More about the book
[S.O.Y]
What inspired you to write your new book 'Pampered Pal'?
[TJD]
Well, my first knack for writing started in a third grade classroom--where
I wrote silly poems and verses for my grandmother (hey! my
grandmother actually loved those silly poems).
[S.O.Y] Tell us more about the central character and what she is like.
[TJD]
The main character of my latest children's book, Pampered Pal, is
a
six-year-old girl named Maggie, who is reluctant to be a part of
her Mom's
volunteer group. The volunteer group visits nursing homes, pampering
the
elderly residents. Maggie is fearful of nursing homes, at first.
[S.O.Y]
The main character is based on an NY girl named Rachel who started
a teen volunteer group called Glamour Gals. How did you meet and
get the
inspiration? Has Rachel's Glamour gals project been a success?
[TJD] Rachel and I have never met, though we have had some phone and e-mail contact. Rachel became the inspiration for "Pampered Pal" after I watched her on a TV interview aired on The Early Show with Bryant Gumble (CBS) back in January of 2001. Rachel's kindness was not only inspiring--it was infectious!
Glamour
Gals, founded by Rachel, is a nonprofit organization, which
encourages teens to volunteer with elderly women by offering facials
and
makeovers. The program enriches the lives of teens and the elderly.
It boosts
the self-esteem of the women, as well as the teens. The Glamour Gals website
glamourgirls.org
lists important information and material for teens interested in starting
the volunteer service in their own community! It's way too cool!! And
it's not just for Gals either!
[S.O.Y] What does Rachel do? Is she a college student?
[TJD]
Yes, Rachel attends college and continues aiding in the success
of her
Glamour Gals Organization. Rachel was also named Cosmo Girl in last
year's
December/January issue of Cosmogirl Magazine. You can learn more
about Rachel on the www.glamourgals.org website. She's a remarkable
girl!
[S.O.Y] Do you think elderly people have a tough time of it in modern society?
[TJD]
I think our elder generation deserves more recognition. I can only
hope
that my children's book "Pampered Pal" will fill children
with enthusiasm and
an understanding for our seniors.
One
of my first jobs (when I was about 15-years-old) was in a nursing
home
(the German Old Folks Home in Lawrence, Ma). I learned so much about
life
listening to stories told by the elderly residents. Their stories
about the
Depression and wars helped me appreciate things in my own life--instead
of
dwelling on things I didn't have.
[S.O.Y] Many young people sadly resent having to spend time with their elderly relatives, let alone elderly people they don't know. What could be done to change the attitudes of young people? Is it important to do so?
[TJD]
Yes, spending time with our elder generation is important. The greatest
gift we can offer--to anyone--is the gift of TIME. Share a few minutes
of
your time with elders. I cherished every minute I spent with my
grandmother,
as well as minutes I've spent with elders who were not family. An
elder's
memories of the past are the greatest lessons in history we'll ever
receive.
[S.O.Y]
Do you think there is an opening for a glamour guy service for elderly
men?
[TJD] Sure! There's room for any kind of volunteer organization.
[S.O.Y] What are you working on now?
[TJD]
I'm working on a middle grade novel and a picture book manuscript.
The
middle grade (or readers) novel is a real challenge for me because
it's my
first time writing for this age group, since I've mostly written
picture
books. When writing for children age groups are categorized like
this:
Picture
Books (preschoolers to 8-years-old)
Young Readers (5 to 8-years-old)
Middle Readers (9 to 11-years-old)
Young Adults (ages 12 and up)
[S.O.Y] What advice would you give to young aspiring writers?
[TJD]
Don't write because you believe you'll get rich or become famous--write
to inspire and entertain your readers. Have fun and let your words
flow!
[S.O.Y] How can we learn more about you and your books?
[TJD] Visit my website: www.thesavvyclick.com//lifestyle/TJean.htm
Hey!
I also own an Internet magazine called The Savvy Click. You can
browse
my magazine here: www.thesavvyclick.com
The
Savvy Click has something for all ages. There's a Teen Town area,
which
has a very popular Dawson's Creek Fan area, a Kids Corner, and a
writing and
publishing area! We accept submission from all ages: stories, poetry,
reviews, and essays. Visit our submission guidelines for more information
and
check out our writing resources.
[S.O.Y] Any last words?
[TJD]
Thanks for this interview! To those of you reading, never stop
believing and never stop achieving. And NEVER say NEVER ;)
[S.O.Y] Thank you for the interview and good luck with your next book
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some
proceeds from the sale of Pampered Pal, which is available in all
bookstores and Internet book outlets, will be donated to Glamour
Gals in an
effort to support a wonderful group of teens and their acts of kindness.
Book's
Information:
PAMPERED PAL
By Tabatha Jean D'Agata
Illustrations: Judy Lineberger.
ISBN: 0-9708537-5-0
Publisher: Southern Charm press
Publisher's website: www.southerncharmpress.com
Six
year old Maggie joins her Mom for a volunteer visit to a nursing
home.
Maggie's Mom is the founder of an organization called: Pampered
Pals. Maggie isn't sure she's ready to help pamper anyone. But after
meeting Mrs. Minkle and prettying her up with makeup, Maggie learns
that being a "Pampered Pal" is a special job!
A
combination of uplifting storytelling and vibrant illustrations
creates an
enjoyable family book in PAMPERED PAL (Southern Charm Press, Children's
Picture Book, ages 4 - 8, On-sale September, 2001; $7.95, ISBN:
0-9708537-5-0).
