The world of children publishing is full of wonderful people doing extraordinary things. Irene Brodsky is enjoying the thrill of a new career at a time when most people think of retiring. Her energy and enthusiasm are examples for all. Irene was kind enough to find the time to answer a few questions for us.

IRENE, please tell us why you love poetry and where this passion for words comes from?

My passion for words began with the World Trade Center tragedy that took place on September 11, 200l, my 55th birthday. I just had to sit down and write about how to deal with a tragedy and a birthday on the same day. The words came from my heart and I called my words “The Tallest Twins” My love for poetry came from the freedom to just write whatever came into my mind, without hesitation. I have been writing ever since. I now have approximately 100 poems.

Please tell us about your background?

I was born in Brooklyn New York on Sept. 11, 1946. I loved music, played piano/clarinet. In 1970 – 76, I sang with The Chris Grieco Trio without much success. So I enrolled in college to become a New York City School Secretary for The Board of Education. At age 55, I retired and suddenly had nothing to do. So I returned to college to see if I could pass anything after being out of school 26 years.

You distinguish yourself by graduating from Brooklyn College at a stage in your career when most people think of slowing down, not accelerating towards new goals. What drove you to complete this degree?

Many of my peers thought I was being foolish to return to school and my first professor failed me for not writing a good essay. That inspired me tremendously to show that I could do better. And because of the WTC tragedy, I was determined to not put off for tomorrow what I could do today! I kept thinking of those unfortunate victims who had no tomorrow and knew I must do this now!.

I am most proud to say that I graduated Brooklyn College City University of New York with a BA in Philosophy with a minor in English, Class of 2007, May 31, 2007. I will never forget that day because I was 60 years old!

Who is your favorite poet and why? Which of his/her books has been most inspiring for you?

My favorite poet is Dennis S. Martin. He writes romantic poetry. In his book “Love and Passions”, he remains true to his craft. He does not resort to violent or x-rated words. He speaks of true love and desires in a way that would make the famous poets of the past centuries stand at attention.

You teach poetry today. What do you find most rewarding about teaching? Most challenging?

What is most rewarding is that I was offered this job at this stage of my life. I was honored to be given a poetry class to teach and hoped to share my love of poetry with my students to see that it can be fun, not boring, not stuffy, and it could be very relaxing too to just get your feelings out onto paper. You never know what is in you unless you try. That is what is most challenging, to put words on paper and see what you come up with!!!!!! So very exciting!!!

We are fortunate that you chose us to publish your first children’s book “Silly Kitty”. What do you find different about writing for children?

Writing children’s books makes me feel like a child again. I read to the children in nearby schools and in local restaurants that sponsor book events for me. My books are about kittens and puppies, so we get to meow and woof a lot and that is so much fun for anyone!!! I also have a Monster Blog that I perform every Halloween.

What can parents do to help children appreciate poetry?

I think they should ask them to just write about what they did today…..at school….with friends, etc., just to get them used to writing. Also parents can read children’s poetry to them. Many of such poems are available online or in the library.

Colleagues mention to us how effective you have been at building an online presence and how active you are at communicating with your online friends. Many book creators are still hesitant to use the internet and its networking power. What would be your advice for someone just starting to write and publish?

I feel a new writer must be aggressive, use all tools available to get well-known, especially since no one knows you when you are new… How are they supposed to know you have a book if you don’t find a way to tell them??? So I went on facebook, twitter and my space to campaign for myself!!!!! My first poetry book “Poetry Unplugged” was on 3 booksites at the time but I had to get people directed to those sites. I also had a wire associated press release to put my book on all major web sites. I now have a marketing coach to come up with newer ideas like getting your book into the Library Catalogs. My poetry book is now in 4 New York City libraries.

You must utilize the internet. You cannot be afraid of the computer. It is your friend. I would tell any new writer to send out their proofread manuscripts to as many publishers as they can find and see who will be interested! I would also tell them to enter as many writing contests as they can. And, of course, to send their children’s book to Sharing-Books.com! What a great way to help a child to read!!!!!!

I will be 63 on Sept. 11, 2009 and hope that I am a role model for any older person who wants to enrich his/her life with a new career. I say “Age is Just A Number…..and your number can be any number you like it to be.”

Thank you Irene, we look forward to reading your next book.