Local authors visit Lakeshore library
By Chris Simon

Local authors Sandra Nasciemento, Jackie Jones and Karen Melnick stand with their books at the Innisfil Public Library's Lakeshore branch last week.

They're three authors with one goal; to inspire and build confidence among local residents.

Local authors Jackie Jones, Karen Melnick and Sandra Nascimento were on hand to speak with residents about their books and inspirational messages at the Innisfil Public Library's Lakeshore branch last week.

Organizer Mandy Pethick says each of the authors discuss a variety of themes.

"We're always looking for opportunities to support Canadian authors in general, but specifically our local authors," she said. "There's not a lot of outlets for that (in Innisfil), so we like to provide it whenever possible. These authors have put out these books and been highly successful. They're talking about their areas of expertise."

Melnick's book, Your Child's Health and Wellness Record, was selected as a Best Products winner by Dr. Toy, and has received the iParenting Media Award. As a registered nurse and parent of three, Melnick created the book to help parents keep track of their children's health information and records.

It aims to help parents be informed, organized and prepared to act as their child's health advocate, she said.

"When my kids were young, they had a variety of health and developmental issues," said Melnick. "Me being a health professional made a really big difference in being able to access really good health care in a timely way.

"Through the years, I've talked to parents who didn't (have) that. They felt sometimes their concerns weren't clearly understood by every doctor or health professional. The result is that early issues aren't necessarily identified."

Jones is the author of The Gratitude Bugs, a series of picture books for children. The books have various character-building messages, and deal with issues like self-esteem, honesty, integrity, responsibility, respect, forgiveness, loyalty and friendship.

Jones was one of eight siblings, and quickly learned the importance of many of values discussed in Gratitude Bugs.

"(I want to) bring hope and happiness to all children," she said.

Nascimento created, My Thoughts, a journal designed to inspire people to express their thoughts in writing. The journal includes her poems and journal entry suggestions, in an attempt to inspire writing among readers.

She says journaling can benefit anyone, by helping with time management and acting as an outlet for emotions.