Welcome!
Thank you for visiting my Web site. I’m Beverly Stowe McClure, reader and writer. In these pages you can read about my books, what’s happening in my world and yours, find fun links and cool advice about writing. My site is constantly under construction, so come back often. Stay for a while and let’s talk about books and writing and pets and anything else that grabs your fancy. Leave comments or questions and I’ll get back to you. You can also email me at Beverlysmcclure (at) aol . com. (without the spaces, of course.)
Enjoy your stay.
God bless.
Please pardon the mess on my site the next few weeks. I’m remodeling. It’s long over due. (and taking longer than I expected since I’m such a procrastinator). I’m closing a couple of my blogs because I simply don’t have time to post on them. They won’t disappear, however, for I’ll add them to this site. Watch for changes, new links to fabulous places, more reviews, whatever comes to mind. Also, watch for a possible contest when the remodeling is complete, whenever that occurs. Thanks to all my dear friends for stopping by and leaving comments. You can still do that. Have a wonderful week.
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LATEST NEWS!
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Frankie’s Perfect Home finished 5th in the Preditors and Editors Readers Poll Awards, Children’s Division. A huge thank you to everyone that voted for Frankie. You rock.
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Copies of Tumbleweed Christmas are available at the publisher, 4 RV Publishing and at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Or ask your favorite bookstore to order a copy for each of your young readers. Who says you can’t read Christmas stories during the winter?
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If you’d like to listen to the Blog Talk Radio Interview with Renee Hand come on over to
Beverly’s Blog and click on the link. Have a good laugh. Do I really sound like that? I didn’t know how to put it on this site. I’m computer challenged.
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My forthcoming young adult contemporary novel, LIFE ON HOLD, now has a gorgeous cover. I’m happy to share with you. Aidana WillowRaven did the lovely artwork. She also did Just Breeze. The publisher is 4RV Publishing LLC. Look for the novel in early 2012.
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Frankie’s Perfect Home, Guardian Angel Publishing, is now up at Amazon. Christmas isn’t too far off. Books make great stocking stuffers. Start shopping early. Buy copies for all your little ones. Here’s the link:
Alexander Morris is the fabulous illustrator.
Also, I signed a contract with GAP for Weird Noises in the Night, my picture book mystery.
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2011 NEXT GENERATION INDIE BOOK AWARDS
Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines has been named
a Finalist in the Novella category of the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book
Awards. The 2011 Winners and Finalsists are now Online at
the site Indie Book Awards
If any of you have paperback copies, let me know and I’ll be happy to send you a sticker showing Caves is a Finalist for your book. I’m putting them on the copies I have and they look so neat. I also have book plates I’ll sign and send to you.
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I’m happy to announce that my YA Historical Fiction, Caves, Cannons, and
Crinolines, is also a finalist in the Dan Poynter’s Global eBook Awards.
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My YA mystery, Secrets I Have Kept, is now available on Kindle at Amazon, Germany, and Amazon.fr/Kindle in the UK. How cool is that? The book is still in English, but you can order it for your Kindle from Amazon.de. Click here. Secrets is also available at Amazon in Kindle and trade paperback. See more about Secrets I Have Kept in My Books and in Excerpts.
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New video for Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines on the Video page. Enjoy.
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Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines finished fourth in the Preditors & Editors Readers Poll. Thanks to all my friends who voted for Caves. You’re the best. Lizzie and Nat
send their thank you’s too.
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More good news:
Just Breeze my novel for middle grade and tween readers, is now availabe on the Kindle at Amazon. Breeze is also a Nook Book at Barnes and Noble.
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Caves, Cannons and Crinoline is available at Barnes & Noble and also at Amazon in paperback or Kindle.
The story of Elizabeth (Lizzie) Stamford and her family’s daily struggle to survive a changing way of life during the American Civil War. This is a story of fear, courage, and understanding that people, no matter where they live, have the same needs: love, peace and security.
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My Books (for more go to the Books Page on the right side. Thanks.)
Eighth grade starts out the same as every other year for Breeze Brannigan. She’s still the tallest student, boy or girl, in her class, wears shoes that would fit an elephant, and her smile reveals dazzling braces that blind everyone within ten feet. Then she meets Cam, the new boy in school who speaks with an accent and must be from another planet, for none of the earthling boys she knows are so polite. He also has a secret, a secret that could mean life or death for Cam and his mother and that Breeze must help him keep.
