Calling Homeschoolers and Christian Schools

As I continue to reach out and strive to connect Cornerstonia to new readers, I have been blessed with the first Christian Academy who was willing to allow the world of Cornerstonia into their curriculum. Here is the Academy Director describing their experience:

Our 6th grade students currently utilize an advanced curriculum which is constantly challenging them. One of the requirements each students has is to hand in 2 complete book reports in one year, and as the Director of Potters House Academy I am pleased that we introduced Cornerstonia as one of their assignments. The students were engaged in reading, they enjoyed every chapter and had endless discussions about the book. One of their biggest complaints was "I want a second part already!". It was enjoyable to see how much they looked forward to reading and how they saw themselves in the story. I highly recommend this book to any school that would like to see their students excited about reading!!! We are looking forward to seeing Cornerstonia on the big screen and reading the second part to this book.
Many Blessings,
                                Michelle Pacheco
                               Campus Director

                         Potter's House 
                               Academy
                               "Home of the Gladiators"
                                (Office) 407-273-2683

The biggest thrill for me as an author is hearing children and readers, with their eyes wide-opened, as the talk to me about the world and characters I have created. The 6th grade students from Potters House Academy wrote fan letters to me after reading my novel and they really hit a spot in my heart. Here are two of the letters: 

 

I am hoping other schools and home schools, consider Cornerstonia as a possible fit for their educational programs. Feel free to contact us. Long live Cornerstonia.
See our Promotional video:  http://bit.ly/ebSqxg
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Cornerstonia Book Reviews

Today, purchasing a book on line is as easy as turning on your computer or smartphone. If you enjoy buying and reading books, the one way to help you decide is to read the reviews. We always feel more comfortable making decisions when someone recommends it to us. Well, Cornerstonia is no different. In this blog I have taken all the reviews from Amazon.com and have placed them here for your review. Please, if you have read Cornerstonia, support me by writing a review. It only takes a few minutes. Here they are:

This book was an amazing book to read. I could not put it down. The way the book is described and the way the author put the words together made you feel as if you were in the book with them. I cant wait to read the next book. They story line is a story that every family should read because it tackles an issue a lot of families deal with. If you like fantasy you will love this book. By Matthew Gotay

 I really, really enjoyed the book. It's very well written, very entertaining, and teaches a great lesson. It is easy to read and understand. It also has a very creative and original story line. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. By Kim Mascarenhas

What awaits the reader in Cornerstonia is a exciting roller coaster ride from beginning to end. My son read the whole book in less than a week as he used his free time to find out what was going to occur next as he traveled in the fantasy world of Cornerstonia. As a parent I knew I made the right decision in purchasing this book that emphasized the Christian values that I grew up with. At a reasonable price the book didn't cost me and arm and a leg. Overall I gave the book a five star rating for ease of reading, value for your money, and most importantly providing a moral story that reflects Christian beliefs in today's world. By Marc HSC

An awesome storybook with the reality of issues families go through today. Definitely an excellent read for any age. Each chapter left a yearning to find out what would happen next. Also a few "loose" ends to leave an anticipation for future adventures(books)which made it all the better...Cornerstonia: The Rose River Journey By J.Reyes

The book is very entertaining and an easy read for children and adults. Has a great message throughout the book. It was hard to put this book down. By Leila N. Cuevas

Limited Time Offer

In celebration of our recent accomplishments, we are promoting a LIMITED TIME OFFER of $3.00 off your purchase of Cornerstonia: The Rose River Journey Novel. Go to our website and purchase using promo code: 6F9X8V8K

One of our recent accomplishments is our first magazine article on Cornerstonia. The Spanish magazine Tu Vida Hoy http://bit.ly/gKyGDG page 32, dedicated a full page to an interview with the author. Please, spread the word and check out the other magazine articles--very informative. There are thousands of hard copies being distributed through out Central Florida. And in celebrating this blessing we are promoting a discount off of the purchase of Cornerstonia, with the promo code above. Go to the website: Cornerstonia.com and use code upon check out. This is for a limited time only, so take advantage of it to buy for yourself or for someone else.

