My passion for children’s literature stems from 30+ years in education and my re-entry into bedtime stories with the addition of my beautiful grandchildren. I created Charlie as a means for children to learn with Charlie by having a growth mindset when it comes to facing new experiences and learning new things. Children live in a world that is traveling ever faster and my desire is to help them slow down and enjoy childhood through the adventures of Charlie Chaloosy. I hope children have fun with Charlie while engaging their minds through stories that encourage them to read, write, illustrate, and dream a little.

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Author Interview – Brad Mason

When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
I have loved children’s literature since I was young. I seem to always have creative ideas swirling around in my head that lend themselves to funny stories or nonsense I share with family and friends for laughter and enjoyment, but it was the arrival of my six grandchildren over the last four years that sparked my desire to try my hand at writing a children’s book. I love seeing each of them light up with excitement at bedtime reading their favorite stories about their favorite characters. It would be amazing if Charlie could be that for children. It is so motivating for me to think about that idea that once I started
moving forward on this project, there seems to be no turning back. A friend of mine who owns Yorkshire Publishing, asked me to read a children’s book he was publishing for another author and a conversation sparked which led me to writing this inaugural Charlie Chaloosy book. I’m in my 34th year working as an educator and I know the importance of reading for young children. This book is my tiny contribution to building a love of reading for little learners.

When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?
I actually own a pretty extensive “hat collection”. As I state on Charlie’s website, I’m a husband, father, granddaddy, superintendent of a school district, and an author. My spare time consists of spending as much time with my wife, adult children and our six grandbabies. I tease my children that their roles have been downgraded from my children to the parents of my grandchildren. We all live very close to one another and spend as much time together as possible. Writing, publishing and promoting my first book has really become a passion project for me during my free time. I’ve loved the
entire process of bringing Charlie to life and I am anxious to share him with the world.

What is your favorite genre to read? What about that genre draws you?
I love any compelling story that draws me in. I prefer stories grounded in the conquering human spirit that include adventure or historical figures. A good book needs to stretch me and make me smarter or more informed. I feel like anyone can tug at your heartstrings by creating a fictional story. However, there is nothing better to me than a story about a real person who did a really hard thing. Doesn’t that sound like fertile soil for an aspiring author of children’s fiction?

What is your favorite thing about this time of year? And why?
I love fall and winter as the weather changes (ok, I live in So Cal so it drops a few degrees) and that holidays get stacked upon each other with family getting together enjoying Thanksgiving and Christmas. I even like it getting dark earlier so people get home earlier and there is more time for family to be together in the evenings.

What historical figure do you admire and why?
I think Jesus is my answer. As a children’s author and a career educator, serving children has always been my passion and calling. Mark 10:14 states, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder the.” Jesus’ disciples were not prioritizing
children and wanting to shew them away for what they believed were more important matters and Jesus prioritized the children. I love that because children are so loving and open to being cared for and molded. Plus, there is no better story than a well told parable for instruction and learning and Jesus was the master teacher.

Who did you have in mind as you wrote the book?
I have a grandson who provided a bit of the inspiration for Charlie. However, my 34+ years as an educator also allows for aspects of Charlie being a composite of the thousands of children with whom I have worked. Truly, I think there might be a little Charlie in all of us. But his initial hesitance or reticence definitely stemmed from one of my precious grandbabies. Charlie’s success and growth stems from my desire for all children to grow and experience life to the fullest.

As a former K-12 school librarian I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?
I love The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, especially due to the phase of life I am in as a Granddaddy to six beautiful grandchildren. I don’t want to be over dramatic, but a well-told parable is about as good and powerful as it gets. I see my role as a grandfather much like the tree — I have so much to give to their generation and I am committed to strip it all down, give it all away until I’m a stump where they can always come to for rest and security. I think Shel nailed it by painting a beautiful picture of how we all have gifts to give to one another from our time, talent and treasure. There is beauty in sharing what you have for the benefit of others. I love that book and the message it shares.

What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?
My logo and tag line for Charlie Chaloosy is, “Write Your Own Story.” I think every person, especially children, have the capacity to be a writer. I have found many people get hung up on the fact that they can’t illustrate or that they aren’t funny or clever, so they never begin. But everyone has a passion, an idea, and an imagination. Start there by just capturing ideas and begin putting them down on paper. Let the creativity flow from your core ideas. A seed never planted never grows. Plant the seeds of becoming an author by starting the process. You can never do it all by yourself. You may need an illustrator, publisher, editor and printer BUT they also need you. Therefore, “Write Your Own Story!” The world is waiting.

Thank you so much for joining me today, Brad. My audience and I enjoy learning more about authors.

Views expressed in this interview/guest post do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog host.