Holiday Happenings

Hi everybody!

I can't believe Christmas is just three days away! It seems like just yesterday, "I Sit in a Wheelchair....But I Will Be Okay" was released. WOW! How time flies. I need to update you all about holiday happenings, and I will also give you a preview of what Michelle and I have to look forward to in 2011.

On Saturday, December 4th, I had fun signing books at the Franklin County Public Library in Ozark. Michelle did not get to join me on this one, and I missed her. However, my buddies from the Franklin Coiunty Book Club stepped into help me. Thank you Donna and Zarfia. It was so fun, and nice to see you. Thanks also goes out to the Franklin County Public Library for letting me set up.

On Thursday, December 8th, i did a radio interview for the Children's Author's radio show. This interview was unlike any other I had ever done. Mr. Don McCauley is a marketing and publicity consultant who moderates the Children's Author's Radio Show. If you would like more information, go to http://www.thechildrensauthorsshow.com I had a great time with it. I love to do interviews.

I went and spent a week with Michelle and her family last week. (December 10-17th) I had a blast, and can't wait to come and visit Sperry again.

As we are about a week away from the new year, I look back and reflect on "i Sit in a Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay." The sales have been pretty good. Michelle and i want to thank everyone who has purchased a book. I am sure it will be a treasure for many years to come. I have learned a lot about the life of being an author duruing the past few months. i have probably made some mistakes, but that is okay..........it's how you learn. Michelle and I have had a lot of fun, and a good year.

We are looking forward to several things in 2011

1. March 11th (Friday) 2-4 P.M. Michelle and I will be feaured in the Authors in the Afternoon series at the Fort Smith Public Library. We will be signing and selling books fir ten do;;ars. Come on out and see us.

2. April 14th 6-8 P.M. (Thursday) The Little Light House Tulsa, OK Michelle and I have been asked to sell books at an educational fair. We look forward to seeing you all. The Little Lighthouse is where I used to go to preschool.

3. May Date and time to be announced The Special Olympics Stillwater, Oklahoma Michelle and I went last year, and we had a BLAST selling books. It is so neat to watch these kids. We will have a booth with books again this year. Come see us.

Some tentative stops (These have not been officially set up yet)

1. Sperry Public Schools Sperry, OK Sometime after the first of the year

2. Nevada, MO Michelle and I will be speaking to an entire school district, plus selling some books in a store

So, as you can see, we will be busy in 2011 I can't wait. Michelle and I aslo hope to have the second book published in the coming year. Merry Christmas!!!!!

Questions and Answers about Penny Brown

Okay....I have an idea. If there is anything you would like to know about Penny Brown, her life, her family, her friends.....etc, ask a question, and I will answer it here in this blog. This question and answer session may help me shape future books. Don't be shy!

Also, for all of your holiday enjoyment, please check both amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com as the price for "I Sit in A Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay" has been lowered to $9.68

Until next time.....

Brittany

Being Thankful

It is hard to believe that "I Sit In A Wheelchair....But I Will Be Okay" has been on the shelves for almost nine months. If you have purchased this book, thank-you all ever so much. It is our wish that you have had fun reading the story with/or to your children. I hope that you have taken something positive from the book as well.

If you have not purchased the book yet, dont worry. There is still time. After all the book will always be available on the World Wide Web. I am also looking forward to my book signing at The Franklin County Library in Ozark in two weeks.

Since Thanksgiving is this week....I am going to take a moment to stop and reflet on what Michelle and I are thankful for.

1. Jesus-This Book has been quite a journey for us both. We prayed for good results with Penny Brown, and I feel as if we have been blessed beyond belief. God is awesome!

2. We are thankful for our families. Without tons of love and support from our families, this project would not have been possible. I would especially like to thank my Grandmother for always supporting me, no matter what I do or where I go. She is the one who taught me to try my hardest, and never give up. I love you all!

