Carmela Dutra's Blog, page 6

The Secret Language of Music

Can you feel it? The heavy base. Can you hear the soft vocals? Can you visualize the cool ivory keys as you hear the solo of a piano? You are experiencing the emotions of music.

Music is a common singularity that crosses all borders of nationality, race, and culture. A tool for arousing emotions and feelings, music is far more powerful than language. An increased interest in how the brain processes musical emotion can be attributed to the way in which it is described as a “language of emotion” across cultures. Be it within films, live orchestras, concerts or a simple home stereo. Music can be so haunting and overwhelming that it can only be described as standing halfway between thought and phenomenon.

Music unquestionably affects our emotions. We tend to listen to music that reflects our mood. When we’re happy we may listen to upbeat music; when we’re sad we may listen to slower, somber like songs; when we’re angry we may listen to darker music with heavy guitar, drums, and vocals that reflect our level of anger.

Have you ever been asked to name your favorite band or performer? Were you able to rattle off the top five you listened to regularly? We may not be able to say for certain why we prefer the artists we listen to. We might say It’s what I grew up hearing. Or even, That’s what my parent’s listened when they were younger. We do know and can say that we resonate with, or feel the music. Or maybe even simpler, we just like the music they write.

But we can learn a lot about our emotional selves through our musical taste. I know for me that music has a way of bringing out feelings that I didn’t even know I was experiencing. There have been times where I was feeling perfectly fine until I heard a specific song by the amazing Johnny Cash. That was all it took for a flood of emotions, and tears to come to the surface.

What about in learning? Can music affect the way one learns? Most defiantly! Research shows that learning the do-re-mis can help children excel in ways beyond the basic ABCs.

More than Just Music.

Research has found that learning music facilitates learning other subjects and enhances skills that children inevitably use in other areas. “A music-rich experience for children of singing, listening and moving is really bringing a very serious benefit to children as they progress into more formal learning,” says Mary Luehrisen, executive director of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, a not-for-profit association that promotes the benefits of making music.

Speaking from experience, making music involves more than the voice or fingers playing an instrument; a child learning about music has to tap into multiple skill sets, often simultaneously. For instance, people use their ears and eyes, as well as large and small muscles. Whether your child is the next Beyonce or more likely to sing her solos in the shower, she is bound to benefit from some form of music education.

With my little guy, I can see how music already affects him. Even before he was born he reacted to the music I played. There were specific songs that I would play over, and over, and over some more that I would feel him jumping and moving all over. At four months old, he was moving and smiling to the melody he recognizes. He’s now over a year, and it is so much to watch him dance and shake his head around like a cockatiel to the beat of the music.

The same is true with me, it doesn’t matter where I am or what I am doing. If I hear the theme song to Perry Mason, I instantly stop what I’m doing and look up almost as if to say mentally I know that, I remember that!

 

There are some songs that will put my little guy right out! You are my sunshine is his bedtime song. Then the flip side happens, and there are some that just bring out the inner crazy and wake him right up! We can tell if he likes the melody or not just by how he responds. If he likes it, he starts smiling and spinning. If he doesn’t? He will cover his ears, make a face, and wiggles galore as he attempts to get away.

The list of examples that shows the significance of being exposed to music, especially at an early age is immense. Music has been found to play such an important role in education that March has been officially designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation.

The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages.

Over the years I have listened to many different types of music. Ranging from the Blues of Muddy Waters (whom I still enjoy) to the Heavy Metal of Pantera, and everything in between. Each genre reflected a different phase in my life, growing as I grew. Music affects, and touches us in a variety of ways. Unlocking emotions that might otherwise lay dormant.

How has music affected you?

Who am I?

