Meet Tiffany Stallings, Author

Tiffany Stallings is the author of Mommy Works Too Much, the first book in a planned 10 book children's miniseries. Ms. Stallings has served as the Founding Partner of a NJ based educational service firm that provided tutoring, test prep, enrichment programs, and a host of other summer camps and sports programs. She also has a broad range of educational experience working with children and families. She has taught on the elementary, middle, and high school level as well as adult learners. Her skills as a master teacher enabled her to teach an array of subjects.

Currently, Ms. Stallings serves as a high school vice principal. Her education stems from a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Montclair State University and a Master of Arts Degree in School Administration and Supervision from Saint Peter's College. In addition to her children's books, she is also working on a motivational book for women titled Bouncing Back from Rock Bottom: How to Regain Control of Your Life.

A mother of three, Tiffany Stallings enjoys running and cycling; she is currently training for the 2017 Paris Marathon where she hopes to not be last. For more information, you can follow her on Facebook as well as Twitter.

1. How did your experience as a parent and educator prepare you to write books for children?

I know as a parent and as an educator that young children love to read stories about story characters that they can relate to. I want my readers to be able "step into the minds" of the characters and be able to empathize with them. I kept this in mind as developed my characters.

2. In basing your main characters, Gigi and Mimi, on your own daughters, where do you find the balance between describing what happens in real life and shaping a fictional story in your books?

When writing Mommy Works Too Much, I centered the book on one actual statement that my daughter made, "Mommy works too much." The rest of the story is completely fictional. When writing books for the Gigi and Mimi series, I want the books to carry the essence of my children; however, all other events and characters will be fictional. I want the message from each of my books to be universal for all children.

3. How did you come up with the idea to do a series of ten books, and what are some examples of topics we'll see in the books?

There are 10 universal topics I would like to cover with The Adventures of Gigi and Mimi book series. The first book is about entrepreneurship. I plan to write about topics such as being a good friend, a sibling going away to college, and having pride in one's self. I want my books to spark a conversation with children and their parents. Additionally, all of my children's book titles will come with a 2nd classroom edition that will include a language arts literacy supplement.

4. Would you tell us a little more about your first book?

The idea of Mommy Works Too Much! is about a little girl that cannot quite grasp the idea that her mom must work many hours as an entrepreneur. I got the idea to write this book over 2 years ago as I worked late one evening. My oldest daughter sent me an email that stated, "Mommy, you work too much." I jotted it down because the statement made me feel very guilty about the amount of time that I spent working.

5. What has been the most fun for you in writing and publishing your first book--and what has been the most challenging?

The most fun aspect has been seeing the feedback and anticipation from potential readers about the book. It certainly has been exciting to see that an idea that I jotted down on a sticky note over 2 years ago – is now an actual book that people are looking forward to reading. I love when an idea comes into fruition!

The most challenging aspect has been learning the technical components of putting a book together. Once I wrote the story down, I had to ask, "Now what?" It has been a fun yet challenging journey of learning about graphic design, book layouts, editing, marketing, and self-publishing.

Thanks, Tiffany!

Introducing 123 Coloring Pages

Do you like to color? Do you know someone who likes to color? Or better yet: do you know any kids and want to offer them a fun, affordable activity that will keep them happily occupied? Check out 123coloringpages.com for lots of free coloring pages that you can download and print.

This website is geared toward kids and has simple black and white drawings to color that cover a number of kid-friendly themes that would appeal to coloring fans of a variety of ages. For example, if you click on the "cartoon" section, you'll find kids' favorite characters from Dora the Explorer to Monster High. There are some great educational sections, too, covering topics like the alphabet, numbers, animals, shapes, and the flags of countries from around the world.

In addition to being fun for kids and parents, this site could be a useful resource for teachers, day care providers, babysitters, and more. You can sit down with a child and let him or her pick out their favorite sheets to color, or you can print out a selection yourself and surprise your little friend. This would also be a great site to bring up when you visit the public library if your library (like my local branch) lets you do some free printing.

It's nice that the address for the site is so easy to remember, too. I'm pretty sure that if you tell any kids you know about 123 Coloring Pages, they'll be asking for it by name. :) And by the way, these can be fun for adults, too--the section of coloring pages under the heading of "landscapes" has a lot of detailed pages that adults would enjoy, with imagery drawn from cultures around the world.

Meet Patricia May, Author

Patricia May has written a series of ten books called A Seashell Meditation for Children. The books gently teach children about meditating, using a short story rhyme in the form of a guided meditation. Patricia holds a teacher's meditation certification from the Spiritual Center for Positive Living in Cameron Park, CA. Learn more about her at SeashellMeditations.com.

1. What inspired you to focus on the seashell motif in your books about mediation for children?

After attending a davidji workshow in Denver, coming to realize just how important it was to get children to meditate as early as possible, my husband came up with the idea of using seashells to add fun, focus, and concentration to a child's meditation. It was just a short time later that I was inspired to create this ten-book collection using the seashells and short story rhymes to introduce meditation to children in a whole new and exciting way.

2. How was it that you conceptualized your books as a series all at once, rather than individual book ideas coming to you piecemeal?

