#AuthorLife

The What If We Were series, written by the acclaimed children's author C.M. Harris, has become a beloved collection of children's picture books that focus on fostering empathy, kindness, and acceptance. This series, which includes "What If We Were All The Same!", "What If We Were All Friends!", "What If We Were All Kind!" and the forthcoming "What If We Were All Honest!" provide a powerful platform to teach children the values of understanding and respect for one another, regardless of differences.

The Importance of the "What If We Were" Series

At the heart of the What If We Were series is a simple but profound message: our differences make us unique, and those differences should be celebrated. The first book in the series, "What If We Were All The Same!" teaches children the beauty of diversity and the importance of accepting others as they are. The book's rhythmic storytelling and vibrant illustrations have captured the hearts of children and educators, providing a perfect tool for lessons on inclusivity and understanding.

Subsequent books in the series—"What If We Were All Friends!" and "What If We Were All Kind!"—build upon this foundation by exploring themes of friendship, kindness, and the impact of our actions on others. Whether learning to be a good friend or recognizing the power of kindness, these books guide young readers in their social-emotional development, helping them grow into empathetic, caring individuals.

The upcoming book What If We Were All Honest! will complete this inspiring series. It will focus on integrity and the value of telling the truth, showing that honesty is one of the most important values we can cultivate. You can find the series on Amazon.

Classroom Posters to Inspire Learning

To extend the messages of these books beyond storytime, C.M. Harris has developed a line of inspired classroom posters perfect for decorating learning spaces and keeping the books' lessons alive. These 11x17 posters, featuring vibrant designs and uplifting quotes, remind students daily to practice kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. The posters highlight key messages such as “What If We Were All Kind!” and “Friendship Is Magic,” reinforcing the series’ themes and encouraging children to embody these principles in their interactions with peers.

These visually engaging posters serve as tools for teachers to start discussions, create activities, and help children build a more inclusive classroom environment. The vibrant and inclusive posters are available in a set of 5 on Amazon

Teacher and Student Activities for What If We Were All The Same!

To further engage with the themes of the first book in the series, What If We Were All The Same!, Harris has created a set of activities for teachers and students. These resources include printable handouts and an interactive digital PDF that teachers can use in the classroom. The activities focus on topics like diversity, self-acceptance, and kindness, providing thoughtful ways for students to reflect on what makes them unique and how they can appreciate the uniqueness of others.

One activity that stands out is the “Celebrate Our Differences” worksheet, which encourages students to write or draw about what makes them special, fostering a sense of pride in who they are. Another interactive lesson allows children to partner with a classmate and interview each other about their favorite hobbies, foods, and family traditions, creating connections and building friendships through shared experiences.

These activities align perfectly with social-emotional learning (SEL) standards and are an excellent tool for teachers who want to incorporate empathy and acceptance into their curriculum. More information can be found on the author's website.

Author School Visits: Bringing the Books to Life

C.M. Harris has always been passionate about sharing the power of literature with young minds, and one of the most fulfilling aspects of their work is participating in school author visits. During these visits, Harris reads their What If We Were books aloud, captivating students with engaging storytelling and opening the floor for discussions on diversity, kindness, and what it means to be a good friend.

Harris's school visits are interactive and immersive, allowing students to ask questions, share their thoughts, and reflect on how they can practice the lessons from the books in their daily lives. The visits often conclude with a fun and creative activity where students can write or draw their own “What If We Were” story, sparking their imaginations and reinforcing the book's message in a personalized way.

These visits have had a profound impact, with teachers praising how Harris connects with children and makes the stories' themes tangible. It's not just about reading the book—it's about igniting a passion for kindness, acceptance, and making a difference in the world.

Final Thoughts

The What If We Were series is much more than just a collection of children's books. It’s a movement that encourages children to embrace diversity, practice kindness, and build lasting friendships. With inspiring classroom posters, thoughtful teacher-student activities, and impactful school visits, C.M. Harris ensures that the books' messages resonate deeply with students long after the stories are read.

