Evolution of a children’s chapter book series
In 2006 I accepted a challenge to write a novel in 30 days. What I wrote included misspelled words, missing punctuation, mixed tenses, one dimensional characters, along with too many characters. The criticism could have deterred me, yet I found the positive aspects of the feedback. If I improved and developed my writing skills, I could do what I love and love what I do. The new challenge was determining what I wanted to achieve and finding my focus. I had the ability to tell a story and capture the adult reader’s attention, I just needed to make it a smoother experience. In coming to this conclusion, I realized if I simplified the content I could reach children who didn’t like to read, specifically my child.
I have always had a knack of sharing what I know. In my early adulthood I considered being a teacher. In fact, I worked in a pre-school for a couple of years and my favorite part of the day was reading stories to the children. When using facial expressions and different tones for each characters voice, I found the children were captivated. They listened intently, excited to find out what occured next. It is that experience 25 years ago that helped me create my unique writing style and the Sir Licksalot Series.
Each book in the series is a fast paced thrilling adventure that excludes boring and overly descriptive dialogue. The reader learns a little more about each character in every story. The characters all have their own voice with very distinctive personalities and behaviors that mirror readers and their friends. The stories follow the same outline of an unknown magical destination and include friendship, conflict, mystery, imagination, and most importantly relatable language. You are probably saying to yourself, this sounds basic and isn’t unique. What is special about this series is that the language is simple. The reader doesn’t have to re-read the sentence a couple of times to comprehend it. The chapters are short so the reader can retain what has been read. In addition, each book has a message in it. Readers find themselves learning new things without even realizing they are being taught. Sir Licksalot & The Maverick Fools explores the ocean. Sir Licksalot & The Island Fools explores culture and respect. The latest book in the series, which is still waiting to be published, Sir Licksalot & The Arctic Fools explores global warming.
Parents across the US and in other countries are sharing Sir Licksalot with their loved ones. Book clubs are incorporating the Sir Licksalot Series as well. These children’s chapter books are for ages 7-12 and are available online just about everywhere. They are also available as e-books for $1.99 on the Nook and the Kindle.
