New romantic comedy

I'm working on a new romantic comedy. I'm heavily in the creative process right now with the story. The story is still taking on form. My most recent romantic comedy "A Woman Named Bagoo"  is on the market. In January I'm going to run a goodreads giveaway for "A Woman Named Bagoo" and for "Croaked." I'll be giving away a hundred copies of each. Happy Reading!

Focusing on Romantic comedies and the last Fritz Fombie book.

I'm focusing on writing romantic comedies, but I will be working towards finishing up the last Fritz Fombie book as well.

You can follow T. E. Antonino on goodreads.com

current book projects

I've finished a "Woman named Bagoo" a romantic comedy. My editor is currently working on the book. Once I receive it back it will go into the production phase. Right now I'm working on a middle-grade novel called "Gouie and the Outrageously Dirty Room." I'm working through my fourth draft, but it may take as many as eight or ten drafts to finish it. I'm hoping to have this middle-grade novel finished by Jan-Feb. Once this book is finished I'll start working on the last Fritz Fombie book. I have a young adult story that I hope to start on towards the end of 2018. Lots happening on the writing front in my house. Happy Reading!

Follow T. E. Antonino on goodreads.com

"A Woman named Bagoo" Romantic Comedy

I have finished the ending to "A Woman Named Bagoo." I didn't base the ending of the book on anything else other than my imagination. I really like this book. I hope my readers will feel the same. The romantic comedy is back in the hands of my editor. The book should be in the production phase by December. This book will be different from any other romantic comedy you have ever read. This could be a good thing or a bad thing. I'm placing my bet that it's a good thing. Originality can be a a double-edged sword. "A Woman Named Bagoo" is a very original take on romance. Happy Reading!

Follow T. E. Antonino on goodreads.com 

Brusselpop short story!

The Boy with the Unicorn Horn

By T. E. Antonino

“Grandma, tell me about the time when all the children had a unicorn horn like mine,” Brusselpop said.

 “So, my little Brusselpop, you want to hear the story once again,” Grandma smiled. “Remember to listen closely this time, and don’t forget a word of the story.”

The years weighed heavy on the grandma, and the story she was about to tell held the beauty of the ages.

The old grandma straightened up in her rocking chair and began to speak. “There was a time when all the children of the town painted pictures with watercolors and made all kinds of everything with every color making invention you could think of. They would dance and prance like no horse could ever do. It was pure delight in the children’s eyes to pretend to be knights, princesses, scary dragons, and all manner of fairytale fair. Children made music on their clang-bang-tooters and their drum-a-boomers. Fairytales popped in and out of children’s imaginations like popcorn in a hot kettle. It was a time when books flowed free. The townspeople watched the children’s creative delights from morning till night, and happiness fell on the people like leaves on a windy autumn day. The beauty of all this creating could be felt even in the deeper part of one’s soul. But that all changed on the day the hinge maker rolled into town. He talked about putting hinges on doors, hinges on boxes, hinges on suitcases, hinges on cabinets, and hinges on anything hinge-able. ‘Hinges are the future,’ he explained to the townspeople.”

“Grandma, is this when the townspeople stopped buying dancing shoes, and paintbrushes, and noise makers, and fairytale books, and acting costumes for the children?” Brusselpop’s face grew long. “This is the sad part of the story, isn’t it Grandma? It’s when the children’s unicorn horns all disappeared.”

“I’m afraid so, Brusselpop,” the grandma said. “The hinge maker declared that any money spent on creativity only creates foolishness and leaves your pockets penniless. The townspeople listened to the hinge maker. They began to spend their time and money only on making hinges both day and night. Soon the gates to creativity came to a close. My little Brusselpop, all children are born with a unicorn horn so that even the very old won’t forget the days of magic past. Remember, Brusselpop, life is more than living.”

 Those were the last words that Brusselpop would hear from his grandma. For that very night, she took her place among the stars. Brusselpop favored his unicorn horn and made certain it wouldn’t fade away. He spoke in song, but rarely talked. Brusselpop danced through the years and grew more creative all the time, but the boy’s creativity didn’t go unnoticed. The pictures that he painted on sidewalks, barn buildings, and concrete walls inspired the townspeople in ways they would never have thought possible. Many of the townspeople agreed that the music   Brusselpop played on his pieced together string-ama-strummers took them to places far away from the glut of hinge making they all knew so well, while others said that Brusselpop’s street corner acting made them see things in a different light. Like catching teardrops from the stars, Brusselpop subdued wonder and revealed it to all those who could see beyond the hinge.