3. I am expecially thankful for Michelle's family. Her parents Ronnie and Deanna have been an awesome source of help and support through this process. Without them, this book would not have happened. Michelle's extended family is awesome too! I love you all!

4. I am thankful for my editor Terri Kruse. In addition to catching the mistakes, I don't see, she has been a constant source of support from day one, and she has helped me find not only an illustrator, but my best friend as well. I am also thankful for Beverley Dieker, my other former English teacher, who gave me an idea for the Penny Brown series.

5. Michelle and I are thankful for our own health. We realize that many peoplr have to be in wheelchairs every day. I do have a disabilitty, but I am not in a wheelchair, and we both feel our limitations will not stop us from doing what we want to do. We also realize people face more difficult challenges than us.

6. We are thankful for our Penny Brown fans. Thanks for buying the book. We are working hard to promote it. Without your support, the book would not be on the shelves.

7. Lastly, thank-you to all who have or will let us hold book signings. Book signings are a fun way to get to know the people. I appreciate the businesses who have let us come in and set up space to sell "I Sit in a Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay"

8. I am thankful for my friends who have inspiried the characters in "I Sit in a Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay" I would like to thank my friends in general for encouraging me to go on, no matter what. I Love you all!

I know this is quite a list, but we have a lot to be thankful for. Michelle and I expect great things to come from Penny Brown. Untill next time...Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Book Rankings and What They Mean for Penny

Oh! this has been a wonderful day in Penny Brown world! I am so excited! While searching Amazon for a few Christmas related ideas, I decided to check and see how I Sit in a Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay was doing. Imagine my surprise upon discovering that "I Sit in a Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay" was ranked #59 in the top 100 children's books for special needs kids.

WOW!!!! what a wonderful piece of news. My book coach Vicki at Stragetic told me the lower the ranking, the better the book would sell. I would like to take this opportunity and thank everyone who has helped make this book successful. Michelle and I appreciate you so much! It seems that at times, I talk about Penny Brown too much, and I wonder if people get sick of heraring it. However, this is my dream. Thank-you all for helping me make it happen.

Please, if you haven't already done so, go purchase, "I Sit In A Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay" from Amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com It would make a great Christmas gift.

New Happenings in Penny Brown World

Hello one and all!

It's been a couple of weeks since I have written, but Michelle and I are working on getting more signings for "I Sit in a Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay." However, Michelle and I do have busy lives outside of writing. I take care of my Grandma, plus I am a part of a very special book club. Michelle is busy with Art classes at TCC (Tulsa Community College) and she is working really hard preparing for a horse jumping competition in Stillwater, Oklahoma next weekend. Our schedules and the fact that we live two hundred miles away from each other cause us to only book at most two signings a month. If you would like us to come to your school or speak at your organization, please feel free to contact us, and we will work with you.

One upcoming signing that we do have is going to be Saturday, December 4th from 10:00-11:30 A.M. at the Franklin County Public library in Ozark, Arkansas. We feel that this will be a great opportunity to kick off the Christmas season. Are you looking for a special Christmas gift. Please consider the gift of reading. Copies of "I Sit in a Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay" will be sold for ten dollars. Please bring the kids because we will have goodies for everyone who buys a copy of the book. And, as always, we will be happy to sign them.

Requests are begining to come in for Michelle and myself to speak about Penny Brown in various places in 2011. On March 11th, 2011 (Friday) Michelle and i will be featured in the Fort Smith public libary "Author's in the Afternoon Series. I am very excited about this opportunity. On April 14th, (Thursday) we have been asked to sell books at the Little Lighthouse Job Fair in Tulsa. In May, we will be selling once again at the Special Olympic Games in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Our books are also available at the Hastings Bookstores in both Fort Smith, Arkansas and the Joplin Missouri locations, and as always, they are available at www.barnesandnoble.com www.amazon.com www.booksamillion.com We also have a Facebook Page I Sit in a Wheelchair...But I Will Be Okay" (Penny Brown Books)

Several people have asked me about Book #2. The writing has been completed, the editing is done, but Michelle is working with her art teacher at TCC to make sure these illustrations are better than ever. I know it's been awhile, but please be patient as good things come to those who wait.