Forthcoming books:Scattered to the Winds, a middle-grade historical fiction about the Orphan Trains, based loosely on my mother’s life, by Twilight Times Books. I have upsetting news about one of my stories. The publisher that was going to publish Kate, Little Angel Sometimes is going out of business. I’ve been waiting since 2006 for this story, now I don’t know what to do with it. I am so disappointed. Also, my MG I Live in a Doghouse will not be published either, until I find a new home for it. In the midst of all the joy there are heartbreaks too. So goes the publishing world. Wish me luck in finding new houses for my children.
Me? A Writer?
If anyone had told me I’d be a writer someday, I’d have thought they were crazy. When I was a child I hated to read. School book reports were a nightmare. Even though my eighth-grade teacher sent my poem “Stars” to a high school anthology and it was published, I hated to write. Nevertheless, I attended Midwestern University and became a teacher. Imagien that! I read to my students; I read to my three sons and discovered Dr. Seuss. Who can resist his adorable stories?
Now, I read constantly. I also write fiction and nonfiction for children and teens and try to add humor to my stories even though they sometimes deal with serious subjects.
Who would have thought it?

How I Wrote My First Book
I have a new book to tell you about. Twilight Times Books has just released How I Wrote My First Book in an ARC PDF. In this anthology, twenty authors tell about their first books. Well of course, since that’s the title. Whether you’re beginning to write or have been writing for years, or are somewhere in between, I think you’ll enjoy reading how these authors, including yours truly, made the sometimes frustrating, sometimes exciting, always adventuresome journey to finishing their first book. For more info. check it out at Twilight Times Books. The trade paperback and Kindle edition are now available. The Kindle version is free. Yes, you heard me right — free.
Jul 12, 2011 @ 14:36:19
Aw thanks, Aidana. You have a knack for catching the character of the story, not just the people but what their lives are about. I’ll be promoting later this week. I’m snowed under now with two manuscripts to “polish” but am getting there.
Thanks for all you’re doing. Looking forward to working with you again.
Jul 11, 2011 @ 22:20:38
I’m so glad you are happy with my work, Bev. But, you make it so easy. Your stories are so full of life, I had trouble deciding what to illustrate. Just so rich! So many authors I work with get a scene or two right, but you get them all right. I’ll do a McClure cover anytime!
I’ve already posted the new cover on Facebook, Twitter, and my blog … lol.
Aidana
Jul 11, 2011 @ 20:38:52
Thanks, Donna. It has been an exciting summer. Hectic, too, trying to do everything that has to be done. And today I had more good news. Will be posting about it this week. Aidana sent me the cover for Life on Hold. It’s fantastic.
(We won’t mention the couple of disappointments. Too many good things to worry about them.)
Have a great week, Cyberdaughter.
Jul 11, 2011 @ 14:30:35
Hi Bev:
I’m thrilled to learn about your latest GAP contract and Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines has been named a Finalist in the Novella category of the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and of course your picture book release.
Congratulations!
Warm regards,
Donna
Jun 24, 2011 @ 12:42:31
Hi, Liz,
Hope you’re well and enjoying reading. I’ve put together a discussion guide for Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines your book club is welcome to use. Since I thought others might be interested, I added a new post containing the guide. Check the Categories List on the right for “Book Clubs” where you can copy it. Or I’ll be happy to email the guide to you if you’ll provide me with an email you want me to send it to.
Again, thank you for choosing my book for your club to read. I’m honored. Have a lovely weekend.
Jun 16, 2011 @ 18:36:21
Hi, Liz.
Wow! I’m honored that your Book Club is reading Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines. Also, I’m delighted that the members are enjoying it. I’d be delighted to send discussion questions for your meeting in July. I can probably have them by the end of next week. Just send me an email address or where you’d like me to send them.
Caves is a finalist in the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and I have award stickers to put on the book I could send you too, if you’d like them.
Thanks for making my day. Bev
Jun 16, 2011 @ 15:30:00
Our book club, The Sisterhood of Open Hearts and Open Minds, is reading Caves, Cannons and Crinolines for our July 13th meeting. We wanted a Civil War era historical fiction book with a strong female lead. We did a Good reads search and found your book. We range in age from 24 to 69 so it is kind of funny that it was a unanimous vote to choose your book. Four out of the Fourteen of us have finished it and loved it. We would love it if you had any discussion questions for our little group. Thanks, Liz
Jun 06, 2011 @ 20:07:20
Hi Vampyregurl. I appreciate you following my blogs and wish the best for you with your blogging and writing. I love the CSFTS books too.
Have a nice week.
