This week I wanted to share a children's/young adult author with you, who recently released a Valentine's Day book, which would make a great book to share with your children for the upcoming holiday.
Here is more about Brenda's book:
"Leon has a crush. A secret crush. A dreamy crush. A let-her-cut-in-line-at-the-water-fountain-crush. And he's made the perfect valentine. But the valentine has other ideas. "Love is yucky, kid! Valentine's Day is all about candy!" the card yells before leaping out the window and running away, leaving Leon to chase it across town, collecting interested kids along the way.
Saying "I love you" has never been so yucky or so sweet."
Read a Q & A
Download an activity kit
I had the opportunity to interview Brenda as a Spotlight Mom, and wanted to share her responses with you in this week's Spotlight on Mom feature. When you are done reading this post, make sure you head on over to her website and download the free Valentine's Day activity kit, as well as to learn more about Brenda and her other books. You can also purchase her book at Amazon right now for only $11.55 - http://www.amazon.com/Yuckiest-Stinkiest-Best-Valentine-Ever/dp/0803735057.
Name: Brenda A. Ferber
Company Name/Product/Service: Author of The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever
Company Website: www.brendaferber.com
Facebook URL: www.facebook.com/brendaferber
Favorite
Inspirational Quotes: "Think about the person you'd like to become.
Believe in yourself based on the thinking you've done. Dream big dreams
based on your belief in yourself. Dare to make your dreams come true.
Think... believe... dream... dare... Become the person you know you can
be." Walt Disney. "I'd rather be nine peoples favorite thing than a
hundred peoples ninth favorite thing." Title of Show
Favorite Book: Are You There God, It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How many children do you have? What
are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.
I have three teenagers, boy-girl
twins who are seniors in high school, and another son one year behind
them. I'm married to my college sweetheart, and when I'm not writing or
figuring out what's for dinner, I enjoy exercising, seeing movies,
watching TV, reading books, and eating at great restaurants.
Briefly explain your business. How
did it come about?
I've been writing for children for about ten years
now. I started out getting stories published in Ladybug magazine. Then
my first novel for kids, Julia's Kitchen, was published in 2006. My
second novel, Jemma Hartman, Camper Extraordinaire, came three years
later. The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever is my first picture
book. I'm currently at work on a young adult novel.
What
is a typical work day like?
I don't have many "typical" days, but I can
tell you about my ideal day: I get my kids off to school. Then I walk
my dog and run to a Pilates or yoga class. I take a shower, grab a bite
to eat, and spend three solid hours writing before my kids come home.
Then I hang up my writing hat and become chef, psychologist, teacher,
laundress, house cleaner, chauffeur, nurse (in other words... a mom!).
Then a lovely family dinner and a relaxing night laughing with my
husband in front of the TV or reading a great book.
What has been a struggle while starting up your company?
The
biggest struggle with being an author is staying positive. I spend
years writing and revising with no guarantee of getting published or
having my books widely read. Luckily, I'm a naturally optimistic person.
I focus on the journey... just imagining a story and crafting the words
to tell it in the best way possible... that's what being an author
really is. Getting published is icing on the cake, but it's not the
reason I wake up and go to work each day.
What
did you do in your past work life?
After college I worked at the Leo
Burnett Advertising Agency. I've also worked at an ice cream shop and a
french fry store.
What have
been some of your major successes?
My first novel, Julia's Kitchen, won
the Sydney Taylor Book Award, which is bestowed upon the best book of
the year which has Jewish content and universal appeal. I've also been
thrilled to get great reviews for all three of my books, but nothing
compares to fan letters I receive from kids who have read my books. I
can't tell you how amazing it feels to hear that I've written someone's
favorite book. Pretty incredible.
What have been some of your major challenges?
Every day is a challenge. Writing is really hard. But I love it.
On
those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
I consider
quitting pretty much every time I finish a book. I think well, that's
it. I'll never come up with another idea. I'll never be able to do this
again. But then I start trying to imagine what else I would possibly
want to do with my life, and there is absolutely nothing that challenges
and inspires me like writing. So inevitably, I find another idea and
keep on going.
What is your
balancing secret in managing a business and family?
I don't know that I
always get this one right, but I try to write a couple hours every day.
That way, I give to myself and I don't get too cranky, but I'm also
dedicating most of my life to my family. I know that in a couple short
years, my kids will be in college, and I'll have the rest of my life to
write, so I try to really enjoy my time with them now.
What
is next for your business?
My agent is trying to sell a tween romance
I've written, and I'm working on a young adult novel set in the future.
Do
you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out
and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?
If you
want to be an author, I advise reading a ton in the genre you'd like to
write in before actually writing in it. Then be sure to find a critique
group, other writers who will give you helpful feedback about your
writing. Also, consider taking a writing class and attending some
conferences. Then make up your mind to do it, and follow through.
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