The Penny Brown Adventures blog now on Facebook!

Here I am again....always finding ways to improve on the first of many books in the Penny Brown series. I started this blog sometime ago, but have had trouble with it....so I have the majority of blog posts under my notes tab on Facebook. Never fear....I think I have FINALLY figured this blog out. Therefore it will be updated once a week with Penny Brown information.

I am also going to start another blog on here about the writing life in general. I love writing....it's my job. i think the writing blog and the Penny Brown blog will help me stay focused on all aspects of my writing life. Thanks for your support.

Brittany

A "mini" Runion, Combined With A Book Signing

Hey friends! Sorry it's been awhile, but I have been on vacation, and am just now getting back to my blogging. The vacation started off on Thursday June 3rd with a book signing. I would like to thank Chris Hardy of The Pryor Book Echange and Bible Bookstore for allowing Michelle and I to sell our books. We had a lot of fun. It turned out to be a mini reunion for me because I saw people I have not seen for years! It was fun talking with Christy McNaird Reed. Her three girls are adorable! Alicia Rietz Huckleby also stopped by, and we had a nice chat. Michelle and I enjoyed talking to a group of kids from the Boys and Girls Club. They were really excited about the book. Even though many of the kids were older than pre-school age, we still read the book and answered queestions. I also understand the Boys and Girls Club will be opening a new facility soon. While I was reading to them, in walked my former Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Sue Ray. It was great to see her as well as Mrs. Ginger Wild. All in all, Michelle and I sold 15 books. I do believe Mr. Hardy has some copies of "I Sit in a Wheelchair....But I Will Be Okay" in case you missed the signing. At any rate, it was GREAT to see everyone. If I am not mistaken copies are also available at the Pryor Public Library. Thank-you all so much for supporting us. Please do not forget to leave us a review on www.barnesandnoble.com or www.amazon.com Until next time........

The Importance of a Review

Hi everybody! Not much going on around Penny Brown world this week. Michelle is illustrating the second book while I am hard at work on the third book, featuring Penny Brown and her family. We are excited about Thursday, June 3rd. Michelle and I will be signong copies of "I Sit in a Wheelchair....But I Will Be Okay." from 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. I would like to thank Chris Hardy for allowing us to visit his store The Book Exchange and Bible Bookstore in Pryor, Oklahoma. This was one of my favorite places growing up. I would walk in the place, and instanty want to own a bookstore. I would spend my allowance there. it was wonderful, sitting and reading all of those "Hank the Cowdog" books. Tell your friends and neighbors. I hope to see everyone on Thursday. Thank-you to KITO in Vinita for putting it on their community calandar. We are still selling copies of "I Sit in a Wheelchair....But I Will Be Okay" on barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com Thank-you to everyone who has brought a copy on those sites. We have has five good reviews on the book so far. However, I encourage everyone to review the book. You type in the name of the book in the search engine, then yuo click on the book, and click on write a review. I know I seem to harp on this quite a bit. Reviews are important for two reasons. 1. It gives Michelle and myself valuable feedback. All the reviews so far have been good. However, if there is anything you feel that needs to be changed, please let us know so that we may fix it in the next book. 2. Each review a reader gives can help the sales rank. The sales rank determines if the book will end up on the best-seller list. The lower the sales rank, the better it is for us. I wil close for now, but be looking for more from us soon.

