As a dance and adaptive physical educator for the past 30 years, I have seen the rise in childhood obesity and poor student fitness.
What got you interested in writing about health issues?
Throughout my career as a professional dancer and dance educator, I have always been very aware of the benefits of daily fitness. Staying in good physical condition was instilled in me at an early age. My parents were firm believers in well-rounded fitness, regardless of my passion for dance. So when I wasn’t in ballet class or drama company rehearsal, I was engaged in other activities such as softball and tennis. Probably the best physical activity I engaged in was just pure active play outside with the neighborhood kids.
As a dance and adaptive physical educator for the past 30 years, I have seen the rise in childhood obesity and poor student fitness. Most of our kids today have little to no knowledge of healthy nutrition. With these eye openers glaring at me, I made it my mission to incorporate the basics of fitness and healthy nutrition into my teaching and daily connections.
I have seen the results how just a little information can have a positive effect on a person’s outlook about their health. “Sweetie’s Healthy Start” is just my creative way to continue to promote good overall wellness.
What do you enjoy the most about writing?
Making the connections between words in your head that form the words on the keyboard and the words connecting your vision and feelings! Writing gives me the mental exercise and the creative outlet to put my ideas, thoughts and imagination in sync. I have always loved creative writing as a young child and used it as a way to escape to my own high adventures.
Experience and knowledge now allow me to write with the same imaginative passion but with a purpose.
How do you market your book?
I have discovered that the greatest learning experience with publishing a book is the marketing. I definitely understand why SPB emphasizes that authors’ get directly involved with the process. I have learned so much since all of this started. I have been working on several strategies simultaneously.
· Postings: I remember the first time I read about trying to achieve 1, 10 and the big 100. I was sure what the rationale was at first. Now as I approach my 86 posting I can definitely see the benefits. My postings have appeared on my “google alerts” for my name regularly.
· Email Press Releases: I have emailed my press releases to several local newspapers and they have appeared in prominent sections. I even sent the press release to my school system newsletter and received a congratulation note from the area superintendent.
· Printed Materials: Lucky for me my daughter is a graphic designer, so I have used her talents to create a new business card w/my book info on the card and book announcement postcards. I carry the announcement cards in my purse to leave with daily contacts.
· Book Signing Launch Party: Currently planning a local book signing launch party in February 2010.
· Internet Interface: I have learned so much about the internet and the value of using its marketing tools. I have set up a FACEBOOK page, (something I said I’d never do) and I now have a blogspot (Creative Health and Fitness)
· Personal Contact: My husband promoted the book on his job and sold 25 books in one week! Nothing like tasteful personal promotion!
I continue to read and research marketing daily. There is so much information to augment the wonderful tips that are received by SPB.
Is there anything you have not written about, which you would like to write about?
As a matter of fact I have always wanted to write a good mystery thriller. I have started my first novel but it’s on the back burner for now. I hope to get back to it by spring. I also plan to write a book about my adventures in teaching. Maybe turn these stories into another series of children’s books.