Maria Daniels
Happy Wednesday, Golden Divas!
Being an author is terrific within itself; I love writing in my blog, and I loved penning my novel, but when you’re a children’s author, there’s a special place for you in my heart. You see, children’s literature isn’t just written to entertain kids—it’s a didactic text aimed at and written to teach them. You are helping their little minds to learn right from wrong with repeated events, incidents, numbers, days—you name it. And, of course, it’s all wrapped up in a bunch of pretty pictures and a fun story, and eventually, that earworm will turn into knowledge. So, the perfect compliment for a well-written children’s book is the book’s illustration. Now you’ll know we all love pictures, but kids go wild over them. Why? Because it is an attention-getter, and it stimulates their little minds and makes the imagination go into overdrive.
Seriously, pictures help them to understand the story better. Before kids could read, illustrations were their connection that reinforced the story. So, they can follow along, even if they didn’t understand the words in the book. Some children’s books are only pictures—Golden Divas we all know pictures are worth a thousand words. Ladies, do you have a ‘Bucket List?’ If you do and you have accomplished everything on your list, that is fantastic. If you don’t make one and work it out. My next guest did exactly at Club 50 checked off one of her things to do on her ‘Bucket List!’ She has mastered the gift of being a children’s author, her book, ‘Good Dreams, Good Things,’ is such a delight for the little ones, with an encouraging message and bold and beautiful illustrations. Golden Divas, I will like to introduce to you one of my classmates from high school (shout out to Percy L. Julian), a beautiful and gifted writer. This Golden Diva has a heart for teaching and developing young minds, from Educator to the Author, without further ado meet Maria Daniels.
WELCOME TO CLUB FIFTY!
MEET MARIA DANIELS
Maria Daniels was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. This beauty is in the 50 (+) plus club, and before shifting to becoming an author, she was an Educator with Chicago Public Schools, where she taught children of all ages. Her creative teaching abilities inspired her students every day. Her love for writing encouraging and creative adventures started when she was just a young girl.
Her ability to capture and encapsulate a moment in time where children can identify with the character(s) experience on some level is always present. She still lives in Chicago but is always eager to travel with friends to a warm climate that boasts magnificent beaches and clear blue waters.
GOLDEN DIVA INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
C50: What inspired you to start writing?
MD: My parents were both Educators, so there was always reading and writing in our house. I was the little girl that always kept a diary, and in my adult years, I continued to journal. Writing became very therapeutic for me. It was a way for me to make sense of my feelings, set life goals, and talk to GOD.
C50: Why did you decide to write a children’s book?
MD: There was a time when I was trying to figure things out, and while I had the time, I decided to review my bucket list and finish my children’s book on that list. My early teaching years were focused on early childhood development. I would have various conversations with the children about different topics, and I would also read to them at storytime. I noticed the books I was reading, although interesting, educating was not reflective of personal childhood experiences.
C50: What were the key challenges you faced when writing a children’s book?
MD: There were no real challenges in writing the book. Once I got started, the ideas just flowed. I am self-published, so finding information and helping me complete my book from beginning to end was challenging. I found someone referred to me via social media, and once I conveyed my ideas, this individual connected me with an editor, illustrator, having it Copywrite and published.
Make it stand out
C50: How did you come up with the title “Good Dreams, Good Things?”
MD: I wrote the book first and then thought about a title. I wanted to keep it simple for the young readers and to intrigue the parents.
C50: What is the significance of the title?
MD: The title is reflective of what the story is about.
C50: Can you share something about the book that isn’t in the blurb?
MD: The book subliminally suggests to children that there is always something positive that can result from what seems to be a negative situation. As you follow the character during his slumber, certain situations will arise that could negatively affect how you perceive it.
C50: What is the key theme and message in the book?
MD: Always look on the bright side.
C50: Do the characters hold a special place in your heart?
MD: The characters and family unit are reflective of my household as a young child. Their names are family names with minor changes.
C50: What was the highlight of writing this book?
MD: Being able to contribute to the literary world as a published Author and to provide a window for children’s imaginations to flourish.
C50: What was the most surprising thing you discovered while writing this book?
MD: I was surprised at the people that contacted me, stating that I inspired them. My future goal is to be a resource for others that want to write a book and be self-published.
Bonus Question
C50: Where can Club Fifty readers purchase your book?
MD: You purchase Good Dreams, Good Things on my website at http://twentyrosespublishing.weebly.com/contact.html
There you have it Golden Divas, a woman who is on a mission to continue to educate young minds in the literacy world. Please support her vision and gift a child the book of ‘Good Dreams, Good Things!’