The interview was done over the phone with the editor of the magazine. He asked many questions and I gave many answers, it was cool. Thank you for your support and sign up with this blog to stay up to date with the latest news on Cornerstonia.

Working on the new Illustrations for Cornerstonia

I have been working on creating the visual side of Cornerstonia. Team Cornerstonia has recently added a new member to help bring it too life, an illustrator. He is working hand and hand with me to design the characters. He has the talent to listen and draw. I have asked him to design some of the characters for which, he has and has done  a great job. I have plans to expand the website and to have a cool visual presence when we do our presentations. I wanted to share one of the characters sketches with you. This character is Keeto: he is a warrior monkey who ends up pledging his loyalty to the children and who offer to accompany them on their quest. He is a stealthy, agile and a master of throwing projectiles. Buy a book  today:  http://amzn.to/dMVnQK
 

Cornerstonia 2011

After an emotionally draining end of year for my family and I, I have been searching and sneaking in some thinking time related to Cornerstonia. I have sold many books, I have set my mind on the next many steps, and time is our mortal enemy. But, I have a plan and it includes many of you. First of all, I make a personal request to all who have read Cornerstonia to rate and write a review on Amazon.com/Cornerstonia. Or send me an email, so I can post it on the website cornerstonia

One of the next steps is getting the novel into bookstores, I have my sights on local Christian and church Bookstores, if anyone has any connections let me know. The Spanish  version has taken much longer than expected, but coming. Also, I want to give the website a makeover and make it more interactive. Then in the next few months, I will start writing the next book in the Cornerstonia Series. Become a follower on this blog and keep spreading the word, I really appreciate it and with your help this series will be a success in 2011. I leave you with some words from Cornerstonia: The Rose River Journey...

Many people were gathering at the entrance of the castle and Princess Vitzeli addressed the large crowd, “We are of the Rosarion Kingdom and by the grace of God and our friend Keeto here, we were able to destroy the works of the enemy in this castle. The owners of this castle were evil people, who were willing to enslave anyone who came near it, for their own selfish reasons. But now you are free and free indeed, so go and live free lives, and don’t forget it was the sacrifice of one who made us all free. Get provisions and take back what belongs to you and leave this horrible place and don’t look back. Long live King Victorious and Queen Elise, and may the God that they serve, bless you all.”

I have already sold some books to people around me and the response has been favorable. One of the exciting things of having a book published is the opportunity to talk to readers about the novel; the story and the characters. To see the excitement of an adult who enjoys reading creative fiction, to a twelve year old, who names the characters as if they existed. Wow, what a wonderful feeling. Here I am in NY, seeing family, about to celebrate Thanksgiving, but also my first book signing and presentation. Then the next one is in my hometown, Orlando, Florida, December 5. Exactly one week after, I will open up the Cornerstonia Book Readers Club. It will be through Facebook Groups and it is open for anyone who has read the book and wants to join me on discussions about Cornerstonia. I will be announcing through Facebook Cornerstonia Fan Club all the details. Make sure you're signed up with the Cornerstonia Page. Talk to you soon.

Finally, The Official Cover

Things are moving very fast and it is exciting. The Book is published, placed my first order of books and the E- Book version is almost ready. I had two covers to choose from and I thought this one was more in tune with my vision for Cornerstonia. The three children on the cover is proportional to my children. I love the archway and entrance into the fantasy land and I really like the castle in the background. The colors are attractive and the back cover also looks great.

Well, I am planning the first Book signing event in New York, around the Thanksgiving Holiday, for many reasons. One of them is the fact that a lot of the places mentioned in the story are in New York. The place that the event is going to take place is at the church where I grew up and assisted for many years. The original church building was located on Dubois Street, in Newburgh, N.Y. In the story, one of the neighboring and friendly kingdoms, is the Kingdom of Dubois. They are very important to the story. And they are also hosting the event. While in New York, I am planning on taking pictures of all the places that have served as inspiration for Cornerstonia and will be mentioned in one of the blog posts, with their corresponding photos, for an inside look. Well, the book will be for sale on line very soon, ahead of the official birthday of Cornerstonia, Thanksgiving Day. In December I will be having the Orlando book release and book signing event and there will be books for sale there and you can save on shipping or feel free to purchase on-line soon. Thank you for your support and please spread the word. Long live Cornerstonia. V.M.R.

