Stop! Collaborate and listen…

Swoony, sweet, and perfect for Tweet.... Sweet boys

Stop! Collaborate and listen…

Why yes, I just made a Vanilla Ice reference. Writing and publishing Stop! has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as an author. At first the story was going to focus on 4 different characters being held against their will in school by a gunman. The idea came to me while watching the news and seeing so many stories of violent crimes being committed by younger offenders. As I outlined the story it took a different direction and I’m so glad it did.

In the synopsis for Stop! I hesitated including the word “bullied”. Nowadays the word is used so much I think the impact has been watered down. But Stop! is not simply a bullying story. It’s a story about acceptance of both self and others. It’s a story about being brave enough to be who you were truly meant to be. It shows the long-lasting ripple effects of our words. It’s a story about genuine love and friendship.

Hold My Heart by Tenth Avenue North was my theme song for Stop!

(Click Photo for Playlist)

Since the age of 8 I’ve lived with a chronic skin condition called graft vs host. It was brought on by some rejection of the bone marrow transplant I had. Tweet, from Present Perfect and Hollis from Stop! represent two huge aspects of who I am. I know firsthand what the stares feel like, what it’s like to be disliked because of our skin, and struggling with accepting yourself because everywhere you look smooth, clear, perfect skin is touted as beauty.

Camp Discovery is a place where kids from ages 8-16 who live with chronic skin conditions can go and spend the summer not being judged or stared at. Each year the American Academy of Dermatology sponsors six weeks of camps in five locations across the U.S. There is no cost for the kids to attend Camp Discovery. All costs, including transportation, are provided by the American Academy of Dermatology through generous donations from its members, other organizations, and individuals. The American Academy of Dermatology is proud to offer this experience to about 380 children each year.

Please take a moment to check out their site.