 

Who am I?? This is a question all of us ask ourselves at one point or another. Often times we ask it more than once throughout our lives. You find yourself standing in front a mirror either before the day begins, or right as it ends and you ask yourself “Who am I?” Can you recall asking yourself this question? Perhaps you even turn to your partner and pose the question to them, curious of what they might say. Are you a mother? A daughter? A father? A husband, or a wife? A baker? Or even a candlestick maker?? Who are you? If were sitting waiting for a train, or a plane and someone asked you that, how would you respond? I’ve found myself thinking about that very thought, what would I say about myself? I started pondering this a few weeks ago when I had to take a flight out of town and I was observing a mother with her small child walking around the terminal. As I watched her follow after her young daughter of 18months (I asked her age) I thought to myself

I started pondering this a few weeks ago when I had to take a flight out of town, and I was observing a mother with her small child walking around the terminal. As I watched her follow after her young daughter of 18months (I asked her age) I thought to myself. Anyone who looks at this woman knows she’s a mother, and they will glean that her child is the light of life. She would do anything for that little girl who is striding ahead of her. But what else does anyone know about her?  For that matter, what would anyone deduce about me? I’m alone, all I have with me is a small bag, a cup of coffee and my nose stuck in a book. 

Now, I am not one to care what others think about me. I know that I have a strong personality, and I am not everyone’s cup of tea. Still, I pondered, would anyone look at me and know that I am a mother of a small child? Would they be able to tell that while I am enjoying this moment of quiet and peace, inside, I am missing him terribly?

It made me think… How would I define who I am? How do YOU define yourself? When we meet strangers we all have a spiel that we give about ourselves, what we do for work, our pets etc. But what would I say to a total stranger that would sum me up, also while being brief?

Here is what I came up with….

My name is Carmela. I am an author and illustrator of children’s books, that I hope will both entertain and enlighten children. I’m also a professional photographer of 10years, and I love to capture city life photography. I’m religious, I am very active in my religion. I feel that God and family are the two most important things in life. I’m a mother to a beautiful hamalicious 15-month-old boy (like my word to describe my little camera ham. Hamalicious, my pal Irma came up with that one!). I am the wife to my best friend who has always supported me and encouraged me even when I had no clue what I was doing. I try to enjoy the little things in life, that’s what I find brings the most pleasure. Oh, and I have four cats!! Yes, four cats…

So there you have it, me in a nutshell. What about you? Who are YOU?

A Day in the Life

As a Stay at home/ Work at home mom, there isn’t much glamor in my life. Getting up in the morning, slapping my face with icy cold water in an attempt to wake myself up after this stupid time change. Yes, I said the S Word, STUPID! And I will say it again! Sometimes I find myself looking in the mirror, and sighing, as my four cats and toddler are circling me like a bunch of sharks, each wanting their fair share of attention.  Picking up my little halfling and wandering (or stumbling depending on how tired I am) into the kitchen, occasionally dodging the landmine of hairballs left for me in the hallway. How do they always know which path I will take??

I praise the coffee gods every morning for this sweet, intoxicating liquid gold and pours out of my Keurig. I assemble breakfast for everyone (cats included), packing the hubby lunch, rinsing dishes, setting up playtime near my drafting board, and juggling work in between peek-a-boo and stacking blocks, only to be knocked over in a matter of seconds after releasing my hand from the last block. We giggle, we’re silly, he tackles me while I pretend to be utterly helpless. At some point, at least one- two cats come and sit on my face while I am being pinned to the ground.  There is a lot of juggling taking place as I work at home. Here is a throwback picture of my doing the aforementioned juggling. It’s still the same, only now he’s a bit heavier, and squirms a bit more.

Nap time, glorious nap time!  Any parent can relate to nap time,
need I say more??

After family dinner, the day ends with either hubby or myself putting our beloved son to bed and tidying up the house for it begin the next day again. These are the moments of my life.  Like any parent, you give of yourself. Minute, by minute,  until those hours add up to create a day which adds up to create a week, which adds up to create a month, which in turn adds up to create years that create life. A beautiful life filled with ordinary enough mom moments.

There is no supermom (or dad), that whole super parent who has everything together is just a fallacy. Parenthood is raw, emotional, and often messy. Especially in my case, having four cats added to the mix. There are real moms. Real, authentic moms who admit that they don’t have it all together but keep on fighting. Scared and tired moms who keep fighting. Moms who are overwhelmed by keeping up with a demanding life. Moms who swear, even though they wish they didn’t. Moms who leave the house only to discover that their shirt was inside out the entire time!  Moms like you and me who sometimes feel lost in a world of outward accomplishments.

