Please help me welcome Chloe JonPaul today. She is a phenomenal woman which you will soon learn and is here today on tour with her new release, This Business of Children. Check this out...
Thank you for taking time to chat with us today Chloe. Please tell us a little about yourself......
As a teacher for 35 years, I taught every grade except kindergarten. My teaching experience extended to Adult Ed in Maine and Maryland, high school English in a Maryland psychiatric facility, and to inmates in the Maryland state prison as well.
Teaching and writing have always been my passions. I retired early from teaching and turned to writing full time when the death knell sounded on my creativity in the classroom. We were being forced to “teach to the test” and that was something I refused to do.
What inspired you to pen your first title?
My philosophy of life is: find a need and fill it. I had been a caregiver to my parents and grandparents. When I finally had to make the decision to place both my parents in a long term care facility,I began to see the problems other caregivers were facing so I took a survey to find out what they needed to know. That information, along with my own personal experience, developed into a book.It subsequently took me across the U.S. giving workshops to family and professional caregivers.
How long have you been writing?
I have always loved to write – even as a young child but I never really thought about doing it seriously. As an adult, I wrote occasional articles for small magazines and newspapers.I started writing my first book in 2002.
What was the hardest part about writing this particular novel?
Perhaps the most hardest part was being able to get “inside the skin of the male characters – capturing their thoughts, words, and actions.
Have any dreams been realized as a result of your writing?
Yes! When I look at those three books displayed on a bookshelf in my den, I can say I’m the author! Don McCauley selected me for his book, 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading. I feel honored to have been selected.
Is there a message in your novel you want readers to grasp?
I think that Sandy Fivecoat, one of the people who wrote an endorsement for the book says it best:
This Business of Children is a gripping tale that should not be missed! Whether you are a teacher, parent, policy leader, or interested citizen, this inside perspective, positioned in a realistic novel, is a must read! Sandy Fivecoat Founder, WeAreTeachers.com.
Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?
1. I would like to see This Business of Children made into a movie.
2. I would like to continue writing my personal memoirs.
3. I may decide to do something with the 2 manuscripts that are still lying around: The Untold Story of the Alphabet Alessandra Teresa Petrucci: The Little Girl with a Long Name, Both stories require illustration.
What advice do you have for writer's just starting out?
My advice is simply this:
* Identify your target audience.
* Network with like-minded people.
* Prepare an outline of what you want to accomplish.
* Set a date for completion.
* Think POD: persistence,organized, determined
Anything else you would like to share with us today?......
I would love to hear from anyone of your readers. They can visit my web site: www.chloejonpaul.com and drop me a note.
Chloe Jon Paul, M.Ed., is a retired educator and writer of several published articles and a previous book entitled "What Happens Next: A Family Guide to Nursing Home Visits" and More...
Her many achievements since the age of 55 include:
Her many achievements since the age of 55 include:
- Title of Ms. Maryland Senior America 2003 Recipient of the Fulbright Fellowship
- Seminars Abroad award to South Africa, 1996
- Seminars Abroad award to South Africa, 1996
- Volunteer internship during the 2005 Maryland legislative session as a Legacy
- Leadership Institute graduate Lead facilitator for the Alternatives to Violence Project in prison and community workshops on conflict resolution for ten years State representative for the National Family Caregivers Association's caregiver community action network 2006-2008 Advisory board member: MD, Healthcare Commission and the Interagency Commission for Aging Services: Maryland Dept. of Aging Hospice and homeless shelter volunteer Coordinator for the Good Samaritan Project at her church World traveler - all 7 continents.
“…because the story that claws at my brain and keeps me awake nights has to be told.”~ Vera Harriss
Vera Harriss Vera Harriss, Deidre Fletcher, Mark Pettingill, and Stu Martel are elementary school teachers in the fictional town of Blevins, Maine whose secret, private lives change dramatically as you read.
Vera, who is about to retire, vents her anger during a Board of Education meeting with a speech that brings the audience to its feet. Why does Deidre, an exceptional teacher, leave the job she loves to become a corporate trainer down South? Then there is Mark, the perennial job hunter looking for a corporate position with more prestige and pay but then turns down the perfect offer when it finally comes through. Stu, one of the most popular teachers in the school, struggles with a deep, dark secret that he can only share with Deidre. What causes Stu Vera Harriss, Dee Fletcher, Mark Pettingill, and Stu Martel are eager to share their intriguing secrets and entangled lives with you.
Wonderful fun read!, June 29, 2011
By
Susan Fletcher (Henderson, NC United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: This Business of Children (Paperback)
This is a great book that I couldn't put down until the end, and then, I wanted it to continue. I got so wrapped up in the main characters' lives. I felt like I knew them personally. As a teacher of 27 years, this was a wonderful book that pinpoints many problems that teachers encounter in their daily lives, both at school and home. I really enjoyed this book, and I'm sure you will too. I was also impressed that the author answered my e-mail.I just wanted to throw this review in to show that Chloe will answer your emails. She loves her fans and wants to hear from you. Leave her a comment today. Thank you so much for stopping in during your tour Chloe. I wish you much success in the future.
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