Teaching Children About Love and Acceptance: An Interview with Children’s Book Author Arlene Maguire

Children’s book author Arlene Maguire is a cum laude graduate of Rutgers University in New Jersey.
After receiving a teaching degree, she taught elementary school and then began writing picture books for children. To date, she has sold well over 100,000 books!
The eight books that Arlene has written are: Life’s Changes (Los Arboles Publications), A House Full of Pets (Steck-Vaughn), We’re All Special (Portunus Publishing), Magical Thoughts (All About Kids Publishing), Noah’s Ark Pop-Up ABC (Simon & Schuster), Special People, Special Ways (Future Horizons, Inc.), Dinosaur Pop-Up ABC (Little Simon) and Catjectives (Amazon).
Arlene’s book, Special People, Special Ways, won an iParenting Media Award and the Preferred Choice award in 2009 and is currently being published in Spanish to be distributed in Spain, Mexico and South America.
Arlene, thank you for spending time with us for this interview.
Q: What was the original inspiration for you to begin writing books for children?
I remember sitting in a library with a fellow teacher, having just read a story to the children. I turned to the other teacher and whispered, “This wasn’t very good. I could have done better.” Her response was, “Oh, yeah. Everyone always says that, but nobody does anything about it.”
That challenge was enough to get me started. When I got home that day I began to write my first book. And I kept at it until it was completed. It was rejected by many publishers, but I was not feeling discouraged. I knew that each rejection was getting me closer to a “Yes.”
Finally, a Los Angeles publisher took a chance on me. That built my confidence. Once my first book was published other doors would open more easily.
Q: Do you draw from your own childhood as a source for your stories?
Yes, I believe I do. I suppose that when writing about self-esteem, being happy or sad, and dealing with emotions, I call upon many of my childhood memories.
Q: Does writing come easily to you?
It varies. Sometimes books come quickly and easily, while I struggle more with others. Guess it depends on how much sleep I had, how the planets are aligned, what I ate the night before, who said what to me the day before and in general, what kind of mood I’m in.
Usually, if I’m stuck, I find that after I’ve done the Transcendental Meditation technique, then the work seems to flow. The effort diminishes and ideas start to come into my head, while past feelings dissolve. Limitations are overcome.
Q: Can you describe your writing process?
Unlike most writers, I don’t use a computer. I’m a pen-and-paper kind of gal.
Often, I’ll lie in bed with a pillow under my belly and start writing with a bunch of 3 x 5 cards and my implements.
Other times I go for long walks while thinking and writing at the same time. Guess I’m lucky I never tripped. Not at any of those times anyway.
Q: Do you have a specific writing routine?
No, I only write when I’m not involved in other activities, and I feel inspired. Fortunately, because of my TM routine and good health, I feel like I’m going to live to be 120. I’m almost 85 years old now, living a fulfilling life and feel that I’ll write more books when the time is right.
Q: What themes or understanding do you hope young readers glean from your books?
The majority of my books are meant to teach children lessons about learning to live kind, compassionate lives, without judgment. I also want them to accept and love themselves regardless of color, race or disability.
Some of the books were written just for fun. And still others were assignments from publishers.
Q: How do you develop your characters? Are they based on real people, pets, etc?
My books are not character driven. They are addressed to all children everywhere. The style is more like lessons in a classroom setting.
Q: What advice do you have for women in general or those aspiring to be writers?
First, I’d start by learning TM and meditating daily as it releases your brain from blockages and allows ideas to start flowing naturally. Published research shows TM reduces stress and increases creativity.
Secondly, I’d say, “Just start writing. Don’t talk about it. Just do it!”.
Finally, I’d recommend that you send your work off to small publishers. You don’t need an agent. Publishing houses are always looking for well-written material. If you don’t find a publisher, then self-publish. You’ll have accomplished your goal and shared your unique talent and story with others.
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About the Author
Janet Hoffman is the executive director of TM for Women Professionals, a division of TM for Women in the USA