Guest Blog by Jasmine Pearson, an aspiring teen writer

I have the opportunity to work with some great teens on a volunteer basis. Jasmine is one of the newest additions to our youth group. I asked her if she wanted to share her love of writing with my readers and she happily agreed. I hope that you enjoy her post! Feel free to comment. -Read something great!
I've been writing since I could type. I started with these 5 page scripts with a thousands of misspelled words. As a little kid I would use my imagination to escape mentally, when I was bored or feeling lonely. I wanted to be a screen writer and I knew that writing my mini plays was a good start on this path. My first attempt to write a book was when I was in middle school. It was called My Best friends life, then I later change the title to One step at a time. As life went on, I lost interest in the story and left it alone. But my love of writing was rekindled, when I read the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Myer.
I have to give my "props" to her because she really got me into reading a lot of books and series. And a lot of people say in order to be a good writer you have to be a good reader, and vice versa. And I find that to be true. Last year, early in the school year, I started my new project Shattered Glass. It's about a girl, Alivia, dealing with depression. Shattered Glass is so much more personal to me because I entered my real life and feelings into this book. I really feel like Shattered Glass is the one that I'm going to publish.
-Jasmine Pearson, Aspiring writer.

Back in the Swing of things...

As we get closer to the birds singing and the leaves blooming it's time to take a closer look at ourselves. Spring is a time of energy, refreshment and invigoration to clean out the old and bring in the new. I had a great experience today at Uptown Body, A fitness studio in Northville, MI. I realized that it is time to rise to new challenges with my health goals. Summer dresses and sandals automatically make me think of fitness classes and Lynn, the owner was gracious with me today as I stepped into uncharted territory.
Are you writing down any Spring resolutions? They are not just for the new year. Goals should be something that are on the forefront every season. It is a fresh time to evaluate the progress from the previous quarter and change what is needed so that success can be sure. I learned that I need to devote time to making myself healthier in diet and exercise so that I feel better but also to be a better example to my readers as well. I always feel as though it is important to take care of ourselves inside and out. I am now committed to a program that will allow me to do this in a great way. Do you take time out for yourself? How do you relax? What makes you feel accomplished? write it down. A goal written is a goal achieved.
So as we get back in the swing of things...take some time to smell the roses. We are having our 1st Annual Spring Seasonal Showcase on March 27th from 9:30-12:30. This is a great event to enjoy with the whole family. We will have free food, door prizes, demonstrations, vendors and more! Hope to see you at the Hampton Inn, Northville 20600 Haggerty Road. Be sure to enjoy the season that is creeping upon us and the benefits that it holds for you to accomplish your goals.
-Read something great

Guest Blog post from Megan Anne...

Don’t Stifle our Children: The Importance of Arts, Sports, Trades, and Specialized Classes in Schools
While doing some Quarter-Life Crisis-style pondering about my future, I realized something: The talents I fostered as a child are my strongest today. Think about it: What did you love to do as a kid? In what did you excel? That’s probably what you are doing now—or secretly wanting to do. Drew Brees, Whitney Houston, Oprah Winfrey: all found their talents as children. For four easy steps you can take to foster growth in our children, please read the rest.

Give them opportunities to achieve, but don’t be a “Soccer dad” or “Pageant Mom”- My 5 year old Godson is becoming quite the renaissance kid: He’s enrolled in swimming, piano, and Spanish classes, and is enjoying them all. However, if it became overwhelming or if he was unhappy, I know his mom wouldn’t pressure him to continue—pressured children become stressed adults.
Find their gifts and help them develop them- Parents/guardians oftentimes can’t see their children’s gifts because they think that “all kids are like that,” but teachers/mentors deal with several different children and can see their gifts—or shortcomings—easily. For example, my Kindergarten teacher is the one who suggested I be tested for the Gifted program; Turns out, I was on a 7th grade reading level and
3rd grade math level!
Also, my 3rd grade teacher suggested I audition for the Talented in Theatre program, and my 4th grade teacher recommended me for a scholarship to a summer writing program (Write Camp) at the University of New Orleans. Funny, back then I thought going to Write Camp was a punishment…and here I am, a bloggerina.
Pay attention to what they like to do in their spare time- As a kid, I would read every magazine I could, cover-to-cover; Now, I’m a published author whose ultimate goal is to write for magazines and be the editor-in-chief of one. My best friend Erica liked to pretend she was a high-fashion model and would runway walk when giving presentations for class; Now she’s a highly recognizable model who has walked numerous runways, including during New York Fashion Week.
Support arts, sports, trades, and specialized classes in schools and communities- Many of the greats were once involved in school plays, church choirs, or neighborhood sports teams. It’s hard enough nowadays, having to pull kids away from video games and television; Without extra-curriculars, they often have no choice but to become slaves to machines. Numerous studies show us that children who participate in extra-curriculars are: less likely to engage in criminal activity, more disciplined, less prone to obesity, etc. Supporting these programs in schools and communities can often be as easy as attending an event or signing a petition. Think about it: Who would you rather have run our country?
Readers: What were your gifts as a child? Do you still nurture those gifts? What talents do you see in the kids that you know? Do you feel like video games have sucked the creativity and talent out of our children? We want to know! Please share below!
With a Child's Heart,
Megan Anne
--
www.momentswithmegan.com

