Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Dawn Menge. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Dr. Dawn, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
When I first began publishing the Queen Vernita’s series, I did not plan on writing anymore books than the first one. I soon won first place in the EVVY awards and receiving interviews. I decided to add my traveling adventures and write one new book each month. The series has developed into 14 published works with three more in production. After a few years I joined the Society of Children’s book writers and illustrators. I added their workshops and conferences and learned so much. Everyone was positive and encouraging. I also joined the United States Board on Books for Young children and became their Ambassador for Southern California and attended their conferences in Seattle and New York.
These are the things that would have made the learning process much easier. Also joining local writing groups to gain support and critiquing. At one of the SCBWI conferences I saw Kwame Alexander give a speech titled, “say yes.” The philosophy to saying yes to all opportunities is to gain experiences and opportunities. I have found this to be a very positive move. One event usually leads to many other opportunities to gain awareness for my series.
Dr. Dawn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Dr. Dawn Menge has won eighty-five international awards as the published author of the Queen Vernita’s Educational Series and Dragon’s Breath, including the Special Recognition Champion Award from Conquering Disabilities with Film, Best Written Word from Miracle Makers Film, Hollywood Dreams Film and International Author Boss Award from Power Conversations Magazine. Her published works also include: THE SIX FEDERAL INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN GOALS AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THEIR IMPLEMENTATION IN PREPARING FOR TRANSITION.
Dr. Dawn Menge has a PHD in Education. She specializes in Curriculum and Instruction. She also holds a Master’s and a Clear Credential in Moderate/Severe Disabilities and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development. Dr. Dawn Menge has been teaching students with severe cognitive delays for over twenty years, and mentors/lectures graduate students.
Dr. Dawn Menge is the mother of three, and the grandmother of six beautiful grandchildren.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I think anyone who goes into a new creative avenue for the love of the craft and sharing their talents will find many rewards. Some of my most rewarding moments come from a teacher friend I have who teaches immigrants academic and life skills. uses Queen Vernita’s books to teach them ESL skills. This young man was born on the Savanna of Africa and bravely came here. He learned to count by counting the villagers at Thanksgiving dinner in Queen Vernita’s Visitors.
” He is doing very, very well, thanks in part to your books and his hard work. Nuh had a 6-year-old daughter who is using your books to learn English. Multigenerational impact of your Queen Vernita books. Totally cool!! Helping to keep this immigrant extended family out of poverty. This is a super happy outcome relating to the impact of your books. Amazing work, Dawn. Thank you so very much for all that you are doing!! ”
” I have another Chinese English-language learner by the name of Amy who I just started teaching. She started out knowing about 5 English words, and she could not say the alphabet when we started. She has made steady progress learning conversational English. Using the Queen Vernita books, I point to an item in one of the illustrations in the book, and I show her the English word for that item. We practice saying that word a few times and then move on to a new item. She builds vocabulary that way. I gave Amy an electronic Chinese to English / English to Chinese translator. She also has other electronic translators to use as well. She told me that she was going to begin reading the Queen Vernita Visits the Blue Ice Mountains book on her own with my assistance over the phone, and the help of her translating devices as needed. Working hard to read English-language books is a huge step for Amy. When she began learning English Amy kept telling me that learning English was too hard and too confusing for her. Your Queen Vernita books have really given Amy has found the confidence to take on reading her first English-language pages in the beautiful world that Queen Vernita inhabits.’
When I started writing The Queen Vernita’s series, I had never imagined that it would reach and impact so many people all over the world. That is more rewarding than awards.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rushmorepress.com/menge-events
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dawnmenge
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dawn.menge1
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/queenvernita
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/xBcxl7LFjXw