Elaine Ambrose

Bestselling Author, Ventriloquist, & Humorist

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“Your Journey is Your Story” Webinar Attracted 70 Storytellers

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“Your Journey is Your Story” Webinar

My storytelling webinar on November 18 attracted 70 registrations from people across the USA and from two other countries. We talked for an hour about the importance of leaving a legacy through telling and writing stories.

Using music, humorous anecdotes, and group discussions, I challenged participants to end the year on a positive note and write a December letter for family and friends. The goals of the webinar were to prompt writers to share personal stories with others and to consider a writing routine that could lead to publication.

Judy Carter and me at the 2016 Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop.

I learned how to format and present a live webinar on Zoom after attending a Master Class online from Judy Carter and Nina Segura. I met Judy at the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop in 2016 and have followed her career. In addition to being an internationally popular comedienne and speaker, Judy is an excellent online instructor and helps people find and promote their unique messages. The Master Class involved 12 weekly classes from July through October, and we learned how to prepare slides to present in a live free webinar to promote our paid services.

It’s time to tell your story.

One slide in my webinar features a graphic of a woman peering into an hourglass. My target audience is women over age 55, and I wanted to convince them time is running out and they need to commit to creating, telling, and writing their authentic stories. I intend to promote more webinars in the future under the theme of “Your Journey is Your Story.”

Many women (and men) feel invisible and irrelevant after their kids are grown and their careers are ending. Many are lonely and lack self-confidence due to months of home confinement during Covid-19. I hope to coach them how to believe in their journey and share their legacy through storytelling for future generations. Writing journals, stories, and memoirs will provide a creative, healthy, and healing activity for many retired people.

70 people registered for the webinar.

Near the end of the webinar, I included a selection of my online services and classes. Details are listed on the Eventbrite invitation. Options include personal calls, professional story editing, and tools to create and write an eBook for online sales.

Finally, I encouraged participants to learn new technology. Many of us began our careers using manual typewriters and learned on the job how to use computers with all the upgrades and constantly evolving features. We’re still learning, and now that we’re home, we can take online classes to learn more. Knowing how to create and present a live webinar on Zoom proves that even after six decades, our journey is not over.

Virtual Premiere Party Nov. 14 for Children’s Book

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“Don’t forget me, Sweetie Pie.”

Idaho author Elaine Ambrose will introduce her latest children’s book at a virtual and drive-by event on Saturday, November 14 at SpurWing Country Club. Proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Idaho. People can view online Eventbrite details or stop by Spurwing, 6800 N Spurwing Way in Meridian, between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm to purchase an autographed book and two toys for $20. Due to social distancing regulations, masks will be required and there won’t be a program.

Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Idaho

The book tells the story of a ten-year-old girl with Down syndrome who meets a talking bird named JuJu. Using a 3D printer, they create a magical flying machine. Slant3D in Nampa manufactured toys with a 3D printer to accompany the book. The 88-page chapter book is written for ages seven through eleven and includes creative illustrations by Idaho artist Caroline Zina. The book was published by Brown Books Publishing and also is available in eBook format and in audiobook read by the author. They are available online or can be ordered from local bookstores and libraries.

National professional reviews have been positive. Publishers Weekly awarded the book with a “lightning bolt” designation, indicating an “Editor’s Pick for a Book of Outstanding Quality.” The review to be published in the November issue of Publishers Weekly noted that: “Award-winning humorist, memoirist, and children’s author Ambrose adds another hit to her roster with a third children’s book.” Kirkus Reviews  wrote the book “is a joyful, well-told story that celebrates the power of imagination.”

Melody and JuJu with 3-D printer

Readers within the Down syndrome community also gave positive reviews. Allison Zoccola has an adult brother with Down syndrome and sent these remarks: “WOW – your book is incredible. I can imagine reading this to my daughter with so much joy and pride in having the main character proudly represent such an underrepresented population of phenomenal people. The illustrations are marvelous with so much depth, and truly enhance and bring more life to the words on the page.  The descriptions are peppered with realistic details and mannerisms – like fidgeting with the strings on her outfit – and bring so much life to the story for me. Having a brother with Down Syndrome, I know all too well the habits, repeated routines, safe places etc., that make up the day of an individual with Downs. I genuinely enjoyed reading it and I can’t wait to read it again.”

Slant3D of Nampa, Idaho, manufactured 3D toys for the book.

Ambrose is the bestselling author of ten books, a viral blogger, and certified workshop facilitator. She has won national writing awards for books in three genres: humor, memoir, and children’s books.

Melody the Storyteller
Melody the Daydreamer

Publishers Weekly Names Children’s Book as “Editor’s Pick”

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Illustration of Melody

Professional reviewers from Publishers Weekly reviewed Melody’s Magical Flying Machine by Idaho author Elaine Ambrose and awarded the book with a “lightning bolt” designation, indicating an “Editor’s Pick for a Book of Outstanding Quality.”

Publishers Weekly is the international news platform of book publishing and bookselling. It was founded in 1872 and published continuously since then and includes business news, reviews, bestseller lists, and commentaries.