Jun 06, 2011 @ 18:02:39
thank you for following my blog
I ADORE the CSFTS books! I can’t wait to read about Traveler
May 09, 2011 @ 18:18:38
Thanks, C. Lee. Yep, for a recycled teenager I get around pretty good.
You’re pretty busy yourself.
I’m planning to do away with a couple of the blogs soon because they’re terribly neglected.
Have a lovely week.
May 09, 2011 @ 15:34:04
Great to visit your website again, Beverly. You are one prolific writer and I love your site, but I’ve told you that before.
You have so many blogs it makes my head spin! For a grandma you get around.
Dec 04, 2010 @ 00:33:56
Hi, Diane. What a wonderful thing you’re doing for children. I’m sure the books you give help cheer their days. You’re entered in the contest. Best of luck.
Dec 03, 2010 @ 21:57:56
I was excited to see your website and your contest. I give my new A to Z Nature and Me Nature Activity book to children in hospitals all year long. Whatever I win will join one of our gift giving ventures to one of our hospitals.
I look forward to reading the rest of your website now:) but wanted to enter the contest for a book for a child. Have a wonderful holiday!!! Diane Esser, Founder Butterflies For Kids
Nov 27, 2010 @ 13:57:50
Thank you, Kelly. Yes, I’m busy, busy. I appreciate your interest in my books. Have a super weekend. Happy reading and writing.
Nov 27, 2010 @ 11:55:47
Wow, Beverly! You’ve been busy. Congratulations on all the book contracts. That’s just amazing. I can’t wait to check them all out on Amazon!
Nov 14, 2010 @ 20:43:25
Hi Steve. Thanks for stopping by. I left a comment at your blog. Have a good week.
Nov 14, 2010 @ 20:16:19
Hi,
Seen you are a Neil Diamond fan.
I have a fairly “NEW” Neil Diamond site you may want to view.
Here is the address if you’d like to view my site.
If you do enjoy it, send the address below to let your friends.
Thanks,
Steve ……………………http://www.itsallaboutneildiamond4u.blogspot.com
Aug 08, 2010 @ 22:59:27
Darby, it is fun editing when you can envision your book in print. Then making all those corrections is worthwhile.
Yes, I wore my crinoline. We took a couple of pictures, but they don’t show the whole dress. Next time, I’ll remember to show the crinoline.
Have a great week. Happy editing.
Aug 08, 2010 @ 22:25:24
Hi Beverly,
How are you doing? I’m working hard on editing the first book, then when I need a break, I’m working on the sequel.
Must be the Puritan in me, but I’m enjoying laboring over both books.
Did you wear your crinoline to that book signing?
Aug 02, 2010 @ 18:27:07
Hi Darby. I’m so happy you enjoyed Lizzie’s story. A sequel? Mmm. Hadn’t thought about one. I hadn’t planned to write a sequel to Just Breeze either until a couple of people asked if I was. Now I am. So anything is possible with Lizzie. It might be interesting to follow through after the war ends.:)
Aug 02, 2010 @ 17:55:40
Hi Beverly,
I just finished Caves, Cannons and Crolines and enjoyed Lizzie’s adventures. Will there be a sequel? I’m eager to find out which beau she chooses!
Jul 22, 2010 @ 18:38:04
Beverly,
Thanks for your kind words and welcoming spirit. And it was a delight to find your message on my website. It’s a work in progress, to be sure!
Darby
Jul 21, 2010 @ 00:21:28
The Civil War is my favorite era in history too, Darby. I have a whole libraray of CW books.
I love stories about angels. A little romance is always good too, in my opinion. Looking forward to reading about your angel. It is exciting having a book coming out. The year will zip past, and then the fun begins. Promoting your baby.
Jul 20, 2010 @ 21:27:20
Hi Beverly,
I’m sure I’ll enjoy your book. The Civil War is one of my favorite times in American history.
My book, Griffin Rising, is about a teen angel with a troubled past and the steadfast mentor who helps him. There’s even a bit of a love story between Griffin and a mortal girl. YA, but really more for tweens.
Release date is June 2011. I’m pretty jazzed!
Darby
Jul 20, 2010 @ 19:41:25
Hi, Darby.
Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy my book.
Hey, congratulations on your contract with Twilight Times. That’s awesome. What’s your book about? Or is it too soon to tell?
Have a wonderful day.
Jul 20, 2010 @ 17:37:44
Hi Beverly,
I just ordered Caves, Cannons, and Crinoline and I can’t wait to read it. I love historical fiction; any place, any time!
Like yourself, I am a teacher (not retired yet) and I’ve just signed a contract with Twilight Times Books for my debut novel.
