Suzy Davies's Blog: Book News, page 22
May 6, 2017
How to Craft a Character in a Children’s Book.
Go back to your childhood days, and the people you remember, from all those years ago, are people who had something "larger than life" about them. They had a magic about them, that made you believe anything was possible in their company.
When writing for kids, I believe that colorful characters are important, and in order to create reader appeal, aspects of personality need to be spotlighted, and signposted, to make the character shine.
When I crafted Snugs, my hero polar bear, I took into account his genetic characteristics that come from being a polar bear - his furriness, his superb sense of smell, his human-like undulating walk, his love of the cold, and made him "different" from other polar bears, by giving him a kind, lovable personality, and, as if by magic, "human characteristics." He has endearing idiosyncrasies, that make him as colorful as any cartoon, but credible, too!
To make my bear believable, I allowed him the occasional "Grr," and to show his claws, when annoyed. I also showed how Snugs liked to be solitary, and aloof.
The plot of my adventure story highlights the character of my bear, by showing forth the choices he makes, how he behaves, and interacts with others, what motivates him, and is important to him, and what his goals and purposes are. I hint at the hidden side of his personality - the mysterious, magical, supernatural aspects of his character in this book, too.
This magical aspect is developed in my "Snugs Series" and draws on indigenous people's notion that polar bears, the most majestic of animals, do indeed have extraordinary powers. The young reader gets to understand Snugs' inner life, and his secret fears, hopes, wishes, and dreams. Snugs' dreams are ones which, with a little fairy dust, and help from his friends, he has the capacity to realize.
Snugs has many great strengths, and adaptability, a sign of great intelligence, is one of them, but to make him three-dimensional was important. He has weaknesses, which he has to overcome on his journey.
The back-story - Snugs' history - which is portrayed in dialogue, shows how Snugs must adjust to his new circumstances, and take into account the different environments, and people he encounters, in order to thrive.
Scrapes which Snugs gets into in “The Snugs Series” - and overcomes - make him all the more endearing and attractive to his young audience. I can't emphasize enough how essential it is that children are emotionally moved and inspired by a character; they care about what happens to Snugs Bear, which teaches them empathy!
Just as situations and their challenges bring out my bear's personality, other characters in the book balance Snugs' character, and bring out different aspects of him. Snugs and his animal menagerie of friends will entertain children, and make children smile, and laugh. The story also teaches children. Conflicts, and the team approach to their resolution, show what my characters are made of, and they are good role models for children, with a can-do attitude.
Snugs Bear is ideal for children to grow with, since in Book One he is a young bear, and an ideal role model, being just a few years older than his readership. He is polite, sensitive, charismatic and kind. He is a leader, who has the capacity to learn from others, and show others how to do things. The way Snugs speaks makes him easy for kids to relate to. Children like to identify with him, since it reassures them when they admire, and "look up to," a like-able, lovable older character.
The world in my book is an exciting place, where the fantastic is present alongside the everyday, and magic happens! Loyalty, friendship and team spirit all bring rewards, and the characters grow to have a strong sense of who they are, and where they belong.
Snugs develops in the course of time; his engagement with the world brings about changes in him as he matures, and gains a stronger sense of what he can do. As he gains in self-confidence, he begins to shape his immediate environment. He learns he has power in the world, no matter how small he may be.
Children have a shorter attention span than adults, and being with Snugs, as he develops, helps to create surprises, and excitement, in the story-line. Children enjoy secrets, too, and they, the readers, are in the unique position of knowing all Snugs’ inward thoughts. This “friendship” with Snugs, makes his appeal universal, and timeless.
Timelessness is an important aspect of children’s books, when the characters are crafted in such a way that what they stand for, and the messages they convey, will still be relevant, and true, in generations to come.
Perhaps my most important advice for making great children’s book characters, and an entertaining, enjoyable read, is to hear, see, and feel the world, and your characters, not only from an author’s point of view, but also from the point of view of a child.
Copyright, Suzy Davies, 06/05/2017. All Rights Reserved.
When writing for kids, I believe that colorful characters are important, and in order to create reader appeal, aspects of personality need to be spotlighted, and signposted, to make the character shine.
When I crafted Snugs, my hero polar bear, I took into account his genetic characteristics that come from being a polar bear - his furriness, his superb sense of smell, his human-like undulating walk, his love of the cold, and made him "different" from other polar bears, by giving him a kind, lovable personality, and, as if by magic, "human characteristics." He has endearing idiosyncrasies, that make him as colorful as any cartoon, but credible, too!
