Book Readers: Mum's Writings

New Children’s Book Emphasizes Value of Kindness and Understanding

Author and grandmother Delores (Dee) Ray has written easy-to-read stories that teach children to have confidence and be good to one another

MINNEAPOLIS – Stemming from the deep devotion for her granddaughter, author Delores (Dee) Ray put pen to paper and published the series of short fiction stories she would tell at bed time so she could share the stories with others. In her new book, “Children’s Stories by Grandma Dee Dee,” Ray provides short narratives aimed at teaching children and adults alike the importance of kindness and understanding one another.

The book is a collection of anecdotes and short stories influenced by Ray’s father that she passed on to the following generations in their family. Positive messages are incorporated throughout the book to impact and influence children and adults to have confidence in themselves and compassion for others.

At 80-years-old, Ray’s commitment to her own successful career as a Financial Advisor, shows her perseverance and drive to continually grow. Her encouraging message is reflected in the book and she hopes to empower people of all ages to do the same.

“I firmly believe children need to be constantly reminded of the true meaning of kindness. It paves the way for their future,” said Ray. “As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, I felt the need to share this with others as it is something everyone can find meaning in.”

Ray dedicated this book to her father, Andy, as he would always read her stories at bedtime. She wants her book of short stories to provide children with support and help them become more kind and accepting towards others. To learn more please visit http://www.deerayauthor.com.

“Children’s Stories by Grandma Dee Dee”

By Delores (Dee) Ray

ISBN: 978-1- 5043- 6151- 4 (SC), 978- 1- 5043- 6152 (HC), 978-1-5043-6153-8 (E-BOOK)

Available at: Balboa Press, Barnes & Noble, Amazon and the Dee Ray Author Bookstore

About the author

Delores (Dee) Ray was raised in a small resort town in Northern Wisconsin with four sisters and two brothers. She has a son, Lonnie, a granddaughter, Nicole, and a three-month-old great granddaughter, Farrah. When she was young she realized not all children have an easy childhood and this inspired some of her children's stories. Ray loves writing stories for children to give them faith and encouragement. She currently is a Financial Advisor in downtown Minneapolis. She enjoys her profession as it keeps her up to date on world events and enjoys the people she gets to work with that come from all walks of life.

Interview

Welcome to my blog Delores, or should I say Dee. Please tell my readers about yourself and your latest book.

Q:	*Tell us about your latest work—title, genre, etc.* — *and why you wrote it?*
A:	I recently published a Children’s book called, “Children’s Stories by Grandma Dee Dee.” I made these stories up for my Granddaughter and then decided to save some of them in case I ever wanted to publish it for other children to enjoy. The stories are meant to teach life lessons of respect, imagination, kindness, encouragement, etc. I dedicated the book to my father, Andy, as he used to read to us when we were young and it made a lasting impression on me.
Q:	*What draws you to your genre(s)? Why is this type of story compelling to you?*
A:	Children are often lonely and reading to them is very helpful. They can relate to the stories in their own way. The book teaches them lessons in a fun way and I also think it teaches them self-respect.
Q:	*What is your writing process like? Do you map the whole thing out or do you just let it unfold?*
A:	I let it flow as it comes to me.
Q:	*What kind of research was involved?*
A:	My own life lessons.
Q:	*How much of YOU makes it into your characters?*
A:	Just the ideas and the feelings.
Q:	*How do you balance the need to have time to write with the needs of family, society, etc.?*
A:	It is my fun thing to do. I love making up stories – especially when telling them to someone directly. You are doing two things at once as you are creating at the same time you are telling the story.
Q:	*Have there been any authors in particular, that inspired your writing?*
A:	Autobiographies of people who make it on their own against all odds like Franklin and Edison, the Wright brothers, etc.
Q:	*Is there a story you want to tell behind or about your work(s)?*
A:	I was from a family of 7 children with a working mom. As a child, I often felt lonely and my father reading to us was special time.
Q:	*What other projects are you currently working on or about to start?*
A:	Have a finance book for women called “How to Treat A Lady.”
Q:	*Could you share some of your marketing strategies? Which ones are the most effective in your opinion?*
A:	Word of mouth, the internet, public appearances, and radio interviews.
Q:	*What would be the top five, (or 3 or 1 or however many) things you would tell aspiring authors?*
A:	Write from the heart and about what you have experienced.