Warning: Shameless Self Promotion!

Backyard Books of the Piedmont
Over the last year or so, I have been involved in a couple of book projects that are geared toward children. It seems like they have been 'in the works' for a decade. They now are finally completed and in print!

My sister, Suzanne Walls, writes children's books. We decided a few years ago to collaborate on a series of books about the wildlife found in the Virginia Piedmont. I had written a book using blurb.com about birds, "Backyard Books of the Piedmont" but it was written for adults who are new to birding. After almost two years and many re-writes the children's version of the book is finally going to press. It has turned out beautifully if I do say so myself!

"Backyard Birds of the Piedmont" presents facts and a cheerful discussion about their lives to beginning readers and interesting to people of all ages. Using simple, easy-to-understand terms and high-quality photography, this book encourages children to appreciate the beauty of nature. It is sure to become a family favorite. It is a fun and entertaining way to introduce your family to the beauty of our feathered friends that can be found right in your own backyard!

Backyard Birds of the Piedmont is the first book in the Exploring Wildlife Series of children's books. It will be followed shortly by the "Insects & Spiders" book.

All photos contained in Backyard Birds of the Piedmont are available in larger formats on my web site: www.virginiabird.com

"Backyard birds of the Piedmont" is available NOW on Amazon.com and will be distributed in Europe by Mariposa Press


So You Thought You Couldn't Cut It, A Beginner's Guide to Wood Carving
While working on the Backyard Birds of the Piedmont my sister came in contact with Bobbi Carducci, Founder and Director of the Young Voices Foundation. The Young Voices Foundation mentors young writers from k-12. The Young Voices Foundation™ is a 501(c)(3) Educational Charitable Organization. Through that relationship I became involved in a new photography project, photo illustration for a how to book on carving.

The Young Voices Foundation coordinated the effort to produce the book "So You Thought You Couldn't Cut It, A Beginner's Guide to Wood Carving" Written by Jim Calder and Jen Coate.

See more of Jim's work at his Wizzard of Wood web site.
"So You Thought You Couldn't Cut It, A Beginner's Guide to Wood Carving" is a cut by cut guide to carving wood or a sweet potato. Simple, easy to follow instructions and photos to teach you the fine art of carving.

I can't tell you how much fun this project was to work on. I actually did some sweet potato caving and have my completed work sitting on my desk.

 "So You Thought You Couldn't Cut It, A Beginner's Guide to Wood Carving" is available on Amazon.com


Working on these books has given me a new respect for writers and publishers. It is really a long process to get your book into print. Hours and hours of writing, re-writing then more time spent with design and layout. As I said before, both of these books have been in process for over a year. I had the easy part of taking the photos. The real work was done by the writers and publishers! But both books are now completed and available for order at Amazon.com.

So You Thought You Couldn't Cut It, A Beginner's Guide to Wood Carving
 it is also available at:
Community Voice Media

Backyard Birds of the Piedmont

Wasp and Aphids

I didn't even notice the aphids until I saw this picture. Nice surprise!