Comfortable in your own skin...

Why is diversity an important topic for young people? This is a question that I am asked often at book signings and events. Many feel that we should not complicate kids with the worries of culture studies and race. I have been told that it is better to let them just be and ignore color. In a perfect world this sounds adequate. Our world is improving but it is far from perfect. Diversity is an important topic for young people because it teaches them to learn to embrace people different from themselves and to accept themselves as well.
When kids don't understand that the world is much bigger than one race or class it can be detrimental to their social development. As a young person I have had people touch my hair, ask me why I don't talk like a Black person and various questions about my ethnicity and background because of a lack of education on cultural understanding and etiquette. I wrote my book series to help kids to discover the importance of race relations, diversity and self-esteem in a fun and healthy way.
I think that my smile is the biggest when kids happily embrace the characters Janelle and Zoey. March is reading month and women's history month. If you think it would benefit your school or group to have a woman author give a presentation on diversity involving my books and or the topic overall. Please let me know at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com
Feeling comfortable in our own skin involves us allowing others to be comfortable in their skin.
-Read something great!

Sweet Escape...

I think that my love of books is partly because I get to walk in someone else's shoes for a while. Reading opens up possibilities, challenges my mindset and gives me something worthwhile to cling onto. My Be A Part of Their Story Literacy Project has helped to give quality reading materials to young people in Michigan and to boost their self-esteem with the written word. This year partnering with Operation: Kid Equip will assist many kids in their literacy goals and give them something worthwhile to look forward to for the summer.
I am so excited about the virtual bookfair that I and several other authors have made a reality. We are giving out great give-a-ways and signing books for anyone who purchases during the time of the fair. The last day is today. I have already sold some books to some great readers be sure to get in on the fun and feel free to pass the word.
I thought that having a fair virtually helps readers to save time and to engage in a new way with published authors.
Our Main portal for more info is http://www.virtualbookfair.net

Be sure to visit our other participating authors/illustrators involved in this year's fair! Purchase signed copies, get give-a-ways and more!

Tara Michener- author of the "Who I Am Series" that promotes self-esteem & diversity in kids. "Who I Am Not What I Am" Meet
Janelle, A fun girl who discovers the secret to happiness is loving herself for who she is, not for fitting into what others want her to be.
100% Real-What does it mean to be real? Meet Zoey who wonders the same thing after her classmates question her about being adopted. With the help of a close friend in Janelle and her parents she discovers that she has more in common with her family than she thought. www.taramichener.com

JD Holiday-Janoose The Goose likes life in the barnyard very much. She is visiting her cousin, Molly duck and her baby, DeeDee. Her vacation is over and Janoose must go home because there are no job openings on the farm. When her flight arrives home she learns that the fox has begun a crime spree. Janoose is the only one who can stop him. www.jdswritersblog.blogspot.com

Adra Young-The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues (Volume I and II)
This series is in a class by itself. These books address multifaceted issues that kids are faced with. Parents may utilize these books to address sensitive subject matters and establish stronger bonds and communication with their kids. These books have been acknowledged for creating an acting guide that addressees appropriate socialization skills. www.ardannyl.me

Grace Hatton-The Guys The Roses & The Regrets; the Girl to Girl Dating Guide Written by a teenage girl for teenage girls this book offers practical tips and real life stories that will help teenage girls and young women navigate the crazy world of dating, relationships and break ups. This book is an Amazon Best Seller! www.gracehatton.wordpress.com

Riley Carney-The FireStone (Book one of the Reign of the Elements) Sixteen-year-old Riley Carney works magic in this high fantasy adventure story with memorable, vibrant characters, fast-paced action, and humor. This book chronicles a journey of courage, friendship and danger as a groups of teens, led by fifteen-year old Matt, attempts to save their world from an evil elf who can harness power of the elements. www.rileycarney.blogspot.com


