Guest Post on the Inspiration Behind Writing "Believe" by Kasey Crawford Kellem, Creator of M.O.M Books
The inspiration behind writing Believe and info on the other Mind Over Matter (M.O.M) Books by Kasey Crawford Kellem
RESILIENCY: Since I began in education over 20 years ago, I had been intrigued by how children and adults rebounded in life. I studied the characteristics of resiliency in Graduate School and Post Grad School. Determined to somehow teach children how to be resilient, I later came up with the book idea. Book writing had not only been something I wanted to do since I was a child, but also something my mother encouraged me to do! It made perfect sense to combine my mission with my childhood dream!
I was on a mission to help children become resilient. In order to be resilient, I knew children needed to BELIEVE in their possibilities, RELAX often, LAUGH at playful experiences, DREAM about inspiring futures, and LOVE those they encounter. And so the book series began: Believe; Love; Laugh; Relax; and Dream. After further thought, the company, Mind Over Matter (M.O.M.) Books, was born. The series’ title not only describes the purpose of the books, but also brings my late mother into the project!
Believe was the first of my five M.O.M books to be published. It made perfect sense as Believe is my family’s mantra. It is everywhere throughout our house: bookshelves, windowsills, walls, candles, blankets, plates, pictures, ornaments and unique decorations. It is in our family room, garage, living room, kitchen, dining room, and every bedroom...you get the idea. We Believe!
But we don't stop! Also, throughout our home we have wooden decorations that say, "Relax," "Laugh," and "Dream." (Truly a home of a counselor, ey?) I felt children should also be reminded of these resiliency skills, yet in a more whimsical way. Therefore, the books were designed in a way that allows them to free stand and serve as a decoration and constant resiliency reminder.
Given enough book sales, the additional Mind Over Matter Books should be out within the next two years. I Believe!
But we don't stop! Also, throughout our home we have wooden decorations that say, "Relax," "Laugh," and "Dream." (Truly a home of a counselor, ey?) I felt children should also be reminded of these resiliency skills, yet in a more whimsical way. Therefore, the books were designed in a way that allows them to free stand and serve as a decoration and constant resiliency reminder.
Given enough book sales, the additional Mind Over Matter Books should be out within the next two years. I Believe!
Kasey Crawford Kellem, a School Counselor and former Special Education Teacher, has devoted her life to helping children facing adversity be resilient. Kasey created Mind Over Matter (M.O.M.) books to teach children skills to overcome life’s challenges. She has earned a Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree in Special Education and an Educational Specialist Degree in Counseling. She is a devoted wife, stepmother, sister, daughter, friend and counselor.
Kasey Crawford Kellem
Author: Mind Over Matter (M.O.M.) Books
B.S., M.S., Ed.S.
Author: Mind Over Matter (M.O.M.) Books
B.S., M.S., Ed.S.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/kaseyc7
YouTube (Children’s Authors Show Interview): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_PPnSHXzzY
Halo Publishing, Int. and the World of Ink Network are sponsoring Kasey Crawford Kellem's World of Ink Tour this February 2012. Kellem will be touring her first book in the Mind Over Matter (M.O.M) Books, BELIEVE, which just released. The additional M.O.M Books are due to release soon later in 2012: LOVE; LAUGH; RELAX and DREAM.
Published by Halo Publishing, Int.
ISBN: 978-1-61244-039-2
Educational - Hardcover
Ingram Distribution Nationwide
You can find out more about Kasey Crawford Kellem’s World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/KaseyKellem.aspx. There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sure to stop by and interact with Kellem and the hosts at the different stops by leaving comments and/or questions. You will be entered into the main the Book Giveaway each time.
In addition, come listen on February 20, 2012 to Blog Talk Radio’s World of Ink Network show: Stories for Children at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork. The hosts VS Grenier and Irene Roth will be chatting with Kasey Crawford Kellem about her M.O.M Books, writing, helping children to be resilient and her experiences. The show airs live February 20, 2012 at 2pm EST. You can listen/call in at (714) 242-5259. (Note: if you can’t make the show, you can listen on demand at the same link.)
To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit: http://worldofinknetwork.blogspot.com
To purchase any of Kasey Crawford Kellem’s books, visit Halo Publishing: www.halopublishing.com
Wonderful post! I love the illustrations in the book.
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