AUTHOR’S NAME: Michele Elliott
TITLE OF AWARD WINNING BOOK: Bullies, Cyberbullies and Frenemies
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING? Since 1984
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING? I was working with children who had been bullied and/or abused. It made me angry because children did not deserve to be bullied and often hurt themselves because of it. I wanted to stop that happening so I started writing books for children, teens, parents and teachers.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE? I wanted readers to know immediately and clearly what it (bullying) was about.
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? My most recent books are for teachers:
The Essential Guide to Tackling Bullying published by Longman and Stop Bullying Pocketbook published by Teachers’ Pocketbooks. The complete list would be too long to put here - I have had 27 books published, some of which have been translated into 16 languages. Readers can find them either on Amazon or kidscape.org.uk
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS? I have been writing a true story of 4 sisters for adults... I am not sure when it will be finished. I have written the first 25,000 words three times so I have 75,000 words and the beginnings of three books! --I hope to get it right some day.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF: I am a mother, teacher, psychologist and dog lover. My husband and I met in High School and have been married a long time. I founded a children’s charity called Kidscape to help prevent bullying.
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING THAT OUR READERS MIGHT FIND FASCINATING ABOUT YOU: Before I came back to Florida, I had lived in London for over 30 years. About 4 years ago I got a letter from the Prime Minister telling me that Queen Elizabeth was going to award me by appointing me to the Order of the British Empire (OBE). So, you can imagine how exciting that was. My family went with me to Buckingham Palace and I got to meet the Queen, who gave me a great big medal. I had to learn to curtsey and was quite worried I might trip. But I didn’t. The Queen is a tiny lady and very gracious.
WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME? I like to swim every morning, cycle and play the piano. I also love to swing dance, but am not very good at it.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE? Casablanca is the best movie ever made. I also love most musicals, especially Show Boat and Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, Chicago. I guess it would be easier to list musicals I don’t like - I seem to like them all.
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN AUTHOR? When I write I find it hard to engage with normal everyday things like making dinner or going out with friends. I dread starting a book and will get the room completely set up and then keep everyone at bay. I write quite quickly for a subject I know, but find it really hard to write a novel type book - I find that it looks easier than it is.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS? Write about what you know. Keep a sense of humour and give yourself breaks. Walk around the block or go for a bike ride to clear your head. I got some of my best ideas while walking or riding.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON GETTING PUBLISHED? I was lucky and was approached by publishers, but I understand you can publish online and that has been quite a success for many authors
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? I love it when kids write to me and tell me that one of my books has helped them. What better praise can you have?
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com
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