Swift Walker

Talking to authors I love: I asked Verlyn Tarlton, author of Swift Walker, an adorable geography story for young children, my 3 favorite questions for authors. Check out her responses below.

Me: I always like to start off with: What was your favorite book when you were a kid?

Verlyn: I can’t nail down one book specifically. However, I loved poetry books. When I was in elementary school I had to memorize a poem called “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes and another poem called, “Mr. Nobody” author anonymous. I loved the rhythm of poems, so I began reading books full of poetry. Hence, the great love affair of reading and writing began.

Me: Is that what inspired you to write Swift Walker? It does have a very poetic rhythm.

Verlyn: I was inspired to write Swift Walker because I wanted to motivate children, especially little boys to read a book about traveling adventures and make it fun and educational at the same time. I also want to leave a tangible legacy to my children and grandchildren, just as my Grandfather did me. I didn’t realize how much I was influenced by my late grandfather who was a published author and world traveler. Writing is in my dna!

Me: Hard at work creating the next generation of readers. I love it! Besides your own stuff, what was the last book that you read to children?

Verlyn: The last book I enjoyed reading to and with my children is titled Donovan’s Word Jar by Monalisa DeGross. It’s a great book!

Me: I'll check it out. Thanks!

Verlyn Tarlton is a woman, author, speaker and poet, who loves words, written and spoken. She has spent the past decade sharing this love and passion with others through her workshops, published books, seminars and reading/activities with children.

Connect with her at www.verlyntarlton.com.