Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have just written my first book I Teach Middle School. I have written other books in my head that have not made it to the computer yet. I am a full time teacher at my local middle school. I love teaching, reading, painting, all things Disney and Tae Kwon Do.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I Teach Middle School is my first published title. I wrote it because I am discouraged by how many great teachers leave the classroom when they feel unsupported or overwhelmed with the demands of the classroom. I have a strong conviction that teachers can be great and make lifelong differences if they have support and make small changes. I hope to help those teachers who are struggling to have hope and stay in the classroom. Students need great teachers!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love writing “old school” where I sit down and free write in cursive in a spiral journey. Something about the cursive frees my mind. Later I type it into my computer.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the Tools for Teaching by Fred Jones. It was one of the first professional development books that helped me realize some of the secrets of great teacher. I also love the author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. She is a local author from MD (my home state). She wrote so many books that I just loved as an early reader. I met her as an adult and she was even greater in person.
What are you working on now?
I was told once that you should write about topics people always ask you about. I have decided to work with my husband to co-write a book called Start RVing with Kids. We love to travel and people have so many questions we decided to answer all those questions in a book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am brand new at this, so I looking to find how to promote books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it! Okay I stole that from Nike, but I think people get stuck on what they can’t do. Sit down and just start typing. Make a decent outline and then write the book in order without editing. If you constantly edit your work you will start to feel like it’s not good and lose confidence. Edit once the draft is done.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Anything worth doing is worth doing right.” This is my Dad’s mantra, he used it with us about everything from doing dishes, playing a sport, grades and now our jobs. I think this has developed my work ethic and doing things that make me proud of myself.
What are you reading now?
I am usually reading three things at one time. A young adult fiction, an adult fiction and a non-fiction. That way I read what I am in the mood for. This week I am reading Frank McCourt’s Teacher Man, One Last Thing by Rebecca St. James, and Lupe Wong won’t Dance by Donna Higuera.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I really want to promote this book and then start on my travel book with my husband.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. The Bible
2. Hating Game
3. Milk Glass Moon