|  |
Like many other dynamic artists and communicators, author Pat Brannon draws from a wealth of life experiences to render her finest work, and readers of all ages respond to  her entertaining, thought-provoking children's books, inspirational poetry and memoiristic nonfiction with open arms.
In addition to the values and work ethic that were instilled in her, Brannon vividly recalls a childhood during which her creativity was both embraced and nurtured. At the age of nine, Brannon was about to board a school bus for her morning ride to school when her father, Ben Baker, handed her a country song he had begun writing, and asked her to pen an additional verse.
"While co-writing that song with Daddy sparked a love of writing in me," Brannon says, "it wasn't until after I grew up, got married, raised my sons, Jason and Shawn, and eventually quit working in the school system that I began to have the time to really concentrate on my writing. All through the years I had kept writing, but it was just a hobby. At that point I had never considered doing anything on a professional level with my writing. It was purely for my own enjoyment."
Brannon released her first book, Walk Softly: You're Steppin' on My Heart!, in 2002. But it is Brannon's first children's title, Filthy Farley O'Charlie McBarley, that inspired the character education program she presents to schools every year.
The author calls this book published in 2007, "a fictional chapter book about a third grader being bullied and belittled by some of his classmates and what it takes to turn their thinking around."
Based on this book, Brannon says, "I wrote a character education presentation (monologue in character) that addresses the issues of bullying, lying, cursing, name-calling, dishonesty, gossiping and judging folks by their outward appearance and body odor. I visit many schools every year with this presentation. It's been a big hit with the students and staff at every school I've visited."
Brannon says, "There are millions of folks around the world that need to laugh and to feel that there is hope when it looks like there isn't any. I want to be someone that makes a difference in the lives of people." Acknowledging that success is often measured in dollars and cents, Brannon insists, "While I would never turn down huge advances or royalty checks from publishers, my view of success may be slightly different than some other writers. I feel I am successful if I have touched lives with my writing, from the youngest child to the oldest adult. And I want to make both little children and adults laugh again, even if it is through some unconventional book I've written."
Text written by Greg Freeman at SouthernEdition.com.
|
|
|
|