Good Times in Stillwater, Oklahoma

Well, we are back...........from Stillwater, Oklahoma that is. Michelle and I were out at the Special Olympic Summer Games in Stillwater, Oklahoma last week. We sold 35 copies of I Sit in a Wheelchair....But I Will Be Okay. Michelle and I both had a BLAST

On Wednesday, we started selling at 2:00 P.M. Here is a valuable lesson we learned. Make sure you do not forget your table. We did happen to forget it. I spent Wednesday afternoon holding the book up and canvassing up and down the vendor area. By the time we quit at 4:30 P.M. I had only sold 3 books, but handed out a dozen or so order forms. Michelle and I packed up our stuff and we all headed to Eskimo Joes.

WOW!!!! What a bust place that was. There was three buses of kids in addition to the Sperry Pirates. Michelle was none too excited that it was going to be a two hour wait, but oh well.......after we ate, Michelle and I along with her cool Aunt Cheryl went and brought a table.

Thursday was a successful day!!! We sold 25 books, and passed out nearly two dozen order forms. (So what if we nearly froze to death!!!) We met many interesting and inspiring people that day, but one guy really sticks in my mind. He looked to be about 25 or so, and you cold tell he was "challenged" He had an aide. They stopped by my table to look. This guy made up his mind he wanted a book, and he was not going to take no for an answer. The aide kept saying, "You don't have any money......we will come back." This went on for about 20 minutes. Finally, I reached in my pocketbook, pulled out a twenty, and let him buy a copy. Tears formed in his eyes. The guy was so happy! Then, he came and gave me a hug.

This episode gave me a tingly feeling inside. I mean, most of these kids don't get a chance to do what others can. I believe it is important to help them out whenever possible.

The Sperry Pirate team, coached by Michelle's Mom Deanna Oakley, did AWESOME!!!! A few gold medals, a few silver, and a few bronze. The kids were so happy. The Pirates are an awesome group, and I enjoyed getting to know them.

Friday disappointed me a little. We could not set up due to the heavy rains and high volume of water. We might have sold a few more copies, but I sold three as soon as I got back to Sperry, so it was all worth it. (I am just glad we didn't get any of the tornadoes that Tulsa got)

All in all, it was a great experience. Will we sell books next year? Yes. in addition, The Special Olympics has inspired me to participate in the walk. it will be an awesome feeling. Over and Out!

Going "Home" to be a Warrior

Hello everybody. I am so sorry. I realize that it has been awhile since I have written in here. I do apologize for that. On Monday, May 3rd, I got an incredible opportunity. I was invited by Adair public School (Home of the Warriors!!!) to come and speak to grades PreK-5th. The experience was AWESOME!!! I must admit at first it felt kind of strange walking back into the halls of Adair Elementary school. There were a lot of teachers and faculity that came to hear me. Yet, there was some I didn't know. I was a little late getting there. Therefore, I began speaking to the third, fourth, and fifth graders right away. Let me tell you, they asked some great questions, some of which i will post in a question and answer session on Facebook in the very near future. Some of the students after that session rushed up to tell me they loved the story so much that they were going to buy the bookThis made me feel good. I got to hang out with teachers that I haven't seen in years. A big thank-you goes to Judy Dodson,Lisa Couch, and Becky Deloizer for help in making this event a great experience for me. The Pre K-2nd graders were so cute, and great listeners. I ended up selling a grad total of seven books, with possibly more on the way. Thank-you Adair for allowing me to come Home and be a warrior, if only for a few hours anyway. For those of you who wanted to see me, but didn't get to, I apologize. I was a little short on time, but would be happy to talk with you by e-mail if you message me.

An Upcoming Event

Hey!

Michelle and I are excited about an upcoming event. On Friday, April 23rd, we will be in Ozark, Arkansas. Author and Illustrator will be reading to children. This is my second event, but the first reading event I have had. I love children so much. Our hope is that they will like the book, discoverr a love of reading, and realize it is "okay" to play or interact with others who are "different" than we are.

Event Details:

When: Friday May 23rd
Time: 9:30 A.M.
Where Melton Child Development Center, Ozark, Arkansas

We will have books available for purchase. So, feel free to come on out and say hello. Hope to se you there!

