Describe your book’s character-building message.

I Get It! I Get It! inspires all children to understand that no matter what difficulties they face, with confidence, determination, and a little help they can live happy and successful lives. They deliver this message by telling a story about a boy with Auditory Processing Deficit.

What inspired you to share that message with your readers?

Our inspiration for creating I Get It! I Get It! grew from our passion to help children understand that even though they may have an Auditory Learning Disability, or another disability, they are not alone, they are smart, and they can live fulfilling lives.

Loraine Alderman, Psy.D.: As a school and clinical psychologist, I work with children who have learning disabilities. I have seen firsthand how so many children with Auditory Processing Deficit struggle with low self-esteem and feel they are not smart enough.

Yvonne Capitelli: As a motivational speaker for elementary school children, I know that positive self-esteem, confidence, and determination are imperative to becoming happy and successful.

We created I Get It! I Get It! to help children feel they are supported and they are smart. We hope our book will give children with Auditory Processing Deficit the confidence and determination they need to achieve and thrive in school and in life.

Describe your target audience.

Our target audience is children (ages 5-12) who have Auditory Learning Disabilities, as well as their parents, teachers, and caregivers. Additionally, since auditory processing of information affects children with learning disabilities and children who have attention deficit disorder, this book offers valuable insights for these children, as well.

How would you like your message to impact them?

We would like children with Auditory Learning Deficits to feel that there is help available for them, that they are not alone. We would like them to understand that even though they have an Auditory Learning Disability, they can still lead joyful and meaningful lives. We also want to help empower parents to advocate on behalf of their children. The Glossary of Terms at the back of the book gives parents valuable information they can use to help negotiate their child’s school system. Also listed in the back of the book is “Ways You Can Help Your Child at Home and in School.” These suggestions will help kids make accommodations for their Auditory Learning Disabilities that will enable them to perform well and feel good about themselves.

What have you learned about yourself throughout the publishing process?

While creating I Get It! I Get It!, we realized how much we enjoy writing books that help children develop the type of self-esteem, confidence, and fortitude that will lead to happy, productive, and fulfilling lives.

What is your goal as a writer?

To write books that will inspire children to never give up, seek support, and live up to their fullest potential. Also, to give parents information that will help their children become successful, productive, and happy.

How will your book award help you achieve that goal?

Receiving the Character Building Counts book award would be an honor and would give I Get It! I Get It! prestigious recognition; this would help us reach more of the children who can benefit from this book.

Nesta Aharoni, CBC Book Awards, Character Building Counts

In the back-left corner of the restaurant sat a squirming, high-pitched infant whose parents were deaf to the annoying tone and the offensive volume their child was hurling from his chair. It never occurred to them to entertain their child outside the confines of the dining room until he calmed down. I watched the other patrons portray painful signs of agitation and upset. As the youngster’s poker-faced parents shoved forkfuls of pancakes into their mouths, they did not seem to notice the reaction of the other people in the room. I wonder … will their self-absorbed role modeling teach their child to develop into a narcissistic adult?

Back toward the kitchen sat a couple who were sharing a meal with an adorable and verbal preschooler. She was smiling full face as she expressed one amazing observation after another. To their shame, her parents were indifferent to every word she ardently shared—giving absolutely no response. Not one confirming touch, nod, or smile. I wonder … for how many years will that girl continue to be awed by the splendor of ordinary objects (like slick, shiny spoons), and how long will it take before she stops communicating her awe to such a vacant and expressionless audience?

Near the front door sat a mom and her teenage daughter. Their features sagged from years of sorrow, neglect, and detachment. They failed to engage in the delightful, and often meaningless, chitchat that so many mothers and daughters share. Instead, they gave in to silence and gloom. I wonder … how lovingly will this daughter relate to her own offspring when she eventually becomes a mother?

Right next to our table sat the grand prize—a mother and five-year-old daughter who were so absorbed in their banter and play that they hardly noticed anything else around them. The girl spoke to her mom respectfully and pleasantly. And she treated the servers and other patrons with the same reverence. “Please” and “thank you” flowed effortlessly from this young girl, and both participants’ eyes twinkled as they joyfully interacted with one another.

