2014, Young Writer's Conference

I was thrilled to be a presenting author for this year’s 2014, Young Writer's Conference for Jeffco Public Schools, 8 elementary schools were involved this Thursday evening.

I spoke to the parents 1st, for 45mins, then off to the auditorium for the K-2 and their parents. What a fabulous group of Aspiring authors!

Interview by Beach Bound Books from 2013

(I found this on twitter the other day.)

Meet Carmen Swick, Author of Patch Land Adventures Picture

  What inspired me to become a Children’s author? My son was Preston is my inspiration for writing these series of books! He has Amblyopia and Strabismus. The Dr. told me that he was legally blind in his left eye and he needs to keep up with his eye patching 6 to 8 hrs a day. My son and so many others struggle with the eye patching, because they cannot see very well during patch time, since they have to patch the stronger eye in order to strengthen the weaker eye. The struggles of everyday broke my heart! After that doctor’s eye appointment I told him I was going to write Children’s books and it would be called Patch land, changed to (Patch Land Adventures). How did you come up with the Idea for Patch Land Adventures? I wanted my books to be easy to read and that the children could relate to. These books are Fiction and Non-Fiction. My son Preston is a very active young boy that enjoys life and adventures, sports, camping dirt biking to name a few, so I based some of his real life events into the stories. When young readers join Preston and his dog Beau on their fun-filled adventures, they will feel like they are there with them, cheering them on as they overcome their vision challenges. This is why I came up with anything is possible in Patch Land”. What was your favorite book as a child? Pippi Longstockings. Pippi who lives without any grownups in a little house at the edge of the village. The matter-of-fact way in which her absurd adventures are related is one of the chief charms of this story. She is so unique! What do you hope the children will learn from your books? I would like my books to help children that need to eye patch as a tool! Let them know that they can do anything! For the children that don’t eye patch they will understand that just because someone has a challenge doesn’t mean that they are any different from them and they will also love the story, it’s heartwarming and captivating. Did you do your own illustrations or did you hire an illustrator? No, I did not do my own illustrations I hired Joey Manfre, and. I am so glad that I did! We try and speak on weekly basics. Joey is brilliant and very talented! His gift as an artist truly shows through his work He knows how to bring the story to life, while keeping the authors vision. Are you currently working on any more books? Yes I am, I have written three books, but I am in the process with book two Patch Land Adventures Camping at Mimi’s Ranch with my Illustrator Joey Manfre hopefully to be out in print sometime this summer. The 3rd book will hopefully be out a year after the 2nd one comes out in print. You can find out more about Carmen Swick, her son Preston and Patch Land Adventures by visiting patchlandadventures.com or patchlandwritings.blogspot.com.

The unveiling of, Patch Land Adventures (Book Three) "Pirates Adventure" Front cover

The unveiling of, Patch Land Adventures (Book Three) "Pirates Adventure" Front cover by, Joey Manfre, my illustrator & creative partner. Great job Joey! & thanks for capturing my vision as an author! I think this cover is so cute! Looking Forward to seeing the illustrations, for book 3! The manual script has had it final edit! Hopefully the book will be in print the next couple of months! It will be excited to see the book come to life with the illustrations!

Avi, the Writer/Author

I had the opportunity to hear Avi, the writer/author speak the other night at my nieces High School. I really enjoyed his unique style of writing and storytelling. Avi shared his number one advice with the Children, about becoming a great writer, it is to read, read, & read! Avi, kept emphising, read, read! He has 73 books published, and 10 books, that are not published. He mentioned that, he was never a great speller, and to this date, he is still, not a great speller. Avi shared with the group some of his school work when he was a youngster. The teacher had marked in red, not so wonderful remarks about his grammar, spelling etc… Fast forward to the date, you can see that did not stop him from his life’s work! When he went to college, he refused to take any writing class etc… due to having some professor tell him that is work spelling etc… was not to standard. Avi didn’t want to relive those, not so wonderful feelings, which he had left behind. He also shared some of the letters he had received from editors, rejections. One editor told Avi, the only great thing about this book, was the title. That was crushing! It really hurt! Obviously, it’s up to the individual, what they do with that information. If it’s your heart, take the criticism, and keep going! Make sure that you surround yourself with the same minded people! Family, friends etc… that will encourage you to keep writing if that is your passion to do so! When I started my journey in writing, I made sure to find a great editor that was able to help me through the process! That is one important piece of advice I would like to share with you! And be supportive to others in their life journey!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

HAPPY NEW YEARS! I want to thank all of you, for your love & support through this year! And making a difference in a Child's life. As we get ready to welcome the new year and say good bye to 2013! Let's not forget, how special reading time is with a Child! Much love to you! Wishing you & yours the Best in 2014! Peace!

The Season of Gratitude

Friends and book lovers! During this special season of gratitude, it’s important that you know how thankful I am of you! I appreciate your business & am humbled. Thanks for recommending me to your family & friends! Warmly, Carmen

Five Books that will Boost the Confidence of a Child with Special Needs

Five Books that will Boost the Confidence of a Child with Special Needs Humbled and pleasantly surprised to find this in my email box this morning, sharing that my books are on this list! thank you all for your support! much love to you! ♥ By Lorna d'Entremont: Often it is difficult to find a gift for a child that his parents will also approve of. Children’s books are always appreciated by children and parents alike. A beautiful, picture book is “a gift that keeps on giving”. Some of my own children’s favorite bedtime story books were those my parents had bought for my siblings and me. When I had children my mom brought these books to our house for my children. Now when my grandchildren visit, I still bring these fifty year old favorites out and we have hours of fun with books that are entertaining a third generation! A book is a gift you can open again and again. Books that Teach Lessons.

