|  Meet Author Maryann B. Sawka
Maryann B. Sawka lives in a small town named Hiller in south of Pittsburgh, PA with her husband of nearly 10 years and two daughters. She studied Early Childhood/Elementary Education and earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from the California University of PA in 1993 and a Master’s of Science in Reading and Literacy for Elementary Grades from Walden University. Sawka’s career path includes working as an alumni director, technical writer, software trainer and special needs preschool teacher.
Sawka has always had an appreciation for the written word and has been an avid reader since she was a child. Along with the love for reading has been a love for writing. As a technical writer, Sawka documented software programs for end users, which was very process-oriented. When she started her own company, Charming Manners, Sawka began writing the curriculum after much research in the area of manners and etiquette. Her current book Good Table Manners Made Easy was born from her etiquette workshops and curriculum, a collection of tips for diners of all ages. Read the full interview here!  Meet Teen Author Rachel Yurchisin
Rachel Yurchisin’s love of science and nature has inspired her to write her first children’s book in the hopes of passing on her passion to other young ‘budding’ naturalists. Yurchisin is a junior in high school and participates in educational programs at her city zoo and natural history museum.
 Meet Author Karen Cioffi
Karen Cioffi is an advocate of education, reading, and the environment. She loves how reading can spark a child’s imagination and bring him or her to new worlds and on amazing adventures. Along with writing children’s books, Karen is a ghostwriter and freelance writer, and has several nonfiction books on writing and book marketing. She has lived in New York City all her life, and two of her favorite sayings are: “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” American proverb “Be the change you want to see in the world.” M. Ghandi
Read the full interview here!
 Meet Award-winning Authors Natasha Yim & Gretchen Maurer
Natasha Yim’s current book, Cixi, The Dragon Empress and Gretchen Maurer’s current book, Mary Tudor, “Bloody Mary” are two of the six books (all written by different authors) in Goosebottom Books’ series, The Thinking Girl’s Treasury of Dastardly Dames. The series profiles six women in history who have earned dastardly reputations. Read full interview here!
 Meet Award-winning Author Camille Matthews
Camille Matthews, MSW, LCSW is a clinical social worker and writer who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, complex PTSD and attachment disorders. In 2002, she received her certification in the new field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) from the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association and established the Pathfinder Program in Farmington, NM where she treated adolescents, children and women victims of domestic violence using EAP. She teamed with illustrator, Michelle Black to create the Quincy the Horse Books for children ages 5-10. Read full interview here!
 Meet Author Fiona Ingram
Fiona Ingram’s earliest story-telling talents came to the fore when, from the age of ten, she entertained her three younger brothers and their friends with serialized tales of children undertaking dangerous and exciting exploits, which they survived through courage and ingenuity. Haunted houses, vampires, and skeletons leaping out of coffins were hot favorites in the cast of characters. Although Fiona Ingram has been a journalist for the last fifteen years, writing a children’s book—The Secret of the Sacred Scarab—was an unexpected step, inspired by a recent trip to Egypt. Read the full interview here!
 Meet Author Tal Yanai
In tenth grade he was diagnosed with dyslexia, which explained his learning difficulties but it did little to ease his frustration with himself and his everyday struggles. He had no mentors he could confide in or look up to. And no matter how hard his parents tried, his living on a kibbutz meant they had little influence during his teenager years.
At the age of twenty-three, when he moved to the U.S., Tal found solace in a higher power and started on a spiritual path, which has led him to align himself with his soul’s essence and mission. Read the full interview here!  Meet Author Clayton Paul Thomas
Clayton Paul Thomas has worked with kids for about 16 years from three different settings. The first was at St. Joseph Children’s Home. This was a place abused kids went after being permanently separated from their parents. Most of his parenting skills were developed here. The kids Clayton worked with ranged from ages 3 to 15. Afterwards, Clayton became an elementary public school teacher. He taught for 7 1/2 years from 1st through 4th grade. Finally, Clayton has two boys (Cameron age 7 and Luke age 3). He has been married for 9 years to his beautiful wife Lauren. Though his parenting skills were learned at St. Joseph, his wife’s has been the inspiration to writing “Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures: A Parent Guide to Parenting in the 21st Century” and sharing insights with all of you. To her, Clayton is eternally thankful. Read the full interview here!
