This is a blog worth subscribing to . . . The Jeffrey Gottfurcht Children’s Arthritis Foundation

Jeff and his Sherpa atop the Summit of Mount Everest, May 14, 2011

If you love inspiring stories, you will be thrilled with this one. Jeff Gottfurcht was the first person with rheumatoid arthritis to climb Mount Everest. Right now he is climbing Mount Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in South America, and his blog is documenting his progress every day. Jeff is the founder of a wish-granting charity for children with arthritis, and he climbs to bring awareness to his cause.

Please check out my article Summer Family Travel Tips on TropicalFamilyTravels.com. It will help ease a great deal of the stress involved in trying to leave for a vacation.

http://www.graphicshunt.com

Publishers Jennifer and Bill Thomas are avid travelers, having been to 125 countries! They write about their experiences and offer photos and family traveling tips on this website. Jennifer also has a PR and Marketing Firm called FSR Ventures, offering media training, market research, market strategy and more. She has a long, impressive list of clients. Here’s her website.

Our journalist friend, Dallas Woodburn is the founder of “Write On! For Literacy“, a nonprofit organization that encourages kids to discover confidence, joy, self-expression and connection with others through reading and writing endeavors. In the past eight years, they have donated 11,117 new books to disadvantaged kids. They also teach writing workshops in schools, hold poetry, fiction, and essay contests, and award scholarships for young writers in middle school and high school to attend summer writing camps.

Write On! is one of seven national finalists for a $5,000 grant through the Glamour Magazine/Sally Hansen “Best of You” contest. They need your vote!!

Dallas with  stack of new books for her awesome Write On! For Literacy Program

Dallas Woodburn/Write On is the final contestant listed. All it takes is thirty seconds of your time to vote. The website asks for your name and contact information to ensure that every e-mail address only votes once, but they will not use your information or give it away to anyone.

Click here to vote.

For every vote they receive, $1 will be donated to DKMS, the World’s Largest Bone Marrow Donation Center. Just by voting, you make a difference!!

If everyone could vote and then pass along the link to two or three friends, this could really take off.

Dallas said, “Thank you in advance for your support. This grant really would mean the world to us. It would help bring Write On! to a national level, creating more chapters of Holiday Book Drives, awarding more scholarship money for young writers, AND helping increase the confidence of young people by giving them an outlet for creative expression by publishing their work.”

San Diego Family Magazine has posted our contest. And while I was checking it out, I started to browse around the website. I looked at the home page and immediately felt welcome. It is homey! And I love the soothing colors and beautiful, uncluttered design. I think you’ll agree.

The resources for people in the San Diego area are excellent. (I can tell you that we have nothing this well organized or easy to use that I’ve found for Miami!) There’s a complete list of after school activities in the area for kids. How great is that? There’s a list of companies that help plan and stage events and fundraisers, a resource guide for parents of babies, a comprehensive fall school directory, list of support groups, contests, family travel tips, events calendar, movie reviews, crafts for kids, book reviews, toy reviews and craft projects. You’ll even find a local dining guide, restaurant reviews and recipes. And if all that were not enough, there are articles pertaining to specific neighborhoods in the San Diego area.

I guess life really is better in California.

If you are planning a visit to San Diego, check out San Diego Family before you go. If you live there, then you are probably already a frequent visitor and subscriber to the site.

If you are the parent of a gifted child or are wondering if your child is gifted, highly gifted or profoundly gifted, Haogie’s Gifted Education is a great place to visit. You name it, as far as the gifted world is concerned, they’ve got it. This site will answer all your questions and lead you to the right gifted education resources to help you on your way. There is information for parents, teachers, kids and teens. You’ll find toys, software, magazines, movies, books, contests and more. This site links to countless sites where you can buy educational and entertaining products for your gifted child. This mega site may seem overwhelming at first, but it is well organized and easy to navigate.

Learn about the website’s award-winning founder, Caroline K and just exactly how this site got the unusual name it has by clicking here. Who exactly is Hoagie anyway?