Best of luck with Caves, Cannons, and Crinoline!
Darby Karchut
Jul 15, 2010 @ 15:59:29
Thank you, Cyberdaughter.
I appreciate your constant support.
You’re rolling right along yourself.
Have a lovely day.
Jul 15, 2010 @ 15:07:32
Bev, congratulations and all your book contracts! I’m thrilled for you.
Warmest regards,
Donna
Jun 14, 2010 @ 16:31:34
Aw, thank you, Agi. I appreciate your kind words. I know what you mean about being hopeless with computers. I do a lot by trial and error.
Congratulations on you books. Your series sounds like one kids will love. I like mysteries too, but am terrible at figuring out who done it. I will check on your site and your books later today.
Jun 14, 2010 @ 15:21:54
Hello, Beverly,
I find your website and blog awesome. Your books sound tempting as well.
I am (almost) a hopelsess case when it come to computers, web sites etc. I am learning, but very slowly.
I have a web site, but can not enter anything, since it was done by Xlibris. Not a good move. I’ll do better because I am having a local web master help me with a new web site.
My blog was also done by an expert who is now out of commission. Nobody to ask how things work. However, as I said, I am about to change that.
I will use the web sites I like as models. Yours is one of those.
I am working on a mystery series for children 8-12. Three books are available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. I am workiong on the fourth. and am planning two more.
The books have each a different cultural setting because, bsesides the fun and games, I am serious about educating young readers.
Perhaps you can take a look at my web site
http://www.trifontaine-mysteries.com
Best wishes Agi
Jun 08, 2010 @ 02:32:14
I’m with you, Carol. I have a whole library of Civil War books. We toured the old houses in Vicksburg and one guide told us about the corsetts sometimes being so tight they brokes the ladies’ ribs. I’d call that torture.
Jun 08, 2010 @ 02:25:16
Beverly,
I was a history major in college and have a passion for all things from the Civil War. But I have seen pictures of what happened to those ladies who wore petticoats. It ruined there bodies. It looked like pure torture. I think I would rather live in a cave!
Apr 06, 2010 @ 20:29:14
Hi, Ann. Thanks for visiting and for the nice comment about my books. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.
A lovely day to you, as well.
Beverly
Apr 06, 2010 @ 19:41:22
Hi Bev! Just stopping by to check out your sites and your books. I am very interested in reading these. Have a wonderful day!
Jan 08, 2010 @ 19:33:21
Hi, Cynthia. Thanks for stopping by. Several people have mentioned the song “Forever in Blue Jeans.” Neil Diamond is one of my favorites. Yes, I snap photos of clouds, trees, flowers, animals, anything to do with our beautiful world. Have a super day.
Jan 08, 2010 @ 03:24:46
I’m loving your avatar “Rebel In Blue Jeans.” For some reason it makes the Neil Diamond song “Forever In Blue Jeans” play in my head . . . but I’m funny that way. I see you have a passion for nature photos too. Your site looks great.
Dec 02, 2009 @ 23:57:26
Nice to see you here, Just Joany. I like humor in a story and try to add some most of the time.
Stop by again.
Bev
Dec 02, 2009 @ 06:31:08
Hi Bev,
I just wanted to let you know that I can hardly wait to read your book, “Listen To The Ghost.” It sounds totally intriguing… and funny. Thanks for posting about your books.
~ Just Joany
http://redwagonflights.blogspot.com
Nov 03, 2009 @ 19:45:54
Thanks for the kind words, Yaya, and for the tip. I’ll head over that way tonight. Now, I’m getting ready for my signing this evening. Have a super day.
Nov 03, 2009 @ 17:52:26
Beverly,
I want to read all of ‘em. You do have a way with words.
I wanted to tell you about a $75 prize being given away. Be sure to head over and read all about it. Hurry ’cause we only have until the 6th of November to enter. Hurry, hurry! ~ Yaya
http://yayashome.blogspot.com
Oct 22, 2009 @ 16:27:14
Thanks, Nancy. It’s been a long time in coming, and I’m enjoying the ride, after all these years.
So what are you waiting for? Get busy with your story. It sounds like a good one to me.
Bev
Oct 22, 2009 @ 02:20:06
Bev, I am excited to see you going places with your writing. Your characters are so believable! Reading your work makes me want to finish what I am doing and read some more.
Hugs,
Nancy
Sep 26, 2009 @ 22:21:14
I enjoyed reading the review and about other good books, Carmela. Thanks. Best of luck to you.