Writing, activities, family, how they all fit in

Hello Friends!

I realize it's been awhile since I have written on the blog, but you know, times flies when you are having fun! I have been busy with the book, of course, trying to find places to promote it. "I Sit in a Wheelchair.........But I Will Be Okay" has given me a lot of joy. For those of you that have been around me lately, it's all i seem to talk about. But, you know what? I love it! I have found something I love to do (writing) and have gotten totally immersed in it.

Writing is not my entire life. I love to read, and am even part of a book club. I like to go to church, when I can, to be thankful to God for all He has provided for me. I spend a lot of time with my sweet Grandmother, whom I love dearly. Grandma is one of my biggest fans in my writing endeavors. She has inspired a lot of my stories. I love her so much.

Some people have asked me over the years about a writing schedule. Well, I try to keep one. My favorite time to write is between 8:00 P.M. and Midnight. The house is quiet. There is nothing good on television these days (Except "American Idol", and Lifetime Movies.) Some nights, the words just flow. However, at times I grow frustrated, and pick up a book to read.

I get up about eight every morning, but that time is reserved for helping Grandma with a few things, and cleaning the house. Occasionally, I will get creative bursts throughout the day as well. I stop whatever I am doing, and write. Facebook, Twitter, and E-mail are a big part of my day too. I check all three constantly. (Something I am trying to learn to do a little less of.)

In short, I do take my writing life seriously. I treat it as my "job", since I can't work a regular office job. As I have said before, books do not sell themselves. Therefore, you have to work hard. Writing is hard work, but as long as you learn to have fun and relax it is all worth it.

One Never Knows What Might Happen in the Writing Business

"I Sit in a Wheelchair.......But I Will Be Okay" as been out for just short of two months now. Times are tough everywhere. This means people may or may not be able to afford a children's book right away. However, I would first like to thank-everyone who has supported Michelle and I by purchasing a copy of our book.

Since the economy is not that great right now, authors and illustrators like myself and Michelle are constantly thinking of new ways to get the word out about the book. I have a wonderful lady at Stragetic who is helping me get some valuable insight into selling books. Earlier this week, I tried on of Alethea's (Our book coach) ideas. I wrote a cover letter to several libraries in and around my area, describing my book, where it can be purchased, and why writing this book was important to me. well, Wednesday morning, I received a nice E-mail from Pryor, Oklahoma's public library. The director informed me that they would be purchasing a copy for their library. So, to my friends in Pryor, at some point in time, it will be in s library catalog. Thank-you Aletha for that awesome idea!

Another idea was given to my by a college friend of mine, Ashley Bryant. She is not only a Mom who works in the Sperry, Oklahoma school system, she also recently went to work for a marketing company that will get local businesses put in google, and GPS devices. I am so proud of her. Ashley got me set up on a website called LinkedIN This is a website where you set up a profile, and it will connect you with thousands of businesses across the country. Well, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to sell more books, so I signed up. I am looking forward to establishing contacts who could help promote this children's book. Thank-you Ashley!

As always, I am on Facebook as well as Twitter........I haven't found my way around Twitter too well yet, but I am working on it. I am using every means that I can think of to sell books. After all, you never know what might happen in the writing business.

our new Amazon Page and "Life in the Ozarks"

Hi Friends!

Well, I think my friend Michelle and I have recovered from our first book signing, and we can't wait for the next one. (More on that later) I have still been plugging away....telling everyone I can think of about Penny Brown and "I Sit in a Wheelchair....But I Will Be Okay" The book will not sell itself. Like I have mentioned before, I think some people think being an author involves just writing the book.......not true. (especially with a self-publisher) However, it has been a fun journey so far.

Two interesting things that happened this week. One, Michelle and I now have a separate Amazon website to help us sell the book. This site is complete with pictures and discussion areas. The discussion area will be added to later. Amazon was gracious enough to set this up for us for free. (They do that for all of their authors, which I thought was nice. Here is the link for that.