To make my bear believable, I allowed him the occasional "Grr," and to show his claws, when annoyed. I also showed how Snugs liked to be solitary, and aloof.
The plot of my adventure story highlights the character of my bear, by showing forth the choices he makes, how he behaves, and interacts with others, what motivates him, and is important to him, and what his goals and purposes are. I hint at the hidden side of his personality - the mysterious, magical, supernatural aspects of his character in this book, too.
This magical aspect is developed in my "Snugs Series" and draws on indigenous people's notion that polar bears, the most majestic of animals, do indeed have extraordinary powers. The young reader gets to understand Snugs' inner life, and his secret fears, hopes, wishes, and dreams. Snugs' dreams are ones which, with a little fairy dust, and help from his friends, he has the capacity to realize.
Snugs has many great strengths, and adaptability, a sign of great intelligence, is one of them, but to make him three-dimensional was important. He has weaknesses, which he has to overcome on his journey.
The back-story - Snugs' history - which is portrayed in dialogue, shows how Snugs must adjust to his new circumstances, and take into account the different environments, and people he encounters, in order to thrive.
Scrapes which Snugs gets into in “The Snugs Series” - and overcomes - make him all the more endearing and attractive to his young audience. I can't emphasize enough how essential it is that children are emotionally moved and inspired by a character; they care about what happens to Snugs Bear, which teaches them empathy!
Just as situations and their challenges bring out my bear's personality, other characters in the book balance Snugs' character, and bring out different aspects of him. Snugs and his animal menagerie of friends will entertain children, and make children smile, and laugh. The story also teaches children. Conflicts, and the team approach to their resolution, show what my characters are made of, and they are good role models for children, with a can-do attitude.
Snugs Bear is ideal for children to grow with, since in Book One he is a young bear, and an ideal role model, being just a few years older than his readership. He is polite, sensitive, charismatic and kind. He is a leader, who has the capacity to learn from others, and show others how to do things. The way Snugs speaks makes him easy for kids to relate to. Children like to identify with him, since it reassures them when they admire, and "look up to," a like-able, lovable older character.
The world in my book is an exciting place, where the fantastic is present alongside the everyday, and magic happens! Loyalty, friendship and team spirit all bring rewards, and the characters grow to have a strong sense of who they are, and where they belong.
Snugs develops in the course of time; his engagement with the world brings about changes in him as he matures, and gains a stronger sense of what he can do. As he gains in self-confidence, he begins to shape his immediate environment. He learns he has power in the world, no matter how small he may be.
Children have a shorter attention span than adults, and being with Snugs, as he develops, helps to create surprises, and excitement, in the story-line. Children enjoy secrets, too, and they, the readers, are in the unique position of knowing all Snugs’ inward thoughts. This “friendship” with Snugs, makes his appeal universal, and timeless.
Timelessness is an important aspect of children’s books, when the characters are crafted in such a way that what they stand for, and the messages they convey, will still be relevant, and true, in generations to come.
Perhaps my most important advice for making great children’s book characters, and an entertaining, enjoyable read, is to hear, see, and feel the world, and your characters, not only from an author’s point of view, but also from the point of view of a child.
Copyright, Suzy Davies, 06/05/2017. All Rights Reserved.
May 4, 2017
The Value of Children's Books Which Teach Children About Diversity
Many books are educational in different ways, and in my opinion, teaching children about diversity is an important aspect of this.
With societal discrimination still rife - Racism, Sexism and Gender Inequalities, Class Conflict, Ageism, Lookism and so on, the value of a book that educates children about differences and diversity is clear.
What a good book does for children is expand their world, giving them "experiences" of different kinds of people. This raises awareness, and helps them see the value in celebrating differences.
My book, Snugs the Snow Bear, Book One of my "Snugs Series," applauds a male hero who is caring, kind and sensitive, at the same time as being courageous. It celebrates a young girl Carla, who may be shy, and less outgoing than her brother, but is highly intelligent. Mrs Merryweather, the grandmother in the story, drives a car, and is lively! My book challenges gender stereotypes and ageism.
These are just a few examples from my first book in "The Snugs Series," which has a culture and travel theme, so that the experience of reading the book is akin to going on a fantastic adventure! Travel is indeed a great educator, even when it is of the virtual kind.
With societal discrimination still rife - Racism, Sexism and Gender Inequalities, Class Conflict, Ageism, Lookism and so on, the value of a book that educates children about differences and diversity is clear.
