It all started with five simple words at the end of a phone call. This is why I love sister authors Judy Snider and Joan Dickow´s recent book, I love You, Be Careful—a picture book that is also designed to be a gift book for adults and children alike—shares these words that follow us our entire lives and sometimes we may not say often enough.
With this thought in mind, I started thinking about my children and how fast they are growing up. They inspire me to write funny children´s stories and keep me motivated to share the love of reading with others. I asked Judy if her children have also inspired her writing. "Oh, yes, they have throughout their lives. They are in their 20´s now, but I remember driving them in the car with their friends and asking their opinion, reading stories to them on a daily basis, and they are zany and fun."
Joan also has kids and grandkids, so they have definitely had a positive effect on inspiring her to write this book (I Love You, Be Careful) and the one she is working on, The Porch Fairy. "My goal in getting a book published was to read it to my kids and groups of kids and have them smile and laugh…it worked," stated Joan.
Even though these two sisters live 700 miles apart, their love of writing is always blooming. "There are days you may want to put blinders on our eyes, so as you look around you are not suddenly filled with idea after idea." This is how author Judy Snider feels sometimes. "I love to write and it seems odd to me if a day goes by that I don´t write something. Yet, the ideas floating around me sometimes make it hard to select the one I want to use."
Judy Snider lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her husband, Gil and two silly cats. She is the author of the CWA award-winning children´s picture book, Goldy´s Baby Socks and one of a team of authors who wrote, The Scared Purse.
Okay, maybe you´re not like Judy Snider, but I´m sure you understand having too many things going on at once. Joan Dickow shared, "Everyday moments in my life inspire me!" Joan is a 20-year breast cancer survivor, a mother, grandmother, wife, friend and sister. She finds there is beauty all around her and all her good moments and stressful moments inspire her.
Read the full article at American Chronicle | Meet Sisters Judy Snider and Joan Dickow, Authors of "I Love You, Be Careful"
Halloween can be a fun and scary time for kids. Here are a few tips for keeping Halloween safe too. 1. Make sure masks and costumes don't block the vision of your child. Keep props easy to carry and avoid using any prop that has sharp points or edges to prevent injury while trick or treating. 2. Use flashlights, reflector material on the costume, or bright clothing to make sure others see your child, especially vehicles following or driving in the neighborhood. 3. Inspect all candy and treats before allowing children to eat them. Dispose of any that are not sealed properly. Fruits and homemade goodies should only be consumed from those you know, and not strangers. 4. One option to trick or treating might be a small party for your child's friends. Supervision by parents that you know, foods that you are preparing, and having the party at your house all work towards keeping your children safe while providing a fun atmosphere. Games, prizes, and a movie or bonfi...