When the twin towers fell on 9/11, I was living in the woods in a log cabin. I was shut off from the news of it until someone visited and told me. That night I heard about all the chaos happening in the world.

The first thing that popped into my mind was that many children probably were hearing the news as well. I decided it was short-changing their innocence.

I always have enjoyed putting pen to paper, keeping journals, writing poems, etc. But it was that night that I decided to take my writing seriously. I made up my mind that I was going to write stories for children and I was going to write many. That is what I have done and continue to do.

I've written hundreds of stories with hundreds more to come. I hope the stories I write keep children's minds and thoughts diverted from life's more depressing moments and focused on selection of the next story or book they want to read. Children will have enough time for worrying over the troubles of the world when they get older.

I also support the concept of a family reading night. The message I send is: Words may change a life. Make a good change. Read a child a book.

Fostering a better relationship between parents and children is the motive for posting The Peably series on my website free to read. I also offer free companion pictures to print and color.

Any night of the week get out some fruit juice or cocoa, make some popcorn or another snack, assemble some crayons, colored pencils or markers and go to the website for a new story with illustrations. Getting the family together needs no further excuse.

Go to my website here and become acquainted with the comings and goings of Sammy and Robert. New stories include the Peably's celebration of Independence Day, being introduced to a pesky black bear named George, visiting the ocean with Bub and Sis, picking apples, and hearing grandpa teach Bub about an important bird while both lie in the soft grass on a sunny day.

Darcie Mae Fortin, Solon, ME

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