Gretchen Zimmer, Fort Mill, SC Children's Book Author, Releases First Book
Gretchen Zimmer has worked for years honing her craft and perfecting a series of children's books coined The Seasonal Stories for Life Series. Her first book, Accepting Apples, was released on March 17, 2010.
Grammar Chic, Inc.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR Log (Press Release) – Mar 18, 2010 –
Much can be said over the tenacity and dedication that any writer needs to have in order to achieve success. Gretchen Zimmer knows all about that and in her case, it has paid off. A Fort Mill, South Carolina native and former elementary school guidance counselor, Zimmer has worked for years honing her craft and perfecting a series of children's books coined The Seasonal Stories for Life Series. Her first book, Accepting Apples, was released on March 17, 2010. "These books were originally written to help children through experiences that they are facing in their day-to-day life. Childhood can be really difficult and it's those years that shape the person they are going to become when they are adults. My stories allow children to learn a lesson and know they are not alone in the challenges they face when they wake up to go to school, when they interact with their friends and family, and when they plan for their future," stated Zimmer. Accepting Apples, the first in the series, encourages children to accept others for their differences and make their own choices without being influenced or intimidated by others. The story, which follows the interaction of four personified apples while they are swinging on their limb, is beautifully illustrated by Austin, Texas-based illustrator, Ryan Durney. Durney, who is an established children's book illustrator signed on to the project and is interested in being around for the long haul. "When Gretchen's editor and publicist, Amanda Clark, originally contacted me and told me the story, I was so excited and I wanted to be part of the project. Furthermore, I see the potential in all of Gretchen's work, and I am eager to get started on the next in the series," stated Durney. Amanda Clark, owner of Grammar Chic, Inc., a Lake Wylie, SC-based literary consultancy, who works as Zimmer's editor and publicist has arranged the work since the beginning stages and is pleased to see the results come to fruition. "Gretchen was my friend before she was my client. Being in this business, you hear a lot of 'I wrote a book.' However, when Gretchen showed me the manuscript and then when I read the rest of the series, I knew there was potential, especially when you consider Gretchen's background and the lesson that she is looking to teach," stated Clark. The project was started in late Summer of 2009 and was picked up by Manassas, Virginia-based publisher EDGE Publishing Company in late 2009. Phil Vera, President of EDGE Publishing Company was impressed with the high quality of both the manuscript and the illustrations and agreed to publish and market the book on the spot. "Gretchen is a talented writer and the illustrations that compliment the book are eye-popping. They jump off the pages at you, my kids personally loved it," stated Vera. "I anticipate Gretchen having a long career and a long-standing relationship with EDGE." Copies of Accepting Apples are now available online on the author's website at www.zimmerauthorworks.com and through EDGE Publishing Company at www.edgepublishingcompany.com. The author is available for personal appearances at schools, organizations and other family and children related activities to discuss her work and her books. Zimmer Author Works can be contacted at: www.zimmerauthorworks.com or (803)548-3133. Gretchen Zimmer can be contacted via email at: gretchen.zimmer@zimmerauthorworks.com EDGE Publishing Company is located at: 8939 Sweetbriar St., Manassas, VA 20110. You can reach the friendly staff at EDGE Publishing Company by calling: 703-724-9235 or faxing: 703-935-0428. President Phillip Vera can be reached by email at: pvera@edgepublishingcompany.com. EDGE Publishing Company is online at www.edgepublishingcompany.com. Amanda Clark, President of Grammar Chic, Inc., can be reached online at www.grammarchic.net or at 803-831-7444 or at info@grammarchic.net. ABOUT: Gretchen Zimmer is the author of a series of children's books. Her first book, Accepting Apples, was released on March 17, 2010 and is available through her company website at www.zimmerauthorworks.com. EDGE Publishing Company is Gretchen Zimmer's publisher. For additional information or a sample copy, Contact: Phil Vera, (703) 724-9235 or pvera@edgepublishingcompany.com. For media appearances or press inquiries, please call Amanda Clark, President of Grammar Chic, Inc, (803)831-7444 or info@grammarchic.net.
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Saturday, March 20, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Military Families
Project Sanctuary
~through the eyes of a volunteer
March 9, 2010
Over the years, I have been honored by the ability to work with military families. In doing so, it has become increasingly obvious what family means to military members. Groups of military families live in close proximity to each other, creating a subculture atmosphere. Families within each group build great trust and respect for each other and use this like a security net during times of deployment or need. The type of individuals that you meet in the military are extremely disciplined, self sacrificing and generous. That is why I believe that they are able to do what they do.
Now think just for a minute of that type of commitment, the magnitude of giving from one individual to many others. Can you imagine the love and commitment that these military men and women feel for their own families if that is what they feel for our country? They are willing to sacrifice their lives for America; think of what they would do for a spouse or child! Imagine how distraught they might feel to not be able to be the family member they once were or to “be there” for their family and complete normal everyday duties?
