On a sunny day in Seattle, I was invited to Gregory Heights Elementary School for Author’s Day, hosted by the librarian, Mr. Michael Bento. I have taught workshop for adults, but nothing is as scary as living up to the expectations of sixth-graders.
I have to say I am impressed with the depth and thoughtfulness of their questions and responses. One student got to the bottom line and asked me if I made any money writing; I replied you should have another job with a steady income. Another student asked about the creative process, and how I go about the writing process; we had a discussion about the different types of writing and methods to best approach an essay, a book report, a journal or short story. They were quiet and attentive as I explained the process of birthing a book from manuscript to publication, and the business of marketing a book.
Those two thirty-minute sessions with the sixth-graders zipped by all too fast, and I as I gathered up my materials, I realized that I left with a lot more than I had brought with me: a heartfelt appreciation for the students at Gregory Heights Elementary School.
Thank you to all the students who asked so many great questions!
I would love to visit your school for your Author's Day. Please contact me directly if you'd like me to participate. I am always inspired by children when I visit schools. They help me keep my story ideas relevant and meaningful!
Contact me here: http://www.jacquieream.com/Contact.html
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Technology is a Privilege
I’ve had enough.
Between the proliferation of cyberbullying that has been dominating the headlines and the inappropriate communications that cell phones and computers enable teens to engage in, it’s time for us as parents to set new rules for how children use technology.
Lately, I’ve been on a rant, (really a radio anti-bullying tour) on this topic. And I’m using the books in my Bully Dog Series to help create dialogue about this topic between children, parents, and teachers alike. In my latest book “YNK-You Never Know,” and my school program to help children understand “How not to be a Bully Dog” Fran is back with a whole new set of challenges including engaging in cyberbullying.
Although YNK-You Never Know is a fictional book for middle school and early teen children who simply enjoy reading, and the return of the first book’s main characters, it is also is my way of bringing to the forefront the pitfalls of technology facing our children today. I’ve seen it myself, parents are currently experiencing the pressure of how new technology has become such an integral part of their children’s daily lives. And for many, they have no idea how to discuss this subject in a way that their children can understand that they have their concerns for how it is being abused. Think about it, only five years ago, most teens, never mind their younger siblings, didn’t own a cell phones. If they did it was carried for emergency purposes only. Today, not having a cell phone by the time you are a teen is a reason to get bullied enough.
Sadly, children today are holstering cellphones, and accessing the internet in ways that are as dangerous as a gun and we’ve all seen the news of bullied youngsters who have taken their own life. This has to stop, and as adults it is our job to do everything we can to see that it does.
I believe that the best way to prevent cyberbullying is for parents and educators to teach children about the “rules” of engaging in technology, and the ramification of their behaviors should they not follow them. Afterall, we can still take away that cell phone or move the computer out of their room, or even our house.
In my next post I will be talking about a few things that parents should think about when it comes to children and technology. I'd love to hear your comments too!
Between the proliferation of cyberbullying that has been dominating the headlines and the inappropriate communications that cell phones and computers enable teens to engage in, it’s time for us as parents to set new rules for how children use technology.
Lately, I’ve been on a rant, (really a radio anti-bullying tour) on this topic. And I’m using the books in my Bully Dog Series to help create dialogue about this topic between children, parents, and teachers alike. In my latest book “YNK-You Never Know,” and my school program to help children understand “How not to be a Bully Dog” Fran is back with a whole new set of challenges including engaging in cyberbullying.
Although YNK-You Never Know is a fictional book for middle school and early teen children who simply enjoy reading, and the return of the first book’s main characters, it is also is my way of bringing to the forefront the pitfalls of technology facing our children today. I’ve seen it myself, parents are currently experiencing the pressure of how new technology has become such an integral part of their children’s daily lives. And for many, they have no idea how to discuss this subject in a way that their children can understand that they have their concerns for how it is being abused. Think about it, only five years ago, most teens, never mind their younger siblings, didn’t own a cell phones. If they did it was carried for emergency purposes only. Today, not having a cell phone by the time you are a teen is a reason to get bullied enough.
Sadly, children today are holstering cellphones, and accessing the internet in ways that are as dangerous as a gun and we’ve all seen the news of bullied youngsters who have taken their own life. This has to stop, and as adults it is our job to do everything we can to see that it does.
I believe that the best way to prevent cyberbullying is for parents and educators to teach children about the “rules” of engaging in technology, and the ramification of their behaviors should they not follow them. Afterall, we can still take away that cell phone or move the computer out of their room, or even our house.
