Michelle Nelson-Schmidt's Blog, page 71

May 19, 2014

Don’t Ever Let Go of Your Awesome!

Don’t ever let go of it, and never, EVER let anyone take it away from you! Available to buy as a poster here.


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Published on May 19, 2014 09:29

May 16, 2014

What Rush Limbaugh, the publishing industry and children have taught me.

I am sitting in a hotel room drinking hotel coffee from one of those tiny coffee pots while I write this. I admit the coffee is terrible, but I just love those tiny coffee pots – I pretend I am a giant sneaking around in a sleeping fairy’s room and going to surprise her with coffee. What? I am a children’s book author and illustrator. It’s how our minds work.


Yes, I make books for kids. I travel all over the country every other week starting in August or September until May. Last year I traveled 19 weeks. This year it was just 15 weeks. I visit up to ten schools in a week. I have talked to over 250,000 children since I began. My publisher has over a million dollars in sales from over 100,000 of my books and plushes sold in less than 3 years. And I have really NO clue if those numbers are good or bad.


And finally? FINALLY I don’t care about those numbers and if they mean anything.


Oh, I used to care. When I used to dream years ago of being published it included the fantasy of book signings at Barnes and Noble and Borders (remember poor old Borders, y’all?) and New York Times Best Seller lists; of being asked to be a speaker at SCBWI and the Children’s Book Council; being flown around the country on book tours and school visits; winning awards. I mean, c’mon, don’t we ALL imagine being up at the podium and feeling IMPORTANT, like we MATTER SO MUCH.


And then? I got published. And sh*t got real. And fantasy and reality? They COLLIDED, y’all.


AHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHHAHAHAHA! Sorry, I still have to take a moment and guffaw at my naïve, little self back in the beginning of this process. So sweet, so young – and so damn EGOTISTICAL.


Did you notice back in that last paragraph – the fantasy one – how I never mentioned CHILDREN? I mean, sure, I was writing for them, but I knew I had to cater to the adults – I mean, those were the ones that BOUGHT the books that would guarantee my airplane rides and becoming very, very famous, right??


But then? I got published by EDC Publishing – a direct sales publisher. (They are Usborne Books and Kane Miller combined.) I had no idea what that meant when I got the contract; BUT WHO CARED, I WAS PUBLISHED!!


But then? I did care. I needed to know more. I found out direct sales meant I would not be in retail. There went my dreams of bookstore signings and any possibility of New York Times Bestsellers. My publisher pulled all their books from Amazon 2 years ago because Amazon price cuts so deeply that both the sales consultants and ultimately authors, would not make as much money. There went any online sales presence. My publisher was very small. They did not have the money or desire to send authors on book tours – that is not how they worked, they simply didn’t need to and it didn’t make sense for them to spend money like that. There went my fantasy of book tours to bookstores all over. Bookstore owners would have no idea who I was.


What was left? I admit I was disillusioned. WHAT WAS LEFT?


Oh. Wait.


THE CHILDREN. They were right there waiting for me.


And I realized that with the amazing and incredible direct sales force I had access to – you know, the ones that sell directly to school librarians and moms and dads in their homes? They were the key. And guess what? It wasn’t about sales numbers and lists and awards and podiums for these sales people. These sales people? They cared deeply and richly about getting a GOOD book into the hands of children. It was that simple. And it was AMAZING.


So I began talking to my (now beloved) sales consultants and three years ago organized my own school book tour. These women book me for a week at a time all over the country. In one week I talk to 6-10 school. I talk with the children – remember them? The ones I WAS WRITING FOR? Suddenly, I realized my purpose. And it had nothing to do with sales numbers, awards or who knew who I was. It was about the children.


And in the past three years, not only has my definition of success in this industry changed, but I have changed. So when this whole Rush Limbaugh thing came out? I laughed. I smiled. The publishing industry was UP IN ARMS!!!! People FREAKED OUT, people wrote blog posts about how WRONG THIS IS!!! It is UNIMAGINABLE!