After observing this mother-daughter duo, I inhaled a deep breath and released a contented sigh. Aaaah! The sheer beauty of it. A mom who takes the time to teach her child that her behavior affects everyone else around her. A mom who listens, interacts, teaches, and plays. A mom who delights in spending time with her child.

I don’t have to wonder what kind of adult this young girl will eventually become. I already know. She will be empathetic, confident, capable, and responsible. I feel privileged to have witnessed one small moment in the development of an honorable and decent human being.

Nesta Aharoni, Character Building Counts Book Awards, www.CBCAwards.com

1. Describe your book’s character-building message.

Muted Grey was written to help shed light on a subject that has plagued our nation for years. Its topic was once considered a black-and-white issue, but over time, the lines have become blurred. Part of what makes Muted Grey such a powerful read is its element of surprise. For that reason, I hesitate to divulge the nature of the content, as I believe that would ruin the effect of the message for readers. Muted Grey has been well received, even by those individuals who might have previously claimed to be on the opposite side of the proverbial fence as it pertains to the subject at hand.

2. What inspired you to share that message with your readers?

I had already written two books, one a children’s book published under a pen name, and the other a novel, which is currently under contract with an agent. Both books were secular in nature, and I felt as though I should be using my talent to provide more than entertainment value. I sent a prayer for inspiration. It wasn’t long afterward that the idea for Muted Grey popped into my head.

3. Describe your target audience?

Muted Grey appeals primarily to women. However, I have also received excellent reviews from men as well as from young adult readers.

4. How would you like your message to impact them?

I would be naïve to believe that everyone who reads my book will change their beliefs. But I do hope Muted Grey helps people take a closer look at this subject, and that, with an open mind, they might consider a different point of view.

5. What have you learned about yourself through the publishing process?

Muted Grey is my second published book, so the process is not so new to me. But one thing I have learned is that the publishing process takes time—lots of it!

6. What is your goal as a writer?

I believe we all have talents and gifts that are meant to be shared. If in some small way I can make a positive change in the world through my writing, I believe my gift will not have been wasted.

7. How will your book award help you achieve that goal?

There are so many books on the market today. With people’s lives becoming more and more hectic, choosing which books to read within limited free time can be quite challenging. A reliable and trusted source offering recommendation can make all the difference. The recognition earned through CBC Book Awards can give my book an added boost. And the more people who read Muted Grey, the more opportunities I have to get this important message out to the public.

Nesta Aharoni, www.CBCAwards.com, Character Building Counts!

I am sure this armed teenager, who selfishly wanted to go out with a “bang,” felt that many factors contributed to his homicidal/suicidal frame of mind. But after reading the account of his actions, I would like to concentrate on one—the importance of maintaining balance in our lives.

I often tell parents and children that a balanced life can prevent devastation and obsession. When we decide that one thing represents the entirety of a life—a girlfriend, a boyfriend, a college, a career, a relationship, a sport, a talent—and we subsequently lose that one thing (through our actions, the acts of others, illness, disability, forces of nature), suddenly we have no life. And when we feel we have no life, it seems useless to make the effort, expend the energy, and reach the decisions that have the potential to turn the sorrow around.

For the benefit of our society, parents and educators must work to maintain a healthy balance in their children’s lives—of intellectual, creative, social, and physical pursuits. Children who are involved in exercise, the arts, cerebral stimulation, and communal activities are less likely to fall into a melancholic state after losing one of their many motivating relationships or activities. A setback in one area of their lives may cause them, legitimately, to feel disappointed; after all, they will have suffered a genuine dent in their psyches. But that loss probably will not create a fatal feeling of total and utter despair—the type of hopelessness that causes a juvenile to question the right of others to exist.

Youngsters who enrich their days with multiple pursuits find life too exciting and inspiring to even consider ending it—for themselves or for others—over a temporary childhood trouncing.