 Meet Author Margot Finke
Margot Finke is an Aussie transplant who writes midgrade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family. Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between writing. Her husband is very supportive, and their three children are now grown and doing very well.
Margot didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot said, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes!" Her first books, a 7x book rhyming series, "Wild and Wonderful," offers fun facts about animals from the US and Australia. Educational and fun, eBooks can be read on a computer, laptop, or various color e-Readers. They are great for classroom or home schooling moms. Remember, kids today are computer savvy, and ALL 11 of Margot’s books (both hard copy and eBooks) can be viewed on Margot’ Magic Carpet. The latest three are: Taconi and Claude – Double Trouble (midgrade), Horatio Humble Beats the Big D + Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind. Read the full interview here!  Meet The Brothers Foot and their creators Steve Cormey & Ronda Eden
Come sing, dance and play with three rambunctious little rabbits in their happy little briar patch. You can meet their creators, author Steve Cormey and illustrator Ronda Eden. Steve Cormey has entertained the people of Grand County and Colorado for over thirty years. An award winning songwriter, he has written, produced and released six very successful CDs while playing an always full schedule of live performances. Ronda Eden was born in Adelaide, South Australia and spent her childhood dreaming about horses. She’s spent most of her adult life wandering around in a state of confusion over what she really wanted to do and now, middle-aged, she’s living her childhood dream. Read the full interview here! 
Meet Award-winning Author Lisa Umina
Lisa Umina, owner of Halo Publishing International, not only publishes books but also enjoys a successful career as an award-winning author, motivational speaker and literary consultant. Umina´s publishing company continues to flourish by strengthening the movement of words across the international borders in order to benefit cultures and society as a whole. She has been interviewed by countless newspapers, radio and and television shows and has traveled the world to teach children about their purpose and important life lessons inside her books. Read the full interview here!  Meet Award-winning Author Renee Hand
Renee Hand's love for reading and writing started when she was a child. Renee always had a passion for it and remembers frequently wearing out the stone steps to the local library. When in a bookstore, she would sit in the middle of an aisle perusing a novel that she was eagerly going to purchase, but couldn’t wait to read. Often, when Renee has extra time, she will write stories that pop into her head...locking herself in her room for hours. Now that Renee is older, her love for reading and writing has not diminished. In fact, it has only become a bigger part of her. It is because of this that Renee chose to share her interests with other readers who love books as much as she does. Read the full interview here!
 Meet Award-winning Author Janet Halfmann
Janet Halfmann is the award-winning author of more than thirty fiction and nonfiction children’s books. Before becoming a children’s author, Janet was a daily newspaper reporter, children’s magazine editor, and a creator of coloring and activity books for Golden Books. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of four. When Janet isn’t writing, she enjoys gardening, exploring nature, visiting living-history museums, and spending time with her family. She grew up on a farm in mid-Michigan and now lives in Wisconsin. Read the full interview here!  Meet Co-Authors Tom Listul & Heather Listul Hewitt
Tom Listul wrote Monkey Made Dream with his daughter, Heather Listul Hewitt, when she was eight years old. A farmer from southwest Minnesota, he is also a singer/songwriter. Listul made Monkey Made Dream into a children’s song and has sang it at numerous coffee houses and children’s classrooms. Hewitt is now a speech-language pathologist, who works for a school district with students of all ages. She enjoys helping children develop literacy skills and a love for reading.