Really? REALLY?!?! Rush just played by the rules that have been set up in the publishing industry for a VERY long time. Yes, the vast majority of the time a very, very good book wins these awards by a very deserving author/illustrator. But in the vast majority of even those cases? Those awards are still bought to a certain extent. People know about that book because of all the money that book’s publisher has pumped behind it. The publisher decided a long time ago it would be a best seller and used lots and lots of money to make that happen. Now like I said, they are usually very good books, but let’s not kid ourselves that the New York Times Best Seller list can’t be bought. Oh, what? You didn’t know that? Oh, sweet one. I have a bridge for sale I’d like you to see.


So yeah, all Rush Limbaugh did was learn the system and use it. People in the industry just got mad because they were not the ones that got to choose the book this time. Is his book good? I have no idea, maybe it is awesome. But that is not why it won. It won because of votes that he could get. Just like any book could for that award. So please, stop going around with that shocked look on your face and stop pretending how much of this isn’t all about money. Children’s book publishing is an industry with a dark side just like all businesses. Best sellers and awards matter to a publisher. Not just for money, but for clout, prestige. Sometimes the quality of the book comes second. Again, this is the United States. Are you really shocked by Rush’s award? I mean, REALLY?


If you’re really so up in arms about it? Go do something for a child. That will make a difference. That will matter. Sounding off and calling names (stop calling him names just because you don’t agree with him, by the way – don’t you realize your children CAN HEAR YOU?) won’t change anything. Move on. As my mom would say, “Life is not fair. Get over it.”


Now. To end this on a high note? Yesterday was my last day of school visits this year. And in the past three years talking to over 225 schools and over a quarter of a million children? I have learned a few things. I’d like to share what I think REALLY matters.


(And what matters to me will never, ever be on a plaque on my wall that I got because of sales numbers or inflated votes.) But it might be on a piece of paper like this:

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Ten Things Children in Our Country have Taught Me:



1. Children know the difference between being ‘talked to’ and ‘talked with’.
If the child you’re talking with isn’t engaged and responding? Chances are? You are talking at them. (And you hate that as much as they do. So stop.)



2. Everybody, no matter how old, loves having a picture book read to them.
Whether it is a pre-K class or a tough group of inner city eighth-grade boys? When I get to the part where I say, “And that is why I wrote this book for you, do you want to hear it?” There is always, ALWAYS a resounding and enthusiastic “YES!!!” Being read to is comforting and safe – we all love it.



3. Children NEED to be heard. Wait, let me write that again. Children need to be HEARD.
Whether they want to tell me their name, ask a question or just tell me a story, I make sure I look that child in the eye and HEAR what they have to say. It is shocking how much children don’t get heard in this busy world – they need to know their voice matters at an early age. Makes sense, but we don’t take the time to do that – too often. (Quick side story: at the end of a presentation I ran out of time for questions. I saw a first grade girl was a sobbing mess as she was leaving the gym. I went up to her, asking if she was okay. They teacher waved me off saying, “It’s nothing she just wanted to tell you something and you didn’t call on her, don’t worry.” Well, I did worry. I took the little girl’s hand, knelt down to look her in the eye and asked what she wanted to tell me. As she half sobbed and half talked she said, “I…(sniffle)..have…(sob)..a….dog…(sniffle)..named….Buddy.” That was it. But she NEEDED to tell me that. I hugged her and told her I was so happy she made sure to tell me that and I was so glad that she did. The smile on that child’s face? Could have lit up a city. We all need to be HEARD.


4. Children love books. Many, many do not have books at home. More than we realize. More than you think. If you ever have the opportunity to buy a book for a child in need? PLEASE DO IT.


