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Interview |
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Q: When did you begin writing? M: I have been writing poetry since I could hold a pencil. I believe by our very nature, ALL HUMAN BEINGS ARE WRITERS. It just takes time and practice to fine tune our skills. |
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Q: Who has influenced and inspired your work? M: My curriculum design work with Scholastic and Chicago Review Press has been
influenced and inspired by the NEEDS OF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS with whom I work in classrooms. I also get calls from teachers asking me to write on a certain topic. Most of my fiction writing has been inspired by people and events that have touched my life. |
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Q: What inspired your music for children? M: I started writing music for my son, Nick, when he was younger. Eventually, Nick became a partner composer. The music I write is EDUCATIONAL and ENTERTAINING. I use it to help children learn about and celebrate reading, writing, and science. My first recording, BOOK-TALK, was intended to inspire children to read and to help them learn about the story elements. My latest recording is music that features fun earth science songs. |
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Q: Do you have any new books or recordings? M: I have two new books, ROCKS AND SHOCKS, a fun earth science activity book from Chicago Review Press and POETRY PROJECTS WITH PIZZAZZ, a kid-inspired book filled with great techniques for writing and publishing poetry, from Scholastic. My new music CD (earth science songs) is a musical celebration of our dynamic EARTH. All three products are due to be released in late summer or early fall. |
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Q: What is your mission as a writer? M: I believe that learning needs to be relevant, interesting, and purposeful. I enjoy creating materials that inspire children to learn and are easy for teachers and parents to implement. I feel honored to work with and for my readers. |
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