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Tuesday, April 7, 2015

"A Little" Reading...A Mini Author Highlight and Give Away Celebrating Reaching 200 Followers!



A "Mini Author" Highlight

To celebrate reaching 200 followers...
 
One Follower of This Blog
Will Win Their Choice Of One of the Autographed "Mini" Novels  Shown Below!
 
 
    Madness Cover     Madness Cover

For centuries, miniaturists have created, played with, sold, bought and traveled in the name of their hobby. The world of modern day miniatures have influenced movies, TV , the stage and now novels which means we are even reading about them!

Last year, I was fortunate enough to win an autographed novel from a series of miniature mysteries. The book is called Madness in Miniature  About a miniaturist, her granddaughter, and of course a mystery. It is so realistic, I thought it was written about me! I too am a former teacher with a granddaughter in the fifth grade who enjoys mini-ing with me! She is also the one who found the doll

This author of many aliases is an amazing person who knows how to take life by the horns in 1:1/RL.  As per her blog, she has "been a factory worker, a translator, a teacher, an experimental physicist, a nuclear safeguards engineer, a writer, a waitress, a miniaturist, a paralegal, a nun, a minister, a short order cook, a ticket taker, an editor, a crafter, and a cotton candy twirler!"

Here is an excerpt from the book I received..."My main crafts area was the second room from the front of the house, next to Maddie's bedroom. When it came right down to it, however, every room in my four-bedroom home was a crafts room to some extent."  Doesn't that sound rather familiar? LOL It is an easy read and just the right diversion between mini projects.

Her eighth miniature novel was released April 7, 2015 entitled;

Manhattan In Miniature 
 
YOU CAN WIN YOUR CHOICE OF ONE OF THE BOOKS PICTURED ABOVE!

        My fellow mini people I would like to introduce Camille Minichino ( can you believe her name even has "mini" in it!) also known at Margaret Grace!

Please enjoy the interview I had with her recently:

 
1.) I see you have had a very diverse and interesting professional history. What made you decide to write novels, particularly the ones, about minis?   
 
My liberal arts background took hold of me, nagging me always to try “everything.” Being a scientist was no excuse for not also being knowledgeable in the arts and literature, to read and appreciate “the other culture” as C.P. Snow advised. At one point in my career as a scientist, I decided it was time to write. I’d always enjoyed mysteries, mainly for the puzzle aspects, and thought I’d start there with just one book before moving on. My 20th mystery will be released in a couple of weeks, four more are under contract, and I don’t seem to have finished!  Each of my series reflects an occupation or hobby that has been part of my life: a retired physicist, a miniaturist, a math teacher, and, on school vacations, a postal worker (a new series that launches this fall)
 
 2) Before you began writing about  miniatures, how far did you go into the hobby? Did you sell, have a blog, go to doll shows or participate in any miniature groups?           

At one time or another, all my family and friends have received a mini scene for a present. A miniature barn for my equestrian step-daughter, an Old West jailhouse for a friend (author Ann Parker) who writes about the Colorado silver rush, a miniature bookstore (an oft repeated gift). I love doing minis with others, especially kids. I go to shows and shops as a customer, but I’ve never sold my minis (see below for the reason!)


3)  Do you still work on them or participate in any way?         
Every day! Entering the world of miniatures is great therapy. It’s hard to be stressed when you’re redecorating a living room with a 6-inch couch and a few chairs. Knitting tiny afghans, making a lamp shade out of the cap of a toothpaste tube—your mind is off any life-size troubles. In fact, many children’s therapists use dollhouses as part of their therapy. I make scenes for auction items at conferences; donate a dollhouse every year to a local school raffle; and populate my house with minis. Giving most of them away allows me to buy more supplies and make room for more!   

 
 4) Were the characters Geraldine and Maddie based on real people?    
Gerry is based on me in the sense that she’s not an artisan craftsperson—the kind who make museum quality miniatures. Like me, she uses found objects, turning the tiny spring in a ballpoint pen into the spring on a miniature screen door, cutting drinking straws into the size of tumblers. There are others who are the make-from-scratch miniaturists whose work I admire, and buy, but don’t have the talent to emulate.  Maddie came into the world of the series unbidden, as a likely partner for her grandmother. I’ve enjoyed playing with her and probably will never age her to the point of teenager! 
 
 
 
5) What would your favorite Fimo meal look like? LOL
 
 
Ice cream sundaes to populate an ice cream shop room box I donated last year!