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003EU8CNU

Please, look around, enjoy, tell me what you think.

Secondly, I believe there is more to writing than being a writer. The part I enjoy about signings is being able to engage and talk to people. I am apart of a group called "The Ozarks Writer's league" it serves people who love writing throughout Oklahoma/Arkansas/Kansas/Missouri/ and Texas. I e-mailed the entire group of people, and received several responses about "I Sit in a Wheelchair....But I Will Be Okay" A lady named Alice Chambers e-mailed me and said she would like to feature Michelle and I in her April issue of an E-zine called "Life in the Ozarks." This was thrilling to me. So, I sent information, and a week later, Michelle and I appear in The Arts and Entertainment section. You can view the article here:

www.lifeintheozarksonline.com/friends/oflito/

I am so excited! And, we have YOU to thank for helping make this happen! Thank you so much for supporting us in this venture.

Our First Book Signing

March 27th, 2010 was a big day for Michelle and I. We participated in our very first book signing at T Charleston's Books and Gifts in Branson, Missouri. The shop was located in the Grand Village. For those of you that have never been to the Grand Village, it is a beautiful place, let me tell you. The invitation to this book signing was made through one of my college friends, Tresea Clark. We went to school together at RSU online, and Saturday was the first time we had met in ten years! It was awesome! Michelle and I had a lot of fun at T Charleston's, but it was kind of a slow day.......We only sold three books, but handed out a lot of business cards. So, we are just going to see what happens. Silver Sollar City also had their 50th anniversary celebration this weekend, which may have rained on our parade, so to speak, but, I will not give up.......neither will Michelle! One note that was interesting....a gentleman from KLFC Radio out of Branson came by to meet with us. He gave me a copy of an interview that I had done on the Thursday before the event. I was on the radio talking with Charlie and Keith in the morning, and it was loads of fun! I can't wait to talk on the radio again. This Branson trip was not all about work. Michelle and I also shopped a little. I mean, who can go to Branson without shopping???? All in all, it was a fun weekend, and we would like to thank T Charleston's Books and Gifts for hosting us.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

Have you ever heard the saying, "Good things Come to those who wait"? That is how I felt about publishing, "I Sit in a Wheelchair........But I Will Be Okay" A lot of people think that writing a book is just simply writing. However, once you write, if need be you have to find an illustrator. Then, you have to find a publisher.

Strategic is a Print on Demand Publisher. This means, the customer orders the book, and the books are printed. I signed the contract with Strategic in September, and the the first adventure in the Penny Brown Series was released on February 28th, 2010. It was a long six months filled with anticipation and excitement. The finished product was well worth the wait.

Even after the book was released, I still couldn't just sit back and relax. Michelle, Deanna, and I had to find people who were interested in the work. An e-mail from the company was sent to family and friends. The book took off from there.

Michelle and I had our first book signing this past weekend in Branson, MO (More about that later) We also have several signings lined up for the spring and summer. We are so excited about going places and meeting new people. This book will take us both on many adventures.

By the way, if anyone knows of a place where we might do a signing, please just let me know.

To be continued..........

Finding a home for Penny

Now that I was satisfied with my story the way it was, the time came for me to find "the right" publisher. This was not an easy task. After all, just looking at the "2010 Writer's Market" that I got in the mail the other day had me thinking, "How did i ever find a publisher?"

Children's writing is in high demand right now. Parents are always looking for good, quality books for their children. In turn, children are looking for good books to read. I found the Strategic/Eloquent Publishing Company through my Grandpa's cousin, Betty King, of Wiley, Texas. She had a friend named Sonya Rhodes Webb that went to church with her every week. Sonya happened to work for Strategic/Eloquent as a book reviewer. Sonya and Betty had been talking on Facebook, and all it took was for one e-mail to Sonya, and it felt like I had known her for years.