In a world where inclusivity and empathy are more important than ever, the What If We Were series stands as a beacon of hope, helping to shape a generation of children who will understand the importance of acceptance and live it in their everyday lives.

For more information about author school visits, posters, and teacher resources, visit [C.M. Harris's website](https://cmharrisbooks.com).

We live in a world full of constant digital noise and constant distraction, there’s something profoundly comforting about losing yourself in a good book or pouring your thoughts onto a blank page. Writing and reading are more than just pastimes; they’re fundamental human activities that have the power to heal, inspire, and connect us. Let’s explore the cathartic nature of storytelling and why humans have been creating and sharing stories since time immemorial.

The Catharsis of Writing

Writing, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or simply journaling, can be an incredibly cathartic experience. Here’s why:

1. Emotional Release: Writing allows us to express and process complex emotions in a safe, controlled environment. It’s a way to give voice to feelings that might otherwise remain bottled up inside.

2. Gaining Perspective: As we write, we often gain new insights into our experiences and emotions. The act of putting thoughts into words can help us see situations from different angles.

3. Creating Order from Chaos: Writing helps us organise our thoughts and experiences, giving structure to the often chaotic nature of life.

4. Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a piece of writing, whether it’s a short story or a full-length novel, provides a tangible sense of achievement.

The Therapeutic Power of Reading

Reading, too, offers its own form of catharsis:

1. Escape and Relaxation: Books provide a temporary escape from the stresses of daily life, allowing our minds to relax and recharge.

2. Empathy and Understanding: Through reading, we can experience lives and perspectives vastly different from our own, fostering empathy and broadening our understanding of the world.

3. Emotional Resonance: Finding characters or situations that resonate with our own experiences can make us feel less alone in our struggles.

4. Inspiration and Hope: Stories can inspire us, showing us possibilities we might not have considered and giving us hope in difficult times.

Why Humans Create and Share Stories

Storytelling is a universal human trait, found in every culture throughout history. But why do we feel this need to create and share stories?

1. Making Sense of the World: Stories help us understand and navigate the complexities of life, offering frameworks for interpreting our experiences.

2. Preserving Culture and History: Through stories, we pass down cultural values, traditions, and historical knowledge from one generation to the next.

3. Building Connections: Sharing stories creates bonds between individuals and communities, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experience.

4. Exploring Possibilities: Stories allow us to imagine different realities, pushing the boundaries of what we believe is possible.

5. Teaching and Learning: From childhood fables to complex novels, stories are powerful tools for imparting knowledge and life lessons.

Conclusion

In a world that often feels fragmented and isolating, the act of writing and reading stories reminds us of our shared humanity. It allows us to process our own experiences, connect with others, and imagine new possibilities. Whether you’re a writer pouring your heart onto the page or a reader losing yourself in a new world, remember that you’re participating in one of the most fundamental and healing of human activities.

So the next time you pick up a pen or open a book, know that you’re not just entertaining yourself — you’re engaging in an act of catharsis, connection, and creativity that has been central to the human experience for thousands of years.

Be careful what you wish for...

To bad Abigail Stewart didn't heed those words. Her wish to be beautiful sends her back in time to 1852 to a harsh mining town where she in now in the body of Lolita, a beautiful but deadly woman who, legend has it, drowns her children.  

 Determined to save the two children, who will die before the blue moon, with the help of heartthrob Wyatt Beaufort, they set out to prove the legend is wrong. 

Their struggle to save the children tests the power of a mother's love and the true meaning of inner beauty.