A mother is a person, a woman, just like you. A woman with little ones in her care that she loves more than she ever thought possible. Sometimes even wondering how there can be this much as they’re driving her batty, but still, she does. She fights, gives, prays, works, and doesn’t give up even when she wants to throw in the towel. Can you relate to any or all of these? I know I can.

In spite of all the negative and emotional feelings I may have at times, nothing compares to that sweet little boy who lights up when our eyes lock. Nothing can compare to that pure bliss as he comes running into my arms and I swoop him up. Spinning him around and around until I get dizzy, but continuing because his giggles are so precious I never want to hear them stop.

A very close friend told me that the years would pass away in the blink of an eye, but the days will sometimes drag on. After having experienced a full year (and then some), I can appreciate those words in a fuller way that I did when she first shared them with me. Even though my days are not glamours, and can at times feel as though they drag on, they are my days. and I love every moment of them. 

Dr. Seuss Day

Today is Dr. Seuss Day! What does this mean? It means we look back over the years and reflect on all of his creations from And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, to Oh, The Places You’ll Go! (Which just happens to be my personal favorite by the Dr. himself) Thinking about all of the works he gave us, how have they made an impact in the field of Children’s Literature?

I do not believe there is one person among us who would disagree with my saying Theodor Seuss Geisel a.k.a Dr. Seuss was a real genius! However, is it fair for us to say that his books contributed to society? I feel the answer is a big YES!

How many of us have ever read something that inspired us to bigger, and greater things? How many after reading Night by Elie Wiesel were not moved and affected by the account of a Jewish author was sent to Auschwitz at 15-years-old? His story of personal struggle, heartbreak, and passion. Or, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Giving us new meaning to the American dream, focusing on power and a friendship that will enrage you with jealousy (but in a good way).

Dr. Seuss showed respect for literature, poetry, and the essence of childhood that many other authors have failed or not come near enough to achieve. Through his works, he shows an endearment to the innocence of children. Showing us through his writings that childhood is the purest, most clever, and most important moment in one’s life.

Dr. Seuss helped to transform children’s literature into something that can be appreciated by more than children.  His whimsical style and rhyming schemes were elements that came to be enjoyed by children, but over time, his works seem to acquire more meaning as the child reader grows up and becomes an adolescent than an adult.  The work itself does not change, but the reader does, and looking at the same work over time, new levels of meaning emerge.

His stories not only entertain but teach us invaluable lessons. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”  Make the most of what you’ve got.   In Yertle the Turtle, we see “feather envy,” and it’s a gentle reminder to be careful what you wish for and appreciate what you’ve got.

As mentioned earlier my favorite Seuss book is Oh, the Places you’ll go! As a child it was a fun read, it made me think about what I would do. But now as an adult, it has much deeper meaning to me. Life is a great balancing act with ups and downs, but it’s up to us to chose what road we will go down.

Dr. Seuss gives such wise advice:

 

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You’re off to Great Places!
 
You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

You’ll look up and down streets. Look’em over with care. About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.” With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.

And you may not find any you’ll want to go down. In that case, of course, you’ll head straight out of town. It’s opener there in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you.

And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.

Oh! The Places You’ll Go!

You’ll be on your way up!

You’ll be seeing great sights!

You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.

As the rest of the poem goes on it becomes fascinating. What I love most about this poem is that how he points out, you’ll have times when you’re lonely, or scared about walking down the road you’ve chosen. You will want to turn back, but you’ll go on regardless.

 

That’s life, that’s all part of its rich tapestry. You’re not alone, and other people are walking their road right beside you. They too have these fears – am I good enough? Will I succeed? Can I do this? But we do, because…

You are off to great places.

 

Today is your day

 

Your mountain is waiting

 

So get on your way!

Here is a video for you to enjoy of my favorite story by the great Dr. Seuss. What are your favorite works by him? Do you have a reason why you enjoy that book? Please share your comment’s below.

 

 

The Power of Humility

Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.
~ Confucius

Many of us come from humble beginnings. We make something of ourselves through the pursuit of knowledge, integrity, hard work, and of course, many other things play a vital role in this as well.

Some people, however, get a thrill from boasting about their accomplishments or showing off their possessions. They’ve convinced themselves that they’re better than others. The fact is, some allow success go to their head, and they find a sense satisfaction from pushing people around. That’s wrong.