Colleen Murray Fisher-The One and Only Bernadette P. McMullen This book promotes appreciating who you are, as well as accepting others. Does liking peanut butter and pickle sandwiches, or painting with your toes, or even havining an imaginary friendmake a person strange? That's what kids say about Bernadette. But when Bernadette meets her new neighbor, Sofie she realizes that her uniqueness is nothing strange at all. www.colleenmurrayfisherbooks.com


Dawn Stephens-The Little Pot Soon after a potter forms a new pot and declares that he has important plans for his creation, the little pot begins to wonder what its purpose will be. Will it be used to hold important documents? Great riches? Beautiful flowers? As various expectations prove wrong the little pot is cautioned to see...The little pot is a simple profound story about inevitable reversals. www.DawnStephensBooks.com

Dan Bodenstein-The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle Based on the true story of a loggerhead sea turtle names Eartha, this enchanted tale tells the story of a young sea turtle who finds help in the last place that she expected. Through colorful imagery it helps kids to help injured animals... www.danbodenstein

Patty O'Brien Novak-Engineering The ABC's Imagine a world without cars and computers, or toys and televisions, or movies and microwaves...then imagine a world without engineers. This book answers questions about how everyday things work and how engineering relates to so many parts of a child's daily life http://www.pattyobriennovak.com/
-Read something great!

Authors in Unity

One of my personal missions is to strive for unity in everything that I do. I work hard to build bridges through diversity and inclusion in my books. It is always important for me to help young people to know the damage that can be done when cliques are formed and people are outcasted. Many of the programs that educators enjoy the most involve me sharing how to break down barriers and help everyone to see the value in their fellow classmate.
This is not only something that I write about in books. It is something that I believe in on every level. In my business I always talk about the benefits of collaboration over competition.
This mindset helped me to come up with the virtual children's bookfair idea. I realized that many children's authors work hard everyday selling their own books-but what could happen if we helped to promote each others? The virtual children's bookfair is going on right now and includes amazing writers that believe in giving back to children in the form of the written word. We appreciate your support and purchases. Every book purchased will come with a give-a-way and every book bought between now and Sunday will be autographed.

Be sure to visit our other participating authors/illustrators involved in this year's fair! Purchase signed copies, get give-a-ways and more!

Tara Michener- author of the "Who I Am Series" that promotes self-esteem & diversity in kids. "Who I Am Not What I Am" Meet
Janelle, A fun girl who discovers the secret to happiness is loving herself for who she is, not for fitting into what others want her to be.
100% Real-What does it mean to be real? Meet Zoey who wonders the same thing after her classmates question her about being adopted. With the help of a close friend in Janelle and her parents she discovers that she has more in common with her family than she thought. www.taramichener.com

JD Holiday-Janoose The Goose likes life in the barnyard very much. She is visiting her cousin, Molly duck and her baby, DeeDee. Her vacation is over and Janoose must go home because there are no job openings on the farm. When her flight arrives home she learns that the fox has begun a crime spree. Janoose is the only one who can stop him. www.jdswritersblog.blogspot.com

Adra Young-The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues (Volume I and II)
This series is in a class by itself. These books address multifaceted issues that kids are faced with. Parents may utilize these books to address sensitive subject matters and establish stronger bonds and communication with their kids. These books have been acknowledged for creating an acting guide that addressees appropriate socialization skills. www.ardannyl.me

Grace Hatton-The Guys The Roses & The Regrets; the Girl to Girl Dating Guide Written by a teenage girl for teenage girls this book offers practical tips and real life stories that will help teenage girls and young women navigate the crazy world of dating, relationships and break ups. This book is an Amazon Best Seller! www.gracehatton.wordpress.com

Riley Carney-The Fire Stone (Book one of the Reign of the Elements) Sixteen-year-old Riley Carney works magic in this high fantasy adventure story with memorable, vibrant characters, fast-paced action, and humor. This book chronicles a journey of courage, friendship and danger as a groups of teens, led by fifteen-year old Matt, attempts to save their world from an evil elf who can harness power of the elements. www.rileycarney.blogspot.com

Colleen Murray Fisher-The One and Only Bernadette P. McMullen This book promotes appreciating who you are, as well as accepting others. Does liking peanut butter and pickle sandwiches, or painting with your toes, or even havining an imaginary friendmake a person strange? That's what kids say about Bernadette. But when Bernadette meets her new neighbor, Sofie she realizes that her uniqueness is nothing strange at all. www.colleenmurrayfisherbooks.com

Dawn Stephens-The Little Pot Soon after a potter forms a new pot and declares that he has important plans for his creation, the little pot begins to wonder what its purpose will be. Will it be used to hold important documents? Great riches? Beautiful flowers? As various expectations prove wrong the little pot is cautioned to see...The little pot is a simple profound story about inevitable reversals. www.DawnStephensBooks.com

Dan Bodenstein-The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle Based on the true story of a loggerhead sea turtle names Eartha, this enchanted tale tells the story of a young sea turtle who finds help in the last place that she expected. Through colorful imagery it helps kids to help injured animals... www.danbodenstein

Patty O'Brien Novak-Engineering The ABC's Imagine a world without cars and computers, or toys and televisions, or movies and microwaves...then imagine a world without engineers. This book answers questions about how everyday things work and how engineering relates to so many parts of a child's daily life http://www.pattyobriennovak.com/

-Read Something Great!