All too often, a soldier is not capable of being a “normal” member of the family immediately upon returning home from service. Why is this? It is my belief that many men and women who return to the arms of their loving families are not able to function as the family member they were previously because they are not the same person. The soldier has lived an entirely different life, seen horrific things, completed unspeakable duties, and has established bonds with other people that they may never see again. That is a lot of anxiety, trauma, loss and grief to deal with in addition to the immediate needs that are manifesting and waiting at home with anxious family members. It may be not possible for anyone to successfully resume normal living without intervention. It is not that the soldiers and families want discord, quite the opposite, they have had plenty of that! What they really want is to “get back to normal” or at the very least be able to quickly modify and adjust their lives in a positive way.
This is why the efforts of Project Sanctuary are so important and necessary to military families. It allows the family unit as a whole to start over; it allows families to get back to the basics rather than expecting life to positively progress just because a person believes it should. (In guidance and development they refer to this as “shouldering on yourself,” just not a good idea!) Project Sanctuary offers a safe haven for the entire family in order to reconnect through healthy choices, healthy camaraderie, support and play.
It is not as punishment that the families’ cabins are not equipped with the distractions of modern technology. The families are meant to turn to each other, talking and spending valuable time together. No duties or commitments, just good ole' bonding and re-bonding. It is amazing to watch families reconnect by playing games, working together, laughing, and building new memories. No one expects that the soldier’s negative experiences or trauma will be immediately or permanently erased, but it sure is a happy beginning. Through professional support as well as great activities, Project Sanctuary families are reconnected with positive experiences and some priceless pictures to remember everything.
Project Sanctuary is providing a new foundation to the entire family unit. It is no easy task, but they sure do make it look easy and fun! I am fortunate to be involved in this amazing and rewarding non-profit organization. It is my hope that others will also recognize the tremendous positive impact that Project Sanctuary provides so that many more families who want the chance to reconnect after deployment are able to do so.
How much does your family mean to you?
Imagine if you weren’t able to “be there” for them?
Amazingly, there is hope, thank you Project Sanctuary for the assistance, support and understanding that your organization provides to all military men and women!
~through the eyes of a volunteer
March 9, 2010
Over the years, I have been honored by the ability to work with military families. In doing so, it has become increasingly obvious what family means to military members. Groups of military families live in close proximity to each other, creating a subculture atmosphere. Families within each group build great trust and respect for each other and use this like a security net during times of deployment or need. The type of individuals that you meet in the military are extremely disciplined, self sacrificing and generous. That is why I believe that they are able to do what they do.
Now think just for a minute of that type of commitment, the magnitude of giving from one individual to many others. Can you imagine the love and commitment that these military men and women feel for their own families if that is what they feel for our country? They are willing to sacrifice their lives for America; think of what they would do for a spouse or child! Imagine how distraught they might feel to not be able to be the family member they once were or to “be there” for their family and complete normal everyday duties?
All too often, a soldier is not capable of being a “normal” member of the family immediately upon returning home from service. Why is this? It is my belief that many men and women who return to the arms of their loving families are not able to function as the family member they were previously because they are not the same person. The soldier has lived an entirely different life, seen horrific things, completed unspeakable duties, and has established bonds with other people that they may never see again. That is a lot of anxiety, trauma, loss and grief to deal with in addition to the immediate needs that are manifesting and waiting at home with anxious family members. It may be not possible for anyone to successfully resume normal living without intervention. It is not that the soldiers and families want discord, quite the opposite, they have had plenty of that! What they really want is to “get back to normal” or at the very least be able to quickly modify and adjust their lives in a positive way.
This is why the efforts of Project Sanctuary are so important and necessary to military families. It allows the family unit as a whole to start over; it allows families to get back to the basics rather than expecting life to positively progress just because a person believes it should. (In guidance and development they refer to this as “shouldering on yourself,” just not a good idea!) Project Sanctuary offers a safe haven for the entire family in order to reconnect through healthy choices, healthy camaraderie, support and play.
It is not as punishment that the families’ cabins are not equipped with the distractions of modern technology. The families are meant to turn to each other, talking and spending valuable time together. No duties or commitments, just good ole' bonding and re-bonding. It is amazing to watch families reconnect by playing games, working together, laughing, and building new memories. No one expects that the soldier’s negative experiences or trauma will be immediately or permanently erased, but it sure is a happy beginning. Through professional support as well as great activities, Project Sanctuary families are reconnected with positive experiences and some priceless pictures to remember everything.
Project Sanctuary is providing a new foundation to the entire family unit. It is no easy task, but they sure do make it look easy and fun! I am fortunate to be involved in this amazing and rewarding non-profit organization. It is my hope that others will also recognize the tremendous positive impact that Project Sanctuary provides so that many more families who want the chance to reconnect after deployment are able to do so.
How much does your family mean to you?
Imagine if you weren’t able to “be there” for them?