What a good book does for children is expand their world, giving them "experiences" of different kinds of people. This raises awareness, and helps them see the value in celebrating differences.
My book, Snugs the Snow Bear, Book One of my "Snugs Series," applauds a male hero who is caring, kind and sensitive, at the same time as being courageous. It celebrates a young girl Carla, who may be shy, and less outgoing than her brother, but is highly intelligent. Mrs Merryweather, the grandmother in the story, drives a car, and is lively! My book challenges gender stereotypes and ageism.
These are just a few examples from my first book in "The Snugs Series," which has a culture and travel theme, so that the experience of reading the book is akin to going on a fantastic adventure! Travel is indeed a great educator, even when it is of the virtual kind.
May 2, 2017
Children's Books - How They Influence Your Child's Life Script, and Journey
This Children’s Book Week, Choose A Fairy Tale Story with a Positive Message!
Remember the fairy tales you were brought up on? You may be surprised, but reading “fairy tales” to children, can communicate powerful messages at a subliminal level, and help them decide what life is all about. All the influences a young mind has - their parents, teachers, caregivers, peers - significant others - and all kinds of media messages, go towards helping children create a life script.The child decides his/her life is likely to go a certain way, and begins to live out that script.
Think about your favorite fairy tale as a child, and it is likely that your favorite film will have a similar plot outline. As adults we tend to favor stories and movies which “show forth” a story-line that we “accept,” albeit at a deep, subconscious level.
Just for fun, I am taking some well-known fairy tales, and suggesting what the messages may be in each!
The Wizard of Oz.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Wherever you travel, you take yourself with you. Good always wins. Teamwork is important. There is nowhere better than home.
Little Red Riding Hood.
The forest is a dangerous place. Appearances are deceptive. You cannot trust people, who may not be who they seem to be.
Cinderella.
Patience and hard work are everything. People can be cruel. Family is not always a haven, and there is rivalry between siblings. Beauty will always be rewarded, and will win the day. Someday, a prince will rescue the beauty, and take her away from her misery. All she has to do is be kind, and wait.
Jack and The Beanstalk.
Courage is important. Family is important. Facing fear is important. The unknown is not as scary as we believe it to be.
The Three Little Pigs.
Life, like buildings, must have solid foundations. Choices need to be made carefully. Whenever you have a job to do, weigh up the the choices, and make a plan before you make a decision, or suffer the consequences.
“Snugs The Snow Bear” my debut children’s book, book one in a series. What messages does my book communicate to children?
There is nowhere like home. People and animals have different kinds of intelligences. It is important to stand up for what you believe in. Although there are baddies in the world, good always wins in the end. Know your origins, and yourself, and celebrate differences, and diversity. Be creative. Scientists and artists are cool! Loyalty is everything. Help comes from the unlikeliest of friends, and even, strangers. Teamwork works! Every person, every animal, in this world, belongs somewhere. Love is a beautiful emotion.
"Luna The Moon Pig" my newest children's book. People can be mean and cruel. Appreciate those who really love you. It's great to have adventures and make new friends, but sometimes, what we are searching for is nearer to home. Have courage. Believe in magical moments, and most of all, believe in yourself!
Remember the fairy tales you were brought up on? You may be surprised, but reading “fairy tales” to children, can communicate powerful messages at a subliminal level, and help them decide what life is all about. All the influences a young mind has - their parents, teachers, caregivers, peers - significant others - and all kinds of media messages, go towards helping children create a life script.The child decides his/her life is likely to go a certain way, and begins to live out that script.
Think about your favorite fairy tale as a child, and it is likely that your favorite film will have a similar plot outline. As adults we tend to favor stories and movies which “show forth” a story-line that we “accept,” albeit at a deep, subconscious level.
Just for fun, I am taking some well-known fairy tales, and suggesting what the messages may be in each!
The Wizard of Oz.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Wherever you travel, you take yourself with you. Good always wins. Teamwork is important. There is nowhere better than home.
Little Red Riding Hood.
The forest is a dangerous place. Appearances are deceptive. You cannot trust people, who may not be who they seem to be.
Cinderella.
Patience and hard work are everything. People can be cruel. Family is not always a haven, and there is rivalry between siblings. Beauty will always be rewarded, and will win the day. Someday, a prince will rescue the beauty, and take her away from her misery. All she has to do is be kind, and wait.
Jack and The Beanstalk.
Courage is important. Family is important. Facing fear is important. The unknown is not as scary as we believe it to be.
The Three Little Pigs.