People who are humble know the truth about themselves. They understand their strengths without bragging. They understand their weaknesses without making excuses. Humility is the act of being modest, reverential, even at times politely submissive. It is the opposite of aggression, arrogance, pride, and vanity. And on the surface, it can appear to empty its holder of all power. But on the contrary, it grants enormous power to its owner.

The truth is, all the money and material objects in the world doesn’t make you a better person. It simply means that you have more of them. Real wealth is achieved by appreciating what you already have in life. After all, money can’t buy everything. It can’t buy a close-knit family, good friends, a clear conscience, among other things, a happy home.

Behind the scenes, humility works in a very subtle way that slowly magnetizes people toward you. It does this because it wins people’s trust, and respect. That is something that you cannot buy, nor demand, it must be earned. And those whom we trust, honor and respect will always have the greatest influence over our lives.

There is a fine line when it comes to sharing our success, in all things balance is needed. Let us try not to let success go to our head. Be humble. Humility is a sign of strength, not weakness. Acknowledging our shortcomings and failures is a vital part of humility. It is impossible to move forward without a clear assessment of what needs improvement.  People with humility possess an inner peace. They’re modest about their achievements, grounded in their values, and they have nothing to prove to others. They’re down to earth, comfortable in their own skin, and quietly proud.

How do you feel about humility? Share your thoughts with us below.

 

 

 

THANK YOU!

One of the first things we learn as little kids is always to say “thank you” — and of course, not to put our mouths on the water fountain, or pick our nose in public but that’s a lesson for another day.

This week’s blog will be short and sweet. I simply want to thank all of you. I want to thank you for your support, your comment’s, and your encouragement, it means the world to me. Thank you! Thank you to everyone who entered our Book Giving Day Giveaway Extravaganza, and shared our posts. *

I also want to give an even bigger thanks to the people who helped make this giveaway a reality. I want to thank authors Corrina Holyoake, James Milson, JD Holiday, Julie Gorges, Rosie Russell, Sandra Bennett, and Tracy Bryan. I could not have done it without you.  I also want to thank Cat Michales, Jessica Adams, and Jack Bradford. Your support was unending, and your enthusiasm was contagious!

I want to give a big warm thanks to all who are reading this.

THANK YOU!

 

*Winners from the Book Giving Day Giveaway Extravaganza are being randomly chosen by rafflecopter and will be notified via e-mail within 72hrs of the giveaway ending.

Book Giving Day Blog Hop

Love is in the air! In the spirit of love and gift-giving, my writer pals and I are sharing in Blog Hop devoted to the love of books. Please have a read and enjoy. Then visit the other #Gr8Blogs listed at the end of this post for more Book Giving inspiration. Be sure to enter the rafflecopter below for your chance to win some amazing books being giving away, as our way to share in the spirit of book giving.

International Book Giving Day. You’ve likely been seeing it all over your Social Media feed, pictures of books people plan to give away to children. Idea’s for how to get involved, ways you can give back to the community. This is a day that comes around once a year, and it shares the day with Valentine’s Day.

Here’s a little background for those unfamiliar with the holiday. This is a day devoted to instilling a lifelong love of reading in children and providing access to books for children in need.  Book Giving Day calls on volunteers to share their favorite book with a young reader. Although the holiday originated in the UK, book lovers around the world now join in the celebrations every year.

Even though this day hasn’t passed yet, it really has me thinking. Why does this have to be a day celebrated only once a year? Why can’t we make it a conscious matter to share our books with others? Especially to children in need all the time!?!

What, or how could we do this? Book Giving Day has few organized events. Instead, individual volunteers are encouraged to give a favorite book or books to children. This can take many forms; some people give books as gifts to their children or those of friends. Others donate books to children’s libraries, schools or charities. Still, others leave books in places where they’ll be found, such as doctors’ waiting rooms or even train stations.

February 14th is a day to tell our family and friends we love them. What better way to tell our children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc. we love them than with a book! A book can become a lifelong friend, something that can be enjoyed for years to come. I still enjoy reading books I had as a child, the memories that are recalled to mind wouldn’t be possible if I didn’t have those books.