Nesta Aharoni, www.CBCAwards.com, Character Building Counts!

I love the beach. Everything about it is beautiful—the warmth of the sun, the sound of the surf, the span of the ocean. And I understand that many people consider the pounding waves to be even more than that—a spiritual experience that inspires them to commune with God, partner with nature, connect with a universal force, or whatever. But to me, the seaside, with all its charms, doesn’t come close to approaching the glow I receive from the warmth, hospitality, and kindness of my new neighbors.

A few weekends ago, my husband and I drove to Las Vegas to visit family. We stopped halfway at the Barstow McDonald’s to whet our whistles and stretch our legs. Next to the customer line, a large TV screen was showing Whitney Houston’s memorial service. I let my husband hold our place as I sauntered over to the big screen to listen to the pastor who was speaking. I hadn’t been standing there more than thirty seconds when three people stood rudely in front of me blocking my view. “That never would have happened in my new town,” I grumbled under my breath.

The next weekend we drove to our beach town to visit friends and more family. As we walked into a local restaurant, my husband politely held the door open for the three people who were directly behind us. Not one “thank you” in the bunch. Conversely, when we approached a different establishment, the people strolling in front of us slammed the door in our faces. “That never would have happened in my new town,” I repeated. And so it went, two weekends in a row. One indignity after another. We were ignored, bypassed, disregarded, and unseen. We did not receive one smile to warm us along the way.

“Get me out of here!” I urged my husband. “I want to go ‘home.’” In a few short months, the oil town had become my home. In a few short months I had grown to expect people to smile at me—in restaurants, stores, parks, wherever. In a few short months I had adjusted to people holding doors open for me—and to other people saying “thank you” when I opened a door for them. In a few short months, I had become accustomed to people moving out of the way when they thought they were blocking my view. In a few short months I became a local.

The first thing my husband and I did when we returned to our new town was head on over to our favorite yogurt place. I knew I could count on getting a replenishing dose of nice there. And I was right. A friendly teenager opened the door for us as we drew near. Someone else prompted us to go ahead of them in line. The cashier was cheery and chatty. Parents were enjoying their children’s company. The people at the next table struck up a conversation with us. Ah! Home sweet home.

So please, if you meet me and discover that I moved to an oil town from a beach town, don’t let your nonverbal or verbal communication express how sorry you are for me. I have lived in both places, and the beachgoers are the ones who belong on the counselor’s couch. The oil people have nothing to apologize for. They have their priorities in order. People first. Sand and sea later. The people in my new town are my spiritual experience. Their kindness, sincerity, and consideration have touched me deeply. And I hope that living among them will help me become a friendlier, more attentive neighbor over time.

Nesta Aharoni, www.CBCAwards.com, www.GrassrootsPublishingGroup.com, Character Building Counts!

Denise Byers and Danielle Gray, author and illustrator of Princess Lydia and the Fire Breathing Dragon, share an interview with Character Building Counts Book Awards. The author talks about her Bronze Seal Win and her desire to teach children that challenges can be overcome. People are handy-capable, says Byers, not handicapped. Girls can be heroines, and boys can accept help! This book is about embracing each others’ differences, and striving for peace.

1. 1. Describe your book’s character-building message.

Princess Lydia and the Fire Breathing Dragon delivers messages of empowerment and acceptance, especially to children with special challenges. The protagonist is vision-impaired, but she never lets her special challenge stop her from accomplishing her goals. Children with various forms of adversity will be delighted to meet characters who are resilient and successful and who teach lessons about aspiring and achieving. Princess Lydia shares messages about tolerating differences in others; it also encourages acceptance of those differences. Learning to accept (not just tolerate) others who are different from ourselves ensures a more peaceful society. If Princess Lydia educates one bully or empowers one underdog, it will have achieved great success.

1. 2. What inspired you to share your message with your readers?