When the idea hit me, I knew in a moment's time that I would write a ten-book collection to be released all at the same time. The collection all contains a short breathing exercise in the beginning and the end of the books, with the short story rhyme in between. The child holds the seashell up to their ear, while the story is being read to them. There is a QR code on the back of each book, and when scanned with a smart phone or device, background music is played.

3. How did you know that Hay House / Balboa Press was the press for you?

I have followed and loved Hay House for decades. My books were a perfect fit for this publishing company.

4. What interested you about self-publishing?

The self-publishing route was really the only one for me. For a first time author, I knew I wanted this collection out as soon as possible, under the Hay House name.

5. What projects do you plan to take on in the new year, 2016?

I plan on introducing this collection in as many places as possible in this coming year. I plan to do as many radio shows, podcasts, book signings, and readings that I can. I would like to see the books in not only book stores, but children's pediatric offices, schools, early education programs, and other places I see that can benefit children in many ways. There are so many benefits meditation can offer for children. Starting young gets them into an early practice that can be extremely beneficial throughout their lifetime.

Thanks, Patricia!

Introducing Marcie's Caring Hands

My mom is a retired preschool teacher, so there was a soft spot in my heart right away when I saw Marcie Kenny's website, Marcie's Caring Hands. Marcie is also a retired preschool teacher, and she has set up a blog to be a resource for parents of young children.

Her philosophy centers around the value of play for children, and her blog shares a variety of creative ideas that help us create the space and freedom to just be kids. In short, Marcie has taken her lifelong interest in child development and created a useful website with tips for all sorts of issues that come up with parenting, such as diapering, potty training, bedtime, and meals. She has lots of fun ideas for playtime, too, of course!

When I logged onto her site in early December, I found fun winter craft ideas like painting Christmas trees and putting snow in a water/sensory table indoors so that kids could play with it up close. Marcie also has lots of book reviews of books for children of all ages.

I love when someone sets up a website to share their knowledge and interests with the world, and Marcie has done just this. If you're a parent, an early childhood teacher, a daycare provider, or anyone who spends time with a child in your life, check out Marcie's blog for fun ideas.

Meet Chris Mason, Author of Tutor in a Box

Chris Mason has spent the last 20 years raising three kids with special needs. During this time, he received his Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Education. When his children attended an online charter school, he needed to find ways to save money and found many free resources through the internet. Tutor in a Box shares many useful--and free!--resources for students, parents, and educators. Chris has written many other "in a Box" reference guides to the best free stuff in particular areas.

1. What audience did you have in mind as you researched and wrote your book, Tutor in a Box?

The primary audience was the overworked soccer mom or families with children in alternative school settings.

2. How much time did it take you to find all the resources in your book?

Tutor took about six years to complete.

3. With so much information on the internet, what were your criteria for separating the useful resources from the not-so-useful ones?

I used the following criteria for website inclusion:

A. The 30 second rule. Could I figure out the website in 30 seconds? If the answer was no, the website was discarded; if the answer was yes, the website moved on to step B.
B. Was the website and its educational content geared towards students? As before, a no answer got a website dropped from consideration, and a yes moved it forward.
C. What was the grade level of the website, and what was it teaching? For example, 6th grade California mission history.
D. What was the website's focus? Skill instruction, skill reinforcement, enrichment, or reference.
E. Was the website unique?
F. Did I enjoy the website, or did it help me?

If a website passed the above tests, it was included in Tutor in a Box.

I also tried to make sure to include websites for all modalities of learning. For example, in math, if reading something is the best way a student learns, then Purple Math is for them. If, however, the student is an audio-visual learner, then Khan Academy is the best fit.

4. Would you tell us a little bit about some of your other "in a box" projects?

The "in a Box” series of books are a set of reference guides to the best free resources on the internet in a particular area. The series currently includes:

• Tutor in a Box - A guide to free educational resources.
• Book Store in a Box - A guide to free print and audio books.
• Arcade in a Box – A guide to free video games.
• Video Store in a Box – A guide to free television and movies.
• Record Store in a Box – A guide to free music.
• Entrepreneur in a Box – A guide to the best ways to make money on the internet.
• App Store in a Box – A guide to the best free applications for mobile devices.

5. What's your advice to other authors with a unique idea but who haven't explored self-publishing before?

This is a multipart answer.

A. Write what you love and are passionate about, if you care about it others will because your passion will leap off the page.
B. Don't write about what's popular on Amazon. Stand out and be different.
C. Have your audience in mind as you write; it helps keep you focused.
D. Match your subject matter to your delivery system. Not every book is good for every format. For example, the "in a Box” series would not be good for the audio format due to its online nature.
E. Don't be afraid to outsource parts of the writing process that are outside your skill set. For example, I outsource my cover creation and formatting. This way I can just focus on the writing. This includes marketing as well.
F. Lastly, as corny as it sounds, believe in yourself. In the immortal words of Ed Wood, "Just write. If it is bad, it will get better, and if it is good, it will become great. Just keep writing."

Thanks, Chris!

