Looking for something to read next? These five FREE sites are for you!
1. www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/ This site lists all of your favorite authors and the books they wrote in order. Perfect for finding the next book in the series or to learn what their newest book is and when it's due to be released.
2. http://www.goodreads.com/ This is a fun site for readers to connect. Find out what everyone's reading! Read reviews, join discussions, add your own reviews and more. Tired of the same old stuff? This is a great site to find a new author. You can't buy books here, but they'll connect you to online sales channels.
3. http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/ This is an extremely helpful site for mystery lovers. Allows you to search by author, type of detective, location, historical period, and many other ways. If you've just finished a series and still crave more, this site will help you find something similar. It's an easy way to find a new mystery series.
4. http://www.arbookfind.com/ Looking for the points on the Accelerated Reader list? Here's where you'll find the info. Type in your title or author and this site gives you the grade level and the AR points for that book. Great for students, parents, and teachers.
5. http://www.dogearedpagesusedbooks.com/ This is a great mom & pop bookstore in Phoenix, AZ with an incredibly helpful online presence. Search for your book in their huge inventory, if they don't have it, they'll find it for you and email you the cost and shipping time. They make it easy to buy online. Don't want to give your credit card info on the web? No problem, send a check, call the store, or stop in if you're in the area. Once you try it, they'll quickly become your one stop shop for used, new, and rare books.
Anna Questerly
Bookseller and bibliophile turned author, Anna Questerly writes medieval fiction and fairy tales for smart kids and young hearts. For adults, she creates Utopian fantasy as A.J. Questerly.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Book Club Discussion Questions
I am surprised and honored that several adult book clubs have decided to make The Minstrel's Tale their selection. After I met with the first book club, they suggested I post discussion questions specifically for book clubs. So here they are. If you think of any questions that should be added, feel free to comment and add them here.
1. When did you realize who Richard really was?
2. What do you think wizard's weed is?
3. What do you think the Illuminated Manuscript contains?
4. In The Minstrel's Tale is a secret message. The clues are listed in this blog. Can you solve it?
5. What did you find to be the most interesting aspect of 1376 Europe?
6. Which fairy tale was your favorite?
7. The larger theme of the story is revealed in the next two books, but there are clues within Book One. Do you have any ideas of what it might be?
8. If you were transported to the fourteenth century, what would you miss the most?
9. Anna's discovery of the journals was initially only a device, when do you think she became a "real" character to me?
10. Do you think Amos and Lissette will meet again?
1. When did you realize who Richard really was?
2. What do you think wizard's weed is?
3. What do you think the Illuminated Manuscript contains?
4. In The Minstrel's Tale is a secret message. The clues are listed in this blog. Can you solve it?
5. What did you find to be the most interesting aspect of 1376 Europe?
6. Which fairy tale was your favorite?
7. The larger theme of the story is revealed in the next two books, but there are clues within Book One. Do you have any ideas of what it might be?
8. If you were transported to the fourteenth century, what would you miss the most?
9. Anna's discovery of the journals was initially only a device, when do you think she became a "real" character to me?
10. Do you think Amos and Lissette will meet again?
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Uphold the secret!
Several people have asked why I sign my books with "Uphold the secret." I have a good reason; there is a secret message buried deep within the pages of The Minstrel's Tale.
Over the next few weeks I'll be dishing out the clues so you'll be able to read it. See you soon!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
International Author!
Woo Hoo! I just sold my first book in England! That makes me an international author!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Milestone School Visit
I have just returned from Milestone School where 3 different classes are reading The Minstrel's Tale! This was a great visit, these students are smart, fun, and creative. They asked me so many interesting questions about the book, the writing process, and where I get my ideas. It is so much fun to talk about books and writing with kids that enjoy reading.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
My First Review
Could a wandering mistrel have actually shaped the fate and fortune of a future king? Step back in time with local author Anna Questerly's delightful first novel called The Minstrel's Tale.
