Featured Interview With Mary Elizabeth Jackson
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. My first job I worked at Disney World and could see the fireworks every night from my house. I moved with my husband to Tennessee 27 years ago. Our plan was to stay just five years. But three children and and one amazing dog named Bella later we are still here. My author career started later in life after my surprise son was born. I am an award winning children’s author of the Poohlicious series, and an advocate for special needs and disabilities, co-founder and co-host of the Writers Corner Live TV Show and Special Needs TV Shows on Facebook, LinkedIn, Amazon Live, Twitter, and YouTube. I am a ghostwriter and book collaborator and the voice on the app Sports2Gether.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have loved books from the time I could read and have tried to pass that onto my own children. When I was little I was fascinated with futuristic and fantastical stories. Now I love spiritual books, mysteries, historical non-fiction, and true stories.
I have been writing my whole life. Poetry is my first love and writing children’s stories didn’t happen till the past few years. Now I could write children’s stories everyday. Having a young child means my days are filled with inspirations both for a child and adult.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Since I have an author show and get to interview authors I have the opportunity to read lots of different genres. It depends on what is going on in my life as to what I am reading and who is my favorite. Recently I read Energy Speaks by Lee Harris. Great book and now I am reading a debut author’s book: 77 Letters by Susan P. Harris. It’s a true story based on her mothers experience in the Vietnam War. It is being written into play format.
My favorite genres are children’s books, parenting and self-help, mystery, historical non-fiction, and spiritual growth. I am inspired and continue to be inspired by Dr. Seuss, Beatrix Potter, Judy Blume, Elizabeth Gilbert, Deepok. There are so many I love and find value in so I will list just a few.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is third in my children’s series. Poohlicious Oh the Wonder of Me is carrying on the message that children are okay just the way they are and came into this life. It journeys through the funny, silly, awkwardness of childhood. Having crazy hair, spaces between their teeth, and funny ears are all normal at this stage and a great thing to see the positive in. I have included an I AM page in each book to get kids and their families started on this positive language early in life. Helping to encourage them to be more empowered within themselves and in challenging situations they might find themselves in. Its a great book for ages 4-7/8 and features boys and girls because they all go through quirky times during these ages.
Because I wrote this book in rhyme it took awhile, and the illustrations can take a long time depending on the artist and medium they are using. Collaborating takes patience.
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles
Mary Elizabeth Jackson’s Website