Meet Christine Mapondera-Talley, Author of Makanaka's World

Christine Mapondera-Talley is the author of Makanaka's World, a children's book series designed to teach your child about the globe, cultures, and languages in a fun and engaging way. Learn more by visiting www.MakanakasWorld.com, and follow Makanaka's World on Facebook.

1. What gave you the idea for Makanaka's World?

Makanaka's World was inspired by my daughter Jillian Makanaka. The idea was to create stories in my native language and include animation that would be appealing and fun for her to read. I'm originally from Zimbabwe and come from a Shona speaking family; therefore, not having them close by limits the amount of language my daughter gets to hear as I'm the only source.

2. In setting out to write a series of books rather than just one stand-alone title, how did you plan out your project?

I initially was focused on just handful of stories, so an actual series was not really part of the plan. However, as the character developed, I realized there was an opportunity to do more with it, and more ideas just started coming without even searching really hard.

3. What are some examples of things that kids will learn in reading your books?

Kids are going to learn about the globe, different languages, and also cultures. Time and again I hear from educators that geography is an area that a lot of students don't do well in, from first grade all the way to high school. I want my daughter to embrace what it means to be a global citizen, and I'm sure there are many parents out there that feel the same way. The key is finding material that will really keep a child engaged, and I believe Makanaka's World is just a start.

4. In writing the books, what has been most enjoyable to you about the process?

As I'm writing, I'm also researching, which is just as fun. I'm either using the internet, borrowing books from the library, or connecting with parents who are natives of a particular country. Connecting with a native person is the biggest treat as I get a very authentic and current perspective of the lifestyle, customs, and traditions.

5. What feedback have you received from parents and kids who have seen the books so far?

I've only recently started sharing the series, and the reactions and feedback I receive get me excited all over again. At least three parents have told me they felt chills of excitement after learning about Makanaka, and another said it reminded her of all the global travels she has experienced with her daughter over the years. Some are just simply amazed at how this all came together. It's all so humbling to see people react the way they do--you can't pay anyone enough money to give you that kind of response.

Thanks, Christine!

Meet Mike Reid, Creator of STUDTEGERY, an Educational Board Game

When Mike Reid is not working his theatre manager job, or TV/screenwriting (Pastor Greg - sitcom, Super Simple Science - TV science show, His Kids - kids talk show, BB's Bedtimes Stories with Monty - children's TV series), he is selling his educational board game STUDTEGERY. Learn more at http://www.studtegery.com, or check out STUDTEGERY on Teachers Pay Teachers.

1. How did you come up with the idea for STUDTEGERY?

During my time in college in the mid to late 80s, seldom did I go anywhere without a set of index cards with facts on them so I could study for my next test at a moment's notice. Also during that time, Trivial Pursuit became the most popular board game to sweep college campuses. When I started brainstorming the type of game I wanted to create, these two life experiences played a major contribution to the creation of STUDTEGERY.

2. What is the significance of the name of your game?

I wanted a name that represented what this board game does, which is to combine studying with strategy and makes studying fun. I remembered that Saturday Night Live skit where Will Ferrell's George W. Bush character used the made up word STRATEGERY and thought, "What if used the 'TEGERY' suffix in my game's name?" and the name STUDTEGERY was born. Furthermore, while the name still has most of "STUDYING" and a little bit of "STRATEGY" in it, well, most of the letters in "STRATEGY," it is fun to say. Go ahead and say it, STUDTEGERY.

3. Why do students--and teachers and parents!--like the game?

• Students like STUDTEGERY because it makes studying fun.
• Teachers like STUDTEGERY because it helps the struggling students review for tests more effectively than the ask and answer test review which the struggling students avoid partaking in for fear of being embarrassed if they answer incorrectly in front of their peers.
• Parents like STUDTEGERY because it is a fun way for them to be involved with their children's studies.

4. How can individual students adapt the game to suit what they need to study at a particular time?

The great thing about STUDTEGERY is from 3rd grade to graduate school, it works all subjects, classes, and courses as long as the student is studying for a multiple choice type test. While STUDTEGERY has no clue what you need to study, you and/or your teacher do. You and/or your teacher create the multiple choice test preparation questions/answers from your class lectures, notes, handouts, text books, etc, and you use those questions/answers for game play.

5. What was your process like in creating the game--from designing it to having it manufactured, and then marketing it?

The thought process with my design was to replicate a multiple choice test. Just like most multiple choice tests, I went with only black and white colors. The players' pieces and answer sticks were the letters "A," "B," "C," and "D."

As for getting STUDTEGERY manufactured, I went with a company called 521 Promo. I found their manufacturing prices to be very fair. I sent them the prototype I made from an old Trivial Pursuit game, and from there, we worked together on getting the graphics just right, then got the games manufactured and safety tested.

As for marketing STUDTEGERY, I am still riding the learning curve as I just launched the game. I first set up a website (www.studetegery.com) from which to sell STUDTEGERY. I have also made STUDTEGERY available for sale on Amazon.com and TeachersPayTeachers.com. Since my budget is extremely limited and school just started back, I am focusing on teachers, schools, PTA/PTOs, and homeschools in September and October, then onto parents and students for the Christmas season. Of course, I am working hard on getting distribution into brick and mortar retail stores.

