HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?
I’ve been writing officially for 4 years, but really all my life in one form or another.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING?
My first writings were in a poetic form designed to express my feelings. More recently I wanted to share my knowledge as a teacher for over 30 years with children, parents and other teachers.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE “Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep”?
My inspiration started with writing a rhyming couplet for each of 5 consonant blends as a teaching tool. Then I wove them into a story about a young boy who turned into a superhero and was determined to keep his new baby sister asleep. Each blend became a problem he had to solve. “Gr, gr, gr,” said the grizzly bear, huge and scary with his red hair.
IS “Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep” YOUR FIRST BOOK?
I’ve published three books to date and have several in the works. I’m also a contributor to two Gryphon House resource books for teachers.
I self-published my first book on Lulu, “Moving Through All Seven Days”. This book inspires movement as children learn about the days of the week. The lyrical rhymes also teach them how to spell each day. The activities are designed to reinforce the concepts as well as give impetus to movement exploration.
My next book titled, “Trouble on Earth Day” is a picture book and a resource book for teachers with 23 pages of crafts, songs, worksheets, and activities. This colorful picture book will facilitate dialog between parents, teachers, and children about conserving the Earth's natural resources.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
“Winnie’s War,” my first young adult historical fiction, is underway. This is an important book for me because it is based on the life of my mother during WWII in the heavily bombed port city of Birkenhead, England. Three of her younger siblings were evacuated with millions of children. Her search to bring her family back together will bring the reader into the horrific, but sometimes humorous life of a teen during this agonizing war.
I just finished a resource book for teachers titled, “Spin, Swerve, and Swim: A Book of Songs to Get Kids Moving.” The subjects range from dinosaurs to polar bears and shapes to transportation. The tunes you know and the words will get your kids moving, learning, and having fun. This will be available on Teachers pay teachers.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:
I’ve always had a passion for writing, the arts and all things creative. With a teaching degree from Southern Connecticut State University and a BS from Covenant Life Seminary, as well as graduate coursework from New York Institute of Technology and Columbia University, I taught for over 30 years. Hanging my hat in Mount Airy, Georgia I have been a dancer, choreographer, teacher, tutor, writer and an antiques dealer for many years.
As a freelance writer and ghostwriter, I have published over one hundred articles in directories, magazines and on websites. I’m a reviewer for Sylvan Dell Publishing and I have several activities published with Gryphon House Publishing.
TELL US SOMETHING OUR READERS MIGHT FIND FASCINATING ABOUT YOU:
Dance has always been an integral part of my life. I’ve taught dance to children and adults as well as choreographed pieces for Community Theater and churches.
WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
Photography and poetry fill my spare time. In fact, I’ve put together a book titled, “Visual Dance Poetry” which combines dance poetry with dance photos.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?
Of course, I love all musicals and dance movies. As far as TV is concerned, I love “Dancing with the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” and ‘America’s Best Dance Crew.”
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN AUTHOR?
Marketing my books is the most difficult challenge I face. The time and effort it takes to schedule school and library visits can be taxing. Getting your books to the right audience is the key.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Read, read, and read. Get into a good critique group, and learn all you can from your peers, mentors and the many free on-line conferences available to you. Then write, rewrite and rewrite again to produce the best product you can. Selling articles to magazines and on-line websites is a great way to gain experience.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON GETTING PUBLISHED?
Research as many publishers as you can, and make sure they have published in your genre before. Talk to other authors about their experiences, and get the contract looked at by a legal advisor before you sign on the dotted line. Never pay to have your book published.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
Like just about every other professional, building relationships with other authors, editors, and publishers as well as paying-it–forward will prove to be your most valuable tool. You may just make friends all over the world which will definitely improve your quality of life.
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com
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