Carolyn K

Smart Poodle Publishing continues to support and promote other websites that are there for the greater good of our children, their well-being and education. There’s nothing more important than that, is there?

Go to Haogie’s Gifted Education

Young writer extraordinaire, Dallas Woodburn, shares her two books with us

Writer and entrepreneur, Dallas Woodburn, had her first book published at age ten, a collection of short stories called: There’s a Huge Pimple On My Nose. While attending college at The University of Southern California (USC), she had many articles published in major magazines and newspapers as well as another collection of short stories: 3 am: A Collection of Short Stories. She is living proof that you are never too young to start a writing career! Dallas also started www.WriteOnBooks.org, a fantastic website that publishes short stories, poems and essays written by young writers for young readers to enjoy. She holds a holiday book drive every year and even offers a summer writing camp for kids in Southern California. If this weren’t all enough, she also has a blog, where she shares all sorts of information about writing.

How old were you when you first became interested in writing?

It’s funny, but it’s difficult for me to remember a time before I loved to write! I learned to read when I was four, and I gobbled up books. Like many kids, I made up stories; I was compelled to write my stories down. I think this was largely due to the fact that my dad is a writer. Every night, my parents read me bedtime stories, and every morning I came downstairs to see my dad writing. As a result, I was very aware that someone had written the books I so loved to read. And I decided that I wanted to be someone who writes books for other people to enjoy.

What were your major influences at that time? Who inspired you to write?

My dad is my biggest fan and is the first person who reads my work – his feedback and encouragement are invaluable. I remember when I was little, he would let me type stories on his computer once he had filed his column for the day – how special that was! I am incredibly blessed that my parents and teachers were so encouraging of my love of writing from a very young age. Also, when I was in the first and second grade I was lucky to have an amazing teacher, Diane Sather, who encouraged my love for writing. I remember she had me read one of my stories to the class. I got such a burst of joy from sharing what I had written with others. It never crossed my mind to just write for myself. My high school English teacher, Tania Sussman, became an amazing mentor for me and I now think of her as one of my biggest inspirations and dearest friends.

How did you go about getting your collection of short stories published when you were only ten years old?

There’s a Huge Pimple on My Nose is proof that with a lot of hard work, a lot of perseverance – and, yes, a lot of support, too – a small idea can snowball into something bigger than you ever dreamed. My snowball began as a snowflake when I applied for and received a $50 grant from my elementary school to write, publish and sell a collection of my short stories and poems — but I think here’s what set my proposal apart: I would use the profits to repay my grant, so the school could offer an extra one the following year. My first printing, done at a Kinkos copy shop, was modest: twenty-five staple-bound forty-page books. Actually, they were more like thick pamphlets, but no matter – to me, they were books, my books, the most beautiful books I had ever laid eyes upon. J.K. Rowling wasn’t more proud of her first Harry Potter hardcover edition.

My fellow students and teachers, bless them, acted as if Pimple was at the top of the New York Times Best-Seller List. The first twenty-five copies promptly sold in a couple of days. Can you imagine what a turbo-boost this was to a fifth-grader’s self-esteem? I was pursuing my dream, but I wasn’t pursuing it alone – my family and friends and teachers were right there with me. So I went back to Kinkos, ordered twenty-five more books – and soon sold all those as well. After three more trips to Kinkos, where the workers now knew me by name, I searched out a publishing business and ordered a few hundred glossy-covered, glue-bound, professional-looking Pimples. My little forty-page dream evolved from a snowball into a blizzard, with newspaper and radio interviews; appearances at literacy events all around California; even a “Dallas Woodburn Day” at the Santa Barbara Book Fair. I still have to pinch myself, but Pimple has sold more than 2,200 copies and I repaid two school grants.