 The hinge maker was furious over Brusselpop’s uncommon behavior and called a town meeting. As the hinge maker stood behind the podium, he lashed out at all the foolish Brusselpop talk.

“We can’t let anything distract us from our hinge making, for it is our future,” the hinge maker said. “This Brusselpop character is a distraction. He produces nothing but fanciful dreams that end with an empty belly.”

 Some of the townspeople agreed with the hinge maker, but others disagreed with the hinge maker for the first time in a long time. The hinge maker ranted and raved behind his podium as he spoke of the expendability of creativity. Brusselpop, with his magnificent unicorn horn in full bloom, swung open the doors to the town hall. Brusselpop marched right up to the hinge maker, who was still standing behind his podium. The townspeople watched closely with much wonder and curiosity over the unusual character that Brusselpop truly was without a doubt.

 Brusselpop looked the hinge maker in the eye and said, “Life is more than living.”

 Leaving the now speechless hinge maker, Brusselpop walked back towards the doors.

 “Where are you going?” the townspeople asked Brusselpop.

“I’m off to embrace the magic of the stars, to feel the Earth beneath my feet, to be carried away to wherever the song leads me, to paint a picture of all that I will see, and to live a story to be told. For life is more than living.” With those words, Brusselpop left, and the townspeople thought, and they thought, and thought, and thought…

Fund the arts and save the unicorns!

Check out my book!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/150848192x

Librarycon is coming up! New book getting closer!

I will be selling books at the Waynesville Librarycon on Saturday the 30^th of April. It will be held at the Waynesville library from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. They have asked me to draw a manga picture. I’m working on the image now. It will be a totally unique super hero. I’m knee deep finishing up Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage. It is taking me longer than I anticipated. I keep making improvements, and I don’t want to finalize the book if there are still ways to make it better. At this point, I have gone through roughly fifteen drafts. The first Fritz Fombie book only took seven drafts. I’m working on making this new book more of a deep third person experience versus a shallow third person. I hope once the book comes out all of the hard work put into it will make it a great reading experience for both children and adults. Hang in there! The new Fritz Fombie book is coming out soon.

Take a look at the first Fritz Fombie book!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/150848192x

Librarycon and book update.

I just received my book Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage from my novelist friend. I’m working through her well thought out suggestions. I’ve also begun work on the inside illustrations. I’ve put down another book I’ve been working on titled Kooky Forelong for now, but will pick it up as soon as this second Fritz Fombie book goes into the production phase. I think a timeline of 3 months or less to bring Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage to market is realistic. I will have another short story published in the Waynesville public library newsletter in the next couple of months. I will also be a guest at their Librarycon. I will be giving a super hero manga art lesson. My books will be available for purchase at the event. Best wishes. T. E. Antonino

Check out my book!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/150848192x

Two new books coming!

The new Fritz Fombie book titled Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage is almost ready. I’ve finished drawing the front cover. It’s my most ambitious drawing to date. I drew eleven images on the cover, which means there’s a lot going on. I believe kids will really have fun studying the cover. A writing friend of mine is going over my manuscript for the last time. Since I have some time on my hands while she looks at it, I’ve started working on another book called Kooky Forelong. I plan to put that book up on Kindle Scout once it’s finished. Kindle Scout is run by Amazon. Readers get to read part of your book, and if they like it, they nominate it. The more nominations you have the more likely Kindle Scout will consider your book for publication. So I have been keeping busy while my writing friend finishes up looking at Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage. Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage will be a self-published book and made available to readers in less than three months. That’s the timeline I’m shooting for. Take care and best wishes.

To check out my first Fritz Fombie book click the link below.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/150848192x

Fritz Fombie and Frightful Feats of Courage!

My appearance at the Hazelwood Elementary School annual reading night went great. I enjoyed reading from my book. I gave away a Frtiz Fombie crochet hat, which went over really well with the kids. Lisa Hartzell, the Waynesville public library's children’s librarian, was also there, and she did a great job reading from a picture book as did the teachers from the school. Two children also read from books, which I thought was awesome. It couldn’t have been a better night. I’m working on the illustrations for my new Fritz Fombie book titled Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage. I’m also finishing another book titled The Willy Nilly Forest. I co-authoredThe Willy Nilly Forest with my editor Hannah Krieger.

Check out my book by clinking the link below!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/150848192x

Appearance and My New Book!

