By second grade, Kettering writer and editor Marie Kriedman was reading like a fiend. After initial struggles, she credits her mom and teachers with helping transform her into a voracious reader. Marie loved Charlotte’s Web and Harriet the Spy as a young reader. Reading was a constant in her life and on her journey to pursue a degree in journalism at Miami University.
Marie’s interest in writing children’s books began during her college days. She initially pursued publishing her work with established book publishers and what was intended as a short break from this type of writing quickly became years passing by. Still, working in copy editing and freelance writing continued to give her opportunities to hone her skills, while life experience added wisdom.
Her first published children’s book, Saying Goodbye to Olivia, was written to honor Marie’s daughter, whom she lost in the second trimester due to Trisomy 18. Writing helped her through the grieving process and reignited her passion for writing. Saying Goodbye to Olivia was a challenging book to write at a time when Marie and her husband were grieving the loss of their daughter, and their two young children had many questions. Yet Marie was determined that good would come from Olivia’s passing.
It was important to her to help families in similar circumstances. Marie explains, “Saying Goodbye to Olivia is the book I wish I had when I lost her.”
The excitement of seeing her first book published differed from that of the typical author. “Holding my daughter’s book for the first time was very emotional. I’m very proud to have shared Olivia’s story on her behalf,” she says.
Four of Marie’s books have been published by Chilidog Press with a fifth anticipated this summer and four more in the pipeline. Her book Santa’s Toy-Tastrophy was inspired by real events surrounding the tale of a delayed gift delivery by jolly old St. Nick! The central question: How will Santa and his elves get the misplaced present to a little boy waiting for it after Christmas Eve has come and gone?
Little Brother to the Sun is Marie’s personal favorite. The book teaches children about the relationship between the Earth, sun and moon. It was written to honor her sons. “I love the way the illustrations bring the story to life. It also has a bit of a surprise ending,” shares Marie.
Olivia Had Trisomy 18 is the sequel to Saying Goodbye to Olivia. The book addresses the basic chromosome science surrounding Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) and miscarriages and is aimed at older kids. Marie’s books are written for kids in elementary school or younger, but she takes pride in not speaking down to her readers. Her goals are that each book sparks curiosity, helps a child learn and prompts family conversations.
Marie credits her positive experience as an author to her journalism background, family and the opportunity to be hands-on and involved throughout the publishing process.
“My writing happens because of my whole family. My husband found my publisher and pushed me to keep writing, our sons asked questions and I wrote my first published book to honor Olivia and process my grief,” says Marie.
Finding time to write books could be a challenge for a busy mom who works a full-time job and also writes for newspapers. However, Marie admits to being a night owl who finds time to write after her kids are in bed. Right now she’s hard at work on her next release, My Dragonfly Friend, which will be completed this summer.
For more information and to purchase books visit BooksbyMarie.com.
Marie’s Children’s Book Recommendations
Her Favorites:
Berenstain Bears series by Jan & Stan Berenstain
Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Cracker Jackson by Betsy Byars
Favorite Books to Read to Her Children:
A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
Click, Clack, Moo Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin
Mr. Willoughby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo
“My writing happens because of my whole family. My husband found my publisher and pushed me to keep writing, our sons asked questions and I wrote my first published book to honor Olivia and process my grief.”