Looking back, I was fortunate to dive into this career at such an early age because I wasn’t afraid or self-conscious about my writing. I think as we get older, we tend to lose that child-like pride and confidence in ourselves and our work. I published my first book when I was in fifth grade. I wasn’t afraid of rejection, so I sent my book out to anyone and everyone I thought might read it. Sure, I didn’t hear back from a lot of them. But I did score reviews in The Los Angeles Times, Girls’ Life magazine, Cosmo Girl magazine, and others.

2,200 copies sold is indeed impresssive! You made a really great point here, Dallas – You were not afraid to try! I think that’s what stops most people from success in whatever they do. The fear of rejection and criticism.

Yes, many terrific doors were opened for me because I wasn’t afraid to hear the word “no.”

What kind of articles have you written for magazines and newspapers?

I write articles for magazines, newspapers and websites — everything from Family Circle to The Los Angeles Times to Writer’s Digest. I’m also a monthly columnist for GradtoGreat.com, TweenParent.com, and Listen magazine. I love profiling inspiring young people – like your daughter, Rachel (article to be published soon) – and helping spread the word about the amazing things kids and teens are doing. I think often the media focuses on negative stereotypes about teenagers, which is unfortunate because there are so many young people who are doing phenomenal, selfless things to better the world.

That is so true! I am so glad there are people out there like you to share positive stories with the world. How did you get your first article published?

One of my favorite things about being a writer is that even your most embarrassing moments in life are worth something because they are great writing material! My first article was for Justine magazine, at that time a newly established publication for teens, and it was a true-life account about how I was “sweet sixteen” and had never been kissed. The editors loved my honest voice and the piece resonated with a lot of readers. I have always tried to see my young age as an advantage in my writing, rather than a disadvantage, because it allows me to write about things like teen issues with a great deal of authenticity. As a teen writing for a teen publication, I wrote an article that I would want to read! I would encourage other writers to put themselves in this mindset – what insights and lessons does your particular background and experiences give you? How can you use these traits as an advantage in your writing life?

In addition to a love of writing, you and I have something in common. We both travel around our communities to speak to students at schools about writing and publishing. What is the main message you hope to get across to the students you speak to?

I hope that students come away from my talk inspired and motivated, knowing that they really can accomplish their dreams! I tell students that the lessons I have learned through writing can apply to whatever their own passions may be – sports, music, dance, art. Everyone at some point has to deal with rejection and discouragement. Everyone is going to face setbacks. Everyone is going to reach a crossroads where they might think of giving up. When they reach that point, I want students to realize that they are not alone – and the important thing is persevering through the hard times. Don’t ever let anyone discourage you from pursuing your dreams!!

Do you find this rewarding?

Incredibly rewarding! It is an activity that gives me great joy and fulfillment. Whenever I am feeling discouraged or creatively drained, going to schools and speaking to students inevitably recharges my batteries and gets me excited about writing again. So much energy and enthusiasm! It’s contagious!

I notice on your blog that you write about receiving rejection letters for your writing. Can you explain that?

Rejection is also something that everyone has to deal with. As a writer, I joke that I could wallpaper all four of my bedroom walls with all the rejection letters I have received from editors! The important thing is not to take it personally. For whatever reason, you or your writing just wasn’t a right fit for that publication at this specific time. That doesn’t mean that they won’t love the next piece you send to them! When I get a rejection letter, I first read the comments to see if there is any advice I can glean or ways I can improve for next time. Then, I submit my story or essay or article somewhere else.

It is so important for people out there to know about rejection, because the general public usually only hears about the success part of a person’s career. That makes us all think it is much easier than it really is!

Yes! It took me more than a year to find my literary agent. A year of rejection, rejection, rejection – until finally, I found my perfect match. My agent understands my writing and has faith in my career. I just had to have the patience and perseverance to find her!

Tell us about WriteOnBooks.org. What was your main goal when you started this website?

