The above picture is a 3-D model created using Photoshop and the Centers for Disease Control’s measurements of the average 19-year-old woman. What a fantastic representation of what is real and normal for a teenage girl. I love the article by Scott Stump which I have included in the link below because he sheds light on an issue and topic which is a very real for every teenage girl…body image. I have mentored teen girls for almost 20 years now and the biggest struggle is body image. And it’s not only teen girls. I believe we as women in general struggle…
Archives for 2013
How Predators are Using Instagram and Why Your Child is at Risk
I am not one of those over protective parents who think everyone is out to get my children nor do I think Instagram is bad. I do however believe there are unkind people in the world who will use for bad things created for good. It is my job as a parent to protect my kids and in order to do that, I need to be educated about things my kids are a part of. I believed I was very responsible with how my husband I have regulated their use of social media. My kids have to ask before they can…
10 Things Every Mom Needs to Know, From Kids Everywhere
An Open Letter to Mom If you are a mom, this is a must watch. Here is a little reality check with wit and humor, seen through the eyes of a child.
A Modern Retelling, Eunuch to Talent Scout, meet Hawk
Standing in front of me, blocking the sun with his silhouette, was this—man-boy. A man-boy is what Calliope and I call guys we think are cute and totally too old for us but not really old—old, like our parents. Take for example, Matt Damon, who did all of the Bourne Identity movies. Cute. But no Zac Efron! As I was creating Hawk’s character, I pictured him in his mid to late twenties, with a certain mystery about him. He is not a man of many words. He does his job and then fades into the background. Every so often Liberty does…
What Do Your Book Characters Look Like To Your Target Audience?
Curious what your book characters look like to your target audience? I have often wondered myself how others might see my characters. Do they picture them the way I visualize them? Have I done a good job describing my characters physical traits, style and personality? I teach fifth grade and recently began to think, hummm…fifth grade is middle grade, my first novel, Liberty Lane and the One-Girl Rebelution is a middle grade book…sooo, I wonder how these students (who just happen to be my target audience) would see my characters. Maybe I should read them my book! After I was several chapters…