Amazingly, there is hope, thank you Project Sanctuary for the assistance, support and understanding that your organization provides to all military men and women!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss
March 2, 2010:
Today is Dr. Seuss’s birthday! What a wonderful pioneer in modern day children’s literature. To honor the day, the entire school at Gold Hill Elementary School in Fort Mill, SC wore their pajamas to school and invited guest readers in to read a variety of wonderful books. There was even a rocking reading section just off of the main office, for guests and students alike to gather around a rocking chair and listen to story after story. Everywhere you turned the emphasis of the day was evident and students were beaming.
However, I had my work cut out for me.
“Do you write in Word?”
“When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?”
“How long does it take to publish a book?”
These were just a few of the anxious questions coming from Ms. William's fourth graders.
I have enjoyed reading to children for the past thirty years or so but today was a first for me. My invitation was not just for reading, Ms. William's bright-eyed bunch wanted to meet a “real life author.” Wow, I guess that’s me! Cool!
I was so excited to share with the children and demonstrate the writing and illustration process, I was also looking forward to showing the book and promoting some good discussion.
In preparation for today, I perfected...well, no... more like created a Powerpoint presentation. It is not an easy task to keep up with modern technology, but give me a day or three...or four...and it can be done! And who knew that you can plug in a little “clicker” which makes the Powerpoint presentation seem professional, not to mention fun. Not a bad day for a rookie.
However, the one thing I could not prepare for was the weather and in South Carolina the mere mention of the word "snow" can cause an all out panic. It is not uncommon for school to be cancelled at a moment's notice, but so far, my appearance was still on, so I zipped into the snowy school lot and hurried in.
Upon arriving in the main office I was greeted by two of the most precious little girls who were wearing their pajamas and carrying stuffed animals. They were also proudly hosting a sign, the kind that you might see in an airport, with the name “Mrs. Zimmer” written brightly on it. Yep, I must have found the right place. I immediately felt welcomed and comfortable among the cheery smiles and welcoming décor.
When we arrived at Ms. William's room, another surprise, a huge pink poster reading, “Welcome Mrs. Zimmer” greeted me. Holy smokes, what a sweet bunch they were, spoiling me rotten and I hadn’t done a thing!
I admitted to them that they were my guinea pigs as this was my first presentation as an author. The children were engaged and had insightful questions. I couldn’t have asked for a more attentive audience.
The presentation went well and I predict that the “clicker” will probably become one of my favorite things in 2010.
Tonight I sit and reflect on the wonderful experience and would like to offer a bit of thanks to Tracy Imler for the referral, Ms. Williams for the invitation and to Dr. Seuss for giving way to the occasion and the inspiration.
Today is Dr. Seuss’s birthday! What a wonderful pioneer in modern day children’s literature. To honor the day, the entire school at Gold Hill Elementary School in Fort Mill, SC wore their pajamas to school and invited guest readers in to read a variety of wonderful books. There was even a rocking reading section just off of the main office, for guests and students alike to gather around a rocking chair and listen to story after story. Everywhere you turned the emphasis of the day was evident and students were beaming.
However, I had my work cut out for me.
“Do you write in Word?”
“When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?”
“How long does it take to publish a book?”
These were just a few of the anxious questions coming from Ms. William's fourth graders.
I have enjoyed reading to children for the past thirty years or so but today was a first for me. My invitation was not just for reading, Ms. William's bright-eyed bunch wanted to meet a “real life author.” Wow, I guess that’s me! Cool!
I was so excited to share with the children and demonstrate the writing and illustration process, I was also looking forward to showing the book and promoting some good discussion.
In preparation for today, I perfected...well, no... more like created a Powerpoint presentation. It is not an easy task to keep up with modern technology, but give me a day or three...or four...and it can be done! And who knew that you can plug in a little “clicker” which makes the Powerpoint presentation seem professional, not to mention fun. Not a bad day for a rookie.
However, the one thing I could not prepare for was the weather and in South Carolina the mere mention of the word "snow" can cause an all out panic. It is not uncommon for school to be cancelled at a moment's notice, but so far, my appearance was still on, so I zipped into the snowy school lot and hurried in.
Upon arriving in the main office I was greeted by two of the most precious little girls who were wearing their pajamas and carrying stuffed animals. They were also proudly hosting a sign, the kind that you might see in an airport, with the name “Mrs. Zimmer” written brightly on it. Yep, I must have found the right place. I immediately felt welcomed and comfortable among the cheery smiles and welcoming décor.
When we arrived at Ms. William's room, another surprise, a huge pink poster reading, “Welcome Mrs. Zimmer” greeted me. Holy smokes, what a sweet bunch they were, spoiling me rotten and I hadn’t done a thing!
I admitted to them that they were my guinea pigs as this was my first presentation as an author. The children were engaged and had insightful questions. I couldn’t have asked for a more attentive audience.
The presentation went well and I predict that the “clicker” will probably become one of my favorite things in 2010.
Tonight I sit and reflect on the wonderful experience and would like to offer a bit of thanks to Tracy Imler for the referral, Ms. Williams for the invitation and to Dr. Seuss for giving way to the occasion and the inspiration.
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