Thanks, Mike!

Meet Victoria, Creator of Money Munchkids

Money Munchkids' goal is to teach children grades K-3rd about basic financial terms and principles in order to provide a sound foundation for their lives as adults and the financial responsibilities that await them. Money Munchkids does this through their completely original after-school course, activity books, and other retail material. Learn more about their activity books and other financial literacy products by clicking here.

1. What made you realize that kids today could really use some help in developing money management skills?

Being an older sister and having experience in child care, I have a passion for kids. During a shopping trip with a family, I was doing some child care for one of the children, who was pretending to buy the whole store with their fake credit card. I watched as the child used the credit card reader exactly as an adult would. It was frightening. I think that's the moment that I finally decided to put my idea into action.

2. Growing up, did your parents influence your own ideas about money?

Definitely, my dad is an entrepreneur, and my mom is an accountant. They both taught me to use money as a tool to succeed and accomplish my goals.

3. What are some of the key lessons that kids will learn with your activity book?

Kids can learn about counting change, ways to make money, and managing a bank book, with puzzles about important terms and more. Make It, Count It, Keep It is the beginners' activity book. It brushes over a lot of the topic we cover in our class. It's important to note that the activity books are and will continue to be separate from the courses, so kids don't need to be in the class to use the activity books.

4. Where (in what geographical area) do you offer your after school courses, and what do students learn in those courses?

Thus far we've only got courses based only in Los Angeles. We'll be approaching schools in the Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, and Venice areas over the next few weeks about starting courses. If anyone, in those or other areas, would like us to bring our course to a school they can Request A Course.

5. If you could suggest just three financial lessons/ideas for parents to share with their kids, what would you say>

There are so many great tips to share but a few would be:

• Start your kids' financial education early because they learn young and fast!
• Teach them that things cost money and how the cost of some things compare to the cost of others.
• Encourage them to keep track of their own money.

We also have resources for adults on helping to teach their kids about money.

Thanks, Victoria!

Meet Nancy Loewen, Author of Children's Books

Nancy Loewen has published more than 120 books for children. She's received awards from the American Library Association, the New York Public Library, the Association of Educational Publishers, and other organizations. The LAST Day of Kindergarten was a Minnesota Book Award finalist and a Scholastic Book Club bestseller. Find Nancy on Facebook and Twitter, or visit her website: NancyLoewen.com.

1. A lot of books introduce children to a new experience, but The LAST Day of Kindergarten is about the end of an experience. Why is the last day of kindergarten an important day for kids to read about?

I got the idea for The LAST Day of Kindergarten when my daughter was that age. Her last day of kindergarten was terrible--she cried most of the day! She recognized that kindergarten was special and that she would be saying goodbye to so many things she loved. At the same time, she was proud of herself for learning so much and she wanted to move on to first grade. I wrote Last Day to give voice to some of those mixed feelings kids experience. The book encourages kids (and parents) to take a moment to remember the highlights of the year, as well as to look ahead to all the wonderful things around the corner.

2. How did you first get started writing children's books?

One of my first "real" jobs after college was as an editorial assistant at a very small educational book publisher. The company folded after I'd been there less than a year, but that's how I got into the field. For a few years I worked as an editor, but when my own kids were born, I decided that I would rather write than edit. At that point I'd edited and published a lot of nonfiction children's titles, but it wasn't until I was reading picture books as a parent that everything really started to click. While I started out writing nonfiction, these days I prefer to write fiction or concept books.

3. What was your process like in working with Sachiko Yoshikawa on the book?

Most people don't realize this, but usually the writer and the artist have little, if any, direct communication. The editor and art director are the ones who determine how a book looks. Writers may be given the opportunity to give input at various stages, but overall they need to step back and give the artists the freedom to express their own vision of a book. I was very happy with Sachiko Yoshikawa's bright and buoyant illustrations. She had a daughter in kindergarten when she agreed to take on the project, and so the art reflects some of her daughter's experiences in school, just as the text reflects some of my daughter's experiences. I think that's pretty cool!

4. What are some ways that parents (and other people in kids' lives) can help children with transitions?

Number one: listen to them. Encourage them to talk, and accept what they say without telling them they're right or wrong. Share your own personal stories, but don't take the focus away from what they are going through. And, of course, look for a good book! (Or two or three.) Books can be read over and over and can really help a child develop both empathy and inner fortitude. Ask around--librarians, teachers, other parents, friends, and online groups can point you in the right direction.

5. As a children's author, what inspires you the most about your work?

It's very satisfying to me to see the barest of ideas somehow transform into an actual book that gets into the hands of kids. Writing is an act of faith--you are starting a journey and you really don't know where you'll end up. And along the way, you need to throw out a lot of your work. The creative process isn't--and can't be--efficient! It's trial and error. It's discovery. It's frustrating at times, but when a story or concept starts taking a life of its own, you do sort of feel that a small miracle has taken place. :)

Thanks, Nancy!