The earlier children receive educational and empowering messages, the better prepared they will be to cope with negative experiences, such as bullying, that have become so prevalent in today’s society that kids and young adults are literally dying from them. Princess Lydia reaffirms to youngsters who are coping with difficult conditions and situations that it is possible to succeed and achieve their goals. Certain living conditions are deplorable and especially difficult to cope with, yet our only limits are the ones we place on ourselves. My daughter, the book’s illustrator, is learning disabled, yet she is a college graduate. She is vision-impaired as a result of glaucoma, which means she could go completely blind overnight, yet she is a commissioned artist and an award-winning illustrator. She is living proof that if you are committed to achieving your goals, you will succeed. My daughter’s strength and courage are the primary reasons we decided to share our messages of empowerment and acceptance with an audience.

1. 3. Describe your target audience?

Princess Lydia is geared toward children between five and ten years old. The younger ones will be engaged by the simplicity of the illustrations. In addition, the facility of illustration to word association will help encourage literacy skills. The book offers simple overt messages that can be easily understood—for example, we should not judge or be afraid of people who look different from us. Instead, we should talk to them and get to know them. Older children will pick up on the book’s more sublime messages. For example, a child wearing glasses is obviously vision impaired, although that is never specifically mentioned in the story. As Princess Lydia overcomes obstacles and inches her way toward success, children with vision impairments will feel empowered.

1. 4. How would you like your message to impact them?

If our messages help to educate a bully, stop bigotry or hatred, empower underdogs, or teach kids that they can achieve success, we will have achieved our goal.

1. 5. What have you learned about yourself through the publishing process?

Princess Lydia was self-published, so it was a very interesting experience. I learned a lot about the publishing and literary worlds. I also learned that I can follow through with a personal goal. Getting this book in stores has been a labour of love and a very personal experience. Frankly, I often tend to get bored and move on to my next project, but I stuck with this book from first draft to bookshelf. I’m glad I did. I’m still promoting Princess Lydia while preparing to publish my next book.

1. 6. What is your goal as a writer?

To write and publish a Princess Lydia series as well as other books that deliver character-building messages. We are going to stay focused on developing a brand of books that feature characters that are overcoming some form of adversity and are achieving their goals—despite their challenges. We found the market in this area to be severely lacking. The most recent book we found for a child about a child with a disability was from 2002. We aim to correct that.

1. 7. How will your book award help you achieve that goal?

Now that our first book has won an award for character-building messages, we will gain some momentum. This award gives us credibility in terms of branding ourselves as an author-illustrator team that creates work meant to empower and educate children and youth.

Nesta Aharoni, www.CBCAwards.com, www.GrassrootsPublishingGroup.com

Character Building Counts Book Awards has successfully awarded its 2011 winners. We honored two gold, four silver, and six bronze winners. Prizes included radio time, seals for book covers, certificates, marketing opportunities, and more. The CBC Book Award program was created to accomplish two goals:

1. 1. Honor and award books in all genres that weave a character-building message into their work (children’s, YA, fiction, and nonfiction)
2. 2. Help authors market and promote their work by increasing their visibility and sales

Goal number 1 is CBC’s contribution toward the betterment of society. We highlight and award books that encourage readers to become more honorable and responsible citizens. These character-building messages can be delivered just as effectively in a sci-fi thriller as they can be in a how-to parenting book.

Goal number 2 is our way of helping authors take on the most challenging aspect of publishing: marketing, marketing, and more marketing. Writing a manuscript has its own challenges, but the process does have an end point. So does the production phase. But when all of those preliminaries are said and done, the marketing is a long, long run.

Book awards are a wonderful way to announce your book to the world. After a gold, silver, or bronze win, you have marketable content to share on Web sites, blogs, social media networking sites, and article-share sites. You have seals you can strategically place on your beautifully designed book cover, and certificates to share around the Internet. You can send announcements, photos, videos, and more.

Book awards give authors credibility they didn’t have beforehand. After a win, you can identify yourself from that day and forever more as an “award-winning author.” This title opens doors to all kinds of opportunities: media, print articles, reviews, blog content, and more.

