Newburyport, October 28 | The Dragon’s Nest, 31 Market Square, announces its upcoming book launch for the new children’s picture storybook, Satchi and Little Star, by Donna Marie Seim and illustrations by Susan Spellman, on Saturday, November 5th from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.

In “Satchi and Little Star,” a young island girl watches as a herd of eight wild horses trot past her gate. One little horse has a white star on his forehead. She yearns to have a horse of her very own. But, when she asks her mama and papa they both say, “Satchi, wild horses are meant to be wild.”

Satchi decides that she will catch and tame Little Star all by herself. Through joys and trials, the reader follows her down the path that leads Satchi to understand what true friendship really is.

Inspired by the beautiful wild horses in the Caribbean and around the world, author Donna Seim weaves the story of a young girl, a wild horse, and how they touch each other’s lives. Susan Spellman’s masterful illustrations capture the essence of a young girl’s emotions of the heart. Her colorful watercolor paintings sweep the readers away to the island world of Satchi and Little Star.

Satchi and Little Star is the second children’s picture book written by Donna Seim and illustrated by Susan Spellman. Where is Simon, Sandy?, about a little donkey that wouldn’t quit, also takes place in the Caribbean and is the recipient of the Mom’s Choice Award for 2009 in the category: Children’s Picture Book, Peoples, Places and Cultures and a Finalist in the children’s picture book category for the National Indie Excellence Awards for 2010. Seim is also the author of Hurricane Mia: A Caribbean Adventure for 8–12-year-olds, 2010.

In 1982, Donna and her husband Martin opened The Dragon’s Nest, a specialty toy store in downtown Newburyport. The store is now owned and operated by their daughter Kristin.

Susan Spellman has a studio workshop in Newburyport where she pursues a dual career as a fine artist and as an illustrator with extensive experience in painting, portraiture, and children’s book illustration.

Come join in the fun! Color “Satchi and Little Star” and win a gold coin from the Dragon’s Nest, enjoy tasty treats, and at 2:00 pm, listen to the author read a selection from “Satchi and Little Star.” Donna Seim, author, will be on hand to answer questions and sign copies of her book. While supplies last, patrons will receive a free Schleich action figure of Little Star with each signed copy of the book, “Satchi and Little Star.” A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the TCSPCA – Grand Turk Chapter of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

For more information about the book, visit http://www.donnaseim.com.

LA Talk Radio’s Two Talk Books with Starla Faye, host.
You can listen to us on streaming radio at http://www.latalkradio.com/.

Take a listen to me (Skye Wentworth) on Saturday, June 11 at 11:00 am, PST/2:00 pm, EST on LA Radio as I talk to Starla Faye, host, on Two Talk Books. We’ll be talking about book publicity — how to craft pitches and press materials, establish contacts with the media and discuss information about social networking and marketing trends — all the stuff that will help you promote your book!

What works best for you?

Join us at http://www.latalkradio.com/

The holidays are often a difficult time for those of us that have experienced a loss of a loved one. Many individuals suffer through bereavement over a family member, friend, and/or pet because they know that their holidays will never be the same again. We welcome Elissa Al-Chokhachy, our guest blogger, as she brings us comfort with her message of hope and miracles.

Holiday Hope and Miracles: A Time of Remembrance

By Elissa Al-Chokhachy

Winter holidays are filled with joy and celebration. During this time, millions of people reverently pay homage to the miracles in their faith traditions and heritage. Others celebrate meaningful relationships with loved ones, family and friends. From festive gatherings, thoughtful exchange of cards, notes and presents to charitable gift giving, these activities bring much hope, anticipation and promise. Holiday music magically transports us back through time to cherished moments and memories. And, for those who have lost loved ones, this season is a time of remembrance. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the special loved ones in our lives who have died.


Holidays often evoke sadness for those who are bereaved. Deceased loved ones are noticeably missing, and their absence trigger palpable grief, loneliness and sometimes despair. Some grieving individuals need to talk about what they are feeling. Others prefer to grieve privately. Respecting the needs of each is important. Rather than getting over a loss, the bereaved need to learn how to live differently in an altered world. Things have changed. Providing a supportive, nonjudgmental environment encourages the validation of thoughts and feelings. Working through the feelings of loss and grief is a necessary step in the healing process.