In my next post I will be talking about a few things that parents should think about when it comes to children and technology. I'd love to hear your comments too!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Live Event at Redmond!
Dear Friends, If you are out and about, drop by and see me!
Phil Taylor, Webmaster for Storytellers Campfire and substitute Co-Host for Poetry Wheel, is assisting the Program
Director, Lady Selah Sujuris in preparations for the Live event scheduled for Saturday, July 24, 2010.
Storytellers Campfire staff will Host their next event at Friendly Village, a retirement community in Redmond,
Washington, in the Club House.
The theme is Literacy in the Lives of Seniors. There will be two shows, the first will be from 1:30pm to 3:00pm
and the second show will be from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. There will be an intermission between the shows and attendees
will have the opportunity to meet the presenters and have their books signed or purchase books and CDs from the guest on the show.
Presenting on Author’s Voice:
Jacquie Ream, Author of .Forcing the Hand of God. A Vivid picture of life during wartime (1943) both on the
front lines and at home.
Paul Hansen, Author of .Turnaround Summer. The Story of How Real Men Launched a Lost Boy Into Manhood
Marcia Shaver, Author of .The Artist Journey. The Story of the 1,299,851 steps across Spain and her rediscovery.
Presenting on Writer’s Circle:
George Snyder of Snyder Online, .Family Genealogy, How and Why, and Tips to Begin.
Jacquie Ream, Author of KISS; Keep it Short and Simple / Easy Steps for Better Writing
Campfire Musician’s Performers:
Connor Worley Irish / Folk Music
Clint McCune
Phil Taylor, Webmaster for Storytellers Campfire and substitute Co-Host for Poetry Wheel, is assisting the Program
Director, Lady Selah Sujuris in preparations for the Live event scheduled for Saturday, July 24, 2010.
Storytellers Campfire staff will Host their next event at Friendly Village, a retirement community in Redmond,
Washington, in the Club House.
The theme is Literacy in the Lives of Seniors. There will be two shows, the first will be from 1:30pm to 3:00pm
and the second show will be from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. There will be an intermission between the shows and attendees
will have the opportunity to meet the presenters and have their books signed or purchase books and CDs from the guest on the show.
Presenting on Author’s Voice:
Jacquie Ream, Author of .Forcing the Hand of God. A Vivid picture of life during wartime (1943) both on the
front lines and at home.
Paul Hansen, Author of .Turnaround Summer. The Story of How Real Men Launched a Lost Boy Into Manhood
Marcia Shaver, Author of .The Artist Journey. The Story of the 1,299,851 steps across Spain and her rediscovery.
Presenting on Writer’s Circle:
George Snyder of Snyder Online, .Family Genealogy, How and Why, and Tips to Begin.
Jacquie Ream, Author of KISS; Keep it Short and Simple / Easy Steps for Better Writing
Campfire Musician’s Performers:
Connor Worley Irish / Folk Music
Clint McCune
Monday, March 8, 2010
Book Signing at 3rd Place Books, Lake Forest Park
Out on a Saturday night and looking for a good book? Come see me at 3rd Place Books, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park (98155) on March 13th at 6:30pm. I would love to meet with readers and personalize FORCING the HAND of GOD, KISS, and/or BULLY DOGS.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Forcing the Hand of God is an EBook!
Dear friends and family,
Just wanted to let you know that my book, Forcing the Hand of God, was published today as an ebook at Smashwords. As many of you know, Forcing the Hand of God is a novel about a WWII flying ace, Rodger Brown and the women who love him. I hope you'll take time to check it out at Smashwords, where you can sample the first 20% of the book for free.
Here's the link to my Smashwords author profile: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jacquieream
Here's the link to my book page, where you can sample or purchase the book: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/7344
Please help me spread the word. Won't you take a moment to forward this email to everyone you know, and ask them to do the same?
Thank you so much for your support!
Sincerely,
Jacquie
Just wanted to let you know that my book, Forcing the Hand of God, was published today as an ebook at Smashwords. As many of you know, Forcing the Hand of God is a novel about a WWII flying ace, Rodger Brown and the women who love him. I hope you'll take time to check it out at Smashwords, where you can sample the first 20% of the book for free.
Here's the link to my Smashwords author profile: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jacquieream
Here's the link to my book page, where you can sample or purchase the book: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/7344
Please help me spread the word. Won't you take a moment to forward this email to everyone you know, and ask them to do the same?
Thank you so much for your support!
Sincerely,
Jacquie
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