I am happy to be hosting Kathy Stemke as a guest blogger today. Instead of my ramblings, you will get to hear from a fabulous author like Kathy who has not only been published, but also has a passion for writing, the arts and all things creative. I have asked Kathy to share her story about becoming a children’s writer. You are sure to be inspired to keep on the road to publication.
Besides writing, Kathy has been a dancer, choreographer, teacher, tutor, and an antiques dealer for many years. She is also a contributing editor for The National Writing for Children's Center.
Hi, Virginia. Thanks for hosting me on your blog today. Here’s the story of how my blog lead to several children’s books, and a monthly newsletter.
After I retired from teaching, I dabbled in article writing on Helium. I even sold several articles through their marketplace feature. Since I had taught for many years, I naturally wrote several education articles. I got lots of feedback and questions from other teachers. This made me realize that I had the wisdom and experience to help other teachers. I also needed an outlet for the lesson plans and activities I had created through the years. So my blog, Educationtipster, was born.
Since my background was in physical education, dance, and early childhood education, I used many movement activities in my kindergarten classes. I found that movement helped the kids to learn quicker and retain more. In fact, I found numerous studies on the subject to support my experiences. My blog posts include many practical, fun, movement activities, as well as author interviews, classroom control tips, and motivational tips for parents and teachers.
I joined several teacher groups that share activities with each other, and kept them informed about the information and articles on my blog. When I did a post about the days of the week, some teachers asked if I knew of a book that taught children how to spell the days. Since I didn’t, I decided to write one myself that included activity pages in the back. This rhyming e-book, available on Lulu, is titled, Moving Through All Seven Days. http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#
The response was so fantastic that I decided to write more. I now have two other books under contract with publishers titled, Trouble on Earth Day and Sh, Sh, Sh, Will the Baby Sleep? Hopefully they will be released in 2010. You can also find my monthly teaching tips article on The National Writing for
Because the teachers couldn’t get enough of my songs, rhymes, and activities, I introduced my free monthly newsletter, Movement and Rhythm. I include movement exploration, action songs, poetry that inspires movement, games from around the world, book reviews, classroom management and behavior tips, dances, and the latest information that links movement to increasing cognitive skills. In about a year’s time, I have 375 subscribers! You can sign up for this newsletter on my blog: http://educationtipster.blogspot.com. I’m thrilled to help others and have an outlet for my creativity.
Recently, I joined the DKV Writing 4 U team as an editor and freelance writer. http://dkvwriting4u.com DKV is a writing service that includes ghostwriting, copywriting, editing, proofreading, critiquing, media releases, and much more. Along with Karen Coiffi and Lea Schizas, we also offer website and blog development too. We plan to add book tour and book trailer services soon.
I have many WIP and can’t wait to see what God has in store for me next!
Thank you so much Kathy for sharing your road to publication. Your books sound wonderful and ones I'll be putting on my list to buy. With a five-year-old and new baby, I know I'll get a lot of use out of them.
Kathy’s first children’s e-book, Moving Through All Seven Days, is now available on Lulu. Kathy's second children's book, Trouble on Earth Day and Sh, Sh, Sh, Will the Baby Sleep? are slated to come out soon!
Don’t forget to sign up for her FREE monthly newsletter, “MOVEMENT AND RHYTHM” on her blog. You’ll find great teaching tips, movement activities, and children’s book reviews. http://educationtipster.blogspot.com
Kathy Stemke's websites: Moving Through all Seven Days:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#
http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html