Please give a brief introduction, including your name and where you are based.
My name is Kelly Ann Guglietti, I am based in San Antonio, Florida and I have written four children's picture books to use proactively in a family or school-wide anti-bullying effort.
What book or books have you published or are working on at the moment?
I just released my fourth book, "The Red Pig" in late November, 2021. It depicts a young bullied pig who adopts bullying behavior as he grows and later learns that cooler heads win in the end. My first three books are a complement to "The Red Pig." "The Green Tom" uncovers the pointlessness of jealousy, "The Yellow Sea Lioness" encourages the audience to enjoy their own unique bundle of talents and interests despite those of others and enlightens the audience to the concept that they will be surprised at their influence just be being themselves, and "The Orange Chihuahua" teaches children that to know their true worth, they need to be their true self. As low self-esteem and jealousy are common threads in the personality of someone who bullies, I feel that proactively teaching children how to esteem themselves and empathize with others early, can decrease bullying behaviors significantly.
What drives you to write?
As an elementary school teacher by trade, I have seen incomplete anti-bullying programs. Guidance counselors teach what to do during and after a bullying incident, but nothing about the root causes of bullying. Only recently have social emotional learning classes started in earnest. I believe my books are great social emotional boosters.
As well, I published my first book, "The Green Tom" as my mother was passing from cancer. It was based on a lesson she taught my brother and I about the ridiculousness of jealousy. She loved the book so much, she told me that she wanted me to use what money she willed to me on "making my books big." I am doing everything I know how to do in this regard and find I am still learning. When I have exhausted all avenues, I will know that I have done my best to honor my mother's wish.
Where can folks find you online and on social media?
My website is https://www.kelly-ann-guglietti.com.
I also have a free anti-bullying/child safety newsletter you can join through my website at https://www.kelly-ann-guglietti.com/newsletter-sign-up
I also have some presence on Facebook, Twitter and Linked In, though not as much as I should.
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=kelly%20ann%20guglietti%2C%20author
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyannguglietti/
What is one piece of advice you would give to another author out there who might be struggling?
Join a local writer's group or state association. You will find you are in good company. You will have like minded people who can encourage you to keep plugging and more experienced writers who can teach you about marketing, which distributors are the best, which way to publish and any writing jobs that might be out there.
Final Thoughts?
Stage 32 has opened up doors I did not find on my own. I have producers contemplating my screenplay for "The Orange Chihuahua" as I write. I was able to consult with an animation director/producer/writer. I have pitched directly to executives in the field of animated film production. I have a better idea of how I rate now that I am on Stage 32.
I want to wish everyone on Stage 32 a positively eventful and successful 2022!
Whoo! This is an epic introduction, thank you for getting this started! I am writing a book based on the observations and advice I gave as a massage therapist to help close the gap between essential bodywork (for mind, body, and soul wellness), and those who don't know they need it the most.
Very interesting, Kay Ross. Though it is happening more and more, I don't think the typical American worker is so in tune with their mind and bodies.