April Magazine Feature: Lavelle Carlson
Q: First tell us something about yourself.
I am a retired speech/language pathologist and began writing books that met my speech therapy goals. Once I retired I continued writing, sometimes inspired by my grandchildren and often because that is the way my mind runs.
Q: How and when did your journey start as a writer?
I began in about 2000 when my husband retired and we started a publishing company for speech therapists.
Q: When did you write your first story? Is it published or not?
My first story was written and published in about 2003. It was EEK! I Hear a Squeak and the Scurrying of Little Feet.
Q: Tell us something more about your books?
Initially, they were to meet my speech goals with a lot of rhyming and repetition.
Q: Why do you choose kids as your reader? Is there any specific reason?
Yes, kids learn language, pre-reading skills, and emotional skills via books.
Q: How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
Good question. I think it is based on my experience working with young children. We need fun books to capture the imagination of children. For instance, I wrote one book, Farting Four-Toed Troll, based on the Norwegian troll my children grew up with in Norway. But, I put the silly bent on it as I understood the working mind of little boys.
Q: Do you want to leave any message for your readers?
Yes, to parents. Children need to hear words in a loving way (in your lap). They need to hear stories of kindness and love and how to cope with childhood’s difficulties as a way of preparing for coping with life.
Buy the book on Amazon and get two free downloadable books, coloring book and activity book at https://www.slpstorytellers.com/register-2/.