A Blog about Natural Home Products and Ideas

Have you ever heard of the Norwex brand of products? They are natural, chemical-free products designed to help you clean your home--and more. In addition to their cleaning products, Norwex sells a lot of other products, too, such as bath care items, body lotions, and products specially designed for kids.

If you want to buy Norwex items, you need to buy them through an independent consultant. Suzanne Holt is a Norwex consultant who also maintains an informative blog at LittleGreenCloth.com. In addition to posting content about Norwex products, she also posts a lot of useful tips for keeping your home clean and organized without using chemicals or other products that are dangerous to your family. She has a lot of interesting posts about saving time and money at home, too.

Honestly I've learned a lot about ways to avoid chemicals by reading Suzanne's website. Her ideas are especially relevant if you have kids or if kids regularly visit your home because she's talking about products that aren't hazardous to have around. It's a lot more convenient to pull a cleaning cloth out of a drawer than to take bottles of chemicals back and forth from a high shelf!

If you're looking for a work-from-home business opportunity, Suzanne's site may also be of interest as she tells you how to become a Norwex consultant yourself. You can sell the products at parties and/or to friends online. If you're looking for extra income, I think it's worth it to check out this opportunity as it's a proven one with a demonstrable track record.

Meet Eric Wayne Dickey, Author

Eric Wayne Dickey is a poet and the author of a recently published children's book, Alex the Ant Goes to the Beach, published by Craigmore Creations. Find the book on Amazon by clicking here.

1. How did you come to write a children's book?

I wrote it on the occasion of a birth. Close friends were having their first child. I had intended to give it to them as a gift, but I never did. Around that time, I had a friend who was studying entomology and had also gone to art school. I asked her to draw up some ideas of what the main character would look like. But then, as things go, the story languished untouched for over a decade.

I kept writing poetry and other things. As the years passed, I had my own family, and had read hundreds of children's books to my two kids. A few years ago as I was reading a bedtime story to my youngest, I had an epiphany: I could do this. I can write a children's book. I have a creative writing degree and I am a writer. Then I remembered the ant story. So, I dug it up and brushed it off. I read it to my kids and got their feedback, and I read it to some friends and got their feedback. I also connected with some local children's authors, Margaret J. Anderson and Tom Birdseye, who both gave me a wealth of knowledge for which I am still grateful. It's kind of funny, too, because the things that I learned from them, and the feedback that got from my friends, is very similar to the kinds of practical information that I've learned as a poet, but I had to shift my understanding of audience. I had to take the things I learned as a poet and writer, and realign them to address the issues of writing for children. Things like image, structure, and function are approached similarly but with different intentions. After assimilating all the feedback and soul searching, I started researching publishers.

I had found a few publishers that I thought would be interested, Sterling, and Scholastic, or course. As I kept researching, I learned that I should pursue publishers who specialize in science literacy. The book explores entomology and coastal and ocean topics for young people. I found Dog-Eared Publications, and had started drafting a query letter. Around that same time, I had caught up with an old friend who had just finished working for a new, independent children's book publisher in Portland, Oregon: Craigmore Creations, which specializes in science literacy and children's books. I reviewed their catalog and checked out a few of their books from the library. I noticed that they didn't have any books for three-to-eight year old readers. So, I decided to query them first. I used my hook for expanding their offerings, my connection to my friend who had worked there, I focused on my story and its potential, and I sent the query letter. And wouldn't you know it, they said, "Yes!" It's unusual to get an acceptance right off the bat. Usually, book inquiries for new writers get rejected a dozen times or more. I was elated, to say the least.

2. Being a father surely helped. Did being a poet help?

Absolutely. The language and word choices in children's books, as in poetry, need precision. There can be no room for misinterpretation. I labored over each sentence, the phrasing, each word, if not each letter in the story. What's more interesting is that I had to leave room in the text for the imagination. In the case of poetry, we leave room in the text for the imagination of the reader. While this is true for children's books, we also have to leave room in the text for the illustrator. The text and the illustrations work together.

3. What did you learn about children's publishing?

I learned that writers should only submit texts to publishers. This is not always true, of course, but for new writers it is true for several reasons. Children's book publishers have their own cadre of illustrators that they keep on staff or on contract. This helps them develop a consistent brand identity. For example, Scholastic books generally look like Scholastic Books. Each publisher has a their own aesthetic, their own certain appeal, and a specific look that helps them establish their markets. So, submitting a text to a publisher will allow their illustrators to imagine what the story will look like. If you submit a text with illustrations, the illustrations will influence the way the publisher sees the book. Or, as Tom Birdseye put it, "You don’t want to give a publisher two reasons to reject your work." Just submit the text, and only give them one reason.

Oddly enough, this advice is useful to poets, too. When writing and formatting a poem, don't give your readers too many reasons to reject your poems. Authenticity in poetry easily couples with accessibility. Poets can be nurturing and kind, as well as difficult and thought provoking as long as their voice is authentic.

Another thing I learned about children's publishing that readers find surprising is that I have never met the illustrator. While I did have input on early drafts of drawings, the illustrator was fairly autonomous. And I now see why that is absolutely necessary. Illustrators need their own license to express their art; working too closely with an author would alter and slow the outcome.

