Sunday, July 3, 2011

Becoming a Children’s Author…What You Learned with Linda Valderrama



One of the fun things about being a writer is meeting others who have the same passion as you. But we all don’t start writing for the same reason and the lessons we learn are all different depending on situations and where we are at in the writing process.

Today, debut author Linda Valderrama shares what she has learned and enjoys about becoming a children’s author.

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As an author, I am still in the process of learning. The whole idea of reaching the developing mind of a child and possibly making a difference really excites me.

To publish my book, “Brush Barry Brush” I formed my own publishing company Shirley’s Girl Publications. (My mother’s name is Shirley.)

Right now, our book is unknown to most of the world. I am trying to change that through
1. Word of mouth
2. Book reviews
3. Contests
4. Creating a presence on the internet
5. Visiting bookstores and schools
6. Writing articles relating to children and dentistry
7. Developing an instructional aid to go along with the book and planning to expand and add to my website, to make it more fun and educational for the kids.

I want as many children as possible to have access to my book.

I do know when my children were growing up, their love of reading led them to be the success in school and the successful adults they are today. Reading is so important.  I still have a collection of their early books that they loved. I plan on passing them on to my grandchildren someday!

When I read “Brush Barry Brush” to a group of children, I love the fact they laugh and have their own funny comments about the characters. They are really smart and it gives me great pleasure to answer their questions and see them respond to the colorful paintings of my talented illustrator.  

You begin to realize what an impact books can have on a young mind.

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Linda Valderrama R.D.H. has over 25 years experience as a dental hygienist. She has treated patients from ages two to one hundred years old and has successfully developed preventative oral hygiene programs tailored to individual needs. Linda is a strong believer that good oral hygiene leads to overall health and well-being and that good daily habits must be acquired early in life. Her book helps parents to work with their children to achieve this goal. She is working towards developing programs for schools, assisted living facilities and healthcare institutions to enable them to offer more effective oral hygiene programs.

Her book “Brush Barry Brush” is to help parents and young children work together to achieve the simple but very important goal that every time you eat, you should brush your teeth. It is also a 2011 International Award Finalist.

Publisher Website: http://shirleysgirlpublications.comirlpublications.com


Book Giveaway Rules:
One entry for each comment left per author virtual blog tour stop. (Must leave a real comment about the author, tour or book. Saying “this is cool” or “I love your book” will not count.) Make sure to include your safe email so we can contact you if you are the winner. 
Example: vsgrenier AT storiesforchildrenpublishing DOT com.
         
Ask a question – get a bonus entry per author virtual blog tour stop.

Book Giveaway ends July 31, 2011


Next stops on Linda Valderrama’s World of Ink Virtual Tour
July 4th
The Maggie Project – Guest Post: The Story Behind – Brush Barry Brush www.themaggieproject.blogspot.com
 July 5th
The Writing Mama – Book Spotlight
 July 6th
Writing to the Hearts of Children- Book Review
 July 7th
Families Matter Blog – Interview
July 8th
Stories for Children Magazine FG Interview

4 comments:

Andrea Mack said...

Your post made me think about how hard it is to write children's books -- a process I am still learning about -- and how important it is to encourage other writers. Thanks!

Linda Valderrama R.D.H. said...

Thank you for helping me connect with readers on your delightful blog site.

Anonymous said...

So nice to read about what actually goes into the creative writing process! Thanks Linda!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like some good plans are in the works for this wonderful little book! Good luck Linda, and thanks for sharing your thoughts!