I'm Just Sayin'

https://scbwikitetales.wordpress.com/2016/10/14/scbwi-community-corner-with-stephanie-olivieri/ My article about the SCBWI  The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators has changed my life for the better in many ways. It’s hard to explain how a group of book writers and illustrators can do that, but they have. I’m not sure where to start, so I’ll start at the beginning: I’m a writer, who also draws. I worked in animation for many years and have recently worked in children’s books both as a writer and an illustrator. In the summer of 2012 I joined the SCBWI and then, boom, my father died. I was broke and I couldn’t afford to do anything or go to anything. I was not only devastated emotionally, but financially as my job also ended that spring *click the link to read more

I have to say something because I love you all and want you to be fit and healthy and not end up in the morgue. Regarding health and fitness-please always always always always check your sources and your doctor before jumping on board with any program. Also just because someone has starved themselves and lost weight, that does NOT make them an expert; the same goes for someone who works out every day and is fit. Personal trainers, fitness experts, nutritionists etc., go through YEARS of training. I know when I was a PT and an instructor, it took a lot of hours to get my certifications. The best thing to do is join a gym and or go to a personal trainer. Don't jump on trends like CrossFit-I'm not against CF but it's not for everyone and I'm so sick of people telling others to be Paleo and do CF like it's the only way to be healthy. Just do YOUR RESEARCH please, this is YOUR life. There are also GREAT online programs like Michelle Bridges, Tracy Anderson, De...

People often ask me about health & fitness because I was so involved in that industry for so many years and I still post about great programs, blogs, books, trainers, online classes, programs etc. (like Denise Austin-who was the first person I trained with in the late 80s to get certified, Michelle Bridges, Mari Winsor, Tracey Anderson and workouts like Barre3, The Bar Method, Zumba, etc). Here is what I'm going to say. 1) Just because someone has starved themselves and lost a ton of weight, that does NOT make them an expert. 2) Just because someone runs or goes to the gym, that also doesn't make them an expert. 3) People who give sweeping advice like, 'be gluten free, be vegan, only eat 1000 calories a day' etc.. are not qualified to tell you, or anyone else how to be healthy. 4) Also, SKINNY does NOT equal healthy, this is a dangerous concept. These are important things to remember. If you want to lose weight or get healthier, please go to your fitness cl...

"You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. You want to claim this land as the land of the free? Then the symbol of your country can't just be a flag; the symbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right to burn that flag in protest. Show me that, defend that, celebrate that in your classrooms. Then, you can stand up and sing about the "land of the free". ~ Andrew Sheperd, The American President http://www.sbnation.com/2016/9/11/12869726/colin-kaepernick-national-anthem-protest-seahawks-brandon-marshall-nfl I think he is brave and amazing. People don't often go against the grain for something they believe in like he has. I have friends on FB who are upset by his actions, but for me, I support him 100%. Something in this country needs to change and that do...

Keeping it real for a minute. No posturing, just posting.  :)   People always assume that everything is great for everyone on social media-it's not. It's just that it's better to present a positive spin on life, than a negative one. I'm keeping it real here today just because why not? Maybe someone out there is struggling and needs to know that we all have it hard at some point. Especially those of us who have a creative career.  I was explaining to someone at Highlights last w eek that for me there is no backup plan, this is what I do for a living, and this person didn't seem to get it. It's funny to me. I feel like I've been drowning my entire life, but I'm doing what I love and trying to continue to do that. My writing is not where I wanted it to be at this age. I have been paid to write, I have sold stuff, but I wanted to be further, I'm not, but that's okay. I get up every day and I write, or I think about writing, or I don't do anythi...

Hi, everyone! So sorry I've been not so active on any of my blogs this year. The reason? I finished and revised two novels and took classes went to conferences and attended workshops. That said, I'm going to start a new blog series in Sept. I promise, thanks for sticking around!!