Three Times A Charm with Annie Fox


Three Times a Charm is a weekly feature that spotlights authors, illustrators, bloggers, agents, editors or promoters from the publishing industry.



This week, Annie Fox, joins us to talk about her many projects. Let’s learn a little about Annie:



I am an educator who teaches through my writing. I’ve been fortunate enough to build a successful career doing a combination of things I love to do: helping kids, making up stories, and performing (my brand of public speaking). I’ve written and designed many award-winning computer games for kids, but my transformational career opportunity came in 1996 when I dreamed up the idea for a teen website featuring a relationship advisor Hey Terra! (aka, me). For the past 14 years I’ve been answering email from tweens/teens around the world. All of it highlights the social/emotional challenges of growing up with heart and self-esteem in tact. The kids’ email informs all of my writing and teaching.



You’re a multi-published author and I understand you’re on the cutting edge of book technology with a book app. Please, tell us more.



My award-winning books include:

 The Teen Survival Guide to Dating and Relating,  Too Stressed to Think? and the Middle School Confidential™ series. In April (2011) my writing career went digital when Electric Eggplant (in partnership with Free Spirit Publishing) released our first iPad app,  Be Confident in Who You Are: A Middle School Confidential Graphic Novel (also now available on NOOK Color).We just (August 2011) released our new iBook Are You My Friend? More kids’ apps and iBooks to come!



In between times, I blog about 21st Century challenges for kids and parents. I also manage an anti-bullying Facebook forum, Cruel’s Not Cool!



You sound very kid focused. It’s great to learn about sites we can steer kids toward who may need support in their lives.



Now, for the Threes. Share with us your top 3’s to help us know you a little better.



  • Top 3 books you’ve read in the past year.



Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, The Influence of Teachers by John Merrow, How to Be Good by Nick Hornby.



  • Top 3 skills to hone for people just starting in your business.



Know what you’re talking and/or writing about and learn how to present it in a way that’s accessible, heart-felt and entertaining. Become adept at using Twitter to make connections by always being useful to the community and responsive to your followers (that’s where Annie and I met!). Be confident in your abilities so that you’ve got no problem doing outreach and letting people know exactly why and how you can be of service.



  • Top 3 pieces of advice for kids these days.



1. Figure out what you most love to do that helps you express your uniqueness and do it no matter what other people say. 2. Find an accessible, supportive mentor. 3. Be your own best friend first, always treat yourself with respect and don’t waste energy on people who try to bring you down.



I added the bold highlights above. GREAT advice for anyone, but especially kids.



Annie, where can our readers learn more about you and your writing?



http://AnnieFox.com

http://blog.anniefox.com

http://twitter.com/Annie_Fox

http://www.facebook.com/Annie.Fox.author

http://ElectricEggplant.com

http://RaymondAndSheila.com

http://MiddleSchoolConfidential.com

http://CruelsNotCool.com

http://www.TheInSite.org



It has been terrific getting to know you better, Annie. Thanks for joining us this week on Strands of Thought. Best of luck with all your projects.


THANKS!

Comments

  1. Beverly Stowe McClureOctober 9, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    So nice to meet you, Annie. Your work sounds fantastic. I know nothing about apps for ereaders. Guess I should learn. :) Best wishes for you.

    Great interview, Kai.

    ReplyDelete

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