister (Mayalia), brother (Dick), and Libby. While finishing up my homework one night, I remember glancing into the living room just in time to see Grammy Cuppa Joe (A nickname Charles (who is now 15- my sister is 10) gave to her when we were babes) were glancing at Grandmother, Have the Angels Come? It was such a peaceful site. Libby was giggling and my Grandmother was smiling. I will never forget that moment. I am expecting twins soon (I do not know their sex yet- It would be more than helpful if you could post some of your favorite names for boys and girls below)

-Layla, 12th grade

Dear Layla,

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful experience. I cross-posted it under kids books too so folks who check that will see it there. It truly brought tears to my eyes and warmed my heart to know my book was part of such a lovely moment.

I love “Cuppa Joe” – what a fun nickname! I’m so sorry about her passing – it sounds like she was a wonderful person and a very important part of your life.

Good luck with your twins! Wow. My cousin just had twins – a boy and a girl - and named them Benjamin (Ben) and Ava. I think those are beautiful. And my sister also just had another baby and she named him Oliver Cooper. Isn’t that great?

There are so many names I like, I don’t think I could name favorites. But I do like to find out what names mean so I visit babynames.com sometimes for find names for my characters (in addition to the character name list I keep and the school directories for my kids’ schools).

I think naming a child after someone in your life that is special (your grandmother?) is always a wonderful tribute. And sometimes it’s fun to pick something from a favorite book or movie. Can’t wait to hear when they are born! Thinking of you…

XOXO,

Denise

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Friday, May 21, 2010 — BUILD A BURRITO

der dinese,

wow. waat a goode jub on you bok!!!!!!!!!!!! i lofve it! My mommy raed it too me and it waz soooooooooooo goode! Goode jub, rite annehir bok

-Hommi, 1 grade

Dear Hommi,

I was SO SO excited to get a Blab message about BUILD A BURRITO. I don’t get many messages about it or my GRANDMOTHER book because the readers are younger and usually aren’t on the Internet. Thank you SO much!

I’m writing other books and hoping to get them published so fingers crossed. I hope you will keep reading with your mom all summer!

Thanks again.

XOXO,

Denise

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Sunday, August 16, 2009 — GRANDMOTHER, HAVE THE ANGELS COME?

first i just wanna say that right after I sent the one saying I still didn't see the Writing Question and the next day you replied to an earlier message saying it was there, I saw it. I just assumed that it would be at the top like the first box does.

Yay, my first young children's book comment! What is Grandmother Have the Angels Come about?

-Katie, 8th grade

Dear Katie,

Your comment about the Writing Stuff makes sense. I do say just above the box that you should search your name because I categorize things, but I know sometimes people don’t read the instructions!

Thanks for asking about GRANDMOTHER! It’s about the relationship of a grandmother and her granddaughter and explores the topic of aging. The granddaughter notices how her grandmother is losing her sight, hearing, etc and the grandmother acknowledges it and turns it into a positive.

Hope you are still writing away!

XOXO,

Denise

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Monday, June 22, 2009 — GRANDMOTHER

I have not read Grandmother book yet but does the grandmother die?

I know you will say to read the book but the book is not for sale at any bookstore or any libraries at all in the area I live!

If you can help me, I would REALLY appreciate it!

Thanks!

Sierianna Maria

PS In any future books, could my name be in the book?

PPS Why not dedicate all of your books to all of the readers who write a blab?

-Sierianna Maria, 8th grade

Dear Sierianna Maria,

First off, I know you’ve written before because I remember your beautiful name! And second, you are the second message I’ve gotten about one of my younger books so THANK YOU!

I will answer your question: NO. She doesn’t die. The book is about the relationship of a grandmother and her granddaughter and the mysteries of the aging process. And as for bookstores and libraries not having it, assert your rights! If you really want it, ask your library to purchase it. Or if you want to own it, have the bookstore order it for you.

XOXO,

Denise

P.S. You’ll be happy to know that I already added your name to my character list so it just might show up in a future book!

P.P.S. That is definitely something I plan to do so keep an eye out in future books. All my readers and Blab contributors deserve a dedication!!!

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Wednesday, March 4, 2009 — BUILD A BURRITO

I love your book Build a Burrito and I was wondering if there is anyway you would consider doing a give-away on my blog. I want others to know about it. Let me know!

-Mystery Reader

Dear Mystery Reader,

All right! My first official letter about one of my younger books! That is so sweet that you love it and want to spread the word. I hope you shared your love of it on your blog already (hee hee). If you want to contact the moderator (address at right) with your blog address so we can get more information, I will certainly give this idea some thought.

Thank you so much!

XOXO,

Denise