I’m very happy to say that I will be a part of the 6^th annual winter family reading night at the Hazelwood elementary school. It’s scheduled for February 11^th at 6:00 p.m. I’ve had the honor of being asked to read from my book Fritz Fombie Have No Fear.
I will be leaving for Louisville, KY in a week where I will meet with my niece and editor Hannah Krieger. We'll be working on the next Fritz Fombie book that I’m finishing up. The book is titled Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage. It will be a wide open fantasy and adventure story bursting at the seams with creative fun. This book is like the first Fritz Fombie book, but also has a societal benefit. The book will help children to see that they can be brave and overcome any obstacle in their way. I’m very excited to see how others will experience this fanciful story that I wrote with a grin on my face. Take care and stay warm. 

Check out my book by clicking the link below!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/150848192x

Finish line coming up!

I leave to see my editor in less than three weeks. I’ll spend about two weeks working with my editor then the book will be completed. As soon as the book is complete, I’ll start working on the cover and chapter Illustrations. The book now stands at 42,000 words, so it will be a longer read than Fritz Fombie Have No Fear. I’m working hard right now trying to pull all the loose ends together. I’m looking for any illogicality and trying to bring as much fun as I can to the story. Actually, this is the most fun time for me as an author because the story is completely there, I’m just tweaking some things so the story will sing as loud as it can. I will soon be putting on my artist hat and start on the illustrations. Drawing illustrations has a way of relaxing me. That might be because I know I have completed the hard months of putting a book together and the finish line is coming up quickly. I hope you will enjoy Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage as much as you enjoyed the first book. Take care. 

Check out my book by clicking the link below! 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/150848192x

Moving along!

I am currently working on the seventh draft of "Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage." I’m now knee deep in the details of the book. I’m very happy with how this book is turning out. There’s a whole lot going on in the book, but I’m working hard to make it a great story that flows well. Take care.

Check out "Fritz Fombie Have No Fear" by clicking the link below!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/150848192x

Thanks!

I would like to thank everyone who has given me a rating or review on goodreads.com or amazon.com. The reviews have really encouraged me as a writer and help me keep the writing faith. I emailed someone very special and told her how I desperately wanted my next book to be as well received as the first book. She emailed me back and told me that all writers worry about that. Those words helped me. Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage is coming very close to being finished. It will be finished probably in the next month and a half or sooner. Then it will be read for the first time by someone other than me. I have to tell you they're butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it, but I bravely go forward hoping for the best. The new book should be out sometime in early spring.  Have a happy holiday season. Take care and remember the magic is in the journey. T. E. Antonino

Check out my book by clicking the link below!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/150848192x

Books are in the oven!

I just started a new giveaway on goodreads.com for my book Fritz Fombie Have No Fear. I’m including Great Britain in this giveaway along with the USA. I’m also getting closer to being done with Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage. The new Fritz Fombie book is a lot longer than the first one. It also has a lot more going on and has a lot of characters in each scene. I want it to flow as nicely as the first book. It’s proving to be quite the challenge because of its increased complexity. I’m working on the ending right now. I should have the book ready to send to my editor by January. I did more preliminary illustrations for the book as well. I’m also excited that I’ll soon be back to working on Gouie and the Outrageously Dirty Room. I also have been doing preliminary drawings for this book. Take care and have a happy holiday season! 

Check my book out by clicking on the link below!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/150848192x

update on books!

I’m almost to the end of my fifth draft of "Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage." I’m hoping to have the book done by early January. Once I’m finished with "Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage," I’ll finish up "Gouie and the Outrageously Dirty Room."  I’m on the third draft of that book. I hope to have both books out before the end of summer or sooner. I’ve done the preliminary work on the front cover of "Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage." I’m almost done with the front cover for "Gouie and the Outrageously Dirty Room." Once I know the chapter breaks in those books, I’ll start doing the inside illustrations. I’ll have one illustration at the beginning of each chapter. "Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage" is currently at 37,000 words, so it will be around 12,000 to 13,000 words longer than the first Fritz Fombie book. "Gouie and the Outrageously Dirty Room" will run around 40,000 words when finished. Things are coming along well with both books. Take care and have a great weekend.

Check out my book!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/150848192x

Two more books coming in 2016!

I have decided to publish two books in 2016. I will publish Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage and Gouie and the Outrageously Dirty Room. I’m on the fifth draft of Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage, and I’m on the third draft of Gouie and the Outrageously Dirty Room. I’m very excited to see how they will be received. Fritz Fombie Have No Fear was received with much positivity from readers' reviews on amazon and Goodreads. Both the Portland Book Review and the Manhattan Book Review gave it stellar ratings. Gouie and the Outrageously Dirty Room is a stand-alone book.