Cornerstonia On Sale Thanksgiving Day

     Greetings from Cornerstonia: The Rose River Journey. After much deliberation and prayer, it is official. The Book becomes available Thanksgiving Day, November 25th. Why this day? Well, let me start by saying Thanksgiving is an awesome family holiday, but more than that, my birthday this year falls on Thanksgiving Day. It happens every so many years.

     Amazingly, the first idea for Cornerstonia came to me when I was 13 years old in the hallways of my Jr. High School in New York. And, 25 years later on my 38th Birthday, the book goes on sale. It is historical for me and twenty five years in the making. So, get ready, as the world of Cornerstonia comes to life on Thanksgiving Day. There will be a link on the website to purchase it and once the order is placed, it is shipped right away. 

     In December, the Florida Book release will happen in Orlando. Also, I am getting it ready to  release it as an E-Book the beginning of November, date to be announced. Exciting, I am thankful to God for giving me the opportunity to accomplish one of my dreams and I hope you can continue to journey with me. Don't give up on your dreams, with God everything is possible. For me it took 25 years, for you hopefully much less. Spread the word and mark your calendars. Long live Cornerstonia.

V.M. Rosario

A Piece of Cornerstonia: The Rose River Journey

A small excerpt from Cornerstonia: The Rose River Journey found in Chapter Three...

The last member of the family was unique; he was very close to Princess Vitzeli. She and he were inseparable. Two close friends, though they may individually come from diverse paths of life, sometimes are brought together by fate.

As the forest birds played their daily songs, fate, acting like the director of a magnificent staged show, brought Princess Vitzeli to a wooded area near the palace grounds (before the large defensive walls were built). It was fate, which through the princess’s spirit of exploration guided her to a dramatic and sad musical scene.

The musical score drowned out the forest singing. Her eyes fell upon a mother wolf, as she lay helpless in a trap, whose teeth denied her—her freedom. The scene, the music, it was all very depressing; a mother and her son lying side by side, as her life was slipping away.

She was severely dehydrated from lack of water and from the constant cruel and unforgiving hot summer sun. Its orange-yellow light was a blessing as it was a curse. She was a thirsty mother with a nursing cub, who had an internal drive to feed. The mother wolf, even while she was suffering, never denied her son, life, through her milk.

Fate had arranged for the princess to encounter—a mother's cry. As the mother’s song of death started to play, the eyes of the mother wolf and the princess met and there was a deep connection. They appeared to have communicated.

The message from the mother wolf was clear: I do not know who you are or why you are here, but I sense the purity in your heart...please, care for my son. As the mother wolf kissed her cub for the last time, she laid her head down and exhaled her final breath.

Her song of death played its final notes—and came to a finish. The only sounds now, were that of the forest birds, who were allowed to continue playing their daily tunes.

The wolf cub looked up—ran and jumped into Princess Vitzeli's arms; he understood she was now his guardian. Ever since, these two had come together, they were like a zipper, working better, when they were close together. He was her protector and without his consent, no one was allowed near the princess.

He was well known throughout the kingdom. Everyone knew he was a wild animal, but fate had chosen him to become royalty, his name was...Bayler the wolf.

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Oral presentation for Cornerstonia: The Rose River Journey

Part of the Cornerstonia: The Rose River Journey Book project is the oral presentation for churches, schools or organizations. My book is a platform to disc different themes and topics. My three themes are: conquering your dreams in God (It has taken me over 20 years to finalize my book idea, don't wait), Divorce hurts everyone; especially the children (Children suffer the most) and an epic journey through the imaginative land of Cornerstonia (A whole fantasy world with all sorts of places and interesting people and characters). Anyone interested in bringing the messages of Cornerstonia to their church, school or organization; message me and please let your churches and Christian schools know. The story is awesome and I have woven into it the fine details, which set up the next two books in the series. The Next book is called Cornerstonia: The Gargantuan War and in the back of the 1st novel will have a chapter devoted to introducing it. Can't wait. Keep spreading the word and let's create the buzz we need to make this 1st book a success. Coming soon.

