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.

Listen to more conversations about our investing in your book.

Who is Dr. Dawn Menge?
Dr. Dawn Menge has won seventy International awards as the author of the Queen Vernita educational series and Dragon’s Breath (including the Special recognition champion award from conquering disabilities with film, best book Miracle makers and International author boss). 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. Dr. Menge has been teaching students with severe cognitive delays for over twenty years, mentors and lectures. She has three children and six beautiful grandchildren and lives in Southern California. Learn more about her books at drdawnmenge.com.

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Episode #004

Guest Speaker ~ Lisa Anderson

“It definitely was a game changer for me. It forced me to do what I had been scared to do; what I didn’t think I was qualified to do. The truth is, you’re never going to get enough qualifications unless you actually do it.”
– Lisa Anderson

Do you know what the differences are between writing a blog post, a website article, and a digital magazine article? Are technical skills more important than the written voice? What does a magazine publisher expect from their contributors?

Lisa Anderson, Editor in Chief of The Chews Letter, recently joined me in the virtual Pen to Paper Press Podcast studio for a conversation about a topic that is near and dear to my heart – publishing a digital magazine.

Publishing a digital magazine was a dream-come-true neither of us set out to do. Somehow our life circumstances pulled us in that specific direction and provided us the opportunities to go for it. And, we did!

At the time of the interview, Lisa had published four issues of The Chews Letter. It was interesting to hear her perspective on the importance of the writer’s voice, what a magazine editor is looking for from the contributors, and about the puzzle. When she mentioned the puzzle, I knew exactly what she was referring to. It’s hard to explain. Something euphoric happens when the pieces easily fall into place during the final layout process.

Lisa shared this pearl of wisdom, “I have both blogs and the printed/digital page for the magazine. Both styles are different. On blogs, we get more casual. You can use conjunctions, but in the magazine that’s where the technical stuff really comes into play. We use AP . It gets a little wordy as far as not using conjunctions. I think that’s when it becomes important to be able to hear their voice within the story so the reader isn’t focused on the fact you’re not talking like you would in person.”

This episode will help fill in the gaps for individuals interested in writing for smaller publications, and encourage writers to submit their works of art.

Pour yourself a mug of hot cocoa and enjoy an interesting conversation between two digital magazine publishers. Our time together brought forth memories of the hard work, long hours, and dedication required to publish a digital magazine.

Until next time…
CK Kochis, INHC

Biography:
Lisa Anderson is the creator and Editor In Chief of The Chews Letter. It is a digital magazine with a focus on bringing everyone to the table despite different dietary needs. Get recipes and cooking tips at thechewsletter.com.

Publication:
The Chews Letter

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