Character Building Counts Book Awards is proud of the quality of the content we received in our 2011 contest. Winners included a variety of genres and topics: a sci-fi book about duty and commitment, a children’s book about Kenyan orphans, a childbirth education book that teaches a values-rich framework to new families, a YA book that takes on small-town biases, two historical fiction books centered in WWII, a children’s book that helps kids through the grieving process, a spiritual book about living fully and joyfully, a parenting book that offers fun and effective tools to teach kids values, a children’s book that explains to kids that challenges can be overcome, a military memoir that teaches endurance and stamina, and a memoir about caring for youth in emotional pain.

The grand overall prize winner was the sci-fi book: a beautifully written tale of angels operating in a magical realm that is halfway between Heaven and Earth (The Lowlands of Heaven, F.J. Dagg). All of our winners are busy spreading the word about their wins and using them to promote their messages.

Take advantage of our early discounted enrollment for the 2012 contest. Become an award-winning author at Character Building Counts Book Awards.

Nesta Aharoni, www.CBCAwards.com, www.GrassrootsPublishingGroup.com

Suzanne Gene Courtney, author of Ride to the Stars, shares her interview with Character Building Counts Book Awards. She talks about her Silver Seal Win and her desire to help ease the pain of children who have experienced the death of a loved one.

1. 1. Describe your book’s character-building message.

My message is delivered through the friendship between a turtle and a boy. Honu is a green sea turtle in Hawaii. She desires three things in her life: to be loved by a child, to become brave, and to develop wisdom. Daniel, a human boy, helps her achieve her goals by becoming an example of love and friendship and by connecting with Honu after she passes. Their love continues, even though Honu is no longer of this Earth.

1. 2. What inspired you to share that message with your readers?

The death of my son prompted me to write this story and share my family’s experiences with others who may need the comfort that Ride to the Stars delivers.

1. 3. Describe your target audience?

Elementary school children will understand and connect with this story and its illustrations. Teachers and parents will recognize its value to young children.

1. 4. How would you like your message to impact them?

Ride to the Stars explains that death is a part of life and is not to be feared. It exemplifies the idea that life continues on the other side, and that the deceased will guide his or her loved ones here on Earth.

1. 5. What have you learned about yourself through the publishing process?

In Ride to the Stars, I was the sea turtle, Honu, who had definite goals. Through self-examination of my writing and much perseverance throughout the publishing process, I learned that hard work is a worthy endeavor. I am gratified to learn that by writing my story, I was not only helping myself, but I was also helping others. So many people have connected with me and thanked me for writing this book.

1. 6. What is your goal as a writer?

I would like to continue to hone my writing skills and to become an accomplished illustrator. I’ve learned a lot from writing and illustrating this book. The entire process has been a learning and growing experience.

1. 7. How will your book award help you achieve that goal?

My Silver CBC Book Award reinforced my eagerness to spread my message to other people, especially children who are grieving. I intend to pursue many avenues to promote my book’s exposure and increase my sales. The CBC Book Award gives me the credibility I need to do that. I plan to write humorous stories in the future and to become a well-rounded author and illustrator.

Suzanne Gene Courtney is the author of Ride to the Stars, Through the Eyes of a Dove, and Rainfrog

Nesta Aharoni, www.CBCAwards.com, www.GrassrootsPublishingGroup.com

1. 1.      Describe your book’s character-building message.

I believe that human virtues flow from belief in and respect for our Creator. The Lowlands of Heaven implicitly affirms this belief and respect, and it illustrates the good that comes of their affirmation.

1. 2. What inspired you to share that message with your readers?

Having lived in conditions both of doubt and faith, and having recognized that the latter is much to be preferred, I felt a need to open a window to the better condition and to write for any who might care to look.

1. 3. Describe your target audience?

The Lowlands of Heaven appeals to several audiences. Those who believe will find affirmation of their belief. Those who appreciate absorbing stories told in lyrical language and with much attention to imagery will be satisfied. Readers who are engaged by memorable characters will find Lowlands fulfilling. There is one group, though, that particularly appeals to my imagination: those who would like to believe—or perhaps need to—but can’t quite get past the dogma and doctrine that so often complicate and obscure our relationship with our Creator. Lowlands shows Heaven interacting in a matter-of-fact way with very human characters who have human problems. It avoids the preaching and judgment that discourage many seekers.

