Interview
An Interview with Janice Myers, Author
How/when did you become interested in writing/publishing?
I did not deliberately set out to become a writer. I grew into it as I saw a need and tried to fill it.
I started back in 1987, working with the materials that are now Reading Tool Kits in the Teach Your Child To Read series.
What prompted your interest in your subject?
I own and operate a non-profit tutoring service called The Reading Clinic. We work with students of all ages in all basic skills.
One day, a man in his 30's enrolled. He was able to read only a few words and had a real desire to better his skills. The question that he asked me that day started the ball rolling. He asked, "I'm not going to have to read Dick and Jane again, am I? I memorized those books and I can repeat them by heart."
"No," I told him, "I'll write sentences for you to read and they will go along with the rest of the materials we are using to teach you to read."
And that is exactly what I did. I researched the formula for writing pre-primer materials and plugged in the words I wanted emphasized.
How did you develop your project?
The first chapters came off the typewriter an onto the copy machine. Even before I found an illustrator, tutors were begging for the next chapter. Students used this practice material to such a good advantage that I wrote the original 5 readers in less than 3 months. Workbook materials naturally followed over the years and evolved into the Reading Tool Kits of today.
What was the creative process like?
Once I understood the process of creating a reader for beginners, the actual writing was swift. I was limited by not having a computer. A friend allowed me evening and weekend time on her machine and that speeded up the process measurably.
What are your overall goals concerning this book?
Parents need convenient resources to use at home with their children. There is nothing out on the market that provides enough practice, slowly enough to give reading mastery. My books fill that gap.
Dedicated teachers are always searching out relevant materials to aide their students. This set of books is tailor-made for their needs, too.
The Teach Your Child To Read series currently contains 5 books. More are already outlined and will follow as time permits.
How did you publish your book?
I spent time and money with a book agent and got nowhere. I found a friendly local printer, Lee Altman, who saw the vision of what I had to offer and agreed to work with me. That is how I got Tool Kit #1 printed.
Manuscripts are completed for Tool Kits 2-5 and are available in manuscript form.
Do you have an agent?
I do not have an agent at this time.
Do you have any tips for other writers?
Some people seem to be born with a talent to write. The rest of us have to work at it. Doing something well takes practice. I read a lot. I firmly believe in reading. Words in = Words out!
What promotional methods work best for you?
I've tried mailings. That fell flat. Direct personal contact seems to be working the best right now. I could use a publicist.
Do you have a web site?
Yes, you are at the Internet address for my web site for the Teach Your Child To Read series and for our local non-profit tutoring service in Spartanburg, SC.
Do you network with other authors? If so, in what ways?
I did attend a local writers group for several years until the organization seemed to just melt away for lack of good leadership.
If you could change something about your publishing experience, what would it be?
I would have started a whole lot sooner.
What are you working on now?
Another author and I are combining our talents to bring out a set of Mastery Units in Reading. These are not yet ready for publication.
I am continuing to work toward the full printing of the rest of the 5-book Tool Kit series.
In the works is another set of story books for children that deals with the experiences of a hyperactive little girl and all the trouble she gets into. (This little girl also just happens to be me)
I also have a major portion of a math flash cards CD finished. The programmer is doing a fine job.
What is The Reading Clinic?
In 1986 I moved to Spartanburg, SC and started a private tutoring service. At first, I just offered reading instruction. Hence, the Reading Clinic name. Parents soon demanded arithmetic help for their children. We now provide full-service tutoring from reading and math to test preparation. All ages come to the Reading Clinic. The oldest so far was 69 years old when she came. We taught her how to read.
We serve 50-70 students every week and I have a staff of tutors. The number varies from 3-7, depending on the student load.
In 2003 The Reading Clinic became a non-profit organization to better serve the needs of the students in this community.
What makes your program unique?
I believe that students need phonetic instruction that goes beyond learning the isolated sounds of the individual letters of the alphabet. The materials I use give the student practice in smoothly blending consonants and vowels together. They learn codes that help them recognize patterns in new words and be able to decode as they go along. Students quickly become independent readers.
Where did you get your ideas for the book and series?
As I worked with students over the years (more than 2000 students since 1986) I run into learning problems that are not addressed in any workbook or text I happen to have on hand at the moment. Many of these problems have no answer in the popular press, so I sit down and create workbook materials to custom fit the need. These materials are very popular with my tutors. We find that a problem one student has may not be unique to just that one student. Everyone benefits. Our students are able to accelerate their learning curve and move on to success much faster.
What other topics will you cover in this series?
I have already outlined the vocabulary words that will be used in the next 10 books of the Tool Kit series. I am using vocabulary word lists that deal with words a student is expected to know BEFORE they begin first grade reading materials. These are called Pre-Primer and Primer word lists. The total list covers over 1300 words. All of these words fit into simple codes that a young student can easily master before entering first grade.
I am building a simple illustrated dictionary that includes these same 1300 words.
How do you work with children in your workshops?
I like to sit down with a child on a one-on-one basis. It is great if the parent or a teacher is sitting there with us, observing and picking up methods for later use. We spend a short amount of time practicing some of the decoding exercises. The average student is reading within 20 minutes.
What age child to you usually work with in your demonstrations and workshops?
I like to work with children who are finishing kindergarten, entering first grade, or having difficulty in first or second grade. This covers ages 5½ to 8 years of age. This age group is targeted by the Tool Kit materials. Older nonreaders benefit just as successfully from the Tool Kit materials, but they are usually not as willing to be a part of a public demonstration.
How can your books be ordered?
My books are available several different ways:
Directly from me. Janice Myers, 413 Willis Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301 (864) 574-1896
Call or write me at my home number.
From the Prices and Order page on this website.
I accept Money Orders. Checks are acceptable, but will need to clear my bank before books are sent.
Are you looking for sales representatives?
Yes, a limited number of aggressive sales people will be needed as we spread out across the USA.
How do I schedule Janice, the author, for a workshop, in-store demonstration, or interview?
Contact me at the address above and I'll be happy to work out something with you.