I filled out a form for Strategic online in August....three days later, they were ready to see more, then three days after that, they offered me a Joint Publishing Venue, which they receive 50 percent of the proceeds for this book, and I would receive 50 percent of the proceeds, and I would in turn, split my half with my illustrator, Michelle, since she drew the pictures.

It was something, Michelle, her Mother Deanna, and I had to think on for about a week, but we eventually accepted the offer. Thus, Penny had found a home!

The Making of a Children's Book

How long does it take to write a children's book?

When my friend and former teacher Beverley Dieker sat down to brainstorm on ideas for Penny it was the Summer of 2007. I had just attended my ten year high school class reunion. After that trip, I went home to Cecil, and started to write. However, I had one problem.

It was called The Blank Page Syndrome

I have had many writing teachers tell me to talk to the page as if it were your friend. Sometimes, I believed in that, and other times I didn't. The first page of anything to me had to consist of an introduction. So, here I come belting out "Hi Boys and Girls! My name is Penny Brown"

Okay.......that being said, I begin to think of the average family two parents, 2.5 kids, and a dog. (Penny does not have a dog as of yet, but stay tuned!) Okay, now the family is set up. What do they live in. Even though preschoolers are sometimes smarter than we think, I thought best to keep it simple. (White house on a long street).

As I wrote, ideas became easier in my head. Talking about the big slide brought back painful memories of first grade. I became stuck up on top of a big slide, and was too afraid to climb down. All the other kids had waited patiently for their turn. However, one of the teachers made them climb down, while My teacher, Mrs. Wild, had to come and physically lift me off the slide. All of the kids laughed at me.

IT was the pain of being laughed at that made me write/ I kept going, until I finished. I had my first draft finished within a week, but it was about a month before I let anyone look at it. Any writing teacher Will tell you to let a piece "sit" for awhile. The project took me a month to complete, but it was two years before I found Michelle to illustrate it, and another year before my dream became a realty.

The Difficulty of Childrem's Writing

Anyone who believes writing for children is an easy task.........well, let's just say, they are wrong. In fact, I think children's writing is a lot more difficult than anything else I had ever written.

Why is that, Brittany? you may ask.

Writing for children is more difficult because you have to think like children do. A children's author has to jump into a children's world. They often play with toys or games, or watch children's television-----I confess, I am thirty-two years old and watch Little Bill" on the Nick JR channel in order to live in a children's world. I think I also know why Michelle watches so many old cartoons on the Boomerang Channel. It's so that she can relate to children through her art. In order to write for children, you have to think like children do. However, I think the hardest part of writing for children is using short phrases and sentences. I find myself doing a lot of editing, let me tell you. In the end though, it is worth it to see a child fall in love with a book.

What to Write, What to write?

What can I write about? This was the first question that i had asked when I decided that writing was the perfect career for me. My late Grandfather had always told me to "write what you know." Well, thanks to the somewhat sheltered upbringing I endured, writing what I knew about was going to be difficult. I mean, I went to school in the morning, xame home in the afternons, and did homework, sometimes right up until bedtime. Growing up, I did not have many friends. My classmates would rather be out partying than studying on a Saturday night. Who could blame them? They wouldn't want to hang around with a cribbled up nobody like me.

So, I put my heart and soul into writing. A year after I graduated college, a former teacher of mine and i were talking one day, and she had a brainstorm. Mrs. Dieker, (my high school English teacher) told me I should write about being disabled.

"Why"? I had asked.

"Well, you are disabled, people can relate to you." Mrs. Dieker thought for a moment. Then, she took it one step further............"You should write a series of books about kids who are disabled......no, kids who face certain challenges."

"Challenges?" I had asked.

"Yes, not only dsabilities, but tough things in life like death, divorce, getting a new sibling, going to the hospital.........Young children often need help dealing with those things."