1. 4. How would you like your message to impact them?

At the least, I would like readers to come away from Lowlands feeling uplifted and, perhaps, haunted—in a good way—by its memorable characters, images, and affirmation of life and faith. At best, I love to think of readers on the verge of belief finding Lowlands to be one more pebble on the scale on the side of faith—perhaps even the decisive pebble that tips the scale.

1. 5. What have you learned about yourself through the publishing process?

With Lowlands’ win in the 2011 CBC Awards, its status as a finalist in the 2011 San Diego Book Awards, and the general tone of the feedback I’ve received—including reviews on Amazon—I’ve learned that I’m justified in calling myself a writer.

1. 6. What is your goal as a writer?

To achieve, in a large audience, the effects described in the answer to question 4 above.

1. 7. How will your book award help you achieve that goal?

The CBC Book Award allows me to promote The Lowlands  of Heaven with greater confidence than I otherwise could. The award’s emphasis on character is particularly apropos given my target audience.

Nesta Aharoni, www.CBCAwards.com, www.GrassrootsPublishingGroup.com

Lucia Mann, author of Rented Silence (also titled Rise Above Hate and Anger) shares her interview with Character Building Counts Book Awards. She talks about her bronze medal win and her message about surviving in spite of unimaginable obstacles—such as slavery.

1.   Describe your book’s character-building message.

In Rented Silence, a very young girl, who is horribly mistreated, held in slave conditions, and classified as a second-class human (coloured), finds the strength to escape and build a new, productive life. The book’s message is about finding the willpower to survive—against all odds.

2.   What inspired you to share your message with your readers?

I was inspired to share this message because I actually did it. I found the willpower to survive. I am living testimony of the inner strength it takes to survive against all odds. Rented Silence is about finding the courageous might within you and believing in yourself—in spite of unimaginable obstacles. Injustices can be overcome, and victories, such as mine, are motivating.

3.   Describe your target audience?

People who are subjected to injustice and who need to find the courage to rise above their condition. In addition, my book is a good read for anyone who is searching for an inspirational and thought-provoking story.

4.   How would you like your message to impact your readers?

Rented Silence helps readers realize that willpower can empower people to fulfill their goals. It reminds them to observe society carefully and take action whenever they find injustices occurring—such as past injustices in Nazi Germany or current injustices related to gang morality, brothels/sex-slavery, child abuse, and other heinous, unconscionable practices.

5.   What have you learned about yourself through the publishing process?

The most talented and brightest of us are, on occasion, “dumb blondes.” I had the misfortune to be “lured” by a disreputable publishing company. They were a bunch of crooks who stole my hopes and dreams. But my inner strength would not let me “wallow” in my folly. I warn authors to beware. I picked myself up, dusted myself off, started anew, and wrote Rise Above Hate and Anger. I believe in my inner strength, and I consider it, along with my passion for storytelling, to be a gift that brings light to the dark injustices that are suffered by so many people who have no voice.

6.   What is your goal as a writer?

First, to bring attention to the injustice of labeling people as “coloured” or “black” or “Jewish” or Gypsy,” and therefore subhuman, as happened in the Union of South Africa and in Europe in WWII. Second, to help all the dispossessed, unfree people of the world gain the courage to escape their subjugation. Third, to bring attention to the theme of females being treated as “objects” for male gratification, and how debasing that is. My lifelong desire is to end the many current forms of slavery. I hope to achieve this goal in my lifetime.

7.   How will your book award help you achieve that goal?

The book award for Rise Above Hate and Anger/Rented Silence’s inspirational message says it all: “I am not a victim. I am a survivor. I have risen above hater’s hearts. We are a culture of pervasive silence. A relevant quote: “Everyone one of us should be ashamed to be free while his brother is a slave.”

Nesta Aharoni, www.CBCAwards.com, www.GrassrootsPublishing Group