MELLO NEWS
"Thank you, Mary Taris of Strive Publishing & Bookstore, for taking a chance on us."
Book Awards
THE THREE STONES OF EBON GAINS ACCLAIM
Press
PROMOTIONS & COOL FEEDBACK
Trilogy of Ebon
YES, A SEQUEL IS
IN-THE-WORKS!
Other Projects
NON-MIDDLE GRADE
CREATIVE THINGS & STUFF
AWARDS
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The ERIC HOFFER AWARD is one of the highest honors that an independent authored or published book can receive. As much we believe in our first installment in The Trilogy of Ebon, we almost did not submit it. As brand-new authors, we worried that it was too soon in our journey to aim for it But we are so glad we did! For those unfamiliar, this award is so named after a second-generation American from German parents who made their home in the Bronx, NY. A longshoreman, author, and philosopher who authored several books during his lifetime, he also held tenure as an adjunct professor at UC Berkley. Because both of us grew up very much working-class households, this award feels especially personal. A nod, if you will, to regular people who have talents beyond "punching a clock" and want that to be acknowledged as part of who they are.
STORY MONSTERS APPROVED is a reader-driven award sponsored by Story Monsters, an entity that promotes and acts as a resource for teachers and librarians. With renewed confidence from winning the Purple Dragonfly Award in 2024, we decided to submit our book to Story Monsters Approved. What makes this award special is that kids assist with the judging process, meaning that they would recommend the book to others. 'The Three Stones of Ebon' was an honoree in two (2) categories; Middle-Grade Fiction and New Author Fiction. Another thing that sets this contest apart is that each book is judged on its own merit, and there is not a limit to the year of publication. Who knows, maybe we will submit the sequel or once the trilogy is complete!
The PURPLE DRAGONFLY AWARD upholds titles that are in their words "original, innovative, and creative in content and design". We can't express how thrilled we are that 'The Three Stones of Ebon' won Honorable Mention for Middle-Grade Fiction. Plus, the symbolism of it being purple (a kick-butt color) AND a dragonfly, known in many cultures to be a creature of good omens, aren't lost on us. We are taking these as further signs to complete the Trilogy of Ebon!
MAINCREST MEDIA award and dedicated book review was thanks to a submission by our publisher, Mary Taris of Strive Publishing to set our book launch on a solid trajectory! This award is special to us because Maincrest is an promotional outlet used by both independent and standard industry publishers.
2025
2024
PRESS
2025
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This year, we've partnered with Story Monsters and The Children's Book Review to help 'The Three Stones of Ebon' reach more middle-grade fantasy fans. Here's to the educators, librarians, parents and guardians out there to keep people reading!
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STORY MONSTERS - Email campaign and ad in Story Monsters Ink (thanks, Lynn, for always making us look good!)
THE CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW​ - The Three Stones of Ebon Aware​ness Tour (thanks Bianca & Kelli!)
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The Children's Book Review (Dedicated Review)
https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/the-three-stones-of-ebon-dedicated-review/
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Crafty Mom's Share (Book Review)
https://www.craftymomsshare.com/2025/01/the-three-stones-of-ebon-middle-grades.html
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The Starlit Path (Interview & Instagram Post)
https://thestarlitpath.com/2025/01/31/book-review-the-three-stones-of-ebon/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFfwb_5M2jW/
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Get Outside and Read (Instagram Post)
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFn3axAyxDg/
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Deliciously Savvy (Book Review)
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Country Mamas with Kids (Book Review)
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Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers (Book Review)
https://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com/2025/02/awareness-tour-three-stones-of-ebon-by.html
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Froggy Read Teach (Instagram Post)
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFyCUf4gX3W/?img_index=1
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The Fairview Review (Book Review)
https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/2025/02/virtual-book-tour-three-stones-of-ebon.html
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Icefairy's Treasure Chest (Book Review)
http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-three-stones-of-ebon-blog-tour.html
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Deborah Kalb Books (Interview Q&A)
http://deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com/2025/02/q-with-david-and-keiko-mello.html
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2024
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Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204016906-the-three-stones-of-ebon
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Maincrest Media
https://winners.maincrestmedia.com/product/the-three-stones-of-ebon/
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Insight News (Apex)
https://apexsamplework.com/insightnews/2024/05/16/the-three-stones-of-ebon/
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TRILOGY OF EBON
2025
It's happening! We listened to our editor and fans and a draft sequel is nearing completion! Timeline to publish is TBD but we're aiming for before end of summer 2026! Join our protagonist Mariah Carey Winston, a lanky, braided and brooding girl raised in a military family and relocates to WA State and finds
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OTHER PROJECTS
2025 - 2026
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What's next for us in Mello-verse?
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FALL 2025 - Stay Mello Creative newsletter & blog. SUBSCRIBE BELOW and follow us on Facebook for updates.
(Check for notifications on our Facebook and Instagram pages​
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FALL 2025 - All YouTube Channel - All Things Metal and Mexico (Keiko), covering
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Mid-life: Crisis or clarity?
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Uprooting from the U.S.
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Rock and metal band recommendations covering Mexico and the Global South
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FALL/WINTER 2025 - Draft edit of the long-anticipated sequel, 'The Adversary of Ebon'.
TBD 2026 - Photography by David (online gallery)​​​​​​​