6) May we ask to whom or what organization you donated the ice cream shop?

An 11-year-old girl (the same age as Maddie Porter of the Miniature Mysteries) received the ice cream shop. Too young to name, but I can tell you she’s a very creative miniaturist herself, with the added talent of working magic with scraps of materials.

  
7) Please share your most unusual room box!

 
A 3-level mortuary! My first series character, retired physicist Gloria Lamerino of the Periodic Table Mysteries, lives above a funeral home. I recreated that dwelling: embalming room in the basement, viewing parlor on the first level, her apartment on the upper level.

My website, minichino.com, has a photo gallery on the miniature mystery page. 

 Thanks so much, for letting me talk about my favorite scale of life! 


Thank YOU for sharing your interesting hobbies with us!

*****

http://www.minichino.com/


Win one of Margaret Grace's aka Camille's books to celebrate Bigandlittlecreations.blog reaching 200 followers. You must guess the number the author has chosen between the number 1 and 200!

 The one who comes closest without going over will win their choice of one of the autographed books shown above! No two people can have the same number guess. April 17th 2015 is the last day to add your guess.

The give away is open to the wonderful followers of this blog!
 
GOOD LUCK!


Click on picture for a larger view

55 comments :

  1. What a fabulous giveaway. I have not heard of this author but would love to read one of her books. Congratulations on reaching 200 followers. I will put a link on my blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi 12 Create!
      Thanks! Not only is Camille a very talented and interesting person she is a real sweetheart!

      Delete
  2. Hi grandmommy! Congrats on your 200+ followers of your blog :D!
    As Sharee, I've never heard of this autor, but because of your interview, I must say that she seems to me a very interesting personality. Just like you pointed out, she looks like lot of us, miniaturists and visitors of your blog ;).
    However, I won't participate, because I recently won some giveaways, but I'll put the link on my blog for you.
    Hugs, Ilona

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Ilona!
      Thanks! I really enjoyed working with Camille. Thanks for adding the link!

      Delete
  3. Oops, just realised I forgot to choose a number. I will choose 17.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello 12 Create! I am not able to find you listed as a follower. I will double check! If you are not a member you may become so by clicking on the "join this site" button above.

      Delete
    2. I am a follower - it may show as psj.sayers. Let me know if you can't find it.

      Delete
  4. Dear grandmommy. I choose number 8. Good luck with your blog.
    Dorien

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorian,
      Your name finally showed up YAY! You are back in the game!

      Delete
  5. Hello Grandmommy,
    Congratulations on reaching 200 followers. We are lucky to enjoy your great blog, your great posts, and wonderful you! I'll go with # 166

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi My Friend Giac!
      Thanks so much Giac! I always hope we have a lot of fun on my blog. I must get back to mini making very soon. Glad you are having fun!

      Delete
  6. Hit the button too soon.
    Big hug,
    Giac

    ReplyDelete
  7. Congrats on your 200 followers (^ ^)
    I'd love to enter - hope you'll count me in.
    I choose number 46.
    Hugs, Irina

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there Irina!
      Thanks! I will make a note of your number. :-)

      Delete
  8. Congratulations for your now over 200 followers and I know there will be many more to follow soon.
    I'll choose No. 180. Thank you for a this fabulous giveaway chance.
    Hugs, Drora

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi there Drora!
    Thanks! You are always a faithful follower!

    ReplyDelete
  10. me gustaría participar y subo enlace a mi blog ( que está también de sorteo, si te apetece...) , creo que he entendido que he de elegir un nº, y en ese caso mi opción es el 155.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Carmen!
      I am glad you are participating! Thank you for putting a link on your blog! I will take note of your guess of 155. :-)

      Delete
  11. grandmommy, I have read a few of Ms. Grace's novels and I loved reading your interview with her. Your questions were well thought out. What non-miniaturist journalist would have an author discussing her three level mortuary/apartment creation?!

    Please include me in your giveaway. I choose 105 as my number. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello there Neen!
      Thanks I enjoyed interviewing her. I love the way she writes in plain language. It is like hearing a friend talking. Your choice is noted.

      Delete
  12. Hi! I just joined your group. Please include me in your giveaway. I will choose 16. Thanks, Regina

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hola, me e echo seguidora suya, por favor incluya me en su sorteo. Mi numero el 56 gracias
    http://www.lasminiaturasderosmery.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bienvenida Angeles!