During this holiday season, look for ways to honor beloved family members and friends who have died. Light a candle in remembrance. Say a prayer. Share funny stories. Look at photographs. Listen to favorite music. Hang a stocking and invite guests to place messages inside. Make a charitable donation. Visit special places where memories were shared. Journal thoughts and feelings. Offer thanks for blessings and lessons learned. If needed, ask for forgiveness or say “I’m sorry.” Give thanks for your loved ones’ presence in your life.

Never be afraid to cry. Tears are good. They are a physical release of grief and sadness. Remember, it is important to work through the pain of loss in order to return to happiness again. Take it one day at a time, one hour at a time or one minute at a time, if necessary. Pray for strength, guidance and clarity. Be gentle with yourself. Get plenty of rest. Don’t forget to laugh and have fun.
According to Robert Frost, “Hope does not lie in a way out but in a way through.” Enjoy this season as an opportunity to move deeper into emotions where the miracle of hope can be found. May the warmth and caring of others bring you comfort. May the winter bring you rest and renewal. May the miracles of this holiday season bless you with healing, hope and peace.

Elissa Al-Chokhachy, MA, RN, CHPN, FT is a certified hospice nurse with Merrimack Valley Hospice in Massachusetts and the author of Miraculous Moments: True Stories Affirming That Life Goes On.

See: http://www.sfbaytimes.com/

Join Donna Seim, author, and Susan Spellman, illustrator, at the Dragon’s Nest, 31 Market Square, Newburyport, MA on June 26th from noon – 4:00 pm for the launch of the new middle reader novel, Hurricane Mia: A Caribbean Adventure.

In Hurricane Mia, Mia’s world is falling apart. First she learns that her mom is sick. Then she and her younger brother are whisked away to their grandparents’ home in the Caribbean for the summer. Mia is furious until she meets Neisha, an island girl, who tells her about “the tea that cures everything.” Will Mia find the tea? Will it cure her mom? An incredible adventure follows, taking Mia and friends on the high seas where they meet barracudas, explore uninhabited islands and search for a magical tea.

The Dragon’s Nest will be celebrating Caribbean-style outside on Market Square with their very own Green Flash Café (just like in the book). For refreshments, they’ll be whipping up tropical mango smoothies. Donna Seim will read a selection from Hurricane Mia and both the author and illustrator will be on hand to sign copies of the book. With each signed book, you will receive a free good fortune in one of Mia’s magical tea bags!

For more information about the book, visit http://www.donnaseim.com

See you on Saturday at the book launch!

The ambition for this tour is simple: To create a venue where people are invited to experience a Jesus they may have never known; to discover God’s grace and forgiveness in a non-threatening format; and to communicate Jesus’ unconditional love that transforms religion into a personal relationship with Christ. This tour will also support the building of homes in La Florida, Peru through the Fuller Center for Housing.

And there’s music. Sean Dietrich and the Sawmill Biscuit Band (when available) will be in tow in all their musical glory.

The book Leaving Religion, Following Jesus continues to make an impact on those inside and outside the established church. Leaving Religion, Following Jesus challenges readers to rethink their personal relationship to religion, faith, and Christian spirituality — and to discover new ways of following the revolutionary example set by Jesus.

Find out more about the tour at http://leavingsalem.wordpress.com/. Pick up the book at www.amazon.com.

Organized in collaboration with Harbor Tours, Newburyport, Kalfel’s unusual ocean cruise coincides with the launch of his book.

“We must, as human beings, have a ritual and a little more. We need that memorializing,” said Kalfel. “Many people struggle with how to achieve that when there’s not a traditional burial or funeral ceremony.”

When his 97-year-old mother expressed her wish to be cremated rather than buried, Kalfel was inspired to research and consider the options for handling cremated remains, whether they’re one’s own or the ashes of a loved one. And his lighthearted book presents information and ideas in a way that makes the serious topic so approachable that it could end up being the central conversation for your next family reunion or a night out with friends.

Kalfel’s So I’ve Got These Ashes And Need To Do Something With Them cruise provides a way for people to memorialize their loved ones, including pets, with a nondenominational ceremony at sea. It also provides an opportunity for people who had ashes left to them with no instructions. Participants are encouraged to bring photos to share with others on board.

The cruise will depart from the west end of the Newburyport Boardwalk (next to the Black Cow Restaurant) at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 26. The first 40 people to register will be able to join this cruise. The cost is $25.00. All proceeds go towards the cost of hiring the boat for the occasion.

If you are interested in participating, contact Jesse at events@crematednowwhat.com.

To learn more about Kalfel’s book, visit http://www.creamtednowwhat.com.

For more information about Harbor Cruises, visit http://www.harbortours.com.