Barbara's Meanderings

Barbara: Actually, Beth I did tell them right away, but thank you!! (You can't see it, but I'm blushing. Thank goodness this is a blog and not TV.:) )

Barbara: Which of the three books is your favorite and why?

Beth: Boy, that’s a tough question. The books are so different from each other, but each brings something fun or meaningful to the reader.

I think my favorite of the three is A Wish and a Prayer because it is a story with an important message. Every child can relate to losing something precious and wanting to find it. As Jason tries to get his parakeet back, he discovers the truth about wishing on inanimate objects versus praying to God. My goal in writing this book was to share my faith by helping kids understand that only God can meet our needs and satisfy our deepest longings.

I often hear people say that children’s books should not have a moral message, but I have a different perspective. As adults, we have a responsibility to share what we have learned about life with our children. If we can do that through a compelling, satisfying story, why not do it?

Barbara: Are you planning to put out ebook versions of your children’s books?

Beth: 4RV Publishing will release ebooks of In My Bath and A Wish and a Prayer in the near future. They will be available for Kindle, Nook and Nook Color.


Barbara: You are a registered dietitian and write for magazines such as ParentLife and Hallmark Magazine. How did you start writing children’s fiction?

Beth: When my boys were born, I stopped working as a pediatric dietitian and became a stay-at-home mom. I took two classes from the Institute of Children’s Literature when the kids were small. My first publications were stories, articles and crafts in children’s magazines such as Boys’ Quest, Wee Ones and Discovery Trails.

When I started writing fairly regularly for Kid Zone magazine, the idea of assignments appealed to me, instead of subbing and waiting. I liked e-mailing an editor and asking, “Want me to write an article about such-and-such?” and her saying, “Yes, write it!” That’s when I began to query adult and parenting magazines and get regular gigs. I love writing pediatric nutrition pieces for ParentLife because it combines nutrition, kids and writing, three of my favorite things.

Barbara: In your bio it also says you have written devotional books especially for women. Please tell everyone about them.

Beth: I wrote two titles in the “Devotions to Go” series from Extreme Diva Media, the women’s division of See Media. These are pocket-sized, month-long devotional books for women on various topics, written by different authors. My two books are about fruit and stock car racing: Fruit Lovers’ DTG and Race Fans’ DTG. Fruit Lovers’ released in May 2011 in paperback and ebook formats. Race Fans’ is scheduled for June 2011 release.

You can read details about my devotional books here on my website. To see all 27 books in the “Devotions to Go” series, visit the publisher’s online bookstore.

Barbara, it’s been wonderful to talk with you on your blog today - thank you so much for having me. I love visiting with friends and their readers.