INSPIRATIONAL ADVENTURE

The title above is an appropriate one whenever I’m invited to read at schools. I recently went to a third grade classroom in Palmdale, CA, where I not only read one of my stories, but also talked about the children’s writing experiences, love of learning, and being a good student. This particular class was truly exciting for me as I felt I was getting through and influencing many children to have a better life by reading. I found some of them had already lost their desire to learn–and at such a young age! The Question and Answer period was also very illuminating where the students took front and center. They liked asking questions better than answering them. Either way it was beneficial because they were participating. Each question made it easier for me to make my point how learning was so important and enjoyable. I stressed that they all had the potential to be “A” students, no matter how poorly they may have been doing at the time, and it wouldn’t take long to make a complete turnaround. When I explained how it could be done, I saw the excitement in the teacher’s eyes, which was as exhilarating for me as watching the children’s reaction. To be effective I had to be given enough time and not be rushed. The teacher facilitated me in that regard, in fact she encouraged me to continue. That morning was an inspirational experience for me. I’ve found if my presentations go smoothly, the children never tire from hearing me talk, but I’ve become adept at knowing when they become bored or tired and end the session.

I also read to three wonderful classes at St. Mary’s Catholic School: First grade, Mrs. Boyd; Second Grade, Mrs. Fuentes; and third grade, Miss Catalla and Miss Rios.  Because I didn’t have time they were given one of my shorter talks, but I still added a little humor.   I can’t help trying to be a comedian no matter what age level I’m speaking to.  They all expressed their thanks by sending me letters or drawings that showed off their talents.  They were truly appreciated.  Below are a few samples of letters I received from Mrs. Fuentes class.  Every child in her class were superior printers, a terrific discipline that could be carried over to every subject:

Dear Mr. Mayerhofer–I like the book Wobbly Bags a Thief because people need to learn to respect others. Also, people need to be safe and careful…Elijah

Dear Mr. Mayerhofer—I enjoyed you reading Wobbly Bags a Thief. It was so exciting for me. God bless you. Thank you…Ashley

Dear Mr. Mayerhofer—I liked the book Wobbly Bags a Thief. I would like you to come and read us another story. It was lots of fun…David

Dear Mr. Mayerhofer—I loved the book you read to us, Wobbly Bags a Thief. Thank you for taking your time to read to us. I would love to read your other books…Amanda

Dear Mr. Mayerhofer—I like your jokes you told us. I like the book Wobbly Bags a Thief. It was a funny story…Bernice

SANDBAGGED

I was recommended to speak to the local Women’s Club, an influential organization in our community about my novel, “Diary of a Young Musician: Final Days of the Big Band Era.” Since I had spoken to a similar group a few weeks earlier, I assumed I’d speak about one half hour. I received an email of confirmation the same day saying I would speak for 12 minutes with five minutes of Q & A at the end of their luncheon. It takes me that long to take a breath. I thought I’d be able to improvise and stretch the talk a little longer.

When I arrived at the clubhouse, I was informed there would be another speaker before me, causing me a little uneasiness. When the speaker was introduced I was stunned! She was a representative from our local water district who had been asked that day to talk to the group. The previous evening, an overflow crowd of 200 angry residents of our city had attended a riotous meeting of the water board, who were going to raise the rates by possibly up to 300 percent. The board ended up raising the rates that evening by a vote of 3-2. You could see the quandary I was in having to follow that speaker. While giving her talk why the water district raised the rates, she was asked a question by one of the little old ladies who would be seriously affected by the new rates. The air became contentious with more angry questions. The speaker happily left immediately after her allotted 12 minutes.

While she was speaking I adjusted my talk in my mind hoping it would work out…it did not! It was the first time I’d ever addressed an audience with angry faces who could care less about an ex-musician who used to play with big bands. Every story that had brought laughs in the past fell like a lead balloon. There wasn’t a one. I ended my speech in exactly 12 minutes. I thought the meeting was over but I was wrong. The minutes had yet to be read and short talks to be given by about eight other officers. I made a fast exit after thanking the president for inviting me. I don’t think a person in the room heard a single word of my innocuous talk. In the future I’ll make sure I’m the only speaker and that I be given an allotted time of at least one half hour.