Beverly
Sep 26, 2009 @ 22:15:21
Hi Bev,
Thanks for posting about your favorite craft books at http://www.TeachingAuthors.com. And good luck with your writing.
Carmela
Aug 31, 2009 @ 10:09:12
I enjoyed my visit, Beverly. It was interesting to find out that writing came as a surprise–a delightful one, right?;. All the best!!
Aug 28, 2009 @ 14:56:02
YAY! You’ve been super, Aidana. Can’t wait for the finished product.
Aug 28, 2009 @ 13:17:40
Love to see ‘Just Breeze’ up there …lol. We’re almost there …
Aug 07, 2009 @ 20:13:57
I think it’s that little orange square that says “Subscribe in a Reader” and you have to choose which reader. It’s not like blogspot, but I subscribed through Google and my blogspot sites and this one are together. I think.
I have a blogspot site. http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com
I don’t understand this at all.
Aug 07, 2009 @ 19:35:39
i didn’t see a “follow” button to click on so I can follow your blog. Did I miss it?
Thanks,
Dianne
Aug 01, 2009 @ 21:58:49
Thanks, C. Lee. I never would have believed it. But I’m a slow learner, I guess. Enjoying every minute.
Aug 01, 2009 @ 21:22:54
I enjoyed my visit, Beverly. It was interesting to find out that writing came as a surprise–a delightful one, right?
Aug 01, 2009 @ 21:21:31
Nice to visit here, Beverly. Interesting to find that being a writer came as a surprise–a lovely one though, right?
Jul 21, 2009 @ 02:38:48
Hi Terri,
Thank you for your kind words. That would be great. I’m hopping over to your blog now.
Bev
Jul 21, 2009 @ 01:51:24
Hi, just found your site thanks to Donna McDine. I love it and will post info about you and your site on my new writing blog too. Thanks for the wonderful stories and the tips on writing you share with others.
Nov 24, 2008 @ 01:20:14
Hey, Norma,
Nice to see you here. You’re learning; I’m learning; we’re all learning. Still trying to figure out how parts of this Web site work.
Bev
Nov 24, 2008 @ 01:08:03
Hi Bev,
Love the site. Am I learning.
Nov 23, 2008 @ 22:22:06
Hi, Kevin,
Thanks. I’m excited about working with Vivian and her staff. Congratulations to you, too. I look forward to seeing your work at 4 RV and wish I had a picture book so you could illustrate it.
Bev
Nov 23, 2008 @ 05:27:55
Bev,
I just signed on with 4 RV Publishing and see your announcement for an upcoming book from them in 2009. Congratulations, my wife and I wish you well with this journey!
- Kevin
Oct 09, 2008 @ 16:44:21
Thank you for the kind comments, Anarda. I look forward to having you in my workshop. Your book, School Girl, sounds interesting. I’ll check it out too as I’m making a Christmas list. My grandkids are used to getting books from me. What can I say?
Oct 09, 2008 @ 15:23:09
Your site is great! I love that you writer for young readers…as there are so many writers like yourself who did inspire me as a girl. I look forward to reading more of your work. Congrats on your success. Best of luck to you in the future!
-Anarda Nashai
author of School Girl
http://www.anardanashai.webs.com!
Oct 08, 2008 @ 17:16:21
Thank you, Donna. Rebel will be on her way to you in a few days.
Beverly
Oct 08, 2008 @ 16:40:53
Hi Bev…I was delighted to hear today that you received your advance copies of Rebel in Blue Jeans…wonderful news! Can’t wait to read it!
Warmly,
Donna
http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com
Jul 21, 2008 @ 19:31:39
Thanks for your kind note. We did one teleseminar last week and will do others. If you’d like us to tell you when they are, please send me your email address.
Also, if you’d like to help spread the word about the San Francisco Writing for Change, we’d reallly appreciate it. The conference will be Sat. & Sun., August l6 & l7 at the Hotel Kabuki in San Francisco. It is dedicated to nonfiction writers who want to change the world, one book at a time, and will cover change of all kinds, from the personal to the planetary. Speakers include M*A*S*H* activist/actor Mike Farrell, Gay Hendricks, Susan Griffin, Allan Hamilton, Scoop Nisker, and more. $395 covers breakfasts, lunches and party. For more info visit http://www.sfwritingforchange.org or phone 415 673-0939
Jul 19, 2008 @ 21:14:49
Hi, Lynn. Thanks for visiting. I still have a lot to do with the site. Also, I hope to participate more on your Ning site. The days just get away from me.
Jul 19, 2008 @ 20:57:29
Very nice site! Good luck!