The following books are a great addition to any home or classroom with young children. These books all have a moral or a lesson to teach the reader and are great discussion openers to reinforce tough to grasp lessons. Caregivers can harness the power of storytelling to improve their child’s behavior, build character, and foster empathy and compassion. The books I recommend allow most children to identify with the characters, many who have a special need. So many great things happen when you share a good book with a child. One way children learn is by seeing how others act or what they say in certain situations. Sharing books with your children or students is a great way to learn without any work involved! 1. Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D” by Margot FinkeHoratio Humble Beats the Big “D” –by Margot Finke An adorable picture book that explains to parents and best of all to their child what dyslexia is all about.Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D” can open the door to serious discussions with your child or students about different abilities and needs and different ways of learning and doing things. The proactive teacher can use it to discuss the cruel comments some bullies use to torment other students who are different or do things differently. Margot Finke’s upbeat message to children with dyslexia will prove to them it is not their fault they have problems. It will show all children that some students have different needs and sometimes they have to have extra time with a specialist to help them. This will go a long way to remove the stigma attached to kids going to special education classes or receiving extra help in the classroom. Read complete review of Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D” 2. Howard B. Wigglebottom Blends in Like Chameleons: A Fable About Belonging by Howard Binkow Howard B. Wigglebottom Blends in Like Chameleons: A Fable About Belonging -by Howard Binkow This book is to help children understand learning differences in others. It shows children that most kids want to fit in and have friends. Children will learn tips on how to be a good friend and how to make and keep friends. This story also lends itself well to teach about sympathy and empathy using the saying, “Don’t judge the book by its cover.” When Howard got to know Joey better, he started to like him a lot. All children want to belong, to blend in, and to be part of a team and this book opens the door to great discussions on that topic and on respecting social rules. Parents, teachers, and other caregivers will greatly appreciate the two pages at the end, Suggestions for Lessons and Reflections. The authors show how this book can be used to show learning differences. A discussion with children pointing out how Joey learned compared with how Howard needed calm and quiet to learn can also include how others learn by looking at pictures, and some children learn best by stories and songs. Read complete review of Howard B. Wigglebottom Blends in Like Chameleons 3. I Believe in You: A Mother’s Message to Her Son with Learning Differences by Kristen DebeerI Believe in You: A Mother’s Message to Her Son with Learning Differences -by Kristen Debeer In each grade level there are students facing challenges that need to hear Kristen Debeer’s encouraging message. Like Jack, the character in her book who has learning differences, many students are struggling even though they are trying their best. Knowing that parents and teachers “believe in them” and will work with their strengths to help them along is the most important thing to these children. Reading I Believe in You followed by a frank discussion on learning differences will surely be helpful so other children appreciate the fact that we all have strengths and learning preferences. Parents of exceptional children will benefit from seeing in writing Kristen Debeer’s suggestions and solutions. Even if their child is struggling in some areas by celebrating small gains and using their child’s interests they can build on their child’s strengths and in turn it will build their self-esteem. Like the expression, “Nothing Breeds Success Like Success!” Read complete review of I Believe in You 4. Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes by Stacey MarshallCaptain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes -by Stacey Marshall Effective communication is a life skill that if mastered serves you well in all walks of life. This picture book on confident verbal communication is written by a speech-language pathologist and public speaking coach to help students who are shy and experience social anxiety at even the thought of addressing their peers in class or asking for help at the cafeteria. Children between the ages of 4 -11 will enjoy and benefit from Stacey Marshall’s valuable tips on communicating well with others. Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes is the perfect teacher resource for helping children learn to speak with poise and confidence. It also helps children with speech and language problems and with building confidence and courage. Details in each illustration and the realistic expressions of the characters will facilitate comprehension and keep the readers/listeners attention. At the end of the book you will find a colorful, illustrated poster called, “Captain Courage and Katie’s Top Three Tips to Speak with Confidence.” Read complete review of Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes 5. Patch Land Adventures – Children’s Books About Wearing an Eye Patch by Carmen Swick Patch Land Adventures – Children’s Books About Wearing an Eye Patch-by Carmen Swick There are now two books published in the Patch Land Adventure series: Fishing with Grandpa and Camping at Mimi’s Ranch. Children who have vision problems which necessitate wearing an eye patch will love this series of books! Wearing an eye patch is not painful but it can surely bring attention to the child. Reading about other children who have problems that can only be fixed by wearing an eye patch is very helpful to the child himself and beneficial to his peers to understand why the eye patch is needed. Ms. Swick’s books put a positive spin on wearing an eye patch and should prevent unkind comments from classmates once they understand the reasons behind eye patching. The illustrations by Joey Manfre are adorable and help the story come to life. When young readers join Preston and Beau on their fun-filled adventures, they will feel like they are there with them, cheering them on as they overcome their vision challenges. Read complete review of Patch Land Adventures Series Have a great book? Share it in the comments below. Top Photo Credit: Global Partnership for Education