Boys Life Magazine

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Boys Life DelaBarreBOYS LIFE MAGAZINE

Writing a feature for Boys Life Magazine, a publication that reaches 1.4 million boys across the country, was truly an honor. The December issue hit newsstands on November 17, 2014 and the story I wrote is entitled 700 Feet of Terror.

I think the reason I enjoyed this assignment so much is that it enabled me to continue writing stories that not only entertain young readers, but teach them about life as well.

I believe this is where I am doing by best work, which started when I wrote Saltwater Taffy. Authors who are looking to write for children and ultimately teach them how to leave behind fear, doubt and all the worry of growing up, my advice is to make sure you take them on an adventure where you can weave in your message organically.  If you don’t, they see you coming and immediately tune out.

While I am thankful for beginning my career with Dick Wolf on NBC’s Law & Order, I now know that I am at my best when I am writing for children.  Imagine the possibilities of being able to enhance the life of a child through writing narrative fiction….it’s awesome.  Or, as we like to say here at Saltwater Taffy….it’s SAWEET!

If you love adventure and have a tweenage son, pick up the December 2014 issue of Boys’ Life Magazine and take a read on 700 Feet of Terror.  I think you’re going to love it.  If you would like the chance to win an autographed copy of my award-winning adventure novel, Saltwater Taffy head over to the Bookzone page on Boys Life’s website.  Oh…and always remember, every moment is a new adventure waiting to happen.

 

THE PROBLEM FACING TWEENS TODAY

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The Problem Facing Tweens Today

One of the big problems facing Tweens today is they care more about what others think of them than they do themselves.  

tweensWhile Saltwater Taffy is an award-winning middle grade adventure novel and soon-to-be feature film for tweens and their families, the reason it was created is because I can’t stand to watch even one kid grow up with the runaway idea that they are anything BUT amazing!

The positive and negative mental habits we develop during our “tween-age” years are often the mental habits we carry with us into our adult lives.

As young children, we are filled with many amazing dreams of tomorrow.  We believe that we can accomplish anything and that nothing is out of reach.  Because of our age, we aren’t yet worried about what other people think of us and have the innate ability to listen to our hearts desire.  Because of our age, we are more willing Read more

7 SECRETS TO CREATE AVID TWEEN READERS

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7 SECRETS TO CREATE AVID TWEEN READERS

avid tween readersThe reason we have 7 secrets to create avid tween readers is because recent statistics by the National Endowment for the Arts shows us that there is a rapid decline in reading skills of American children.  As the author of Saltwater Taffy and a literacy advocate for children, I find this disturbing and sad.  Something must be done!

Despite the popularity of Harry Potter and other children’s books that have flown off the shelves in recent years, the following statement should be a wake-up call for parents, teachers and our entire nation:

“Americans ages 15-24 spend almost two hours a day watching TV, and only seven minutes of their daily leisure time on reading.”

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READING SALTWATER TAFFY TO KIDS

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Award winning children's bookReading Saltwater Taffy to Kids!

Reading Saltwater Taffy to kids is just amazing and something I will never get tired of doing.  This amazing award-winning children’s book is touching lives across the country and the tour is still on!.  I have had the pleasure of traveling around the country…from Los Angeles, Fresno, California, Port Orchard, Washington, New Orleans, Louisiana, Bremerton, Washington, and all the way to Dallas, Texas.  To see the enjoyment by the middle school children across the country, I have compiled some of our video of me reading Saltwater Taffy to kids across the country to show how much fun we’re having with this award-winning Children’s book.

CLICK HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlE5T03Zbzk

7 STEPS FOR CREATING YOUNG READERS

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Saltwater TaffyCREATING YOUNG READERS

As the author of Saltwater Taffy, I feel I have learned what it takes to create young readers.  Here are 7 Steps for Creating Young Readers:

1. START EARLY: Twenty-six percent of children between the ages of three and five, who were read to at least three or four times in the last week by a family member, recognized all letters of the alphabet.  This is compared to 14 percent of children who were read to less frequently.

2. LEAD BY EXAMPLE: If you want your child to read, pick up and book and show them how enjoyable reading can be.  If you don’t like to read, change your mind and think again.

3. FIELD TRIP: Grab the kids and spend a few hours at your local library.  Sign them up for their own library card.  Check into events for children and sign up! Read more