Books are small things that leave a lasting impact! So many authors are where they are today because of a book. Imagine, by our giving a book instead of a card, we could be helping to inspire a future author. What’s more, an inscription on the inside cover is the best way to take a book and make into something more. Something special, and long lasting.

All you have to do is visit the link below to enter the Book Giving Day Extravaganza powered by Raffelcopter and follow the prompts. The giveaway will run from 2/1-2/15/17. There is no purchase necessary to enter*, it’s free and open to all. Easy Peasy!  As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, I have partnered together with some fellow children’s authors, and we are giving away 14 signed copies of our books, along with 4 eBooks. That’s a total of 18 books! Wowza!

We can all give a little something back and just because this holiday is once a year, does not mean it has to be forgotten once it’s passed. So help all to remember this day by leaving a comment below and sharing with us:  How a book as impacted you? How have you shared in this day? And, What this day means to you!

Never underestimate the power of giving a book! #GiveABook!

Want to learn more about the authors involved in the giveaway?  You can click on their names to find out more! Thanks for stopping by! For more International Book Giving Day reading, visit the #Gr8blogs below. And don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter for your chance to win autographed copies by some amazing authors. And hey, if you’re pumped about reading and books, just add your family-friendly International Book Giving Day link to your blog post in the comment section. We’ll visit your blog and give you some blog love!

JD Holiday,  Tracy Bryan,  Julie Gorges, James Milson, Rosie Russell, Sandra Bennett,  Corrina Holyoake, Cat Michaels, 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*There is NO purchase necessary to enter or win. Winners will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget within 48 hours and notified by email once the giveaway ends. The winners will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner(s) do not respond within 72 hours, a new winner(s) will be chosen. This giveaway is open to all who live in and outside of the US. However, as there are several sponsors of this giveaway who live both domestic and international. Print books are available only for domestic country of author origin; ebooks offered outside author’s country of origin at their discretion.

 

 

Book Giving Day Giveaway Extravaganza!

Can you believe that February is officially here?? Well, it is! Even though this is our shortest month of the year, February manages to pack a lot of punch for a small bite. We have  Groundhog’s Day Feed the Birds Day Super Bowl Sunday (Superbowl 51), Lincoln’s Birthday  Valentines Day, Presidents Day, and many others. We also my favorite, International Book Giving Day!

International Book Giving Day is a 100% volunteer initiative aimed at increasing children’s access to, and enthusiasm for, books and it takes place each year on February 14th, #bookgivingday. It’s a day people worldwide are encouraged do just one simple thing: to give a book to a child. Last week I told you that I would have details on how you could enter for a chance to win FREE BOOKS! Well, here you go!

All you have to do is visit the link below to enter the Book Giving Day Extravaganza powered by Raffelcopter and follow the prompts.  The giveaway will run from 2/1-2/15/17. There is no purchase necessary to enter*, it’s free and open to all. Easy Peasy!  As mentioned last week, I have partnered together with some fellow children’s authors, and we are giving away 14 signed copies of our books, along with 4 eBooks. That’s a total of 18 books! Wowza!

Want to learn more about the authors involved? You can click on their names to find out more!

JD Holiday,  Tracy Bryan,  Julie Gorges, James Milson, Rosie Russell, Sandra Bennett, and  Corrina Holyoake.

Here is a look at the books we will be giving away!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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*Terms and conditions: There is NO purchase necessary to enter or win. Winners will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget within 48 hours and notified by email once the giveaway ends. The winners will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner(s) do not respond within 72 hours, a new winner(s) will be chosen. This giveaway is open to all who live in and outside of the US. However, as there are several sponsors of this giveaway who live both domestic and international.  Print books are available only for domestic country of author origin; ebooks offered outside author’s country of origin at their discretion.

 

Book Giving Day

Book Giving Day is just around the corner! This is a day devoted to instilling a lifelong love of reading in children and providing access to books for children in need. It falls on the same day as Valentines Day, and what better way to say I Love You than by giving your loved something that they can enjoy over and over again. A Book! February 14th is a day to tell our family and friends we love them. What better way to tell our children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc. than with a book!