Life, like buildings, must have solid foundations. Choices need to be made carefully. Whenever you have a job to do, weigh up the the choices, and make a plan before you make a decision, or suffer the consequences.
“Snugs The Snow Bear” my debut children’s book, book one in a series. What messages does my book communicate to children?
There is nowhere like home. People and animals have different kinds of intelligences. It is important to stand up for what you believe in. Although there are baddies in the world, good always wins in the end. Know your origins, and yourself, and celebrate differences, and diversity. Be creative. Scientists and artists are cool! Loyalty is everything. Help comes from the unlikeliest of friends, and even, strangers. Teamwork works! Every person, every animal, in this world, belongs somewhere. Love is a beautiful emotion.
"Luna The Moon Pig" my newest children's book. People can be mean and cruel. Appreciate those who really love you. It's great to have adventures and make new friends, but sometimes, what we are searching for is nearer to home. Have courage. Believe in magical moments, and most of all, believe in yourself!
April 14, 2017
My Vision, My Dream - Snugs The Snow Bear
I'd like to begin by wishing all my Snugs The Snow Bear Readers, Followers and Fans a Peaceful and Happy Easter!
Now I have a message. My vision for Snugs The Snow Bear is to communicate to children on a global scale about friendship, loyalty and belonging, in a magical storyline with lively, lovable characters, who embody these themes. But I also intend to spread the word about Green Issues, and the beauty of this earth, and its endangered species, which we need to protect for this generation, and generations to come.
I am looking to put "Snugs The Snow Bear" on an international stage, and I would like musical theatre and ice dancing professionals to come forward, with a view to making this happen!
My vision is to stage "Snugs The Snow Bear" as an ice-dancing and musical theatre event, but I cannot do this on my own!
Once I have the talent in place, we will be in a position to stage a spectacular for all to enjoy.
A percentage of proceeds from sales will go to charity.
Please volunteer your expertise in this exciting venture.
Best Wishes, Suzy Davies, Author.
Now I have a message. My vision for Snugs The Snow Bear is to communicate to children on a global scale about friendship, loyalty and belonging, in a magical storyline with lively, lovable characters, who embody these themes. But I also intend to spread the word about Green Issues, and the beauty of this earth, and its endangered species, which we need to protect for this generation, and generations to come.
I am looking to put "Snugs The Snow Bear" on an international stage, and I would like musical theatre and ice dancing professionals to come forward, with a view to making this happen!
My vision is to stage "Snugs The Snow Bear" as an ice-dancing and musical theatre event, but I cannot do this on my own!
Once I have the talent in place, we will be in a position to stage a spectacular for all to enjoy.
A percentage of proceeds from sales will go to charity.
Please volunteer your expertise in this exciting venture.
Best Wishes, Suzy Davies, Author.
April 5, 2017
This is My 100th Blog - And I have Some Snugs News!
Super-excited to say that my illustrator is now working on the illustrations for Book Two of "The Snugs Series" All I can say, at this stage, is that the book will be a lively one, with scenes set in an iconic city!
The feel of the book is very urban, and Snugs comes into his own as a bear about town!
Watch this space!
The feel of the book is very urban, and Snugs comes into his own as a bear about town!
Watch this space!
April 2, 2017
What Makes A Children's Classic?
When I decided to write "Snugs The Snow Bear," I wanted to show that Children's Authors write on matters of importance, and the fact that they write Children's Books does not mean that their material is somehow more trivial than books aimed at adults.
In fact, it is my belief, as C.S Lewis famously suggested, that any Children's Book of merit, will appeal to an adult audience as well, and certainly stand the test of time.
So what makes a Children's Book a classic?
Philip Nel, Director of The Program in Children's Literature at Kansas State University, suggests that Children's Classics "speak to those basic concerns that define human beings as a species - love, fear, hope, anger, family, power and the need for acceptance."
"Snugs The Snow Bear" is indeed about human emotion, and Snugs is a polar bear with endearing "human" strengths and weaknesses. His journey illustrates his quest for a sense of home, family, and belonging, and this little bear is a sentient being, who has a need to give, earn his place in the world, and be recognised and accepted for who he is : just a bear, but a bear on a mission to make the world a better place.
Hannah Boyd says that Children's Books are Classics when the author writes about "topics that matter."
As an author, I wholeheartedly agree! This is why "Snugs The Snow Bear" is a Children's Book with a message about Green Issues, Climate Change, and Global Warming, a message that is important to us all, and one which world leaders such as Al Gore and Obama have put at the forefront of Global Politics.