 Meet Author Cheryl Malandrinos
Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. A regular contributor for Writer2Writer, her articles focus on increasing productivity through time management and organization. A founding member of Musing Our Children, Ms. Malandrinos is also Editor in Chief of the group’s quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens. Cheryl is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book, a book reviewer, and blogger. Little Shepherd is her first children’s book. Ms. Malandrinos lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two young daughters. She also has a son who is married. Read interview here!  Meet Author and Owner of Halo Publishing Int., Lisa Umina
Lisa Umina heads a thriving book publishing business but also enjoys a successful career as an author, motivational speaker, missionary, and literary consultant. Umina´s company, Halo Publishing International, continues to flourish by strengthening the movement of words across the international borders in order to benefit cultures and society as a whole. She has been interviewed by countless newspapers and radio and TV stations. She has traveled the world to teach children about their purpose and how religion can positively influence their lives. Click here to read interview! 
Meet Author Beverly Stowe McClure
Many times the characters develop their own personalities in the beginning, whether they’re shy or bold, quiet or talkative, reckless or cautious. I like to interview them and ask about their goals or problems, their families, their loves, hates, and fears. What they tell me or don’t tell me helps to develop the character, to know how she would act in a certain situation. Historical characters, of course, must fit the time period they live in. Their choice of words and their actions must be accurate. Click here to read interview. Meet Author Debbie Dadey
Debbie Dadey, author and co-author of 145 books, including the critically acclaimed Keyholder series, recently chatted with us about the Adventures of the Bailey School Kids series and Keyholder series. Come along as she shares her world of writing, collaborating with co-author Marcia Thornton Jones, school visits, and speaking engagements. Each unique and exciting in their own right. Click here to read interview! Meet Founder, Editor-in-Chief, and Author VS Grenier
What better way to learn more about the behind-the- scenes activities at Stories for Children Magazine than by featuring SFC’s own founder and Editor-in-Chief, VS Grenier? Read this exciting interview and learn how this dynamic woman juggles the responsibilities of running a leading children’s magazine, her own writing career, family, and how she developed her award-winning story, “SugarPaw and the Babysitter,” into her first picture book, released by Halo Publishing, July 1, 2009. Click here to read interview! Meet Author Bill Trombello
The old adage “write what you know” has proven true for children’s author, Bill Trombello. The author’s expertise and work with the Canadian National Railroad inspired Bill to write How a Real Locomotive Works. Come along for this fascinating journey getting to know Bill Trombello and a “real locomotive.” Click here to read more! Meet Author and Illustrator Kevin Collier
KEVIN SCOTT COLLIER is a youth fiction and children's book author and illustrator who lives in Grand Haven, Michigan. He has had works published by Baker Trittin Press, Hidden Picture Books Publishing, New World Publishing, Guardian Angel Publishing, Writers Exchange E-Publishing, Xulon Press, Arbor Books, Athse Publishing, Lifevest Publishing, Ithaca Press, Ink Water Press, Book Locker, Tangerine Sky Publications and Lulu Press. His resume includes over 30 written or illustrated titles to his credit. He also has been published in several online and print magazines such as "Once Upon A Time", "Wee Ones", "Fandangle", and "Cecil Child" to name a few. Kevin also teaches youth fiction and illustration classes. Meet illustrator Feras Nouf
Illustrator Feras Nouf is a graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus, Syria. His creative talents have reached far beyond Syria, and he has become a sought-out illustrator internationally. Join us in this heartwarming interview and be inspired. Learn how, with the proper support and encouragement, anything is possible. Click here to read more!  Meet Author Maggie Pagratis
Maggie Pagratis is a children's book writer who resides in Dorval, Quebec, where she is also the editor of the quarterly magazine, Business News Makers. She is the author of more than 15 books and the publisher of over 30. Go Away Booboo!, her whimsical picture book about a bruise with character, has been translated into seven languages along with an original R&B solo. Maggie has worked with more than a dozen international authors and illustrators and enjoys sharing her book profits with charities around the world. She is the mother of two children and a cat. Her favorite books are Goodnight Moon, Where the Wild Things Are, and Something out of Nothing. Maggie has also written dozens of songs and created more than 22 videos of her children's books.  Meet Author C.J. Pumpkins
C.J. Pumpkins has more than 15 years of experience with children working in youth groups, after school programs, and volunteer programs. He is also credited with teaching classes on filmmaking to inner city students through Big Picture Alliance.