4. What are you reading?

Whenever there is a poetry competition list of finalists announced, I always get the listed books for poetry. Whether it's the Pulitzer, the National Book Critics Circle Award, or the National Book Award, I binge read all the finalists. I am currently reading the finalists in poetry for the National Book Award for poetry. The one I am on now is Spencer Reece's The Clerk's Tale. I have to say, it is the real deal. I also have Brian Blanchfield's A Several World in the queue.

The fiction I am currently reading is Peter Matthiessen's Shadow Country. That one is a long haul and will take me a while to finish. I am also reading Censoring Translation by Michelle Woods. I have an unpublished translation that nobody wants to publish, and am trying to figure out how I should proceed.

5. What's next? What are you working on now?

I submitted a sequel to the publisher for Alex the Ant. In this second installment, Alex the Ant Builds a Bridge, Alex pursues engineering and the book explores issues of climate change. I have a third installment in mind where Alex will explore social identity and atmospheric science and astronomy. It is very exciting being a new children's author. It's a completely new identity for me, and it’s been a lot of fun. I just hope that this first book, Alex the Ant Goes to the Beach, sells well enough to justify a second book. With good sales, the publisher may also consider a Spanish translation, too. So, I hope your readers will consider supporting the effort and buy the book. It's a really fun story with lots of fun words to say.

As for children's stories, I am researching other books as I am developing a couple new storylines. One on diaspora for tween girls, and another on homelessness for young children. P.D. Eastman's The Best Nest is a fascinating account of homelessness that captures the sense of hopelessness and urgency displaced family feels.

As for poetry, I am also working on a series of poems called The Book of James about the sudden passing of my only sibling. It's a book-length elegy that takes famous people and places named James and addresses them as if they were my brother, James River for example, or Jesse James. I really want to finish this collection. It is coalescing for me, and I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Of course, if the light goes off, then I'm just in a hole in the ground. I have this idea that the collection should be forty-two poems, and I think I am getting close to thirty.

I am also starting to work on my next poetry project and have already written a few poems, which, in my mind, I call, The Crazy Poems. One of them, "Train 19," is forthcoming from a new zine being produced by Lars Palm called Swirl.

I have outlines to some fiction pieces I would really like to dive into. I imagine them as a series of stories about surviving in a post-apocalyptic world. I can guarantee they will not have any zombies.

It's difficult for writers to keep writing, with all the other obligations we have: work, family, house, health, etc. I find that having a variety of reading and writing projects helps keep the momentum moving forward. I write for my day job, too; I'm a grant writer. I help develop and write grants for researchers, and I am working on a couple of really exciting projects that also use a little of my creativity. For me, it's the journey and not the destination. I have to keep reminding myself of that because otherwise, I get too caught up on acceptance and products and success. Editing and seeking publication are fun, but I'd rather be writing.

Thanks, Eric!

Meet Jesse Barrett of WDW Through Jesse's Eyes

Jesse Barrett owns and operates WDW Through Jesse's Eyes, a Disney tip blog and podcast. The content is all about Walt Disney World, and Jesse and his fellow contributors post fun and informative material. There are three people (including Jesse) who work on the site and podcast.

1. When did you first go to Walt Disney World?

I've been going to Walt Disney World since I was two years old. As a Florida resident, going to the parks with an annual pass was cheaper for my family of five than going to the movies.

2. How many times have you gone to Walt Disney World, and what keeps you going back?

I've spent over 250 days in the parks in my lifetime. I go at least once if not twice a month, and I spend about three to six days in the parks each month. By the end of this year, I will have spent 48 days in the parks in 2014. I continue to return to the parks because there's just something magical about that place. I tell my friends, "Disney is cheaper than therapy, and better than a drug addiction." Going through the turnstiles at the parks makes you forget all of your problems outside of the park. You're instantly immersed into a new world, and you're in Walt's World now...

3. How do you come up with topics/tips to cover on your site?

WDW Through Jesse's Eyes isn't just Jesse. We have Heath who also writes and cohosts the podcast and Donna who is a phenomenal writer and photographer. Heath and myself will come up with the show topics (usually we'll be in the middle of a conversation and say, "That'd make a great topic!"), or we take suggestions from our fans on Facebook. Donna's blog topics are one of two things: they’re either stories pertaining to an upcoming show topic or something new that she's recently experienced.

4. What's your best advice to someone visiting Walt Disney World for the first time?

Our first podcast episode was on this topic. I'll include the list we came up with, but I encourage everyone to download our podcast and listen for more in-depth information. (Our Podcasts are available on iTunes, Podcast Addict, and Sticher Radio.)

Here's the list:

Heath's Top 5:

• Don't Try to do Everything
• Give Yourself a Chance to Relax. Pace Yourself
• Don't Miss the End of the Night Shows
• Don't Argue, You're on Vacation
• Allow yourself to become immersed in your environment.

Jesse's Top 5:

• Learn the My Disney Experience App
• Make your Dining Reservations
• Don't Cram too much into one day
• Don't miss the end of the night shows
• Get Familiar with the Park before you go

Our Top 5:

• Don't Cram
• Relax. You're on Vacation!
• Don't Miss the End of the Night Shows! (Fantasmic is AMAZING!)
• Immerse yourself into the Fantasy of Walt Disney World
• Make your Dining Reservations before you go!