***** 5.0 out of 5 stars A captivating time travel romance sprinkled with mystery and suspense

Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2020

Verified Purchase

Abigail (Abby) Stewart is a caring, smart, and courageous girl, but she lacks confidence in her looks and can’t get over Wyatt Beaufort—the football star and most popular guy in school who stood her up on prom night.
Even though she keeps a low profile, this feisty redhead with the emerald eyes has a secret…she can communicate with ghosts. It seems that this ability and her obsession with the local legend of Lolita—the Weeping Woman—somehow sweep her back in time to the gold rush era.
Abby finds herself trapped in the sexy body of Lolita while trying to prevent a gruesome crime. As if she didn’t have enough problems, the man who broke her heart and shattered her confidence is stuck back in 1852 with her.
I enjoyed the way the characters evolved, facing unthinkable and dangerous situations while discovering strengths and qualities they didn’t know they possessed.
Timeless River is a captivating time travel romance sprinkled with mystery and suspense. I enjoyed it immensely.

reviewed by Angel

It was buried deep inside me, the desire to write. Who has the time? Being married to a needy husband, raising children. working 24/7! 
It was only after I retired and my husband passed away from cancer, that I found time to write. Life without your partner of 40 odd years, is hard. You could wallow in depression, staggering drunk or fill your lungs with smoke till they are black like a burnt piece of meat.

I had to escape!  So I joined small, writing groups, looked desperately for venues where I could drown my sorry, my boredom.

And then one day I passed by an old garden, with overgrown wild rose bushes. There was a secret door, painted pale, blue and someone had scratched a message on it. Love you forever! I wondered who could have written it. What happened to these lovers?

And that’s how I discovered my Hidden Gem- my passion to write, create characters that lived in quaint, old cottages, in an old English village.

And that’s how I survived!

My cozy corner is by the window, where the sun rises and spreads it’s crimson glow over the horizon. I am happy alone, with my cup of chai and my notebook in hand.

Growing up in South Shields, England, a small seaside town on the North East coast, I have lived with the legacy of cancer for almost half a century, and I remain humbled to be one of the UK’s longest cancer survivors. ​Still, many would argue that is a negative life experience – but, for me, and ironically, it has made me who I am today. Lucky or fortunate, privileged or destined to be a survivor?

​As a consequence of the salubrious treatment I received in the seventies, I now reap the consequences of ill health, (leading to my retirement in 2021), which included another cancer diagnosis in 2019, and which sadly reoccurred again in October 2023, leading to further treatment. ​Therefore, inspiration is so important, whether that be during illness, or indeed, any kind of life adversity. When my mortality was confronted, music namely space rock legends Hawkwind and the Lakota Sioux Nation, were my inspirations. However, as chronic illness reared its ugly head once again, it was the music of Lukas Nelson (son of the legendary country icon Willie Nelson) and Promise of the Real (his band) that inspired me and drove my optimism forward. Music which is entirely different from what I had previously listened to. A unique and eclectic blend of rock, folk, and country music.

​"Remember, life is not a rehearsal – do not allow yourself to be a prisoner of the past; that was just a life lesson, not a life sentence. Never look back on your life unless you are prepared to smile and be reflective, and never look forward unless you can dream—we all need dreams, and we all need hope."

Since the age of seventeen, I have only been out of work once since leaving school, which was for ten months during the diagnosis and treatment of my four-year-old daughter Donna, with terminal leukaemia (a legitimate excuse I am sure you will agree). ​My working career began as a welder in a local Shipyard before the spectre of cancer gripped my life in a deathly stranglehold, refusing to let go. Then after Donna’s illness, I retrained as a nurse (working exclusively in cancer services), ending my career at South Tyneside NHS Trust as a senior clinical nurse specialist, the same hospital that made my diagnosis almost fifty years earlier. Now that is one hell of a twist of fate!

​Today, in retirement, I have turned my focus to a passion for storytelling - writing children’s fiction. Fortunately, I am now being recognised as a serious children’s fiction book author – and I am loving it.

​So, after years of taking my grandchildren on weird and wonderful imaginary adventures, and elasticated journeys from landing on the Moon to saving the King of England, I decided to use the retirement process to share my tales with the world’s children. ​

​Currently, I have just about completed my sixth title, ‘Mind-Boggling Stories,’ and although my third, fourth and fifth titles are still to be released, these should hit the shelves in Summer 2024. More significantly, I have lots more ideas for 2025.