The Dream Stowaway was inspired by great works of fiction from the past such as Peter Pan, Little Nemo, and Dr. Seuss books. Pumpkins has always been a fan of these timeless classics, and a piece of them appears in each of his works. "I hope my books inspire other writers in the same way that these works have inspired me," he says. Click here to read more.
 Meet the Wumblers TV Show Creator Laura Wellington
You cannot get any more real than Laura Wellington. Her story of survival and how she turned her family’s devastating misfortune into an experience of inspiration and motivation for all to follow is amazing. Click here to read more.
 Meet Children's Author and Illustrator
Carol Heyer
Carol Heyer is a full-time illustrator and writer. Heyer worked for a movie production company as production designer and writer of feature films. She left the production company to pursue a career as a freelance artist and writer. One of Heyer's specialties is children's books. She has retold and illustrated numerous books and fairy tales. Click here to read more.  Meet Children's Author
Christine Verstraete
Author of Searching For A Starry Night: A Miniature Art Mystery. Click here to read more.
 Meet Children's Poet & Author
Laura Purdie Salas
Laura Purdie Salas is a children’s poet and writer. She writes poetry, nonfiction, and fiction for kids from pre-K to teens. She has more than 35 nonfiction books out, as well as 6 poetry collections, with more to come. Click here to read more.
 Children's Illustrator & Author, Dawn Phillips
Dawn Phillips is a children’s book author and illustrator who lives in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She is contracted with the following publishers: Athse Publishing, Trafford Publishing, and Xlibris Publishing. Click here to read more.  Meet Kevin Gerard, author of the Conor and The Crossworlds Series
Kevin Gerard lives in San Diego, California with his wife and four boys. He teaches sociology and statistics for the California State University. Mr. Gerard finished the fifth Conor and the Crossworlds book in May, 2006. Click here to read more.  Award Winning Author Mark Peter Hughes
Award winning author Mark Peter Hughes was born in Liverpool, England, and was later kicked out of eighth grade music class for throwing a spitball. His novel, Lemonade Mouth, is a Top 10 Booksense Pick, and is also nominated as a 2008 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. Mark’s first novel, I am the Wallpaper, was a New York Public Library’s 2006 Best Book for the Teen Age, a Booksense Summer Pick, and a finalist in the Delacorte Press Young Adult Novel Competition. He now lives and often hums quietly in Massachusetts. Click here to read more.  Meet Author Nancy Kelly Allen
Nancy Kelly Allen’s route to writing has more twists and turns than a winding mountain road. She worked as a social worker and then an elementary school teacher. When Nancy changed career paths once again to became a school librarian, the route led her straight to the world of picture books. Nancy spent her days introducing books to children and her nights writing books for children. Eventually, writing led her down the avenue to publication. Nancy has seven picture books, both fiction and nonfiction, and is working on more. Click here to read more.  Meet Dotti Enderle Author of 17 Children's books
Dotti Enderle is the author of numerous books for children and educators including picture books, Grandpa for Sale, and The Cotton Candy Catastrophe at the Texas State Fair.
As a professional storyteller, Dotti has entertained at numerous schools, libraries, museums and festivals since 1993. She especially takes pride in her vast collection of original stories and folktales, and specializes in “participation” stories, allowing the audience to join in the fun. Click here to read more.  Max Elliot Anderson, author of adventure books for reluctant readers.
Max Elliot Anderson literally grew up in the film industry. His father, Ken Anderson, was the founder of Gospel Films and later, Ken Anderson Films. In addition to his film and production work, Max Elliot Anderson has written thirty-four manuscripts for a chapter adventure series for boys, ages eight and up.