The world our children inherit, and generations after them, will depend on our action to avert man-made Global Warming now.
For me, you can never start to educate your children too early; the younger they are the better, and the more opportunity they will have to make a difference!
Children's Classics speak to the Zeitgeist, or spirit of the age, when a matter of great import captures the collective conscience, and gains a momentum of its own.This is what is happening now worldwide with regard to climate change - women, scientists, and mothers are rallying to make their opinion - one which is rightfully supported across the globe - count.
Children's Classics are indeed, timeless. Who can ever forget the whimsical wisdom of Pooh, the clever humour of "The Cat in The Hat" or Paddington's critical "hard stare." We take what we read in our childhood through to our adulthood; Children's Literature is something which we draw on for comfort, entertainment, and inspiration, as we did when we were young, for the rest of our lives.
I believe that Children's Classics should have uplifting endings, and give kids something to aspire to. The hero or heroine should be a good kind of role model, but three dimensional, with strengths and weaknesses, and appeal to adults and children.
For me, a Children's Classic draws on the traditions of oral storytelling, and upholds them. Children's Classics are written to be shared - at home, in the park, on the beach, and anytime of day, not just before bedtime. Children's Classics teach a love of language, and they are written to be heard.
In fact, it is my belief, as C.S Lewis famously suggested, that any Children's Book of merit, will appeal to an adult audience as well, and certainly stand the test of time.
So what makes a Children's Book a classic?
Philip Nel, Director of The Program in Children's Literature at Kansas State University, suggests that Children's Classics "speak to those basic concerns that define human beings as a species - love, fear, hope, anger, family, power and the need for acceptance."
"Snugs The Snow Bear" is indeed about human emotion, and Snugs is a polar bear with endearing "human" strengths and weaknesses. His journey illustrates his quest for a sense of home, family, and belonging, and this little bear is a sentient being, who has a need to give, earn his place in the world, and be recognised and accepted for who he is : just a bear, but a bear on a mission to make the world a better place.
Hannah Boyd says that Children's Books are Classics when the author writes about "topics that matter."
As an author, I wholeheartedly agree! This is why "Snugs The Snow Bear" is a Children's Book with a message about Green Issues, Climate Change, and Global Warming, a message that is important to us all, and one which world leaders such as Al Gore and Obama have put at the forefront of Global Politics.
The world our children inherit, and generations after them, will depend on our action to avert man-made Global Warming now.
For me, you can never start to educate your children too early; the younger they are the better, and the more opportunity they will have to make a difference!
Children's Classics speak to the Zeitgeist, or spirit of the age, when a matter of great import captures the collective conscience, and gains a momentum of its own.This is what is happening now worldwide with regard to climate change - women, scientists, and mothers are rallying to make their opinion - one which is rightfully supported across the globe - count.
Children's Classics are indeed, timeless. Who can ever forget the whimsical wisdom of Pooh, the clever humour of "The Cat in The Hat" or Paddington's critical "hard stare." We take what we read in our childhood through to our adulthood; Children's Literature is something which we draw on for comfort, entertainment, and inspiration, as we did when we were young, for the rest of our lives.
I believe that Children's Classics should have uplifting endings, and give kids something to aspire to. The hero or heroine should be a good kind of role model, but three dimensional, with strengths and weaknesses, and appeal to adults and children.
For me, a Children's Classic draws on the traditions of oral storytelling, and upholds them. Children's Classics are written to be shared - at home, in the park, on the beach, and anytime of day, not just before bedtime. Children's Classics teach a love of language, and they are written to be heard.
March 26, 2017
Free Children's Book Reviews For A Good Cause!
Children's Authors who need a well-written, honest review, here is my offer!
Send me a copy of your print book, and I will review it on Goodreads and Amazon for free, and then pass it on to a Children's Home. I need picture books and middle grade books, please!
I will only write a review if your book merits 3 stars or more. If not, I will make helpful suggestions on how it may be improved.
Simply inmail me here with details of your book, and I will give you an address to which you may send it.
Thanks,
Suzy Davies, Children's Author
Send me a copy of your print book, and I will review it on Goodreads and Amazon for free, and then pass it on to a Children's Home. I need picture books and middle grade books, please!
I will only write a review if your book merits 3 stars or more. If not, I will make helpful suggestions on how it may be improved.
Simply inmail me here with details of your book, and I will give you an address to which you may send it.