The middle-grade writing class that I spoke to is going to send me a letter in the mail. I’m very excited to hear what the kids thought of my hour long babbling and my book. It was a great experience to see young kids interested in writing. Take care and have a happy Thanksgiving.

click the link below to check out my book!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/150848192x

In store sales!

I have my book Fritz Fombie Have No fear in several brick and mortar stores. The book is available at the Blue Ridge bookstore and the Mountain Home Collection in Waynesville, NC. The book is also available at The Battery Park Book Exchange and Papoose Children’s Clothing & More in Asheville, NC. I’m starting to get in-store sales, which is really cool. My reviews are still coming in on amazon.com and goodreads.com, which I’m really thankful for. I’ve started to advertise on amazon for my book as well. 

I’m starting to see the finish line for Fritz Fombie and the Frightful Feats of Courage. I should have that book finished in the next couple of months. My editor and niece Hannah Krieger just received first prize in a short story writing contest. She won a trip to visit Arizona State University for four days. Hannah Krieger will also be the editor of the new Fritz Fombie book. Take care.

Library Appearance!

The library appearance went well. I read from Fritz Fombie Have No Fear, did a manga art lesson for the kids, and also read from picture books for the little kids. It was a fun time, and I really liked working with Lisa Hartzell, the children's librarian. I wore a Fritz Fombie outfit. Some of the kids wore their Halloween costumes as well. I hope to go back to the library for an author day in the spring. I will keep you posted on upcoming events when they draw closer. I am looking forward to hearing back from the middle school creative writing class I visited last week. Eight of the kids are reading my book, Fritz Fombie Have No Fear. I'll let you know what they thought of the book as soon as I know. Take care. T. E. Antonino.

Click the link below to check my book out.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/150848192x

Middle school creative writing class!

I spoke to a middle school creative writing class about my book. It was a wonderful experience. I loved sharing my joy of writing with young people who also have a love for writing. I hope I was able to encourage them in their writing journey. I spoke a lot about the actual novel writing process, which was fun. I also talked about marketing a book from a self-published author’s perspective. I even had the chance to talk a little bit about manga, which is Japanese comic art. I used manga type artwork in the illustrations that went into my book. I’m looking forward to hearing how they liked the book as each of the students received a copy of Fritz Fombie Have No Fear. I love to see the fellowship of writers both young and old. My next appearance will be at the Waynesville library on Friday the 30^th at 4:00 p.m. I will be giving a reading from my book, a manga art lesson, and if there are little ones, I will read from picture books, so that fun will abound for everyone. Take care. 

Click on the link below to check out my book.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/150848192x

The Manhattan Review Awesome!

T.E. Antonino takes his readers on a whirlwind ride full of imagination and mischievous fun. In Fritz Frombie Have No Fear, Mr. Antonino delivers a fun, whimsical, eccentric suspenseful story that will take readers on one amusing journey of self discovery. With a relatable heroine, the author weaves a story that will entice young bookworms to get lost in a story of a young heroine discovering her inner strength and facing her fears. With an engaging cast of characters that are relatable for young elementary students, Mr. Antonino creates a story where our imaginations can soar.

“Whistle a tune and what you want most will happen soon.”

Fannie is a fourth grader who has so many fears. She is afraid of so many things and she keeps a list of her fears. It seems her list of fears are endless. Luckily for Fannie, her best friend, Abby accepts her and all her fears. When her school has a school hop dance, Fannie fears that another girl will ask the boy that she likes out. So yet again, she has another fear to tack onto her list. But one of one her greatest fear is when her parents go away for the weekend. Fannie fears that “Stink Warts,” the monster under her bed will get her. So when her parents had to go away for the weekend, Fannie never expected to have Fritz Fombie magically appear and help her face each one of her fears. Fritz Fombie is a young zombie, but he is none of those scary walking dead kind. As Fannie tackles each of her fears with the help of Fritz Fombie and her friend Abby, she takes readers on a fun and humorous whirlwind of crazy antics that is both suspenseful and entertaining.

Though this book is about a young heroine and her crazy adventure, this book really emphasize the important lesson of courage, friendship, honesty, and not letting your fears hinder you from enjoying life. So if you are looking for a book that is entertaining, suspenseful, fun, colorful, and teaches an important valuable life lesson, then I highly recommend this book for young readers, parents, and librarians.

Reviewed by Michelle Tan

http://www.amazon.com/dp/150848192x