Click here to read more. | |  Meet Author Molly Nero
Molly Nero loves to sing, dance and read. She spent over 18 years teaching elementary school. Reading to her own children, she was inspired to write. The second book in the Smarty Pig book series Smarty Pig and the Test Taking Terror releases in Spring 2012.
Read the Full interview here!
 Meet Author Jan Britland
Jan Britland is an author and artist. She lives in Punta Gorda, Florida with her husband Bill. They have a bulldog named Madison, a parrot named Lola, three red-eared slider turtles named Sparky, Luigi and hale. And last but not least Goldie a pond fish. All of whom are portrayed in her stories. When she is not writing Children's books, she teaches oil painting to adults. Read the full interview here!
 Meet Author Leonard Jacobson
Leonard Jacobson is spiritual teacher who is deeply committed to helping others break through to the joyous experience of living in the NOW. He teaches how to become fundamentally present and how to arise in mastery of your mind and ego, so that you are no longer involuntarily pulled out of Presence. Leonard teaches that the fully awakened state of consciousness is available now. It is not something that occurs in the future. It is already here, waiting to be revealed. As you awaken into the present moment, your thoughts will stop, your mind will fall silent, and you will awaken to an inner silence and peace that is beyond understanding. You will begin to encounter what the mystics and Masters have been speaking of for centuries. Read the full interview here!
 Meet Author Maha Huneidi
Maha Huneidi is a wife, mother and now grandmother, who finally found out what she wants to be when she grows up…a writer of children’s book. When Monsters Get Lonely is the first step of her journey.
Huneidi began writing this book and later found out her granddaughter was afraid of monsters. “It was not about my granddaughter at all, but when I heard that she was afraid of monsters, it quickly became all about her. I wanted to empower her to take charge of her fear,” states Huneidi. “I sent my son a copy of "When Monsters Get Lonely" in a word file, with illustrations, just before I submitted it for publishing in April. Hanaa’s parents immediately began reading it to her...Now, she sometimes tells her mother, ‘the monster touched my neck, but I made friends with him.” Huneidi wants to help children, like her granddaughter Hanaa, find the courage to deal with monsters and other fears on their own. “My granddaughter still enjoys monster movies and monster stories! But she has found the courage to overcome her fears,” states Huneidi Read the full intervew here!
 Meet 6-Year-Old Author Liyah Bailey
LaNiyah Bailey is a 6‐year‐old author with a message for children like her – just because you are bigger than other kid, that doesn’t mean that people have the right to bully you.
In her debut book, Not FAT Because I Wanna Be, LaNiyah details the struggle of Jessica, a fictional girl who has an underlying medical issue that causes her to gain weight. Bullied by her peers, Jessica learns to accept her body and eventually opens up about her condition to her classmates. LaNiyah is not only speaking to other children through her book, but has become an advocate for anti‐bullying organizations. With a message that words can hurt and that not all weight gain is due to an unhealthy lifestyle, LaNiyah hopes her book will enlighten and entertain her young readers. “Sometimes, I would not tell mom and dad how bad it really was. I’d go home and cry, cry, cry.” ‐ From Not FAT Because I Wanna Be Read the full inteview here!  Meet Author Karin Lefranc
Karin Lefranc teaches etiquette and table manners classes to young boys and girls, as well as self-confidence, agility, relaxation and mindfulness techniques through her Kids Yoga programs. Born in Sweden, Lefranc also lived in three more countries—Lebanon, South Africa and England—before moving to the U.S. for college. She graduated in English from Bard College in upstate New York, and then traveled the world again while working for IDG Books to license the “Dummies” series into different languages. The jet setter and her husband settled down in Simsbury, Connecticut, and Lefranc opened a children’s store in nearby Avon, called Over the Moon. Aside from selling clothes and children’s books, LeFranc offered classes ranging from High Tea & Etiquette to Please Pass the Table Manners. Lefranc debuts as an author this year with A Quest for Good Manners, teaching young readers why it matters to be polite. Sometimes her four children—three girls and a boy—need to go on their own quest to find good manners, but they usually find them by the end of dinner. Read the full interview here!
