Interview with children's author Kristy Taylor

Today's guest is children's author Kristy Taylor. She's here to chat about her book Mrs. Garcia's Class Visits the Hospital.

Bio:

Kristy K. Taylor is a fulltime Health Science Professor, author, and founder of Kid Medic, LLC. She has over seven years of teaching experience in the field of health science education, and she spent two years as an elementary school teacher in Brackettville, Texas. Prior to becoming an elementary school teacher and accepting her current position at Palm Beach State College in Florida, she spent six years on active duty in the United States Air Force as a Healthcare Administrator and teacher for the Community College of the Air Force.

Kristy holds an associate’s degree in Healthcare Management, a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Resources, and a master’s degree in Health Science with a focus in Health Education. Kristy is also currently pursuing her doctorate in Health Science with a focus in Global Health at A.T. Still University located in Mesa, AZ.  

In the past, Kristy has worked with students by providing them with career exploration tools and resume help. She is also currently working on her Career Coaching Certification through the Professional Association of Career Coaches and Resume Writers. Kristy enjoys teaching and working with students to help them achieve their goals.

She started Kid Medic because she believes that children can reach their potential only when they are properly taught, nurtured, and engaged in a manner that inspires them to expand their horizons through reading, thinking, exploring, and discovering the world around them.

Welcome to Reviews and Interviews, Kristy. Please tell us about your current release.

Mrs. Garcia's Class Visits the Hospital is the first book written by author and former elementary teacher, Kristy Taylor. The book is an exciting career day adventure with a diverse group of characters where the students in Mrs. Garcia's class visit the local hospital for their class field trip. While touring the hospital with Mrs. Garcia and Dr. Johnson as their guides, the students learn about over twenty different healthcare careers, and they have lots of fun along the way!

What inspired you to write this book?

I have always been interested in teaching and career exploration in general. One day while having a "What do you want to be when you grow up?" discussion with my group of 4th graders, I was inspired to write a story that would encourage them. After our discussion, it only took me a few days to write my first story. As a result, when I decided to publish the book, I used the students and town as my inspiration! I was so inspired, I decided to keep writing and start Kid Medic as well.

Excerpt:
Eric introduced us to Michelle, the phlebotomist.  “What is a phlebotomist?” asked Haley.  “A phlebotomist is a person who specializes in drawing a patient’s blood for testing,” said Michelle.  Suddenly, Nathaniel got an interesting look on his face and raised his hand.  “Yessss,” said Michelle.  “Is your job sort of like being a vampire?”  Nathaniel asked.  The entire class laughed and turned to look at Michelle.  “No,” she chuckled.

I learned about all of the different areas that doctors could specialize in, for example, Dr Herrera was a podiatrist, and he specialized in treating patients with feet problems.  Dr. Osborn was a neurologists; she specialized in helping patients with nervous system disorders.  We also met Dr. Chadwick, the hospital’s pharmacist; she helped patients get the medicine that they needed in order to help them feel better.”

What exciting story are you working on next?

I am working on a career motivation book for adults as well as a children’s book about veterinarian careers.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I initially only wrote my book for my students, but once I realized how the book could actually be used to inspire people, the light bulb turned on!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I want to write everything from children’s books to adult career motivation books. 

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A cheerleader, dinosaur, and President, but since none of those worked out, I opted for teaching instead.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers? 

Be sure to continue following the tour!

Kristy is giving away a free activity guide to everyone who purchases the book during this tour. And there is also a giveaway of a Swag Pack (Kid Medic t-shirt, coffee mug, pen, and stickers) to a lucky commentor. So feel free to comment and leave your e-mail address if you'd like a chance to win! You can also follow her tour and comment at other stops to increase your chances of winning.