Writing & Critiquing Since 1979
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Helen Coronato Bio
When I was a kid, I wanted nothing more than to become a writer. I envisioned myself in the cozy, private nook of my stone cottage working beneath a window that looked out on an English garden where I carefully labored over each word of my soon-to-be-released, best-selling children’s picture book.
Skip to the present.
There is no stone cottage (we own new construction). There is no English garden (I have a black thumb). There are no picture books (though there are children). There is no private corner (see children). BUT, there are books--wonderful nonfiction books that have given me the opportunity to be both teacher and student; which, if we are really fortunate, is what the best experiences always do.
I am so grateful that I am an author. There is nothing I wanted more when I was a kid; there is nothing I want more now.
As a former middle school English teacher and children’s librarian, Helen Coronato designed and facilitated literary workshops for parents and children. She now enjoys a successful career as an author, radio talk show host, and full-time mother. Helen hosts the monthly radio talk show “A Novel Idea: Behind the Bookshelves” at www.homegrownradio.com, where she welcomes authors, agents, and editors to share their expertise. Her articles and ideas have been featured in numerous parenting publications including Family Circle, Mothering Magazine, and ParentGuide. A sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator, Helen divides her time between homes in New Jersey and Wyoming where she is happy to share her knowledge and expertise at writing conferences and workshops. Please visit the author at her website
www.helenCoronato.com.
Publication Credits
Books
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Reading with Your Children (Alpha Books, 2007)—offers hands-on strategies for creating a literacy-rich home.
The Only Real Estate Investing Book You’ll Ever Need (Adams Media, 2008)—a must- have handbook for beginner investors.
Eco-Friendly Families (Alpha Books, 2008)—a practical guide for going green as a family using everyday activities to educate and inspire.
Forthcoming
The Complete Idiot’s Guide for Raising a Strong-Willed Child (Alpha Books, 2009)—strategies and solutions for bringing out the best in your passionate child.
In Addition
Helen’s articles and ideas have been featured in numerous media outlets including national magazines, newspapers, blogs, radio shows, pod casts, and television. Please visit the author at
www.helenCoronato.com to learn more about upcoming projects and calendar events.
Excerpt of Writing
From the introduction of Eco-Friendly Families (Alpha, 2008) by Helen Coronato.
It is with great pleasure that I invite you to explore the environmentally savvy ideas and strategies in Eco-Friendly Families a book that encourages families to embrace greener living by making practical changes in their everyday lives. Knowing that an eco-friendly lifestyle works best when everyone actively participates, I have designed family-focused activities to make going green a way of life that is both fun and functional.
Suggestions on taking a family’s green inventory, an eco-inspired calendar that helps manage green goal setting, and a room-by-room eco-redesign will help all members of your family rethink their commitment to the environment and get on board with the ideas that make homes more eco-friendly. Fun and fresh ideas for reducing, reusing, and recycling; innovative alternatives for marking milestones and celebrating holidays; and detailed directions for making homemade recipes and concocting your own cleaning solutions make this a guide that goes beyond the basics. From helping your toddlers take their first green steps to getting your teens to green up their act, your family will be inspired to see going green as a way of life that evolves, not just a to-do checklist that ends.
This guide translates complicated global issues into straightforward language and engaging activities, making a conversation about environmental ethics as simple as watering the houseplants with rain water, reusing back-to-school supplies, or hosting a neighborhood toy swap. Recipes and instructions for all activities are included, making this guide a valuable resource you’ll look to time and time again. By appealing to children early in life, we help ensure that the next generation will become conscientious consumers, passionate naturalists, and responsible conservationists who are personal advocates for Earth. Together your family can take eco-actions that help the planet while preserving energy and saving money. With this book, you’ll enjoy making memories whose effects extend far beyond your own backyard. We can all make a difference. Eco-Friendly Families can show you how.
Eco-Friendly Families is available wherever books are sold.
Get to know Helen
Website:
Currently Reading:
People Magazine (I’m addicted)
Recommended Reads for Writers
everything Anne Lamott’s ever written
Stephen King’s Writing – A Memoir
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Recommended Reads for Everybody
Dave Barry Slept Here – A Short of History of the United
States by Dave Barry (you won’t be disappointed)
One of the best things I ever did for myself
Stopped taking my writing so personally
Tip
See above
Email Helen