All of that said, I am so proud of my memoirs, ‘Me and My Shadow – memoirs of a Cancer Survivor,’ as it has given inspiration to so many, and hopefully, will continue to do so. As a consequence, I continue to travel around the North of England on a quest for inspirational speaking engagements that deliver to the audience hope and inspiration, and to me, a catharsis.

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Maximizing Your Subscription To get the most out of Kindle Unlimited, regularly check LitLinc for updates on the latest and most popular titles. Our user-friendly interface ensures that you're always just a few clicks away from your next great read.

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I’m an old guy, a dreaded boomer, a curmudgeonly curmudgeon; someone who has seen it all and seen too much. I am a Woodstock baby, a bleeding heart, a dinosaur who doesn’t have a clue about how things should be done now. I am more wizened than wise and straddle the fine line between eccentric and obstreperous.

I hate the superficiality of social media. I hate it more that people love it. I hate it more still that people no one should know are famous for hyperbole and the superfluous use of the word epic.

I hate reality TV. My kids love The Bachelor. In my admittedly outré world, the happy couple would be forced to stay married at least ten years and work their crummy jobs while their luster faded. Should they fail, they would spend the remainder of the ten years in the same jail cell. Live and in color!

Well…

I have written eight books of fiction. No two are alike. I do not write in a single genre. I used to think this was a good thing. I have written social satire, sci-fi/fantasy, and Americana.

Despite such prescient limitations and consequent dyspepsia, I decided to write a love story, an honest-to-God, dyed-in-the-wool love story filled with hugging-and-kissing-and-houghmagandy (look it up).

I will, of course, be revealed as a sap, a quasi-whimsical romantic yearning for irretrievable youth, as opposed to the erudite elder statesman I yearn to be. So be it.

It gets even weirder.

Not only was my inclination to pen an epic tale of man-woman amour, I decided to write the whole thing in dialogue—an entire novel. Nearly 9000 lines. I recently wrote a short story collection in dialogue and had an epiphany that I was onto something—or else my Doritos came from ergot-infested corn.

I just hope Nora Roberts doesn’t puke in her oatmeal.

There you have it. Love in Words and Music. My paean to intransigence.

Ah, but what a lovely web I’ve woven, a lifelong affair filled with humor, affection, and abiding devotion. Spicy and sweet like the Honey Bar-B-Q at B-Dubs.

Ain’t life grand.

P.S. Special eBook introductory price. A buck. What a bargain! Buy it. Make an old man smile.

In the age of social media, the power of online communities has grown exponentially, bringing together like-minded individuals from all corners of the globe. One such vibrant community is the "We Write Book Club," a Facebook group that has emerged as a melting pot of literary enthusiasts, both authors and readers. Founded with a mission to celebrate South African and world literature, this group has garnered a dedicated following of individuals passionate about the written word.

Diversity of Membership:

The "We Write Book Club" has a unique charm due to its diverse membership base. Approximately 60% of its members hail from South Africa, giving it a strong South African flavor, while the remaining 40% come from all around the world. This global representation ensures that the group offers a rich tapestry of perspectives, ideas, and literary tastes.

Join the Facebook group 

Inclusivity in Language:

One of the group's standout features is its commitment to multilingualism. Unlike many online communities that predominantly use English, "We Write Book Club" welcomes members to share books and content in any language they are comfortable with. Facebook groups, including this one, support multiple languages, making it easy for individuals from various linguistic backgrounds to participate. Furthermore, the platform provides translation tools for numerous world languages to English, facilitating meaningful cross-cultural interactions and discussions.

Exploring South African and Global Literature:

The primary focus of the "We Write Book Club" is to explore the rich literary traditions of South Africa and the wider world. South Africa has a storied history of literary contributions, and this group serves as a platform for both established and emerging South African authors to share their works. It also acts as a bridge between South African literature and the global literary scene, inviting authors and readers from across the world to dive into the diverse literary landscape of South Africa.