THE PARTY IS HERE!

Have you ever saw one of those signs that sit in a front yard that says "The Party is Here?" Today that sign represents my blog for the next three days! My devotion to literacy made me see the importance of getting young people interested in reading and writing. Projects that have been started from my commitment to literacy include partnerships with non-profits to get them interested in reading and writing through my books, writing contests on my blog, and more.
Today begins the first day of our virtual children's bookfair-this means no crowds, no fuss, just books!
Today thru Sunday you can browse my blog and purchase books that are signed by the author and get give-a-ways to boot. The best part if that you don't have to stand in line or get bundled up to get high quality children's books from many genres. I thought that this was a great way to share literacy and unity so many other authors are involved too.
Please check out our main portal at http://www.virtualbookfair.net

Be sure to visit our other participating authors/illustrators involved in this year's fair! Purchase signed copies, get give-a-ways and more!

Tara Michener- author of the "Who I Am Series" that promotes self-esteem & diversity in kids. "Who I Am Not What I Am" Meet
Janelle, A fun girl who discovers the secret to happiness is loving herself for who she is, not for fitting into what others want her to be.
100% Real-What does it mean to be real? Meet Zoey who wonders the same thing after her classmates question her about being adopted. With the help of a close friend in Janelle and her parents she discovers that she has more in common with her family than she thought. www.taramichener.com

JD Holiday-Janoose The Goose likes life in the barnyard very much. She is visiting her cousin, Molly duck and her baby, DeeDee. Her vacation is over and Janoose must go home because there are no job openings on the farm. When her flight arrives home she learns that the fox has begun a crime spree. Janoose is the only one who can stop him. www.jdswritersblog.blogspot.com

Adra Young-The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues (Volume I and II)
This series is in a class by itself. These books address multifaceted issues that kids are faced with. Parents may utilize these books to address sensitive subject matters and establish stronger bonds and communication with their kids. These books have been acknowledged for creating an acting guide that addressees appropriate socialization skills. www.ardannyl.me

Grace Hatton-The Guys The Roses & The Regrets; the Girl to Girl Dating Guide Written by a teenage girl for teenage girls this book offers practical tips and real life stories that will help teenage girls and young women navigate the crazy world of dating, relationships and break ups. This book is an Amazon Best Seller! www.gracehatton.wordpress.com

Riley Carney-The FireStone (Book one of the Reign of the Elements) Sixteen-year-old Riley Carney works magic in this high fantasy adventure story with memorable, vibrant characters, fast-paced action, and humor. This book chronicles a journey of courage, friendship and danger as a groups of teens, led by fifteen-year old Matt, attempts to save their world from an evil elf who can harness power of the elements. www.rileycarney.blogspot.com


Colleen Murray Fisher-The One and Only Bernadette P. McMullen This book promotes appreciating who you are, as well as accepting others. Does liking peanut butter and pickle sandwiches, or painting with your toes, or even havining an imaginary friendmake a person strange? That's what kids say about Bernadette. But when Bernadette meets her new neighbor, Sofie she realizes that her uniqueness is nothing strange at all. www.colleenmurrayfisherbooks.com


Dawn Stephens-The Little Pot Soon after a potter forms a new pot and declares that he has important plans for his creation, the little pot begins to wonder what its purpose will be. Will it be used to hold important documents? Great riches? Beautiful flowers? As various expectations prove wrong the little pot is cautioned to see...The little pot is a simple profound story about inevitable reversals. www.DawnStephensBooks.com

Dan Bodenstein-The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle Based on the true story of a loggerhead sea turtle names Eartha, this enchanted tale tells the story of a young sea turtle who finds help in the last place that she expected. Through colorful imagery it helps kids to help injured animals... www.danbodenstein

Patty O'Brien Novak-Engineering The ABC's Imagine a world without cars and computers, or toys and televisions, or movies and microwaves...then imagine a world without engineers. This book answers questions about how everyday things work and how engineering relates to so many parts of a child's daily life http://www.pattyobriennovak.com/

-Read something great!