The review to be published in the BookLife feature of the November issue of Publishers Weekly noted that: “Award-winning humorist, memoirist, and children’s author Ambrose adds another hit to her roster with a third children’s book.”

The story is narrated by a girl with Down syndrome. She meets a talking bird, and they use a 3D printer to create a magical flying machine to soar over the playground, scare a group of bullies, and prove that Melody is brave and magnificent. Besides her tall tales and colorful stories, she also shares facts about Down syndrome.

The review gave A ratings for copy and editing and an A- for illustrations. The review mentioned “vivid prose” and “imaginative tapestry that is Melody’s magical adventure.” The review concluded: “This charming flight of fancy with an equally charming protagonist will delight readers who want to be both educated and entertained.”

This positive review follows another national critique by Kirkus Reviews that wrote the book “is a joyful, well-told story that celebrates the power of imagination.”

Ambrose will introduce the book in the Boise area on November 14 with an Open House at SpurWing Country Club in Meridian. Social distance requirements will be observed. Participants can register, pay in advance, and come inside to receive autographed copies and 3D toys created for the event. Proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Idaho.
Melody’s Magical Flying Machine will be available in November in paperback, eBook, and audiobook read by the author.

Open House and Virtual Book Premiere Party Nov. 14

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After organizing and hosting more than a dozen public premiere parties for new books, I’m going drive-by and virtual. That means no cake, no readings, no signings, no live music, and no mingling with guests, but we’ll be cautious against the coronavirus. Let’s plan on festive parties in person next year.

Melody’s Magical Flying Machine will be introduced on November 14 through online and Open House options. You can order books and 3-D toys to be mailed, or stop by The Club at SpurWing in Meridian from 2:00 – 4:00 pm to pick up autographed books and toys from me.

Details are on this Eventbrite link:

Melody’s Book Premiere Party.

At the Open House, I’ll have copies of 12 of my books for your holiday and Christmas shopping.

Proceeds from the November 14th event will benefit Special Olympics Idaho.

3-D Toys Created for Children’s Book

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Video shows 3-D printing of the doll toy for Melody.

Melody is coming! A new children’s book titled Melody’s Magical Flying Machine introduces 10-year-old Melody, an amusing girl who loves to imagine and tell stories, give strong hugs, and share knock-knock jokes with her brother. She also has Down syndrome.

After a bad day at school, she escapes to her safe place beneath a catalpa tree and meets a magical talking bird. They use a 3-D printer to create a flying machine so Melody can fly through the air, amaze her friends, and chase a group of bullies. Through her adventures, Melody discovers her strength, resilience, and joy.

Slant 3D Printing in Caldwell, Idaho, was commissioned to design and manufacture 3-D toys to accompany the book, eBook, and audiobook. The company features state-of-the-art design, prototype manufacturing, and production of complex products for clients across the country. The finished toy resembles the illustration of Melody and details include her eyeglasses.

3-D toys in a Fairy Garden.

The book contains a dozen charming illustrations by Idaho artist Caroline Zina. Two illustrations were used for the 3-D toys: the girl and the shell that became the flying machine. The toys are three-inches high, light-weight, and sturdy enough for active children to use during storytelling activities with the book.https://elaineambrose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_2329.mov

The book premieres in November, and the paperback and eBook are available for pre-order. The audiobook read by the author will be available on November 10. The author is organizing a premiere party on Saturday, November 14. The book and two toys will be sold for $25. Individual books and toys also can be purchased. Proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Idaho.

20_52062_CVR_SoftProof Click this link to see the back and front cover.

The book is receiving excellent reviews from national reviewers, professionals, and children who enjoy chapter books written for ages seven through eleven. Kirkus Reviews wrote, “Melody’s Magical Flying Machine is a joyful, well-told story that celebrates the power of imagination.”

“Melody” Ready for Pre-Order in Paperback and eBook Formats

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Sample eBook page for “Melody’s Magical Flying Machine”

Melody’s Magical Flying Machine is almost ready to fly into the hands and hearts of adults and children eager for a positive, imaginative story. The book, eBook, and audiobook read by the author will be available in November, but orders are being accepted now.

Click here for the paperback edition available for pre-order.

Click here for the eBook edition for Kindle.

The story features a 10-year-old girl with Down syndrome who meets an enchanted talking bird. Using a 3-D printer, they create a magical flying machine pulled by two dragons so she can soar freely through the air, amaze her friends, and scare a group of bullies. Kirkus Reviews wrote “the book is a joyful, well-told story that celebrates the power of imagination.”

Kirkus Reviews wrote illustrations by Idaho artist Caroline Zina are “beautifully textured and shaded, with a magical quality that deftly matches the text.” The manuscript was professionally edited and published by Brown Books Publishing. The author employed the assistance of five children between the ages of eight and twelve to make suggestions and approve the final version. Talented people at DesignWorks Creative in Boise designed the interior layout for the eBook. With the release in November, the author will offer 3-D toys for purchase to accompany the book. The toys are being manufactured by Slant 3D in Nampa. The audiobook will be produced by Drew Allen Brown of Nampa. The cover art by Wayne Anderson is courtesy of Bridgeman Art Gallery in New York. Proceeds from the initial launch in November will be donated to Special Olympics Idaho.