Books are small things that leave a lasting impact! So many authors are where they are today because of a book. Imagine, by our giving a book instead of a card we could be helping to inspire a future author. What’s more, an inscription on the inside cover is the best way to take a book and turn it into something more.  Never underestimate the power of giving a book. After all, books are where the magic happens!

So, You’ve heard about International Book Giving Day. You love the idea. What next? You can share books you’ve previously read with someone else to enjoy. Pick up a book from a used bookstore and give it a new home. Or even read a book to a loved one, and create a memory together. How will I be sharing in this day?  I’ve teamed up with some fellow authors to spread the joy of reading, by hosting a Book Giveaway Extravaganza! Starting February 1st, 2017 we will be giving away 14 signed copies of various books, and ebooks as well! The giveaway will run from the 1st-15th of February 2017, be sure to check back next week for details on how to enter for your chance to win!

Please share below some other ways you might be sharing in the day! Share your plans on social media using #bookgivingday and I will share your posts! 

 

Author Interview with Willy Robbins

I am excited to share with all of you fellow kid lit author, and pal, Willy Robbins. Willy grew up in the middle of the Ozarks in Missouri.  She was raised on the family farm, where she resides today.  Willy grew up with the love of reading, as her first grade teacher, Mrs. Chapman can attest. She was the first one to reach the moon that year with the number of books that she read.  Reading and writing continue to be an integral part of Willy’s life, she has taught them both for 17 years as an elementary educator.

Willy currently has three titles available through Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. In my closet  about a young boy and his imagination. Ernie loves to play in his room, but when night falls, sleeping in his room is a different story. Sometimes, at bedtime, his imagination comes out to play. When Ernie imagines there’s a troll in his closet, he decides to look for himself. Will he come face to face with his imagination? Or, will Ernie learn there is nothing scary about his closet?

Brooding School Blues What? Melba wakes up one morning to a new lunch sack, and learns it will soon be her first day at brooding school. The young chick is upset and frightened, but Mother Hen knows just what to do. Encouraging big brother Bert to lend a helping wing to little Melba, pretend school is in session. Will Melba make the grade in Brooding School Blues? Find out January 9-20, 2017 she will be on sale for 99 cents for her e-book.

Last, but certainly not least is her newest book Nogard the Dyslexic Dragon released on January 17, 2017. Nogard takes flight and can fly circles around his classmates. But something happens when he tries to read the directions given to him on his first solo flight. Will Nogard get to the Redtop Mountains or will he continue to fly in circles? Read about his extraordinary journey. 

Willy, when did you decide to become a writer, and why? I don’t know that I decided, more like my stories decided for me. I was encouraged a couple years ago to write down my stories, and so I did.

How does being a teacher affect your writing? It affects me by having an educational theme in my stories. I just can’t seem to get school out of my writing, as it is a major part of my day to day life. You write what you know…right? I also get to brag that I have books published…some of the kids think that is cool.

What is the inspiration for your stories? The inspiration for my stories come from jokes, play on words, or issues in school that need addressing. I am working on a book now about Dyslexia…and more and more it seems like my kiddos that come through my classroom have an increase in this diagnosis.

How long does it usually take to complete a book? It seems to be about 10 months, from start to finish. Writing, editing, illustrating, revising, publishing…being an Indy author…paying. Lol

What is your editing process like? I have a girl…just kidding, but yes, I have a wonderful friend, mentor and fellow author, go through my stories. She takes the passive out of my stories, so it doesn’t just lay there between the pages.

Why did you choose this genre to write in? Again, the genre chose me, and really, it seems that if I can reach a child with my stories at an earlier age, they might not be afraid of the dark or new things, afraid of school, their eyes may light when they see my pictures. I also tried to write Young Adult Paranormal…I had nightmares. Ha

Do you have anything for aspiring authors you would like to share? Write.

One last question before you go, give us some insight on your main character. Well, being as I have a couple of main characters, I feel they are little heroes, as they overcome some obstacle that might otherwise stop them. They are brave.

Thank you so much, Willy, for allowing us to see behind the curtain and get a look at what goes on in your world of writing. If you would like to know more about Willy, and her stories you can visit her at the following links below. Thank’s for visiting, and check back next week for an announcement about how you can have a chance to win some free books, signed by the authors!

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