Experiencing the Backstory of Queen Vernita

Episode #49

Guest Speaker ~ Dr. Dawn Menge

“A thing I learned along the way is you’ve got to say yes. You think this is going to be your path, but you don’t know what your path is going to be. You need to be open to doing this or doing that, and trying to experiences. Every new experience leads to different people.”
– Dr. Dawn Menge

Within every book, there is a backstory. It is the element that cements the foundation of the story and breathes life into the characters. The backstory influences the “why” weaved throughout the sentences and paragraphs. What is the root of the protagonist’s behavior and antagonist’s responses (and visa versa).

Dr. Dawn Menge, the author of the Queen Vernita educational series and Dragon’s Breath, joined me in the Pen to Paper Press Podcast studio to talk about her worldly adventures with her family and the students whose story she shares on the colorful pages. She holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, a master’s degree and a Clear Credential in moderate/severe disabilities, and a bachelor’s degree in human development. Dawn has been teaching students with severe cognitive delays for over twenty years.

In this episode you will learn who the two people are that she bases her main character, Queen Vernita, on and how each page is a learning experience for readers of all ages. As someone who has written about traveling, I was curious to discover how she gathers information for her books. And, the insights she shares for anyone wishing to publish an illustrated book is priceless.

Pour yourself a mug of hot cocoa and enjoy this entertaining conversation focused on travel, teaching opportunities, and stories based on real people in this episode of Pen to Paper Press Podcast.

We would love to know, have you thought about writing a book based on your travels? Leave a comment below and share your insights on how you record the details of your experiences.