5. The kindness and generosity of children is overwhelming. So many stories of this, but one that just happened this past Wednesday: I was talking to kids in the front row before I was going to start and there was a little first grade boy that looked so sad. I asked what was wrong. “I was going to buy a Bob stuffed animal for my baby brother, but someone stole my money.” His brother was 10 months old. Of course I bought a Bob for him myself and told him how sweet he was. It was our secret and I said I was so sorry someone did something bad, but I would do something good to make up for it. I found out later he had money for himself too – to buy himself the Bob book – but he never mentioned that part. He just worried about his brother. We made sure to get the book to him too, don’t worry. Amazing, right?



6. We don’t give our children NEAR enough credit.
Children rise up to their expectations. Set the bar high – they will surpass it if they know that you believe they can. The look of disbelief and shock on pre-K teachers faces is proof when I say that I can engage 4 year olds for 45 minutes. The teachers worry. They fret. And then their kids are amazing. Because they rise up to my expectations of them. It works every single time.


7. Children learn faster, easier and better with art. Bring art and music into any lesson plan from history to math and watch the children LEARN. Try it. For reals.


8. Children are not a test score. Children are not all the same. There is not a test that will accurately define ANYONE and certainly not our children. We are giving these children stress and anxiety starting as early as first grade. The testing needs to STOP. If I see one more Whatif Monster sign a child made that says, “Whatif I fail the < insert test acronym > I am going to SCREAM. And drive to Washington and make every legislator fill in bubbles for 12 hours straight with NO RECESS.


9. Children need a new definition of RICH in this country. I get asked by kids all the time if I am rich. The teachers always shush them because it is supposed to be a rude question. I always say that I would very much like to answer it. I say, “I make enough money that I can pay my bills, I make enough money that if I save up I can take a vacation. I have enough money that if I save up I can buy my kids presents at holidays and birthdays. I get to do what I love for a living and not a day in my life feels like work. I am ridiculously happy and satisfied and I would not trade my life for anyone else’s in this world. Yes, I am rich. And if you make that your definition of rich? You can be rich very, very easily too.” (Media, stop glorifying pop stars and sports stars that have gobs of money and telling our children THAT is what rich is. It’s a lie.)


10. And finally. Children need to be told often and by many, that who they are matters. That what they have to offer this world is NEEDED. They need to be told that they are inspiring. That we believe in them. Something I say at my visits is this: “I don’t want you waiting 5 years, 10 years, more than 20 years like I did until finally you say to yourself: ‘You know what? I KNOW who I am! I KNOW what I have to offer this world! I am AWESOME!’ I want you guys starting TODAY. Listening to that little whisper inside your heart and trusting in it. Believing in it. It will lead you to a magical life. I promise.”


People worry about the future. I don’t. I meet the future everyday. I cannot wait until it is their turn to take over. And if we let them? And we tell them we believe in them and trust them? Maybe, just maybe? They can fix the messes we have made.


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Published on May 16, 2014 08:08

April 29, 2014

April 28, 2014

Had an amazing day at my schools today!

Thank you Leggee Elementary and Martin Elementary!! You guys? Rocked! I loved y’all!! ❤️


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Published on April 28, 2014 15:50

April 25, 2014

We weren’t meant to be perfect, we were meant to be AWESOME!

I have a story about my daughter I want to share. First off, my daughter is awesome. The Soph is perfect exactly how she is. And I am not just saying that because I am her mom. Okay, maybe a little bit, but truly, she is so phenomenal. She is this amazing spirit that lights up a room. Since she was a baby I called her my ‘chaotic bubble of sunshine.’ Sophie has always been this messy, crazy, never-slow-down kind of a kid. When she would eat as a baby, it was a full body experience. She had to dive in and eat with her hands and rub it all over her head, her arms, everything. Sophie just loves to LIVE life. Even when she was just a baby with a jar of carrots, girlfriend EXPERIENCED that jar of carrots.