 Meet Author Linda Valderrama R.D.H.
Linda Valderrama R.D.H. has over 25 years experience as a dental hygienist. She has treated patients from ages two to one hundred years old and has successfully developed preventative oral hygiene programs tailored to individual needs. Linda is a strong believer that good oral hygiene leads to overall health and well being and that good daily habits must be acquired early in life. Her book helps parents to work with their children to achieve this goal. She is working towards developing programs for schools, assisted living facilities and healthcare institutions to enable them to offer more effective oral hygiene programs. Linda is a member of the American Dental Hygienists Association, the California Dental Hygienists Association and the San Diego Dental Hygienists Society. Her book “Brush Barry Brush” is to help parents and young children work together to achieve the simple but very important goal that every time you eat, you should brush your teeth. Read the full interview here!
 Meet Award-winning Author Mary Cunningham
Mary Cunningham is the author of the award winning 'Tween fantasy/mystery series, Cynthia’s Attic. Her children's mystery series was inspired by a recurring dream about a mysterious attic. After realizing that the dream took place in the home of her childhood friend, Cynthia, the dreams stopped and the writing began. She is also co-writer of the humor-filled lifestyle book titled, WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty, Christmas With Daisy, and Ghost Light, a short story inspired by her Indiana basketball roots. Read the full interview here!
 Meet Multi Award-winning Author Bobbie Hinman
Bobbie Hinman has a B.S. degree inElementary Education and is a member of the Maryland Writers’ Association, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association. Thanks to her teaching experience and her thirteen grandchildren, sh is right at home when it comes to children's books. Bobbie loves to create stories that reveal some of the less practical and more magical explanations for life's little mysteries. After all, who better to blame it on than the fairies? Bobbie Hinman's books delight children everywhere. She is currently in demand as a featured speaker at schools, libraries and book festivals. Through her fairy books, Bobbie uncovers the answers to some of life’s mysterious dilemmas, such as tangled hair and missing socks. Read the full interview here!
 Meet Co-Authors Judy Snider & Joan Dickow, along with Illustrator Cady Driver
Joan Dickow, Judy’s sister, lives in Berkley, Michigan wither husband, Fred and their cat, Coffee. This is her first book and she is currently working on her second picture book, The Porch Fairy. Judy Snider, Joan’s sister 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 on a team of authors of The Scared Purse. Cady Driver paints portraits and murals, teaches art and donates her work to charitable organizations. She has also illustrated Icky, Sticky Pancake World by Patrick Wynn. You can view more of her work online at http://www.ArtByCady.com or contract her at Cady@ArtByCady.com. She currently resides in Raleigh, NC wither husband and homeschools her three children.
I Love You, Be Careful is a heartwarming and uplifting book. There is a page to personalize it as a gift for adults or children. The book’s beautiful illustrations by Cady B. Driver capture poignant memories and cause one to reflect on all the “Be Careful” moments in life and smile. Read the full interview here!  Meet Author Sherry Ellis
Sherry Ellis is a freelance writer who writes articles for parenting magazines and children’s publications. Her first book, That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN, was published in 2005. Her second, That Mama is a Grouch, was published in May of 2010. It was honored as a finalist in the Parenting/Family category of the 2010 USA Book News Awards. Sherry is also a professional musician who plays and teaches violin, viola, and piano. Ms. Ellis lives in Loveland, Ohio with her husband and two children. Read the full interview here! Meet Award-winning author Mayra Calvani
 Award-winning author Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. She’s a reviewer for The New York Journal of Books and co-editor of Voice in the Dark ezine. She's had over 300 reviews, interviews, stories, and articles published in print and online. Mayra is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Children's Writer's Coaching Club.