THE FEMINIZATION OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

The type of children’s books available has bothered me a long time. Witnessing librarians and classroom teachers read to children while going through Olympic-like gyrations to make the stories interesting, especially for boys, made me aware there was something terribly wrong. Not only were the children’s stories not of the best quality, they lacked strength and character.

Being a children’s writer, I’ve gone through libraries and bookstores perusing through hundreds of children’s stories by reputable publishers to help me become a better writer. I’ve become totally disenchanted. Thank God there are the obvious exceptions! The children’s publishing world is in deep trouble and it’s not because of our present economy, the problem had already existed.

After reading the Sunday comics in the AV Press (the delight of the day), I looked at “The Mini Page,” as I always do, and my blood pressure went up a notch. This Sunday’s edition featured children’s books where the topic was “The Power of Hope.” There were the usual save the environment books; others to help the world and it’s inhabitants; stories that gave children comfort, and another about being true to one’s self. I was sure every rugged boy was clamoring to read that one. To be fair there were others that looked good but they were in the minority. I’m not going into the politics of this whole issue, but women editors in the publishing world who have a special agenda, are in control of the books children read.

What happened to good old stories about American patriots, like George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Andrew Jackson and others? There should be stories about the heroes of our wars and the heroic exploits of soldiers, airmen, and sailors, both men and women, who fought and died for our country in great battles, such as Felluga in Iraq.

Not only did I love stories like Ivanhoe, and Paul Revere, but I also read every Nancy Drew mystery during summer vacation when I was nine. There was excitement and mystery in each story, where that series attracted both boys and girls for her rugged individualism, the type that built America, as we knew it. Are the books presently being read by our children building character and love of country, as it did for us when we were their age? I don’t think so

THE BAND BUSTERS

Pride, destruction, and pathos threads through this calamitous story. This could be the wildest story in rhyme you’ve ever read, where all adversities are overcome and good wins over evil. Read more

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

A CALL & LETTER FROM STATER BROS. MARKET

I sent my book ,“Wobbly Bags a Thief,” to the president of Stater Bros. Market in San Bernardino, CA with ideas how to sell and promote it. My intent was to have the stores give the buyer a miniature shopping cart with the sale of each book. Within a few days I received a phone call from the representative of the company followed by a letter you’ll find below. Enclosed in the letter was a Gift Card for $25 to be used at any Stater Bros. Market. In essence, the representative told me that outside vendors took care of their promotions, but he would send the book to their Stater Bros. marketing department for their consideration.
STATER BROS. MARKET P.O. - Box 150 - 301 Tippecanoe Ave. - San Bernardino, CA 92408 - (909) 733-5000

April 28, 2009

Dear Mr, Mayerhofer:

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me on Monday, April 27, 2009 regarding your letter and children’s book that you recently sent to Jack Brown, the Chairman and CEO of Stater Bros. Markets.

After speaking with you, I read your story about “Wobbly,” a supermarket shopping cart. Your story was enjoyable, but thank goodness the vast majority of Stater Bros. shopping cars don’t have such a coloful and adventuresome existence.

As we discussed, unfortunately we are unable to promote or sell your book directly in our supermarkets as we obtain our products through authorized vendors. I will pass on your book to our Marketing Department who has contact with the vendors for any possible interest.

I wish you well in your writing and publishing career. I was very interested to read of your various career endeavors and academic accomplishments.

Thank you for sharing your book with us and for your interest in doing business with Stater Bros. Markets. Please accept the enclosed $25.00 Stater Bros. Gift Card as a “Thank you” for taking the time to write us and for your loyal patronage.

Best wishes for your continued success.

Sincerely,

George A. Frohm

Executive Vice President, Retail Operations