This group not only highlights the South African literary scene but also provides a space for members to discover literature from all over the world. Readers can recommend books, discuss their favorite authors, and explore new genres and styles, all within a supportive and engaging community.

Welcoming Authors and Readers:

The "We Write Book Club" extends a warm invitation to authors and readers alike. Whether you're a seasoned writer looking to connect with your audience or a book lover seeking recommendations, you'll find a place here. The group offers a friendly and nurturing environment for authors to showcase their literary creations, gain valuable feedback, and connect with readers who are eager to explore new voices and narratives.

Conclusion:

The "We Write Book Club" on Facebook is a testament to the power of online communities to unite individuals who share a passion for literature, regardless of their geographical location or language. With its diverse membership, multilingual approach, and dedication to exploring South African and global literature, it stands as a shining example of how social media platforms can foster a love for reading and writing on a global scale. Whether you're an author looking to connect with your audience or a reader eager to discover new worlds through the written word, this growing community welcomes you with open arms. Join the "We Write Book Club" and embark on a literary journey that transcends borders and enriches your love for literature.

The world of literature is filled with remarkable stories of authors who overcame adversity and hardship in their early ages or childhood to become literary giants. These authors transformed their painful experiences into powerful narratives that resonated with readers worldwide. In this article, we will explore the lives of some of these famous authors and the challenges they faced on their path to literary success.

1. Charles Dickens Charles Dickens, one of the most celebrated novelists of the 19th century, endured a tumultuous childhood that profoundly influenced his writing. Born in 1812 to a struggling family, Dickens witnessed his father's imprisonment for debt and was sent to work in a blacking factory at the tender age of 12. These early experiences of poverty, child labor, and social injustice fueled Dickens's passion for storytelling.

In his novels, such as "Oliver Twist," "Great Expectations," and "David Copperfield," Dickens vividly depicted the hardships faced by the poor and marginalized in Victorian England. His works contributed to social reform and raised awareness about the plight of the underprivileged.

2. Maya Angelou Maya Angelou, renowned for her autobiographical works and poetry, faced a challenging and traumatic childhood. She suffered abuse and was sexually assaulted by her mother's boyfriend at the age of 7. Following the incident, Angelou fell mute and remained silent for nearly five years, using books and literature as her refuge.

Angelou's resilience and love for literature eventually helped her find her voice again. She chronicled her experiences, pain, and triumphs in her iconic autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." Her words inspired countless readers and became a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

3. J.K. Rowling Before she became the beloved author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling faced her share of early struggles. As a single mother living in poverty, Rowling struggled to make ends meet while working on her first novel. She battled depression and the challenges of raising her daughter alone.

Rowling's perseverance paid off when "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (known as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in the United States) was finally published. The success of the series catapulted her to international fame and made her one of the wealthiest authors in the world. Her story serves as a reminder that creativity and determination can lead to extraordinary success, even in the face of adversity.

4. Harper Lee Harper Lee, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "To Kill a Mockingbird," grew up in a racially segregated South during the 1930s. Her childhood was marked by the racial tensions and injustice that permeated society. Despite these challenges, Lee's experiences fueled her commitment to writing a novel that addressed racism and moral integrity.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" became a literary classic and a powerful critique of racial prejudice. Lee's work continues to be studied and celebrated for its timeless message and enduring impact.

The stories of these famous authors demonstrate that early struggles and adversity can serve as the catalyst for some of the most profound and influential works of literature. Through their writing, these authors not only overcame their own personal hardships but also shed light on societal injustices, inspiring generations of readers to confront and challenge the issues they faced. Their resilience and determination serve as a testament to the transformative power of literature and the human spirit.

This book is a total blast with its dragon tales, wizard shenanigans, witchy wonders, and brave knights. The stories are short and perfect for those quick reads before bedtime. There's a dash of moral wisdom at the end of each one. Highly recommend for all the parent storytellers out there!  5stars