      Estoy tan contenta de que te unas a! Usted está incluido y me notará su respuesta! :-)

      Delete
  14. Hola, me e echo seguidora suya, por favor incluya me en su sorteo. Mi numero el 56 gracias
    http://www.lasminiaturasderosmery.com/

    ReplyDelete
  15. Congrats on getting 200. I love this series. I guess 101.

    nlb1050@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello Nancy,
    It does not appear you are a follower of this blog. In order to do so you must click on "join this blog" at the top of this page. :-)
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  17. Congrats on cracking the magical 200 - and thanks for offering this great giveaway. Your interview with this lady gave me a good feeling that her books are supposed to be great stuff. I think she's chosen # 20 having her book releases in mind - anyway... good luck to everybody!

    Hugs
    Birgit

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi there BiWubar:
    Thank you! I like that Camilles books are suitable for all ages!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Grandmommy, Congrats for the nr 200!!!
    this interveiew was really an interesting reading!
    I love this lady, I always admire people who are able to reinvent themselves and build every step of their lives from the previous experiences.
    I won't enter the contest having won one of the Christmas giveaways. But I will check Camille's books at the local library!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hello billa!
    Thanks! I feel the same way about people who reinvent themselves. I consider them role models. I am not sure they are in the library, but I know you can purchase them from her website.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Grandmommy, Big congratulations on reaching 200 followers, WOW! I was delighted to reach 70..... Anyway I will pick 200 as my 'lucky' number!
    All the best
    Vivian

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there Vivian!
      Thanks...it is good to see you! Imagine 200 wonderful people following me! By the way your Fox manor is gorgeous!

      Delete
  22. Congratulations on your 200+ followers, The grandmommy!

    Thanks for sharing this author review. I'll see if I can find her works at our library. Like Billa, I won't enter the contest, but I wish your contestants luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey there D7ana!
      You are very welcome! That is wonderful if the library recognizes Camille's book!

      Delete
  23. It has been fun following all the comments and guesses! What a nice group!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there Camille!
      I am glad you are having fun. My New Years resolution was just that for this blog. That we all would have fun.
      Yes, they are a nice group! They always make my day brighter.

      Delete
  24. I've read a few of Camille's books and one of her miniaturist books, which I loved. I've felt a sort of connection to her in her Margaret Grace persona as I have a daughter I named Margret Grace, over 50 years ago. As for a number I will choose 69.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nancy!
      Wow! You are a real fan! In fairness to the other followers I need you to click "join this blog" at the top of this page in order for you to be eligible for the give-away. You are just a click away! :-)

      Delete
  25. Hey Grandmommy, just wanted to say congrats on the followers they are in for a eye treat here on your lovely blog!

    Best of luck for the draw to these lucky folks!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi there Jane Smith!
    I agree. A little something to have some fun and explore another aspect of miniatures.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Grandmommy!
    Wonderful Giveway! Super fine books! I choose number 62 if it is not already taken!
    Hugs
    Kikka

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi there Kikka!
    Thanks! I hope you are having fun with it!

    ReplyDelete
  29. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love reading this series and have all of them. I'm also excited to know there is a new book available.
    I would like to choose number 8.
    thank you for sharing and God Bless!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Suzie,
      Nice to meet you! I have a lot of catching up to do with Camille's books!

      Delete
  31. What a great way to celebrate your followers and to showcase the author. I also wont be entering but I enjoyed the interview and will look for her works on Amazon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey there Muff!
      Yes, my followers mean a lot to me. They really make me laugh, smile, and understand this little addiction I have. LOL That includes you!
      Glad you enjoyed the interview!

      Delete
  32. Hi The grandmommy, Congrats on reaching 200+ followers. Here's to many more years of blogging and many more followers! Thanks for the wonderful interview and chance to win. I'd love to read these books--they sound really fun! I'll guess number 38. xo Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hello there Plushpussycat!
    Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed Camille! I have noted your guess!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm happy to see the guesses coming and to meet grandmommy's great followers, new and old!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hello! Congratulations on 200 followers! I love following your blog. I choose number 32. I very much enjoyed your interview and am looking forward to reading her books (even if I don't win), so thanks for introducing me to her.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hello! Congratulations on 200 followers! I love following your blog. I choose number 32. I very much enjoyed your interview and am looking forward to reading her books (even if I don't win), so thanks for introducing me to her.

    ReplyDelete

It is fun hearing from all of you!