Cover, which didn't make it

With just a couple of weeks before finalizing Cornerstonia: The Rose River Journey, I wanted to explain that this cover design was one of two. This particular cover was great, but I chose the other design, which will be the official cover. Once things get rolling I will reveal the real cover. Thanks for your support.

The title of Cornerstonia and its contents

 As I had been announcing.... I will be discussing the origins of the book's title and reveal the table of contents. So, here it is:

THE TITLE

      It all started with my last name. "Well, what's so significant about your last name?" you might ask. Rosario, which would be translated from Spanish as Rosa (rose) and rio (river). Thus producing the part "ROSE RIVER" in CORNERSTONIA: THE ROSE RIVER JOURNEY. It is also used with the royal family's last name "Rosarion". 
     So then...where did the "CORNERSTONIA" bit come from? First, the inspiration came from the Bible, as Jesus Christ is described as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-21)

Also, the Random House Dictionary defines cornerstone as:

(1) a stone uniting two masonry walls at an intersection.

(2) something that is essential, indispensable, or basic

(3) the chief [most important] foundation on which something is constructed or developed

     The book revolves around such a point. Uniting two things. Saving something essential that has been lost. You should check out the website (cornerstonia.com under Story) to understand  what I am speaking about. I wouldn't want to reveal TOO TOO much on this blog alone. But here is a short excerpt from the book:

     ...Facing the inevitable announcement of her parents separation, Vitzeli [ a main character] is deeply saddened. A cold winter morning becomes tragic, when a car accidentally  smashes into her door leaving her in a coma...but her imagination is wide awake...it opens the doors to an imaginary world, an alternate reality—a land called—Cornerstonia...

     The story is about saving the unity lost between the parents in their actual reality and finding the cure for the parents' deadly sickness in the fantasy world.The most important and essential cornerstone for any family is their togetherness; producing the title, which includes the book message: 

"CORNERSTONIA: THE ROSE RIVER JOURNEY."

     

     And so, for your visual delight, here is the table of contents. 

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Loud whispers
2. Separation
3. The Rosarion Kingdom
4. Sweet Revenge 
5. The Dark Delivery  
6. Legend of The Rose River
7. The Journey Begins 
8. Welcome to The Yuck hotel 
9. The Prince and the Rock 
10.  Phunkey Monkeys 
11. The New Mightee Seven
12. An Oasis of Death 
13. The Twin Towers 
14. The Rose River Cave 
15. Welcome Back
16. The Final Battle 
17. Togetherness    

     

     As the production of this book progresses, I will continue to announce and reveal snippets of the story. Thank you for your support. Please, don't hesitate to invite others to follow along on this journey by signing up on this blog and on cornerstonia on facebook. God bless.

Become a fan on Facebook

Lots of work to do. Excited about this book project and ready to promote the message behind the book. Become a fan on Facebook under Cornerstonia. Help me spread the word on the new novel. Trying to get a following, so I can start discussing the inspiration and the behind the scenes explanations surrounding many of the characters and places in the book. Sign up and follow the blog. Also, link your friends and family with the website: http://www.cornerstonia.com/

Welcome to the Cornerstonia: The Rose River Journey Blog. Here, for now, I will use this forum to document the journey this book has taken me as a new author. Once the book is published then I want to discuss the behind the scenes explanations and what things inspired the characters and places in the book. This Blog is open to help readers get in touch with the story, places and the characters. I am willing to answer any questions about the book as an author or about the story. Thank you for reading this posting. Please accompany me on this journey, by spreading the word and supporting me and this novel. Thank you for your support and God bless. Next Blog post, I will be discussing the inspiration behind the title of the novel, Cornerstonia: The Rose River Journey. Check out the website: http://www.cornerstonia.com/

CORNERSTONIA THE NOVEL

Greetings, I have finally finished my first novel. It is a fantasy novel by a christian writer for older children, but made for the reading enjoyment of any reader, both young and old. Check out the website: http://www.cornerstonia.com/ for more details. Soon the website and this blog page will be updated and will coincide with the book release. Your prayer and support will be appreciated. Please, spread the word:
P. Vic will publish his book soon. God bless.V.M. Rosario