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The Ink Splat

 

The book and author spotlighted in this Ink Splat is Ellie Stands Up To The Bully by Julie Dart. We even have an author interview! Submit a response to the challenge and you may have a chance to be published online! What are you waiting for? 


The Challenge: Super Powers

If you could be a super hero what kind of power would you want to have and why?  Can you think of a situation in your life right now were you would be able to use this power to help someone?  If so, write about how you would help someone and who you would help.

Submit your response HERE!


 

Spotlight On...

 

Ellie Stands Up To The Bully by, Julie DartESUTB cover

Ellie is a little yellow elephant who will inspire you in a big way! Join Ellie as she embarks on an adventure to a new school. Parents, teachers, and children love reading about how Ellie learns to stand up for herself while facing the issue of being bullied. This story is a great way to show children how to empower themselves. The author was bullied when she was younger, and grew passionate about showing children how to overcome this obstacle. You’ll fall in love with Ellie as she learns about her own value, and inspires her friends to speak up too!  

 

 


 

An Interview with author Julie Dart:

1.What inspired you to write Ellie Stands Up to the Bully?JD

I first came up with the idea of Ellie Stands Up To The Bully when I was expecting my second child and riding the train up to the city. While riding on the train, I started to think about my children’s futures and how I hoped I could help them through life’s challenges. I started to think back to middle school when I was bullied. I wanted to create a story that would not only help my children if they encountered a bully but to also assist other children that might be in that situation.

2. How did you develop each characters’ emotions so smoothly along with the story?

When I had to think of characters for the book I started to think about the people in my life. I had my children and their friends to get ideas from, but I was also a preschool and kindergarten teacher for several years. I guess you can say I put the characters together from some of those situations. I was  always sensitive to the children’s emotions so I used some of those situations that I dealt with as a teacher and a mother for my story. 

3. What is the best part about writing for you?

I really love using my imagination to create a story that can help people. I have a list of stories stories that I want to write and they all have an inspirational message within them. The best part for me is when parents tell me that their child really likes Ellie and how they want Ellie to come visit their school. It makes me so happy.

 

4.Do you have a favorite moment from Ellie Stands Up to the Bully? Which part and why?

It’s hard to pick out one moment that is special to me with in this book. I would have to say my best part is at the end when Ellie stands up for herself. And then Ellie’s friend Roger pats her on the back and says, “Way to go Els, way to go.” I have always loved stories about an underdog where someone has been faced with a challenge and is able to rise above it. Every time I read this part in the book, I actually giggle out loud. I think it shows that Ellie not only found her inner strength but she was also able to show her friends how to be strong as well.

5. What advice would you give to young authors?  

When I speak to young authors I often tell them that I had a lot of doubts that kept me from writing my book for a long time. Number one I am dyslexic and have never received good grades in school and therefore never felt smart enough to write a book. All my life the only thing that I ever wanted to do was be a writer. I didn’t start believing I could do it until I was 48 years old, and even then I had some doubts and was scared that nobody would like my stories. What gave me the courage to write my books was having my children encouraging me. For years I had shared with them that anything’s possible and, in turn, I wanted to be a good example for them. So for young authors I would say pick a story that you’re passionate about, write it- just write it using your creativity. Write it for yourself. Then later you can think about sharing it with someone.  You’ve got a great story within yourself and it would be a shame if all of us weren’t able to hear it one day.  So do yourself a favor and just try to write your story and promise yourself that you won’t give up.  You will be so glad that you stayed determined. 

 

Thank you Julie Dart!

Ellie Stands Up To The Bully is available on Amazon

Look for more information about Julie Dart and her books here!