An Interview with Tracy Bryan, author of Finding A Happy Medium

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An Interview with Tracy Bryan
author of  Finding A Happy Medium



1. Why did you decide to write Finding A Happy Medium?

Most of my writing is non-fiction picture books that deal with important topics which affect contemporary kids. This particular subject (Childhood Obesity) is especially prevalent in our society, yet missing in the current children’s book market. Above all, I wanted to provide a reference material for teachers, parents and the kids themselves about the understanding and prevention of childhood obesity. 


2. Can you tell us what kind of research went behind Finding A Happy Medium?

I gathered a lot of my resources from relevant articles, blogs and medical information on the internet. I am a huge believer in backing all my research material up with clear and accurate facts, therefore I checked and double checked all the materials that were used for this book. 

I was an obese child myself growing up in the late 70’s-80’s and later became a parent to an overweight child. I can honestly say, I know what it “feels” like being obese. I currently live a healthy lifestyle  as far as weight, nutrition, exercise and over all well-being. As far as parenting  goes, my child is currently living healthier now too as a young adult, and aspires to work in the field of nutrition in order to also help and teach obese kids.  


3. Tell us about some of the biggest challenges or learning experiences you faced throughout the writing and publishing process.

I use photographic images to illustrate all my books. I have to say it was extremely challenging trying to find stock images of obese, overweight or even “average” sized children in my stock image searches. I try to represent a diverse range of kids in my books with regards to gender, race and shape, so I have several memberships to different companies. However, a lot of the results that I came up with were very negative with regards to overweight models. The message that I was trying to depict in my illustrations was certainly not shame about being overweight, but a lot of the pictures I found were doing this. I hope that I succeeded in illustrating that everyone is different, yet we are all the same and no one should be judged or stereotyped for the way they look, especially kids that are obese. 


4. What is your favorite place to jot down your ideas or write your manuscripts?

I have a art studio that is all pink (pink walls, ceiling fans and most of the décor). This is a space where I can create and get inspired to write. When I’m not writing, I like to build miniature fairy gardens. 


5. Tell us something personal about you that your readers may be surprised to know.

I live in a Fly-In community. There is a private airport in my neighborhood and most of the homes here have hangars beside them, where people can park their airplanes. My husband is a pilot and we fly our airplane all over the country! 


6. What do you do when you are not writing or reading?

I walk my dogs (two Jack Russells) at least two to three times a day. We go to this beautiful pond in our neighborhood that has a long path beside it. I get deeply inspired here. 


7. What's next? 

I am currently finishing a book series called Awesome Values! for kids aged 8-11. The last book in this series is called Breathe! Getting Through Anxiety, Stress & Worry! A lot of my books focus on Mindfulness and Coping Skills- and this one in particular will offer kids an easy, value- based tool to help them overcome everyday anxieties through mindful breathing. 


8. Lastly, any special thoughts for your readers who are reading this interview on DDE?

If there is a specific topic that I can write about in a children’s book that anyone would like to see addressed, please feel free to leave a comment on my website tracybryan.com or contact me thru email at tracy@tracybryan. 


Finding A Happy Medium...

Understanding & Preventing Childhood Obesity


Genre: Self-help, Kid-lit
Ages: 8-11

Everywhere you look; in the news, on television programs and as taught in schools- Childhood Obesity has become an epidemic in our society. 

Childhood Obesity can lead to many other serious health conditions and the most common problems that obese children have to face are discrimination and low self-esteem. 

Learn why some kids become obese and the problems they may have to cope with because of this. Learn ways we can all get healthy and help each other feel good about this. 

Most of all, learn why it's more important to change our attitude then to ask anyone to change the way they look.


Purchase


All formats can be purchased from Tracy's website

Softcover and Kindle Versions are also available on Amazon

Hardcover can be purchased from Blurb



About the author



Tracy Bryan is a self-published children's author. She writes whimsical picture books for kids aged 2-11 about self-esteem building, coping skills, mental illness and other diverse themes. 

Tracy also likes to tackle social issues and speak directly to her readers about important topics that affect everyone. Tracy lives with her family in Central Florida. Please visit Tracy's website tracybryan.com or email her at tracy@tracybryan.com





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