To read the interview on perpetual prose, click here!
My interview with Michael is now posted on Perpetual Pose!
Bonnie A. Wayne – Interview
21 March 2010 By Perpetual Prose 0 In Author Spotlight Print This Post
Bonnie, what was your first piece of serious writing?
My very first piece of serious writing was The Adventures of Bella and Finny Series! Counting with Bella and Finny was the first book in my Laugh and Learn approach to teaching basic concepts to children.
What inspired you to become an author?
My inspiration comes from the love I have for children and my poodles! I have always enjoyed working with children. My background is in Human Services, and I have worked with children in different capacities for nearly three decades. Through my experience, I have found that humor is a very effective way to teach. I love to make people laugh! I take pictures of my two standard poodles in everyday situations that are normal for humans but very unusual for dogs. The pictures are hilarious!
Tell us about The Adventures of Bella and Finny Series.
The Adventures of Bella and Finny Series currently has four books in the series. Counting, Shapes, Colors and Opposites. The books take a fun and unique approach in teaching basic concepts to children. The stars of this series are my two standard poodles, Bella and Finny. The pictures that I take of them are real! I do not photoshop them on a skateboard, they are on a skateboard! The photographs are just plain funny! The books appeal to children on many different levels.
Parents and educators will find that the familiar activities and recognizable items help to provide for many language based activities. The books really help with memory and comprehension. Each book has a review at the end to reinforce the concepts which they are learning. These books are educationally sound as well as entertaining. I have found that educators and parents find the books to be great learning tools with many teachable moments. So children can learn a little more about their favorite Laugh and Learn Poodles, at the end of each book I have included a “Fun Facts” page on Bella and Finny.
The Adventures of Bella and Finny Series have received the Mom’s Choice Award and The Dove Award both awards honor excellence in family-friendly media. Having both the Mom’s Choice Award and The Dove Award Seal really help families and educators navigate the vast array of products to make informed decisions. When they see the seal they can be sure of a family-friendly quality product.
Do you plan to keep writing in this series, Bonnie, or branch out?
I absolutely will continue with this series! The only branching out that I will do, is to have more Bella and Finny products! I have so many more books that I want to write. I love what I do and can’t imagine doing anything else!
How important are books like yours as a teaching tool for children?
I feel it’s so important that leaning should be fun! Especially in the very young children. Research shows when children enjoy what they are being taught they will retain the information longer and better. You want children to have enthusiasm for learning. I think any book that will help to develop the mind of a child and to inspire and promote the love of learning is invaluable!
What advice do you have for self-published authors like yourself?
In my opinion, you must be passionate about your writing. You have to love with your heart and soul what you do! Next I would say you need to be your own best cheerleader. Which goes to the next piece of advise, market, market, market, network, network, network! I would also suggest to become a member of a professional organization. If you write books for children, an example would be the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). It is also a good idea to attend workshops and conferences. The BookExpo America, BEA, is a great opportunity to network and to market. I would encourage anyone who has an intrest in self-publishing to attend. I guess it boils down to work hard, be persistent, love what you do and everything else seems to fall in to place!