With my website I wanted to create a place where young writers can go to find resources and inspiration, as well as connect with other young writers. I started the site to coincide with my latest endeavor, which is starting a publishing company, Write On! Books, that publishes anthologies of stories, poems and essays written by young writers for young audiences. The goal is to give young people a much-needed outlet for expression and connection, while also hopefully inspiring a love of reading in youth. As a young writer, sometimes it can be hard to get people to take you seriously and get editors to even read your work. I believe that young people have a voice and opinions and a life perspective that just as important as the voice of adults. Moreover, there are so many books for young people that are written by adults – but who knows what its like to be a kid better than a kid herself? I am eager to read submissions from young writers — they can e-mail me at dallaswoodburn@aol.com or visit my website www.writeonbooks.org for more information.

Part of your website is Write On! For Literacy. What does that entail?

In a recent national assessment conducted by the National Literacy Institute (NLI) of fourth-grade students, 13% reported never reading for fun on their own; an additional 16% only read for fun once a month. I think this is a travesty. Reading has brought me so much excitement, confidence and has opened so many doors for me, including a tremendous college education and a career that I love.

Writing and reading have given me so much fulfillment and self-confidence, and opportunities that I never would have been given otherwise – like traveling to New York to be a guest on The CBS Early Show when I was writing a column for Family Circle magazine. I feel other kids should be exposed to writing and reading as well, to encourage their self-confidence and self-expression. When I published my first book, There’s a Huge Pimple On My Nose, in fifth grade, the teachers in my elementary school asked me to talk to their classes, and then I spoke to other classes throughout the school district. I still enjoy talking to kids about writing. At the beginning of my talk, I ask the kids if any of them are interested in writing, and usually a few shy hands raise. In contrast, at the end of my talk when I ask the same question, a lot more hands raise. The students told me they didn’t know that kids could be writers. They thought they had to wait until they were adults.

I started “Write On! For Literacy” in 2001 to encourage kids to discover joy, confidence, a means of self-expression and connection to others through reading and writing. My website www.writeonbooks.org features writing contests, book reviews, fun writing prompts, and more. I also hold an annual Holiday Book Drive to collect and distribute new books to disadvantaged kids — more than 10,000 books have been donated to date.

If one of our readers wants to sponsor a local holiday book drive for your organization, what should he or she do?

That would be wonderful! Write On! would love for you to start a Holiday Book Drive chapter in your area! It can be as large or small of an effort as you have the time and energy for. Many chapter leaders begin book drives by inviting friends and relatives to get involved, and then broaden their efforts to area schools, churches and community groups. I have found in my own efforts that often people in the community want to get involved with literacy endeavors, but aren’t sure how — when they hear about the Holiday Book Drive, they are very excited to help out.

If you are interested in starting a Holiday Book Drive chapter, please e-mail me at dallaswoodburn@aol.com and I will add you to our chapter list. I can also send you flyers to help spread the word and get the ball rolling!

Wow, Dallas. You sure have a lot of energy! What are you most proud of thus far in your writing career?

It is always fantastic to get fan letters and e-mails from readers who have enjoyed my work. Nothing makes my day more than a sweet note from someone who has been touched by my writing!

I think I am most proud, however, of Write On! and my literacy endeavors. When a boy tells me that he believes in his own potential after hearing my talk, or a girl tells me that she wants to be a writer now after visiting my website, it makes me feel like I am making a positive difference, and that is something to truly be proud of.

What are your hopes for the future of your writing career?

I truly hope to make a positive difference in the lives of others through my writing and literacy endeavors. I believe writing can connect people and foster understanding, and that is what I hope to do in my career.

I have started to write another novel, which I’m in the early exciting stages of – writing and waiting to see where the story will lead me. I’m also a staff writer for the websites GradtoGreat.com, TweenParent.com, and Listen magazine, a publication that encourages kids to make smart choices and stay away from drugs and alcohol. I’m having fun working on play scripts and submitting them to festivals. I’m also the coordinator for the Young Writers Program of the Santa Barbara Writers Conference – I really enjoy interacting with other young writers, and I hope to expand the program and continue to be involved with the conference for many years to come.

