Getting Started

​I never knew how much work went into creating a book or the marketing involved.  I had an idea to write a book for kids about civil engineering.  I have often felt that there is not enough information out in the world to encourage kids to become engineers.  Most children's books about careers deal with doctors, dentists, firemen, and police.  Many adults that I talk to are not comfortable discussing engineering because they don't feel comfortable with the vocabulary.  My children have been very curious about many things.  Explaining valves, dams, and flow were exciting conversations if I showed them pictures of the things we were talking about.  I have given presentations at my kids' schools about engineering and have found the kids excited and interested.  Most of the excitement came from seeing exciting pictures while talking about the role of the civil engineer in society.  These experiences and my desire to write a book have developed into Exploring Careers with Kids:  ABCs of Civil Engineering.  I am excited to get this book out for people to enjoy.  As I have looked into publishing, marketing, and distributing books, I have learned a lot of things I had never thought of.  This has been a very interesting journey for me and I hope that it will continue to be interesting to all who choose to follow this blog as I share my insights as well as look for others to contribute and participate in this new experience.