I thought for a moment. Ideas were coming so fast, I wrote them down on paper by the phone. This was bound to be fun. My main character would have to be a young girl because I always wanted a sister growing up, but God blessed me with two brothers.

Every character must have similarities and differences from their creator. I had a physical limitations, but I was always blessed NOT to be in a wheelchair. I once knew a child who spent his entire life in a wheelchair, due to spinal biffida. So, I wanted my character to experience life in a wheelchair, so that I understood her pain.

Next, came the main character's name. I wanted something cute and unique. For some reason, the theme from that old TV show, "Inspector Gadget" was running through my head. The neice was named Penny, and looking at Michelle's pictures of Penny, the name suited her.As for the character Josh, he was based on the boy in the wheelchair from Spinal Biffida that I knew. Amy was based on my childhood best friend, Lindy. Penny's family (Mom, Dad, and Baby Brother Peter) were characters based on my own parents and younger brother Bryan---except he is not a baby anymore!

So after I had my story planned out....I set to work.........To be continued in my next entry........

The dream job that was not meant to be

My dream job became apparent in the 6th grade when my reading teacher, Mrs. Wagner asked the class a question. 'What do you supposed it would be like to have a physical challenge?" Well, that one was easy for me to answer. I have had C.P. since nine months of age. Living with a disability is not easy, but you know what? God must have put me on the earth for some purpose. In 1991, I found out what that purpose was..........writing.

Mrs. Wagner had each member of the class see what it was like to be blind for a day. It was terrible. I spent time bumping into doors, even dumped an entire pitcher of water on the kitchen floor. However, this experience had made me a stronger person. Yes, I have balance problems, and the right side of my body doesn't work as well as the left side does. After being blind for a day, none of that mattered. There are people who are a lot worse off than I was.

Mrs. Wagner liked my essay so much, that she gave me an A and sent it to the school newspaper, "Tee-Pee Talk." A week later, as soon as the papers were delivered, Mrs. Wagner came over to my desk and said, "Look, Brittany.......you are famous!"

Words could not describe how I felt at that moment. Seeing my words in print for the first time was an awesome feeling that I will never forget. As I re-read my article, it became apparent on what I wanted to be when I "grew up" Journalists have the power to get people to listen and understand through the written word. However, Journalism was not meant to be. After serving as an editor for two years on the high school newspaper, I came to RSU, only to discover, there were not Associate Degrees available in Journalism. So, the school started me off as an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts student. I studied different types of sub jets. However, Creative Writing was my favorite class. It was then, that I realized being an author would be a better fit for me.

A Little introduction

Hello Everybody!

I am not exactly sure how to begin an online blog.........so I will just take a moment to intoduce myself and my illustrator. My name is Brittany Michelle Crawford. I live in Cecil, Arkansas with my wonderful grandmother and a cute little puggle dog named Pudge. My hobbies include reading, and writing. I also like playing board games and shopping. My most favorite color is red. I like Pepsi. My favorite movie is "The Wizard of Oz" (I know, it's an oldie, but a classic)

My illustrator is also one of my best friends in the entire world. Her name is Michelle Oakley. She lives in Sperry, Oklahoma, and goes to school at Tulsa Community College. She loves watching movies, art, and riding horses. We met through my former teacher, Mrs. Terri Kruse, and have been friends for two years now. She has a car and is a really good driver. Despite my picture, I cannot drive. (Howver, I have always wanted to sit behind the wheel of a Volkswagon Beetle.)

We teamed up on a book called "I Sit in a Wheelchair.........But I Will be Okay", which has recently been published by Eloquent/Stragetic Books out of Connecticut I had aleways dreamed of writing a book, and I loved Michelle's pictures. Michelle does great art. like me, she does have handicaps, but our limitations do not slow us down!

I will be working on this site to give you updates about what is happing with this newly published book. For now, I will just say 'Thank yuo to everyone who has responded to the book thus far. Signing off for now. Brittany