Read the interview here!  Meet Author & Agent Marsha Casper Cook
Marsha Casper Cook is the author of six published books and 11 feature-length screenplays, a literary agent with 15 years of experience and the host of a radio talk show about the business of writing and entertainment, “A Good Story is a Good Story,” on the Red River Radio network. She and her guests discuss writing and what’s new in the entertainment field. This year, she also began hosting another talk show “The Whole Truth”; on this show she and her guests discuss day to day issues that effect family life. Marsha has also appeared as a guest on other network shows and will continue to make frequent visits to other shows. Read the Interview here!
Meet Author & Illustrator J.D. Holiday
J.D. Holiday is the author and illustrator of two children’s books: Janoose the Goose, picture book and a chapter book for six to eight year olds, THE GREAT SNOWBALL ESCAPADE. A chapbook of her short stories called, Trespasses was published in 1994 and she has had short stories printed in literary magazines and numerous articles about writing and publishing published. She is a member of both The Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators, (SCBWI) and Small Publishers of North America, (SPAN.) J.D. Holiday lives in the Delaware Valley of Pennsylvania. Read the Interview here!  Meet Author Audrey Penn
I grew up in a family of musicians and theatrical performers. Music was played in our home and in the home of my grandparents from morning until night. Because I had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and my fingers would easily stiffen, I wasn’t able to study a musical instrument, so I learned to dance. Dancing was my whole life and I had a wonderful career until my illness became too severe. In 1976, while still dancing and performing, I turned my creativity to another passion—writing. I started writing when I was a child. I wrote about everything, but mostly about my brothers and all the funny things they would tell me or do to me, and my dog Frisky, who won the longest tail contest. I incorporated what I found with my imagination. By the time I was too ill to dance, I had published my first book, Happy Apple Told Me. Click here to read interview Meet Author James Dashner
An accountant turned author, James Dashner is living the dream so many writers strive for. The mastermind behind The Maze Runner trilogy, Dashner continues to give back to the writing community by paying it forward. He is always willing to provide insights on his experiences in the publishing world, but be forewarned, his humorous style may have you forgetting what you asked in the first place. Come along for Dashner’s amazing twist and turn journey. Click here to read interview!
 Meet New York Best-selling Author Brandon Mull
Step onto the pages of the brilliant and magical world of Brandon Mull. This best-selling NY Times author captivates the reader like none other. Mull lures the reader into the land of mythical creatures from the onset and takes you on an adventure you will not soon forget. Come along and experience for yourself. Interview 1 Click here to read more. Interview 2 Click here to read interview!
 Meet Author Dan Gutman
Technology has certainly made the world a smaller place. And with the monthly featured guest interview here at Stories for Children Magazine, it is our hope to make the world slightly smaller. Come along for this astounding interview with children’s author, Dan Gutman. He has an incredible 86 books to his credit, even though he has his own share of rejections. How is it possible to have so many books after receiving rejections? Read on to find out how by Clicking Here!
 Meet Author and Illustrator Dave Manousos
Writer and illustrator Dave Manousos has provided us with a unique glimpse into his illustrious career. In 2004, Dave decided to write and draw for children. Life is Good & Other Reasons For Rhyme is the first of the “Life Is” series, with two additional titles, Life Is Weird & Other Rhyme For No Reason and Life Is Crazy & More Rhymes For No Reason, to follow. Dave is a member of The Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and now a happy member of JacketFlap. Click here to read more! Meet Author, Publisher, Motivator, Consultant, Spokesperson, and Mom . . . Stacey Kannenber
Stacey Kannenberg, affectionately known as the “Let’s Get Ready to Learn Mom,” is an author, publisher, motivator, consultant, spokesperson, and mom. Stacey is a nationally-renowned education expert and award-winning author with an expertise in children's education and “Mom-entrepreneurship.” She is the Founder/CEO of Cedar Valley Publishing and the co-author of the Let's Get Ready series. Come along on this amazing journey and learn more about Stacey’s accomplished career and how her writing talents help children get ready for school. Stacey’s books include “Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten!” and “Let’s Get Ready For First Grade!” winner of the 2007 Teacher’s Choice Family Award by Learning Magazine. Click here to read more!  Meet Children's Author Rick Walton
Rick Walton became a children's writer because, after trying almost every other career in the book, he finally realized that writing for kids was one of the few things that he both enjoyed and was good at. Since that realization he has had over fifty books published, with another ten or so more scheduled for publication over the next couple of years. Click here to read more.
