Mommy Mondays: ITS GIVEAWAY TIME MAMMAS!!!!

Praying this Monday finds you all happy & well rested. Today is an exciting day up on the blog as I have a guest & an amazing giveaway for some special mammas!!

A dear friend, Laci Swann has been working hard on her new children's book "Sharing is Caring." This amazing book will be released tomorrow & you can get a free copy AND a Starbucks gift card to go with it!

Below take a look at my interview with the author Laci Swann & learn about Sharing is Caring & why she decided to write this.

This is a beautiful story to read to your children & what an amazing message. I cannot wait to sit down & share this book with Logan.

((When you are done reading the interview, don't forget to enter the contest.))

1. Laci, I am so honored to be interviewing you & introducing your new children's book. Can you let my readers know a little bit about yourself?

First and foremost, I'm really excited to be interviewed! I'm completely new to this, so I truly appreciate the chance to engage potential readers! This feels so exciting! 

To quickly sum myself up, I'm a wife, mother, and woman of God trying my best to make a change in this world through my love of language and art. 

2. What was your motivation behind creating this book & what does it mean to you?

My motivation behind  creating this book was my daughter, Sloan. I wanted to create a book series I could not only read to her but that also embodies who she is - a vivacious, loving, bright child who happens to be mixed. Having a biracial child opened my eyes up to the lack of diversity within the media - especially children's books. I want Sloan, and other children, to not only see themselves as stars, but on the same page, together, learning and loving and growing. 

3. What do you hope families can get the most out of by reading this book to their children? 

Reading, in general, creates such a special bond between those involved - the reader and the person listening. The imagination starts to flow and emotions are exchanged, all the while learning and expanding one's vocabulary. Reading is a fun, educational way to teach our children the beauty of words and the ability to think beyond the pages of a book. I hope adults utilize this book in classrooms, in their homes, and anywhere in between. 

 

4. Tell us a little bit about the main character in the book, that precious little girl.  

My daughter is 19 months old, but in the "Sloan Saves the Day" series, Sloan is a seven year old girl. She is happy-go-lucky, full of energy, eager to learn, and absolutely loves spending time with her family and friends. She is special, like all children are. She has a sparkle in her eye that parents will be able to relate to because they see that same sparkle in their children or the special kiddies in their lives. There is a loving innocence involved when our children are learning and discovering. I hope to capture that joy and curiosity through the characters in this text.   

 

5. What kind of team did you have to help put together your book?  

Wow... my team. Let me tell you about my team! They are nothing short of incredible. Without them, there would be no series! Isri and Jamal Boykin are my illustrators. They're such a unique duo. They draw, together! As husband and wife! Jamal and my husband used to play on the same basketball team, and our paths ended up crossing, years later, in regards to this project. The timing and irony was so wild! They have the patience of saints. Their attention to detail and willingness to make this project perfect is unprecedented. I also added a few special touches in the book, artistically speaking, thanks to my calligrapher, Theresa Meacham. Her creative penmanship was the cherry on top when putting this book together. What's even more special about this team is that Theresa, Isri, and I are part of a women's bible study group together. I feel incredibly blessed to be working with these people. And I definitely can't forget Susie Brooks. She is a former classmate of mine and a total publishing wiz! She has been helping me, every step of the way, to ensure this book is published properly and timely. I like to think of her as a mentor because her knowledge of the publishing industry spans far beyond mine.   

 

6. I have been told this is the first book in a series of children's books you will be writing, what can we look forward to?  

You can certainly look forward to a series full of lessons, fun, and love. From an adult standpoint, this is a book that truly promotes equality. Sloan's friends are of all races and ethnicities; her parents are as well. So, from a visual standpoint, you see a loving melting pot on each and every page - a character for everyone to see themselves in.   

7. Who would you describe as the target audience of this special book?  

My target audience is far more broad than I had initially anticipated. Children ages 0-7 would most definitely enjoy this book. In terms of reading level, this book would be most suitable for Pre-K, K, 1st, and 2nd grade classrooms.  

8. Is there anything else you would like my readers to know about this special book?

My mom passed away from cancer in August 2015. Her arduous cancer journey taught me to enjoy life to the very fullest, but more importantly, make a positive change within society and for posterity. She was such a special, giving woman who loved her granddaughter, Sloan, more than I could ever explain. The lessons in this series are lessons my mother taught me; basic principles, manners, and morals I have carried into adulthood: Acceptance, sharing, compassion, and so on. This book is purposeful. This book comes from my heart. I hope you enjoy it! 

Can you not just WAIT to get your hands on this beautiful story? And how fun would it be to get your free copy with a latte to go with it?!?! Make sure & go to this link & fill out the giveaway form. lifeofabballwife.com  **email lifeofabballwife@yahoo.com with any issues or questions** Winners announced Tuesday evening (tomorrow) via email and/or phone, on this page, & also on Facebook on my personal page. ~~~link here: https://www.facebook.com/morgan.jones.77964

Author Laci Swann