5. During the holiday season, are there special things to look out for at Walt Disney World?

There are so many fantastic things to do at Walt Disney World for the holidays! The castle is decorated with beautiful lights, and every night at dusk, Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Christoph of Frozen fame light the castle. There's Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which is a hard-ticket event in the parks that has a special parade and its own fireworks. There's also Holidays around the World at Epcot where you can experience how Christmas is celebrated in other countries; there's the Candlelight Processional which features a full orchestra, choir, and a celebrity narrator to tell the Christmas Story; and there's "Joyful," a Gospel Christmas Celebration. All of those are available at Epcot. There's also the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios where over 100,000 lights are synchronized to music and cover two streets of buildings. My favorite thing is the Gingerbread displays at some of the resorts. You can see picture of all of these things on our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/WDWThroughJessesEyes.

Thanks, Jesse!

Are You Teaching Your Kids to Sew?

Have you ever thought about teaching your kids to sew? When I was a kid, you had to learn on a big, adult-sized sewing machine. Where's the fun in that?

Today, kids can learn to sew on sewing machines that are specially made for kids. These machines are simple in their appearance and functions. They also are easy to thread with a foot pedal that depresses easily. And of course they are made to withstand the wear and tear that kids tend to inflict on, oh, everything.

There's a very nice-looking line of sewing machines for kids featuring Hello Kitty designs. Click here for more info. The page I've linked to is part of the Best Sewing Machines for Kids site, which is a good all-around resource on kids and sewing. The site includes detailed reviews of four different Hello Kitty kids' sewing machines made by a company called Janome. The different models are designed with kids of different ages in mind. Prices start just under $100.

I was always a bit intimidated by sewing machines as a kid. I have to wonder if I'd be more into sewing today if I'd gotten started with a kid-friendly machine myself!

Introducing X-Bandz, A Math Teaching Aid

When I was a kid, I remember learning about some tips for creating a good invention. One of the tips was to take an existing item, but to give it a unique twist. X-Bandz do just that. They take the idea of the colorful bracelets that kids love, but with the twist that the bracelets have math equations printed on them.

X-Bandz are a teaching aid designed to enable your child to master the multiplication and division facts quickly and easily. Educators have called X-Bandz for multiplication "a fun and unique learning method for young students." Instead of using old-fashioned flash cards, kids can play with these bracelets to learn multiplication facts.

One of the cool things about X-Bandz is that they are fun and can be used like rewards/gifts, which helps kids build more self-esteem, which in turn can help their performance in math.

This is an affordable educational product at just $5.99 for a pack of 12 bands. Really I think these would be a cool stocking stuffer. My parents always threw in a little something educational with my holiday gifts, and I think I would have gotten a kick out of these myself.

They can be purchased on Amazon or at www.xbandz.com.

Introducing StoryMonsters, Connecting Kids and Books

As a kid, I always remember the fun of learning about new books in print magazines like the Weekly Reader--and even in the colorful book orders we'd take home from class. I love the concept of StoryMonsters because it's a project that helps connect kids (and parents and teachers) with books.

There are a couple of websites associated with the project. StoryMonsters Ink is a monthly e-magazine with information on books, authors, and illustrators. The idea of the magazine is to help teachers, librarians, and parents choose great books for their kids. The magazine also offers useful tools for homeschoolers, including teaching aids.

StoryMonsters also has a program where authors can apply to have their books considered for a "Story Monster Approved designation" which is a "kid-approved" seal for books which not only pass the scrutiny of adult judges but also are given high scores from a panel of kids who read and judge the books. There are three age-based categories for the awards: Preschool to Kindergarten, Grades 1-3, and Grades 4-6. The awards also make distinctions between fiction and nonfiction. For more information, visit http://www.storymonsters.com.

StoryMonsters is a project of Five Star Publications, a company which has been connecting readers and authors since 1985.

Introducing Goodbye Monsters, a Children's Book and Toy

Kids scared. Monsters under the Bed. Sleepless nights. These are all phrases Msgt. Benjamin Hemme heard from his fellow Airmen whose significant others were struggling to maintain normalcy at home while they were deployed. While we tend to think often about the men and women fighting for our freedom, the struggles that loved ones at home, especially children, encounter sometimes get overlooked. This was quite evident by the number of children who were experiencing more bedtime fear than usual with Mommy or Daddy deployed. Recognizing a need to support fellow men and women in uniform and children everywhere who suffer from bedtime fear, Goodbye Monsters was born!

Goodbye Monsters is the story of a little boy named Ben who is terrified of monsters. One day Ben is introduced to a magical creature named Zimbobo who has supernatural powers that keep all of the bad monsters away. All you have to do is place Zimbobo in the scariest place, and you will wake up safe and sound with a smile on your face! Its creators recommend placing Zimbobo under the bed or in the closet, but you know best where the monsters are hiding!

