Mascot Blog

All authors have some kind of writing process: what happens in between writing that first sentence and sending the manuscript off to the publisher. Some might write addictingly for a few days and others might write over the course of a few years. Regardless of the time frame, every author needs somewhere to start and some structure to follow.Mary Jo Hazard is the author of Stillwater, a highly anticipated novel praised as “compelling” and “thoughtful” by Kirkus Reviews and debuted as a number one new bestseller on Amazon in the category of Young Adult books about suicide. We asked … read more

Our February featured title is 121 Days: The Corbin Raymond Story of Fighting for Life and Surviving a Traumatic Brain Injury by Sadie Raymond with Todd Civin!On the morning of July 4th, 2018, Sadie discovered that her son had been a passenger in a car that had collided with a tree and was on his way to the hospital via ambulance. For 121 days, Corbin fought an arduous battle for his life, and, through faith and love against all odds, Corbin won. Featuring real-time journal entries and contributions from other members of Corbin’s family, 121 Days is a revelatory story … read more

February is Black History Month! It’s a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans, so we wanted to put the spotlight on some of our Black authors. We believe their books, which promote diversity and Black voices, inspire great changes in the world and we are honored to have worked on them.Click on the book titles to be taken directly to its Mascot listing!By Andre GatlingAbout the BookPenelope thought moving to a new neighborhood would be exciting, but she didn’t expect to be bullied because she was different. She befriends Chloe, a homeless puppy who is also … read more

There’s no better Valentine than an irresistible page-turner. From an enthralling WWII historical fiction novel to delicious recipes from Chef Elizabeth Lee, with a bunch of heartwarming picture books, you’re bound to fall in love with one of our new releases. Children’s BooksBy Brandi PearceIn this true story, young August learns about how he will get a new little brother. He learns of how his little brother will grow in someone else’s tummy, not his mommy’s. Will he look like Augie? Will he grow for too long? Will Augie get to take his little brother home once he is born?Join August … read more

Ashley Harrison is days away from releasing her second book in her highly-anticipated young adult trilogy, . Therefore, we thought we’d let her take the mic. Read Ashley’s step-by-step on how to write a captivating trilogy: You’ve just written your first book and couldn’t be happier. The only problem is, you have to write two more in order to continue with this story! The thought of writing a trilogy can be overbearing, but you have to be able to focus the millions of thoughts flowing through your mind and form them neatly into the world you strive to create. So, let’s … read more

Trying to write about yourself in only a few sentences is a lot easier said than done. But if you aren’t Toni Morrison or Stephen King, telling your audience who you are matters. If you want more readers adding your book to their shopping cart, you have to tell them why you’re the best person to write that book.The gist of your biography should include your credentials, a spark of your personality, and the tone that fits your book’s language. Keep it short (like, only a few sentences) and in the third person. Honestly, your bio can still be killer … read more

Our January featured title is by Philip Buckman!Divorce Pool is about four middle-aged friends scattered across the American Southwest who search for new connections in the bustling madness of adulthood. They want more than what a standard landline call has to offer. So, they meet once a year to play a game of their making; a game that will test their loyalty to one another as they navigate a world of jealousy, revenge, and celebrity.We chatted with Philip about the best times to write, making a character come alive in a reader’s mind, creating a dystopia, and more!Divorce Pool … read more

New year, new books! From colorful children’s books to addicting fiction titles, start 2021 with these new reads.Children’s Books Abby’s Magic Music: Billy’s StoryBy Tracy WatlandAbby’s Magic Music shop is where everyone wants to be. Whatever you’re looking for, Abby and her friends will help you find it. Peace, harmony, fun . . . even forgiveness. It’s all inside Magic!Adventures of Texas Blue Heeler: Gunner Cleans Up The NeighborhoodBy Amy Jo WallaceMeet Gunner, a handsome blue heeler from Texas whose pet peeves are pesky squirrels and litter in his neighborhood and green spaces. Follow Gunner on his morning patrol as he … read more

Our December featured title is Finding Feelings by Jennifer Gafford! In this unique search-and-find book, children read body language and use situational clues to locate both good and difficult feelings in the characters. Finding Feelings builds emotional vocabulary, gently exposes children to uncomfortable emotions, and encourages compassion towards others. It is a little book for big hearts! We interviewed Jennifer about why children should learn to process their difficult feelings, how parents can help their children with their emotions, what children can take away from her book, and more!How did you come up with the idea of a search-and-find book that … read more

Andy Williams really couldn’t have said it better— it’s the most wonderful time of the year. However, Andy did leave out how stressful holiday gift shopping can be. Before the first snow falls, many of us are last-minute scrambling to find special gifts for our loved ones. The Mascot Books staff put together a gift guide for book lovers to make your shopping easier and your festive season jollier. After all, nothing beats sitting by the fire with hot cocoa and a good book.Click on the book titles to head directly to the book’s Mascot listing! Books to Be Your Best … read more