Sophie has never worried about being perfect or making sure she knew exactly how every little thing worked before jumping in. If she wanted to try it, she tried it. If she messed up, she messed up. Now, I am sure inside her head other things were going on, but on the outside? She took her bumps, her bruises and mishaps, brushed them off and moved on. Like I said, she LIVES this life.


She is an incredible artist too. She has always made things, always creating things with her hands. I often would come into my studio when she was younger and find some new creation she had made and left behind for me to see. She creates just to create. I love that about her. I am glad she does have an entrepreneurial heart too, I think it will all come together one day.


Last year in high school, we found out that Sophie is pretty awesome at sculpture. She has made amazing things with metal and found materials. This year we discovered she is GIFTED with clay and ceramics. She has won awards alongside seniors in high school. She has been asked to be in AP art her junior year – a year early. Girlfriend has legit talent.


But this past year has been hard too. Some really hard things happened to some of her classmates and friends. And Sophie is sensitive. She seems to absorb other’s pain. She, like many artists, feels so very DEEPLY. She ended up having some really dark months this past fall. And she struggled with not feeling like that happy, bouncy person everyone expected her to be – she was not feeling it and she felt like she had to pretend to keep everyone else happy. That is a rough place for anyone to be, but a teenage? Ugh.


She began to struggle with some classes and was just emotionally very down. Luckily, she was open with me about things and we dealt with it head on. We found an awesome therapist, her and I talk A LOT and she is doing really well these days.


During some of these hard times she made some mistakes in the past few months, as many 15, almost 16 year olds will do. Mistakes that aren’t horrible or terrible, but mistakes for which she is paying a price and trying very hard to fix. One of those mistakes is her grades in an Honors Chemistry class. Girlfriend is failing. FAILING. And she only has a few weeks to pull out a C. I got her a tutor, she goes into school early to get extra help, she is studying ALL the time. The problem is, sometimes, if you get to the game too late? You can’t save it. Soph, oh she is trying, but we have to see. Yesterday? She got an 80 on a test! THAT WAS HUGE. SO PROUD!


You see, Sophie has ADHD and phonetical dislexia. We knew Honors Chem would be hard, but if she focused she would be okay. No one anticipated the emotional roller coaster year she would have. She has never, EVER used her learning difficulties as an excuse. She never even tells the teachers. So right now? Trying so hard to make up for so much in just a few weeks? Is crazy hard. But she is doing it.


But you know what? If she fails the course, she fails the course. We will figure out what needs to be done. This class does not define her. A failed course does not mean a failed person. How often do we all feel that way? I hope she passes, I truly do. Mostly because this is a kid that likely won’t ever take Chemistry again in her life and this class matters very little in her true education in life. I really hope she passes though – because chemistry in the summer? Sounds AWFUL. Like a level of hell awful. Wasn’t that in the Inferno? I believe it was.


So we shall see. Sophie will learn and has learned so much from this year. And I hated that it was such a hard year for her and it was torture to watch it happen as mother, but I have seen her growing so much. She has seen that she can mess up, pretty big and get to the other side of it – get to the other side of all that hard and bad even when I’m sure she felt like she was clawing her way out of a really deep dark tunnel. Most of all she has learned that she does not need to be perfect. That perfect doesn’t exist. Life is a series of messes and mistakes and finding all the AWESOME that WE ARE as we navigate through it all.


Sophie’s light has begun to shine very brightly again the past few weeks – but it was never, ever gone – maybe just dimmed a bit. And I love basking in the brightness that is that girl. She makes this world so much more beautiful and awesome.


I hope you let YOUR awesome shine super BRIGHT today!


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Published on April 25, 2014 07:15

April 24, 2014

Special THURSDAY Storytime LIVE edition at 8:30pm (Eastern)!

Y’all I was on a plane coming home from talking to the MOST AWESOME kids in the Baltimore, Maryland area yesterday at 7:30pm and didn’t get home until laaaaate. Plane got delayed and we sat on the grou… oh never  mind it’s all water under the bridge now.