Goodbye Monsters (ISBN 978-0-615-99704-9) was written by Benjamin & Susan Hemme. It is a hardcover 8.5” x 11” children's book with a plush toy named Zimbobo that measures approx 9" in height and 6" in width. For more information please visit www.goodbyemonsters.com.

Introducing Momvelous, a Fun and Useful Blog

Are you a mom who enjoys reading blogs but doesn't like to get bogged down with long-winded content? Do you want something you can read on your phone during those quick, precious moments when your child is happily occupied? Momvelous.com is a site which shares a variety of useful and to-the-point postings about topics such as health, fun activities/projects for kids, learning, food, pregnancy, and more.

The tagline for Momvelous is "life, love, and wisdom from moms," and the site really is centered around that theme. The posts generally have a list-style structure, with titles like, "5 Ways to Make Reading Fun for Toddlers." I found lots of interesting tips while reading the articles, especially the ones on health and nutrition.

What I really like about this blog is its practical focus--and its emphasis on the needs of the blog's readers. While I do enjoy blogs with a very strong individual/personal voice, what I enjoy about this blog is that the editors and writers spend their time on conveying information to readers in the clearest way possible. The blog has a direct and unbiased feel to it. I think it's a good resource to start with when you're thinking about something you might want to improve, from your child's dietary habits to the household products you use.

You can also follow Momvelous on social media such as Facebook and Twitter. This is a growing blog, and I expect it to gain a lot of followers once some of the useful posts on the site go viral!

Meet Rachel Maurice, Co-Author of the Spunky Twins

Co-authors and sisters Rachel and Esther Maurice are releasing the first in their Spunky Twins book series, exclusively for Amazon Kindle on August 1, 2014. The children's book and its corresponding songs focus on 10-year-old twins Kris and Kate Spunky and their best pal Lelia Cutie.

Our interview below is with Rachel.

1. How did you first get the idea for the Spunky Twins?

The idea for Spunky Twins was originally created for my sister Esther and I. We were one day inspired by our two nieces in 2005 who called us "Spunky." That word quickened in us, and the idea for a book happened instantaneously. However, due to life events, the book idea was shelved until we began working on it again in 2011. The new inspiration then came through my three daughters who model the characters.

2. Why was it important to combine books and music in creating the twins?

Since Esther and I were modeling the book after us and my children, it seemed natural to incorporate our primary common like which is music. In addition, most children enjoy the sounds of good music which was a major decision to incorporate a theme song for the characters as well in every story. Each of the characters is musically inclined. Kris plays the guitar, Leila sings, and Katie plays the drums. Together they write and play music.

3. What do you see as your goal when it comes to sharing your work with children and parents? < Our goal is to bring laughter as well as a positive message which each story will provide as the series progresses. In addition, there are very few well-known all-female bands. These characters break the glass ceiling to empower young and old children from a very young age confirming that nothing is off limits--not even a rock band.

4. How do you imagine the series growing over the next few years?

We are looking forward to a favorable outcome in reaching children not only in America but in other countries as well. Since the characters are very lifelike, we imagine that many children will be able to identify with their experiences, message, and personalities. This should happen fairly quickly as they read and feel a connection with the story.

5. What is your advice to aspiring children's book authors?

My advice is to be consistent and to think big. Your story may be the same as the stories of one thousand other authors, but your perspective and vision is one in a million. Be encouraged and do it anyway.

Thanks, Rachel!

Books for Kids about the Animals of Australia

Michelle Ray is an author from Australia who has finished work on the first book in a unique new series of stories to teach children about the animals of Australia. Her newly released book is called A Huntsman Spider In My House, and it is geared toward kids ages 0 to 5.

The book is fantastic and colorful, with the dual purposes of fun visual reading and educating children about Australia. The story promotes understanding of and interest in animals of all sizes. It's the first title in the Little Aussie Critters Childrens Book Series.

Michelle is a former police officer who is excited to launch her new career as a children's book author. She is also an active traveler and consults with businesses about producing effective seminars and conferences.

To learn more about A Huntsman Spider in My House, check out the book's page on Amazon.

Childrens Cancer Recovery Foundation

The Children's Cancer Recovery Foundation was founded to help kids under 18 and their families. A cancer diagnosis can create all sorts of changes--not just physical ones, but also social and emotional ones. The Children's Cancer Recovery Foundation seeks to help kids and their families improve their well-being in lots of different ways. It is a publicly supported 501(c)3 non-profit organization, affiliated with the Cancer Recovery Foundation International group of charities which have been around since 1984.

You might have heard of their Bear-Able Gift program, which allows social workers and child life specialists to request gifts for the children they work with. The Children's Cancer Recovery Foundation provides a range of gifts, including toys, coloring books, board games, video games, and books. Kids across the country receive gifts through this program. Volunteers help field requests and pack and send gifts to children in hospitals from coast to coast.

Other programs include free scholarships for kids in remission from cancer to go to camp, and the Helping Hands Fund, which helps families meet urgent household needs such as utility bills and rent.

For more information about the Children's Cancer Recovery Foundation, here are a couple of interesting articles, one on Mediabistro and another on Community Focus Online. The video below gives details about the way that the foundation gets gifts out to kids undergoing cancer treatments.