What advice do you have for children (or adults) who are considering a career as a writer?

Enjoy the process! As John Wooden says, “The journey is better than the inn.” In addition, publishing my books has taught me not to be afraid to take risks, and to take the initiative when you have an idea and make it happen yourself rather than letting fear and doubt make you wait. Because, why wait? Take small steps towards your dreams, and small steps can snowball into amazingly big opportunities!

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us, Dallas. Your accomplishments and attitude are an inspiration, not only for young people, but also for the countless adults out there who are afraid to take risks. You are living proof that one is never too young to take action and make a difference. Please stay in touch with Smart Poodle Publishing and let us know about your future publishing endeavors.

To reach Dallas Woodburn, visit her website by clicking here or email her at dallaswoodburn@aol.com.

Wandering Educators recently interviewed Amie O’Shaughnessy, the publisher of www.ciaobambino.com.

This ingenious, beautiful website offers parents great tips on traveling with kids and gives unbiased, comprehensive reviews of accommodations all over the world.  Plus community reviews are provided from readers who have traveled to these destinations. You’ll also find a travel blog on this site with great photos.

When Amie wanted to travel after her son was born, she could not find reliable, detailed information to help her plan trips. That’s what inspired her to create Ciao Bambino. Many parents want to travel – both domestically and overseas – with their children. And it is sometimes difficult to know where the best destinations are for kids and where to stay when you get there. Families can enjoy their travels only when their children are truly welcome  and there are plenty of sites and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Check out www.ciaobambino.com before you go on your next family trip. You’ll find many luxury travel options on this site as well as those with great value.

A site that promotes geography, travel and kids is always a good thing.

Yeah! We’ve blessed with another fabulous Lilly Badilly book review! Reviewer Ronna Mandel loves Lilly! Please click here to read the review. And while you’re at, check out her other kids book reviews and the entire LA Parent website.  You don’t have to live in CA to get a lot of great ideas from this site.

Thank you Ronna!

I love KidsTurnCentral.com. It’s a popular, adorable, entertaining, educational, safe place for kids to be. And I have to tell you, I’ve found my 48-year-old-self addicted to clicking on links, playing the games and browsing the site for great info. I’m sure I’m not the only Mom or children’s book author who cannot stop using this site either.

Wendy Hogan started the site back in 2001 to offer a completely safe place for kids to go online. Over the years it has developed into what you see today, through Wendy’s dedication to giving her loyal readers what they really want. The site is colorful, easy to use and uncluttered. (I despise hodgepodged, overly busy websites,)

There are so many ways to entertain and educate kids here. The Games Tab offers endless hours of fun puzzles from sliders and crosswords to jigsaws and maze and everything in between. I started doing some of the slider puzzles, and it was hard to stop. Find yourself stumped about what to do with your kids on a rainy day? Click on the Color Tab and print out page after page of cute pictures to color. You can choose by themes, holidays and more.

Speaking of Holidays, just click on the Holidays Tab, choose a holiday and find dozens of activities relating to it. You’ll find history, trivia,  crafts relating to the holiday and more. And since I am a big fan of crafts, I absolutely love the Craft Tab. It offers tons of creative projects such as costume making, paper maiche, tie dye, leaf pressing, Christmas crafts and tons more. You can also find a nice collection of clipart you can use for free with a link back to the site. You can also click on a list of contests for kids, including our very own “I Love Costa Rica’s Rainforest!” Contest.

If all this entertainment weren’t enough, click on the Hot Topics Tab to find info galore on the latest news for kids, science, seasons, genealogy, how to manage money, babysitting tips, sports and buckets more. At the bottom of each page there are darling icons to click on that bring you to even more pages of educational fun.

With Kids Turn Central, parents will never run out of really cool ideas to entertain their children. We commend Wendy for putting together such a fun and essential place for kids to go and get their creative juices flowing.

