Interview With Author Stacey Laviolette
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! I’m Stacey Laviolette, a dedicated mom from Ontario, Canada, and the creator of the “My Friend Toothy®” series. My journey began with my daughter Piper’s dental struggles, which inspired me to create a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about dental hygiene.
So far, I’ve written eight books in the “My Friend Toothy®” series, including two full storybooks, four activity books, and two early learning books. My mission is to help families develop healthy dental habits and make dental care a positive experience for kids.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is “My Friend Toothy® Brushing and Flossing Charts.” It was inspired by my desire to make dental care fun and engaging for children. I wanted to create a resource that not only educates kids about the importance of brushing and flossing but also motivates them to develop lifelong healthy habits. By incorporating interactive activities, colorful charts, jokes, and fun facts, I aimed to transform a typically mundane routine into an exciting and rewarding experience for both kids and their parents.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I do have a few unusual writing habits! I often find inspiration strikes at the most unexpected times! I am most creative at night when the house is quiet and everyone is asleep. Additionally, I often read my drafts out loud to my children; their reactions and feedback are incredibly valuable in shaping the final stories. Sometimes, I even act out scenes with them to ensure the books are as engaging and fun as possible!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
For starters, my creative consultant Stacey Gittens is amazing. She is such an incredible author and editor; I just love working with her. My rhyme and meter editors, Karla Clark and Karla Clark, are also amazing authors who truly helped shape the success of the My Friend Toothy brand. A fellow author who helped me with this whole author journey is Kim Ann and Yobe Qiu!
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a holiday series for My Friend Toothy®. We’re starting with Christmas, Easter, and Halloween! These special editions will bring the magic of dental hygiene into the festive spirit, making brushing and flossing fun all year round.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method for promoting my books has been leveraging social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Engaging directly with my audience through posts, stories, and ads has been incredibly effective. Additionally, my website, www.myfriendtoothy.com, serves as a central hub where readers can find all the latest updates, free resources, and purchase links. Collaborating with influencers and joining parenting and dental health groups online has also helped spread the word about My Friend Toothy®.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, I have a few pieces of advice for new authors! Firstly, stay true to your voice and vision. It’s important to write what you’re passionate about because that authenticity will resonate with your readers. Secondly, don’t be afraid to seek feedback and embrace revisions. Constructive criticism is invaluable for growth. Thirdly, be patient and persistent; success doesn’t happen overnight. And finally, build a supportive network. Connect with fellow authors, join writing groups, and engage with your audience. Remember, every step, no matter how small, is progress toward your goal. Keep writing and never give up!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard came from my husband on a night when I felt like giving up. He told me, “When you feel like giving up, take a break.” This resonated with me deeply, reminding me that it’s okay to step back and rest instead of pushing myself to the point of exhaustion.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently immersed in Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear. It’s a fantastic read for anyone interested in self-help and personal development, offering practical strategies to improve habits and achieve lasting change.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My dream is to get onto Dragons’ Den (the Canadian version of Shark Tank) to promote my brand My Friend Toothy® and empower families worldwide to make brushing and flossing a fun experience! The box set includes not only the interactive book packed with activities and educational content but also a plush Toothy character and magical mirror clings. Together, they create a complete and engaging dental care experience that motivates children to embrace healthy habits with enthusiasm. I’m excited to continue expanding this vision and reaching more families with our innovative approach to children’s oral health education.
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?
If I were to choose books focusing on self-help and business, I would bring:
•Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller – For its insights into clarifying your brand message.
•Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield-Thomas – To inspire abundance mindset and financial empowerment.
•Believe It by Jamie Kern Lima – For motivational guidance on overcoming challenges and achieving success.
These books would provide a blend of practical strategies, mindset shifts, and inspirational stories to keep me motivated and focused while stranded on a desert island.
Author Websites and Profiles
Stacey Laviolette Amazon Profile
Stacey Laviolette’s Social Media Links
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