9/11 is why I decided I had to write stories for children.

Why, I, Darcie Mae, write fun and educational stories for children:

The message I am trying to send is clearly stated in my quote: "Words can change a life. Make a good change. Read a child a book."

On 9/11, when the towers went down, I was living in the woods in a log cabin and did not know what was going on in the world until someone came out to tell me. That night I listened to all the chaos happening in the world. The first thing that popped into my mind were all the children who were probably listening to it as well. I have always enjoyed putting pen to paper, keeping journals, writing poems, etc. But, it was that night I decided I wanted to take my writing seriously. I made up my mind I was going to write stories for children and I was going to write many. That is what I’ve done, and am doing. I have 100’s of stories done and there will be many more. I hope the stories I write keep children's minds and thoughts busy so they won’t have to pay attention to all the chaos happening in the world. When adults are afraid or worried, children are as well, whether we want them to be or not. I want my stories to keep kids minds busy thinking about what their reading, and thinking about the next story or book they want to read. There is enough time for worrying about world troubles when they get older.

I am also one who thinks a family reading night would great. That is why I am putting The Peably series of stories on my website free to read, and offering a couple coloring pictures free to print and color. I put a new story, and 2 new coloring pictures up each week, usually Sunday. Any night of the week, get out some fruit juice or hot cocoa, make some popcorn or get a snack, print out the new story, print out the coloring pictures and make copies if needed, get out the crayons, colored pencils, and makers, and most importantly, get the family together. Have the same person read each time or take turns reading. Have fun. I guarantee after a while you all will be waiting anxiously to see what the next story will be.

Darcie Mae