 Award-winning Author, Magdalena Ball
Magdalena Ball runs The Compulsive Reader. Her short stories, editorials, poetry, reviews and articles have appeared in a wide number of printed anthologies and journals, and have won local and international awards for poetry and fiction.
Click here to read more.  Angela K. Durden, author of the Mike and His Grandpa Story Series.
Angela K. Durden is a wife of one husband, mother of two, grandmother of two, and business owner since 1992.
She is a talented amateur photographer and currently has planned a photography CD. She formatted, designed, typeset, wrote, and is the art director for all her books.
Mrs. Durden is also available as a speaker for teachers' conventions and workshops and other groups. She enjoys working with schools providing an author visit/reading. Click here to read more. Meet Children's Author Terry Pierce
Terry Pierce’s love for books started early in life. She fondly remembers her first visit to a bookstore, where she got to choose her very own book to buy and keep ("The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss"—which she still has). She liked reading all kinds of books and writing poetry in elementary school and even made her own "library" in her room. Terry experiences the joys of being a writer in many ways. She loves meeting children and adults through book signings, school visits, and workshops. She directed the Writer's Club at Faller Elementary School in Ridgecrest, CA and is an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, serving on the Ventura/Santa Barbara regional board. Terry has been many things in her life—a mom, wife, daughter, friend, animal-lover, backpacker, teacher, writer, windsurfer, Taekwondo black belt, nature-lover, honor student, and artist. You could say she loves life and grabs all she can from it! Click here to read more. Children's Book Author, Kristen Collier
Kristen Collier is a critically acclaimed Christian novelist, a columnist for several newspapers, and a feature writer for The Chronicle of the Horse magazine. Click here to read more.  Meet Award-winning author Jewel Sample
Award-winning author Jewel Sample’s focus is in helping others. That is why she wrote her book, Flying Hugs and Kisses, which is about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Sample is also a storyteller at heart. She and her husband, Chuck, are the parents of three sons, and the grandparents of thirteen children. Click here to read more.
 Meet Illustrator Cathy Morrison
I always wanted to be an artist of some sort. Originally I thought I might be an art teacher. I got my degree in education and fine art along with a teaching certificate, but quickly realized I liked making art better than teaching art. So I worked in an animation studio, then had a graphic design & illustration studio and now illustrate children's books. Click here to read more. Shari Lyle-Soffe, author of The Misadventures of Rooter & Snuffle
Shari Lyle-Soffe lives in Southern Oregon with her husband Bob, a Shih tzu named Dallas, and a tortoise-shell cat named Amber. Her work has been published in Babybug, Ladybug, Hopscotch, Wild Animal Baby, Highlights for Children, Children's Playmate, Schooldays, Holidays & Seasonal Celebrations, Fandangle, Wee Ones, Dragonfly Spirit, Bread for God's Children, The Friend, and Story Friends. Her picture/storybook, "The Misadventures of Rooter and Snuffle" has been published by Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. Click here to read more. 
Meet author, Donna J. Shepherd of Topsy Turvy Land.
Donna's children's book, Topsy Turvy Land (Hidden Pictures Publishing) has been described by one reviewer as "a perfect read for young children...a world full of bright hearts, where it isn't difficult to find God's love." Click here to read more.  Meet Melisa Eyuboglu, Published Youth Author
At nine years old, Melisa is a published Author and Illustrator with writing credits in Wee Ones Magazine and Kids Bookshelf. She’s also an accomplished young violinist who’s been playing for audiences for two years. Click here to read more. | |