Smart Poodle Publishing subscribes to Role Mommy’s informative newsletter, which links back to the website – one of my absolute favorites. This is a terrific place for busy moms everywhere to stay informed about all things that might interest them. The mission of Role Mommy is “Helping your children realize their hopes and dreams doesn’t mean you have to give up on your own.” As a working Mom/business owner myself, I can so relate to that. Beth Feldman, President of Role Mommy (and so much more!) was kind enough to answer some questions for us today.

Beth Feldman

I love the mission of Role Mommy. What inspired you to come up with that?

When I became a new mom I was always fascinated by stories of women who were pursuing their passion while raising a family.  I wanted to know what made them tick, what inspired them to still do what they love despite the stress, time constraints and mommy guilt.  And after meeting with and interviewing countless women who are still going after their dreams while juggling motherhood, I felt that they were role models or “Role Mommies” who should be celebrated.

What do you hope your readers can get from your website?

What I hope is that readers will be entertained and inspired when they visit Role Mommy.  From celebrity interviews, humorous essays, recommendations and profiles of amazing moms, when you visit our site, it’s like that chocolate box scene from “Forrest Gump” – you never know what you’re gonna get.

What is Role Mommy University?

We are in the process of developing a program for mothers who are entrepreneurs, authors and parenting experts where we will provide them with the tools they will need to garner exposure for their brand, book or product.  We are currently scheduling these events in NYC that will then be made available online.

How do you come up with ideas for your blog?

I come up with ideas in a variety of ways.  If I’m out and about with my family I usually find that divine inspiration strikes and I get some great ideas for humorous posts.  I’m also invited to lots of media events and while I can’t make them all, I definitely attend the ones where I can get an interview with one of my favorite stars (you can check out our interview with Kelly Ripa for one of my latest big gets).  I’m also contacted regularly by enterprising moms and PR agencies and again, I pursue stories that interest me.  I’m an entertainment junkie, love to read chick lit and inspiring books and also love to showcase the incredible moms who have joined our community.

In a sea of countless Mommy Blogs and websites, what makes Role Mommy so unique?

Role Mommy is a place for every mom.  If you’re doing something in your life that you’re passionate about, then we want to hear about it. We hope that when you visit our site, we can make you laugh or you are inspired by the stories of our Moms of Reinvention.

What do you like best about your work at Role Mommy?

Being able to connect with incredible women from all over the country who are doing amazing things in their lives and writing funny stories about my hectic life as a working mom with a husband, two kids, two cats, a hermit crab and a lizard that will be joining our brood this summer.  I guess what I’m saying is my home life is like a zoo and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

In addition to publishing your website, you are President of BeyondPR, an entertainment public relations agency in NY. Can you tell us about that?

Before I left corporate America, I was a vice president for the CBS Communications Group where I spearheaded PR efforts for four divisions of the company including entertainment, marketing, consumer products and digital media.  When I left CBS, I launched a public relations consulting firm and over the last two years have worked on a host of entertainment projects for TNT, TBS, CBS, Yahoo and Lifetime Television.  I’m also frequently hired by entertainment and toy companies to tap into the mom blogger market.  So in essence, my passion for motherhood has now dovetailed with my public relations agency.

Beth with her Children and Husband – One Happy Family!

How on earth do you find time to manage the website and the agency and be a wife and Mom to two children and two cats?

Let me stop you right there – today I purchased a tank for a new lizard we’ll be taking into our home when my son comes home from school tomorrow.  Plus, we have two hermit crabs too.  I pretty much work a lot.  I try to stay away from my laptop when my kids are awake but once they go to sleep, I’m back online, writing, pitching, social networking and pretty much doing what I love.  I now have to run and break up a scuffle between my elderly cat and psychotic kitten.

I’m laughing, because your life actually sounds like a sitcom! Beth, you are quite possibly the busiest mom in America! When (or if) you have an hour to yourself, how would you best like to spend it?