Her story begins with 14-year-old Anna from Phoenix - and seamlessly weaves back into the 13th century through her unique storytelling ability. Using fictional and non-fictional figures in the book, The Minstrel's Tale is centered around one of the youngest kings in history. It's a clever narrative of adventure, drama and great stroy telling - with a young boy coming to rule over one of the most powerful countries in the world, during one of the most turbulent and troubled periods in medieval Europe.
Throughout the book, Questerly uses Anna's ancestor - a valuable and wise minstrel named Amos - for the pivotal figure in the young king's life as he entertains crowds from city to city. The story allows readers to feel like they are right by his side as he travels from town to town entertaining and giving the townspeople a chance to forget their troubles and get news from other places.
It's a great book, with carefully depicted characters and a wonderful plot. Questerly makes a great connection with history and today's teenage lifestyle at the same time.
Katherine Koenig CITYSunTimes May 2011 issue.
Her story begins with 14-year-old Anna from Phoenix - and seamlessly weaves back into the 13th century through her unique storytelling ability. Using fictional and non-fictional figures in the book, The Minstrel's Tale is centered around one of the youngest kings in history. It's a clever narrative of adventure, drama and great stroy telling - with a young boy coming to rule over one of the most powerful countries in the world, during one of the most turbulent and troubled periods in medieval Europe.
Throughout the book, Questerly uses Anna's ancestor - a valuable and wise minstrel named Amos - for the pivotal figure in the young king's life as he entertains crowds from city to city. The story allows readers to feel like they are right by his side as he travels from town to town entertaining and giving the townspeople a chance to forget their troubles and get news from other places.
It's a great book, with carefully depicted characters and a wonderful plot. Questerly makes a great connection with history and today's teenage lifestyle at the same time.
Katherine Koenig CITYSunTimes May 2011 issue.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Prerelease Party
There are days in our lives that are truly special, moments of celebration shared with those we love. Yesterday was one of those days for me. I was excited about the prerelease party for my first book, The Minstrel's Tale. Thom had ordered a cake and created a beautiful display of my books in the lobby of the bookstore. Friends had called and stopped in to say they'd be there. My son assured me he and his girlfriend wouldn't miss it-and the books arrived in time. I was a little nervous, but knew it would be a fun day.
Two nights before the party, at midnight, my daughter made a surprise visit from L. A, and the weekend took on a surreal quality. My daughter is extremely busy right now with school, work, and her own business. I hadn't even asked her to come to the release party. I didn't realize how much I wanted her to be there until she showed up.
Thom treated us all to brunch on Sunday morning, and we made it to the bookstore in plenty of time to make sure everything was ready. The kids surprised me with a pink rose and asparagus (wizard's weed) bouquet for the signing table. People began arriving even before the store opened. I wrapped my minstrel's cloak around my shoulders and began signing books.
I looked across the table into the eyes of the people who came to have me sign their copy and realized how lucky I am to have friends such as these. I know how busy our lives are these days, how hard it is to make time on the weekend for an event, and with each new arrival, my heart swelled a bit more.
At one point, I looked up to see a line forming around the lobby and knew this is what it feels like to be an author. I will never forget this weekend or the people who made it such a wonderful experience. I told Thom and my kids that if I get this type of "star treatment" each time I write a book, I would certainly be writing more books.
By the end of the day, I was happily exhausted; like my daughter's wedding and my son's graduation, this day was one for the memory book, a day to be tucked safely away and drawn out from time to time to reminisce over and enjoy again.
There are more pictures on Anna's Questerly's Facebook page.
Two nights before the party, at midnight, my daughter made a surprise visit from L. A, and the weekend took on a surreal quality. My daughter is extremely busy right now with school, work, and her own business. I hadn't even asked her to come to the release party. I didn't realize how much I wanted her to be there until she showed up.
