Author Interview: Kathy Stemke

Day 6 of Kathy Stemke's Book Tour June 18th

Sibling Rivalry

Kathy Stemke has a passion for writing, the arts and all things creative. She has Bachelor degrees from Southern Connecticut State University and Covenant Life Seminary, as well as graduate coursework from New York Institute of Technology and Columbia University.

Hanging her hat in the North Georgia Mountains, she has been a teacher, tutor, and writer for many years. As a freelance writer and ghostwriter, Kathy has published hundreds of articles in directories, websites and magazines. She is a contributing editor for The National Writing for Children's Center http://writingforchildrencenter.com/ and a reviewer for Sylvan Dell Publishing. As a retired teacher, Kathy has several activities published with Gryphon House Publishing. Kathy is also part of the team at DKV Writing 4 U. http://http://www.dkvwriting4u.com/

Kathy’s first children’s picture book, Moving Through All Seven Days, was published on Lulu. Her next picture book, Sh, Sh, Sh Let the Baby Sleep, was released in May of 2011. Her third picture book, Trouble on Earth Day is scheduled for release in June of 2011.

1. How did you develop an interest in writing?
During my teenage years I began writing poetry. Later, I coupled my poetry with my photography to create books. Soon I found myself writing poetry online which lead me to Helium. When I sold a Helium article for $240, I was hooked. As a retired teacher, I now had the confidence to start my own blog for teachers.

2. Tell me a little about your blog.
Since my background was in dance and primary education, I often joined the two disciplines together in the classroom with great success. I soon found out children retained more of what they learned when they moved their bodies while learning. I invented all kinds of games, songs, and activities that taught phonics,
math and science. That’s what I share on my blog and in my free monthly newsletter titled, Movement and Rhythm. You can sign up at http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/.

3. Are you part of a critique group?

Yes, it’s called bridging the gap. We’re all children’s writers from picture books to YA. Each lady has a different strength and it all works well together. It’s the encouragement we give each other that keeps us plugging away.

In my new picture book, Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep, Zachary exhibits some sibling rivalry when his new baby sister arrives. I’m sure most of us can relate to that. When given the task of keeping her safe, however, his deeper feelings come to the surface. Being a superhero helps Zachary defend his sister during some dangerous events.

4. Kathy what is your most vivid memory of sibling rivalry?
When we were young, my brother and I had to share a room. We hung a rope across the room and draped a blanket over it. That gave us some privacy. But the door was on his side of the room. Sooooo my big brother yelled at me every time I left or entered the room. Then there’s the time he tried to strangle me…..hehehe. Now he’s my best friend.

Question for my readers: What is your most vivid memory of sibling rivalry?

SUPERHERO TRIVIA QUESTION: DAY 6 Who would you expect to find in the Bat Cave?

SUPERHERO TRIVIA ANSWER: DAY 5
Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane Watson are just two of this super hero's loves. Who is the super hero?
ANSWER: Spider-man. Gwen Stacy was killed by the Green Goblin. While Mary Jane Watson, the girl next door, went on to marry Spider-man. Of course we must not forget his Aunt May as one of his loves!

Remember; Every answer or comment you make during this book tour puts your name in the hat for a fantastic prize, which includes amazon gift certificates, books, superhero figurines, and much
more.

Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep can be found: Guardian Angel Publishing: http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/shshsh.htm

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/dp/1616331569/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=educationtips20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1616331569&adid=1XFMR3ZA5VFXSN58EAXH

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/sh-sh-sh-let-the-baby-sleep?store=book