Thanks,
Suzy Davies, Children's Author
March 24, 2017
Be Sure to Follow The Link To Marlena Smith's Meet The Author Blog, Today, 25th March, 2017!
I am super-excited to be Marlena's guest on her online blog today, where she interviews me about my life as a writer, and my books!
Simply click this link below to discover more!
https://t.co/YQ7sXzrGBd
Simply click this link below to discover more!
https://t.co/YQ7sXzrGBd
March 20, 2017
International Happiness Day - Writing Can Make You Happy!
This is the day when people around the world celebrate being happy. But what is happiness? Does it just exist out there to be taken, or do we have to learn how to create our own happiness? And if the latter is true, then how do we become happier and healthier in our lives?
My idea is a personal one, and comes from my own personal experience of creating joy from writing.
My first book, "Johari's Window," is a romance novel with a dark side. I wrote it when I was "getting over" some difficult experiences in my life, and I was also aware that I was venturing toward the light, and better times ahead.
As I wrote the first chapter of "Johari's Window," I revisited one of the happiest times of my life, my early childhood in Wales, when I was surrounded by nature, and close to the ocean. I also "experienced again" my relationship with my late paternal grandmother, a wonderful, spiritual woman, and a bird-whisperer, who has been a constant enduring influence on me and my life.
The difficult part of "Johari's Window" was when I wrote through the pain I had experienced in my life, and, in a sense, in the process of writing, I had to relive these times, when, to be honest, life sometimes was a trial, and I did not know how I would see another day. These were times when I was emotionally withdrawn, and socially isolated, and to get through to another day was my only ambition. I was operating in survival mode, but survive to tell the tale, I did.
Once I had written out the darkest of chapters, I felt a sense of relief, and of being heard for the first time. I looked at my situation again with an objective eye, and I even felt proud of myself for hanging on through the bad times, and making the best of it. I felt empathy for myself, and began to cultivate a deeper knowledge of who I was and what I needed to be happy. I even forgave myself for the mistakes I had made.
Towards the end of "Johari's Window" the mood is more wistful than melancholy, and I am in South Korea, in this dream-like landscape with Cherry Blossoms.
For me, these flowers capture the transient nature of happiness, and, at the same time, reassure us that happiness will come around again.
But a constant thread in my life is the joy of writing. When I write, my ink is the happiness that flows in my veins.
My idea is a personal one, and comes from my own personal experience of creating joy from writing.
My first book, "Johari's Window," is a romance novel with a dark side. I wrote it when I was "getting over" some difficult experiences in my life, and I was also aware that I was venturing toward the light, and better times ahead.
As I wrote the first chapter of "Johari's Window," I revisited one of the happiest times of my life, my early childhood in Wales, when I was surrounded by nature, and close to the ocean. I also "experienced again" my relationship with my late paternal grandmother, a wonderful, spiritual woman, and a bird-whisperer, who has been a constant enduring influence on me and my life.
The difficult part of "Johari's Window" was when I wrote through the pain I had experienced in my life, and, in a sense, in the process of writing, I had to relive these times, when, to be honest, life sometimes was a trial, and I did not know how I would see another day. These were times when I was emotionally withdrawn, and socially isolated, and to get through to another day was my only ambition. I was operating in survival mode, but survive to tell the tale, I did.
Once I had written out the darkest of chapters, I felt a sense of relief, and of being heard for the first time. I looked at my situation again with an objective eye, and I even felt proud of myself for hanging on through the bad times, and making the best of it. I felt empathy for myself, and began to cultivate a deeper knowledge of who I was and what I needed to be happy. I even forgave myself for the mistakes I had made.
Towards the end of "Johari's Window" the mood is more wistful than melancholy, and I am in South Korea, in this dream-like landscape with Cherry Blossoms.
For me, these flowers capture the transient nature of happiness, and, at the same time, reassure us that happiness will come around again.
But a constant thread in my life is the joy of writing. When I write, my ink is the happiness that flows in my veins.
March 17, 2017
Happy St Patrick's Day!
I'd like to wish all my readers and followers who hail from Ireland a very Happy St Patrick's Day!
And here's a fun fact.....Polar bears have their ancestral origins in The Emerald Isle! Snugs is delighted!
And here's a fun fact.....Polar bears have their ancestral origins in The Emerald Isle! Snugs is delighted!
Book News
"The Flamingos Who Painted The Sky," our new picture book is NOW fully available to bring in #Christmas #sunshine, #flamingo #sunsets, and #happiness #worldwide Illustrated by the talented Shirin Mass ...more
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