FAMILY: I'm married with two grown boys who have children of their own. Our first daughter was the inspiration for my first book, "Help Me! Help Me!" Our second grandchild came into the world in early 2005, followed by his brother in 2007, and both have added plenty of joy to our family.
CHILDHOOD: I was born on the Eastcoast of the USA. A few years later my family moved to the Westcoast, where most of my school years were spent praying to pass science, math, and history. Southern California is my 'home sweet home'. There was a brief period of time when I lived on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, and I still go back periodically to the islands on vacations. Something about the air there affects me in a reflective way.
INFLUENCED BY: As a young reader, my favorite writer was Enid Blyton, a prolific English author who wrote over 700 titles in a life time. A series of adventure-mystery books by Enid sparked my love of books. Thank you, Ms. Blyton. There were other authors, too...Louisa May Alcott, and Charlotte Bronte. I believe that a child
will take away something redeeming from every book read. This gives more reason to feed 'classics' to a child.
TALENTS: My father had three careers, and one of them was a musician in a big band. It's no wonder that I was taught piano and violin at a young age, and then given voice lessons as a teen. Now that I'm much older my singing voice is gone, but I can still carry a tune and harmonize. I've lost the expertise of the earlier piano years, but just for fun, I can read notes and stumble out a simple piece on the keyboard. As the saying goes,'if you don't use it you lose it'. Practice is indeed, one of the keys to success. In school I seemed to acquire A's when it came to the arts, but didn't care for chemistry, and would find myself pitying my lab partner, who knew we were in deep trouble when I asked what a Bunsen-Burner was. While accompanying a friend to art classes for Disneyland portraits, I surprisingly showed promise and given a job application to fill out. However, my opportunity to draw potraits in New Orlean's Square didn't pan out. I was only sixteen. I was asked to come back at eighteen, but by then I was entrenched in cosmetology. I took art in Jr. College and became disenchanted with the abstract poking of holes in raw canvas- I'm talking about the late 1960s when distortion was popular. During my young adult years, after starting a family, I took a few art lessons for my own personnal use. For over 39 years I've worked with people on a one-on-one, learning more about personalities than I care to tell. Wisdom comes with age, and the experience of living has taught me plenty.
VALUES: I believe in freedom, love, and knowing one's self. I believe in dreams, and wishing upon a star. I believe in productivity, and making each day count while treating others with kindness.
WRITING: I write from inspiration, covering a wide scope with my books, not only creating for children and enjoying illustration, but also writing for adults. I'm currently looking forward to the publication of "ABBY'S ATTIC ADVENTURES". (Published by Moose Enterprises)
Release date: Approxiately mid-late 2008 for ages 9-14 & up. In addition, there are more illustrated, adventure fantasy novels and novellas completed for ages 9-14 and will be forthcoming.
For further information on what's happening, please check in often, and while you're here why not sign my guest book and say hello?
Warm regards,
ElAspin
