You spent 35 years in education—how has that shaped your writing and storytelling?
After retiring, I felt compelled to help new and challenged teachers because they lacked support. I wrote Connect for Classroom Success: A Mentoring Guide for Teacher K-12. NOT a boring textbook; rather, scenarios directly from my classrooms as well as chapters for parents, administrators, staff, and all team members.
What inspired you to make the transition from teacher to author?
I’ve been writing short stories and poetry all my life. I felt compelled to get my book published as soon as possible to help teachers. After going through the process, I knew I wanted more books written and out there so readers can enjoy them. I did not plan to be rich or famous. I simply love writing. However, I continue to be passionate about higher standards for education.
Can you tell us about your four award-winning books and what connects them thematically or emotionally?
Connect for Classroom Success is an International Silver Award winner with Readers Favorite. I had the joy of walking across the stage at their convention in Miami to receive my award. I felt like an Olympic winner with a silver badge hanging around my neck. ? I want that book to help teachers and parents to find JOY in teaching and learning. I loved being a teacher and am still in contact with many of my previous students.
That’s why I wrote the companion book, LIAM: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down, a Literary Titan Book Award –a true story about an 8th grade student who had been marginalized K-7. First, I had to reconnect with Liam to get permission to publish his story. He agreed so that those marginalized would find hope.
I wrote Rainbow of Promise: A WWII Historical Romance—the love story of my parents—a legacy for my family. A true story with dialogue as close to my parents’ lives as possible. I did a ton of WWII research, and my mother was a wonderful storyteller—stories I remembered, photos from their early courtship and marriage. The book contains those photos as well as my father’s diary he kept during the war while he was in Europe. The book received a 1st place winner with Titan Literary Award.
My children’s book, Hector and Heloise in Paris—sibling hedgehogs touring the Louvre--was the reason my artist-uncle wanted me to write books for children to learn about great art museums, and he would then illustrate the books. However, he passed away suddenly before we could work on the book. I felt compelled to do what he wanted. Included is one of his woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer holding a hedgehog and a glossary of art definitions as well as links for children to watch virtual tours through the Louvre. Barb Ruble is an excellent illustrator whom I am grateful for assisting with the book. Firebird Book Awards were First Place Winners for Children Educational and Children Picture Book.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a writer after a long career in teaching?
I feel gratified to have helped many teachers and parents and of course, students. Beyond writing about education, I have continued to enjoy all the stories and poems that pop into my head. I’m currently working as fast as possible to complete the writing projects I have on my list.
How do your travels influence the settings or characters in your story, “Hector and Heloise in Paris”?
Having been in Paris at the Louvre and the Prado in Madrid, I feel it’s important to motivate parents and children to travel to see the greatest art museums in the world. I have to have been in those places in order to write the books about them.
Do you find similarities between gardening and writing? If so, how?
Once I plant a flower or shrub, I feel compelled to water, feed, nurture, clip—similar to writing a book—planting an idea, caring for the theme and purpose, nurturing through research and critique groups, and editing well.
What role has New Mexico played in your life and creative work?
I’ve experienced the Land of Enchantment by going on adventures, enjoying the eternal sunshine, caring for the Puebloan people, learning from the varying cultures, and being healthy. That keeps me going in creative directions.
Tell us about Mal—how has your “best-ever” companion enriched your writing life?
Mal loves to read various genres. He knows when a book grabs his attention and when it doesn’t. He has become an excellent content editor by reading my first and second drafts, and final copies of my manuscripts. He encourages me, tells me when to take a break, awards me with over-the-top compliments. He’s a beautiful, perceptive, strong, caring companion. I’m very grateful that he wants me to write well and be happy.
Your books have won multiple international awards. Which recognition has meant the most to you, and why?
I can’t really choose which meant the most. I had no idea I would be awarded a book; that was the big surprise. I suppose that my first book published, Connect for Classroom Success, was the first awarded.
What challenges did you face publishing your book, “Rainbow of Promise,” and how did you overcome them?
I needed to do a lot of research about WWII. I also wanted it to be as true to my parents’ relationship as possible. I had to make decisions regarding their passion…how far to go. I wrote from my heart, regardless of family members who disagreed.
How do you define “raising educational standards,” and how does that mission appear in your books?
Our nation is in dire straits because the largest percentage cannot read on grade level. I wrote about READ RIGHT in my teacher-mentor book, explaining that this program can teach anyone to read as well as they can speak. The problem is that politics intervene. We all need to care about what is best for children. We keep putting the cart before the horse. READ RIGHT could change our nation, our world. Students don’t want to read if they don’t read correctly. READ RIGHT can correct dyslexia and other reading problems. Why are so many students dropping out of school? Why are so many students disliking school? Why are many teenagers becoming juvenile delinquents? As adults, why so many cannot find good jobs? I could go on and on. READ RIGHT can help anyone learn to read correctly. I am passionate about that. It’s available to everyone online.
What genres do you most enjoy reading, and do they align with what you write?
I enjoy varying genres, though I do not write each. I like excellent writing—books that become classics. I also enjoy what I call beach-reads for relaxation. I focus on biographies of people I admire; read self-help books; love purposeful children’s books; romance that doesn’t get too graphically personal; true uplifting stories. Those are the books that help me become a better writer for detail, description, more definite characterization.
Which of your books was the most personal to write, and why?
LIAM was emotionally difficult to write. I cared about how he would feel as I described the challenges he had as a marginalized young boy. I needed to keep it true, honest, and heartfelt. I also wanted readers to understand how much I learned from this young man who taught me how to individually connect with each of my students. Liam made me a better teacher.
What are you working on next, and what can readers expect from you in the future?
I’m writing a prequel of Rainbow of Promise. My Volga German grandparents emigrated to the United States from Russia in 1913, a time when WWI was heating up. The focus of the book is on the challenges my grandmother had throughout her life; she was a very strong woman.
How has your experience working with AllAuthor been?
Personable, professional, marketing with various banners. I’ve appreciated that.