Thom treated us all to brunch on Sunday morning, and we made it to the bookstore in plenty of time to make sure everything was ready. The kids surprised me with a pink rose and asparagus (wizard's weed) bouquet for the signing table. People began arriving even before the store opened. I wrapped my minstrel's cloak around my shoulders and began signing books.
I looked across the table into the eyes of the people who came to have me sign their copy and realized how lucky I am to have friends such as these. I know how busy our lives are these days, how hard it is to make time on the weekend for an event, and with each new arrival, my heart swelled a bit more.
At one point, I looked up to see a line forming around the lobby and knew this is what it feels like to be an author. I will never forget this weekend or the people who made it such a wonderful experience. I told Thom and my kids that if I get this type of "star treatment" each time I write a book, I would certainly be writing more books.
By the end of the day, I was happily exhausted; like my daughter's wedding and my son's graduation, this day was one for the memory book, a day to be tucked safely away and drawn out from time to time to reminisce over and enjoy again.
There are more pictures on Anna's Questerly's Facebook page.
Friday, April 29, 2011
2 more days and counting!
Only 2 more days til the prerelease party, and I'm feeling something I didn't expect. I few nervous butterflies are beginning to make their presence known. People are actually going to read my book! I'm not sure if Yeah! or Yikes! is appropriate, so I think I'll go with both for now.
I was speaking to a fellow author, Bill Lamperes
(http://www.blamperesauthor.com/), about this and he assured me that it's completely normal to feel this way. Parents will know what I mean, it reminds me of putting my children on the school bus for the first time. After living with and loving this book for so long, it's the same feeling as letting your baby go out into the big, bad world.
I was speaking to a fellow author, Bill Lamperes
(http://www.blamperesauthor.com/), about this and he assured me that it's completely normal to feel this way. Parents will know what I mean, it reminds me of putting my children on the school bus for the first time. After living with and loving this book for so long, it's the same feeling as letting your baby go out into the big, bad world.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Pre Release Party!
I can't believe it's only a few days away! I hope you can make it to the prerelease party for The Minstrel's Tale at Dog-Eared Pages bookstore this Sunday from noon-five!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Favorite Quotes
One of my favorite quotes is, "It doesn't do to leave a dragon out of your calculations, if you happen to live near one." J.R.R. Tolkein.
What's your favorite quote?
What's your favorite quote?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Ms. T's Class return visit
Again, it was wonderful to meet with Ms. T's students. They have finished their edits on my book and hopefully have found every loose comma and runaway semicolon. I am so excited that they like the stories and are looking forward to my next book!
I did let them in on a little secret today. There is a secret message buried in one of Amos's stories. Check back for more clues on where to look.
I did let them in on a little secret today. There is a secret message buried in one of Amos's stories. Check back for more clues on where to look.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Ms. T's Class
Yesterday, I visited Ms. T's 5th grade class and read a couple chapters of The Minstrel's Tale. Let me back up a little. Ms. T has been copying the chapters from my unpublished book, (with permission) and the students have been diligently searching out typos and mistakes and assisting me with the proofreading process. While it's humbling to know, I'm not smarter than a fifth grader when it comes to punctuation, I appreciate the time and effort they have put in to make my book better. They find everything!
I was a little nervous about the school visit and was not sure what to expect. Ms. T's class was so welcoming and everyone was excited for me to be there. Not only that, but they really love the stories! It was one of the most amazing experiences in my life. The class had lots of questions about the book and the writing process. They each had me sign a copy of their chapters or a bookmark. They gave me hugs and made me feel special. I felt like such a celebrity!
I was a little nervous about the school visit and was not sure what to expect. Ms. T's class was so welcoming and everyone was excited for me to be there. Not only that, but they really love the stories! It was one of the most amazing experiences in my life. The class had lots of questions about the book and the writing process. They each had me sign a copy of their chapters or a bookmark. They gave me hugs and made me feel special. I felt like such a celebrity!
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