VS: Clayton, I want to thank you for being my guest here on The Writing Mama today. As a dad, what do you do to help balance your writing life with your family life?
Clayton: As important as my book Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures and my blog are to me…my family comes first. Therefore, there really isn’t a balance. I do my work before my family wakes in the morning. I can also be caught burning the midnight oil. When my kids are playing peacefully, I can slip in a little work there as well.
VS: I tend to do the same thing when it comes to my writing. Clayton, how long have you been writing?
Clayton: Formally, I have been writing about two years. I went to Catholic Schools through college. One thing I have learned is that Catholic school teachers loved to make you write!
VS: What inspired you to write?
Clayton: My wife was my inspiration. She encouraged me to write the book based on my vast experiences with children. Without her, I never would have done this.
VS: That’s wonderful and to have that kind of support. Was the whole family supportive when you started writing?
Clayton: Absolutely, even my children get into it. They really got a kick out of seeing their pictures on the cover of my book. When I explain to them that I write to help other parents, they really seem to get a sense of pride out of that.
VS: Clayton, can you share with us a little about your current book?
Clayton: Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures is a book designed to help parents navigate through the toughest job in the world. I have been fortunate to work with children up to age 15 intensely and this book guides readers through my triumphs and tribulations. There are 25 chapters written on a variety of topics. Education is a big chapter because I was a former teacher.
VS: I really enjoyed reading your book Clayton. I even added a few new ‘tools’ to my list of ways to handle my kids. You do a great job relating to parents. So what do you enjoy most about writing?
Clayton: I enjoy communicating with my audience. I love hearing reactions to my book and my blogs. They make me realize how important what I do really is.
VS: You have a wonderful blog, too. Now, what would you say is the most difficult part of writing?
Clayton: Marketing my material is the most difficult thing for me because I literally run out of time. It’s become obvious to me why there are people who have full time jobs marketing. In saying that, I am getting the word out about the book, I am doing radio interviews, and I will start a speaking tour this fall.
VS: As a marketing major, I can completely agree with that statement. Okay, I know you’re busy with promoting your current book right now, but Clayton, do you have any other works in progress? Can you share a little about them?
Clayton: As important as my book Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures and my blog are to me…my family comes first. Therefore, there really isn’t a balance. I do my work before my family wakes in the morning. I can also be caught burning the midnight oil. When my kids are playing peacefully, I can slip in a little work there as well.
VS: I tend to do the same thing when it comes to my writing. Clayton, how long have you been writing?
Clayton: Formally, I have been writing about two years. I went to Catholic Schools through college. One thing I have learned is that Catholic school teachers loved to make you write!
VS: What inspired you to write?
Clayton: My wife was my inspiration. She encouraged me to write the book based on my vast experiences with children. Without her, I never would have done this.
VS: That’s wonderful and to have that kind of support. Was the whole family supportive when you started writing?
Clayton: Absolutely, even my children get into it. They really got a kick out of seeing their pictures on the cover of my book. When I explain to them that I write to help other parents, they really seem to get a sense of pride out of that.
VS: Clayton, can you share with us a little about your current book?
Clayton: Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures is a book designed to help parents navigate through the toughest job in the world. I have been fortunate to work with children up to age 15 intensely and this book guides readers through my triumphs and tribulations. There are 25 chapters written on a variety of topics. Education is a big chapter because I was a former teacher.
VS: I really enjoyed reading your book Clayton. I even added a few new ‘tools’ to my list of ways to handle my kids. You do a great job relating to parents. So what do you enjoy most about writing?
Clayton: I enjoy communicating with my audience. I love hearing reactions to my book and my blogs. They make me realize how important what I do really is.
VS: You have a wonderful blog, too. Now, what would you say is the most difficult part of writing?
Clayton: Marketing my material is the most difficult thing for me because I literally run out of time. It’s become obvious to me why there are people who have full time jobs marketing. In saying that, I am getting the word out about the book, I am doing radio interviews, and I will start a speaking tour this fall.
VS: As a marketing major, I can completely agree with that statement. Okay, I know you’re busy with promoting your current book right now, but Clayton, do you have any other works in progress? Can you share a little about them?
Clayton: I do have a working outline for a second parenting book. For now though, I am concentrating on marketing my book and garnering further interest for my speaking tour.
VS: What tips can you give writing parents with children at home to help them see publication?
Clayton: Any writer has to be patient and persistent-especially those with children. A writer has to be willing to work around their children’s schedule and be willing to get less sleep for an extended period of time. This is a true labor of love.
VS: So true. Clayton with all that you are doing, have you received any awards?
Clayton: No, but my children believe I am the best dad ever. Does that count?
VS: Yes, I think the ‘Best Dad Ever’ award counts. It’s not easy raising a young family and writing a book at the same time. Before we go, is there anything else you would like to share with us about being a “Writing Dad”?
Clayton: I’d like to thank everyone for reading this piece. After you read the book, I think many things in your parenting life will become clearer and more manageable. The things you will learn from Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures will serve your child well and that‘s the most important thing. There’s no better joy or a greater burden than raising a child. I wish you and your children well and I hope we can build a relationship through the book, my blog posts, and email that will help you on your journey!
VS: What tips can you give writing parents with children at home to help them see publication?
Clayton: Any writer has to be patient and persistent-especially those with children. A writer has to be willing to work around their children’s schedule and be willing to get less sleep for an extended period of time. This is a true labor of love.
VS: So true. Clayton with all that you are doing, have you received any awards?
Clayton: No, but my children believe I am the best dad ever. Does that count?
VS: Yes, I think the ‘Best Dad Ever’ award counts. It’s not easy raising a young family and writing a book at the same time. Before we go, is there anything else you would like to share with us about being a “Writing Dad”?
Clayton: I’d like to thank everyone for reading this piece. After you read the book, I think many things in your parenting life will become clearer and more manageable. The things you will learn from Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures will serve your child well and that‘s the most important thing. There’s no better joy or a greater burden than raising a child. I wish you and your children well and I hope we can build a relationship through the book, my blog posts, and email that will help you on your journey!
If you would like to get some great tips bi-weekly, check out Clayton Paul Thomas’ blog at http://www.claytonpaulthomas.com. You can also learn more about him, his book and his World of Ink tour at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/ClaytonPThomas.aspx.
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
Very interesting interview. The "Best Dad Ever" is the best award any dad could ever receive. Sounds like you have a wonderful family, who is very supportive of you. That is important for a writer.
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