I love getting pedicures and judging from my toes, I’m in desperate need of one right about now.  I also enjoy slipping on my headphones, strapping on my rollerblades and singing some of my favorite show tunes and pop songs as I zip around my neighborhood.

I understand you have a funny story about the early birth of your son, Dylan, and how that did not stop you from working. At that time you were employed by CBS, right?

My son was born three weeks early, as I was in the midst of planning the finale for “The Amazing Race,” scheduling a major photo shoot with the cast of “The King of Queens” and arranging for the entire cast of CSI to ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange.  I never realized that the stress from all three shows would cause me to go into pre-mature labor, but it did.  On the day I went into labor, I was busy emailing my assistant (this was before Blackberries) while clutching the wall between contractions.  Within a few hours, my son literally flew out of me (now I know why women give birth in rice patties and go back to work right afterwards).  I then spent the next few days in bed watching all my stars appear on the talk shows I had booked for them before Dylan decided to make his entrance into the world.

Now that’s dedication! Eventually you talked your boss into telecommuting. You must have been a bit nervous about asking. How did you present the idea?

When I was set to go back to work after my daughter was born, I asked my boss if he would give me the chance to telecommute twice a week.  He agreed to give me a trial run for six weeks and it worked out really well.  So much so, that my actions paved the way for other women in the department to work from home too.

Your PR work sounds fascinating. Of all the campaigns you’ve worked on, what’s your favorite?

Hands down, my favorite campaign was the finale of “Everybody Loves Raymond.”  From creating a collector’s item press kit that resembled a family photo album, to arranging a marathon day of press appearances for the cast where they appeared on nearly every national talk and entertainment show on television, to the moment when they rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange.  I’ll never forget the moment when Doris Roberts reached reached for my hands and said to me, “Honey, you should be so proud of yourself.  Look what you’ve accomplished today – don’t you ever forget it.”  We then ended the night at the Ritz Carlton in Battery Park City where the cast, writers, producers, close family and friends got the chance to celebrate the final episode with a private screening party that I helped spearhead too.  It was truly one of the most amazing moments of my career and I will never forget it.

You have co-authored a book with Yvette Manessis Corporon called “Peeing in Peace: Tales & Tips for Type A Moms.” What a hilarious title. Can you tell us about the book?

After the finale of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Yvette, who was a producer at “Extra” and I got together for lunch and realized we both wanted to write a book about what it was like balancing work, family and everything in between.  We wanted to present the lighter side of working motherhood and we spent the summer in my basement writing our book proposal.  While we initially weren’t able to get the book published traditionally, we decided to self publish through NK Publications, who actually managed to sell the book into Borders.  Within weeks, we snagged a new agent and she sold the book to Sourcebooks and the rest is history.  The book is now available online through Amazon, Borders and in stores like Barnes and Noble and Destination Maternity.  And, it’s even available in Portugal too!

I’ve got to read that! Where can our readers buy it?

The best way to find the book is on Amazon – we always love driving our numbers up with tons of Amazon sales!  And I’m also proud to announce that my next book, “See Mom Run:  Side-splitting Essays from the World’s Most Harried Blogging Moms” will be published this fall by Plain White Press.

What advice do you have for the woman who wants it all?

Any mom can have it all – She just can’t have it all at once.  Always do the things you love – even if it’s just for one hour per week.  Never lose yourself in the process of becoming a mom – you are an incredible individual who is a role model to your children.  Do what you love and the rest will fall into place.

So well put, Beth! I am sure our readers are inspired – not only by your accomplishments – but also by your philosophy on life. It is obvious that school of thought has a great deal to do with your success. Your energy is relentless and your passion for what you do is awe-inspiring. Thank you for enlightening us and supporting hard-working moms all over the world. Please stay in touch as we’d all love to hear what’s in store for you, your future Role Mommy endeavors and naturally, your expanding “zoo” at home.

To reach Beth Feldman, click here. To subscribe to the free Role Mommy newsletter, click here.