SO! I must make it up to you that I didn’t do Storytime yesterday! We shall do it today! And there will be a VERY SPECIAL Whatif Monster announcement!!! Tune in to find out! Click the image below to go to my Livestream page and watch me at 8:30pm. Can’t wait to see y’all!


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Published on April 24, 2014 12:15

April 15, 2014

Storytime LIVE in Hoover, Alabama!!

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Michelle Nelson-Schmidt’s event — Storytime LIVE in Hoover, Alabama!! At 8:30pm Eastern, 7:30pm Central, 6:30pm Mountain and 5:30pm Pacific — scheduled to start at 08:30 PM CDT on Wednesday, April 16, 2014


CLICK BELOW TO SEE MORE.


http://new.livestream.com/whatifmonstermama/events/2924238


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Published on April 15, 2014 11:30

April 14, 2014

This Made Me Happy Today

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I am grateful for the moments I get to have with the kids I talk to each week. I adore them more than I can ever adequately express in words. Today was a very good day.


Tonight however? I got my tax bill. OUCH. That hurt. A lot.


So I am posting this picture of a sheep wearing a Bob horn pretending to be a unicorn. Because it makes me HAPPY.


And even if I do have to empty my entire bank account to pay my taxes, I am determined to focus on what REALLY matters. The children of this world matter to me. Their hopes and their dreams and making sure that they know how much I truly BELIEVE in them and LOVE them matters so much to me. And if I have to empty my bank account in order to keep doing that? Then I’m going to. Because I can’t imagine not doing this. And I am so very lucky that this gets to be my life.


And now? I am going to go to bed and let all if this money stuff go. Because I’m still human, and working as hard as I do and still having to empty your bank account? Well, it still kinda stinks. But tomorrow? IS A NEW DAY, Y’ALL! Filled with new kids to meet! And I WILL be READY FOR THEM!


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Published on April 14, 2014 20:06

April 13, 2014

The Story of Lou. The Motivational Tree Iguana. (He’s kinda rude.)

So I was in Key West last week and in the condo we were staying in had a sign on the doors. It struck me as funny. I posted it on Facebook. Then a friend commented about how maybe it was a note FROM the Tree Iguana, not ABOUT the Tree Iguana. See?


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And this exchange just REALLY cracked me up. And I could not stop thinking about this tree iguana – and all those exclamations points just made me think he was kind rude. I mean, really, did he HAVE to be so forceful about closing the door?


I ended up naming him Lou and the FB exchange lasted many, many more comments and a few other posts.


By the time I got home, Lou had completely introduced himself to me. He is in fact, a Tree Iguana that lives in Key West. He is apparently also a motivational speaker. And he is sort of rude. So maybe just for adults – and maybe teenagers that need a swift kick in the derriere. :)


Look, my characters choose me, I don’t choose them – it’s just how it goes, I’m only being honest.


Lou tells it like it is. He kinda reminds me of Walter Matthau. He tells you what you NEED to hear, not what you WANT to hear. If he is not your cup of tea, that is TOTALLY okay. If he offends you, just ignore him. He told me he really doesn’t care if he offends you. See? Kinda rude, that Lou.


I think we will be seeing more of Lou. He seems to have a lot to say. And now that I made his poster for y’all, he says I can get back to work painting the illustrations for Dog and Mouse. (He just called me a slacker because I am behind on them. Rude.)


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You can by poster or prints of Lou here: http://whatifmonsters.com/otherstufftobuy.html


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Published on April 13, 2014 07:58

April 9, 2014

Storytime LIVE:Tropical Paradise Edition!! Reading from Key West!

Michelle Nelson-Schmidt’s event — Storytime LIVE: Key West Edition!! 7:30pm — scheduled to start at 07:30 PM EDT on Wednesday, April 09, 2014


Reading a local children’s book about Ernest Hemingway, y’all!


http://new.livestream.com/whatifmonstermama/events/2904896


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Published on April 09, 2014 16:15