We're going to change things up today and steer away from my usual book reviews. Instead, I'm excited to have author Marneta Viegas popping by to answer a few questions for us—so kind of her!
First, I'm just going to give a quick parade of her Relax Kids series...and give a glimpse at how broad and fun this series is...before diving into more about her. Marneta Viegas isn't a first-time author, but rather has quite a few titles under her belt. Her messages offer encouragement and always hit a positive note. Plus, it appears that these books have lead to an entire movement in the UK. I might have found more (and very inspiring) information thanks to a few Youtube videos...which I highly recommend you take a peek at to gain an even better impression about what Relax Kids is all about. (https://www.youtube.com/@RelaxKids)
Laugh together as you create your own positacular and specmarkable affirmation words with this fun flip flap book.
https://www.johnhuntpublishing.com/ourstreet-books/our-books/relax-kids-affirmixations
Encourages mindful awareness, mental creativity and imagination.
Create your own mindful meditations and discover how many wonderful combinations you can make!
What will you choose to be today? Flick through the flaps to create your own positive persona -- and its amazing title -- each day.
https://www.johnhuntpublishing.com/ourstreet-books/our-books/relax-kids-what-can-i-be-today
Quite the selection, isn't it? I love the colorful and lively covers. But then, I have reason to believe that Marneta is exactly the same way.
INTERVIEW
Thank you so much for taking the time to be here today and for your willingness to answer a few questions. It's always so interesting to meet the author behind the book and learn a little more about them. I'll admit that I did take a peek around the web and was amazed at how much you've woven your life around making kids smile. Before turning to writing, you ran a clowning business - I find that so interesting! What inspired you to move into this new direction?
I had been a clown for 10 years and over that time, I noticed a change in children’s behaviour. Their concentration and attention was worse and having practiced meditation since I was a child, I felt it would help. So I started some visualisations to calm children down as part of the entertainment and the children and parents loved it. Ion 1999, I had an idea to write meditations based on all the fairytales - Lying on Sleeping Beauty’s bed, Floating on Aladdin’s magic carpet and climbing Jack’s beanstalk and floating on a cloud. It worked so well and I got a 2 book deal. I stayed with the publisher and went on to write another 17 books. Alongside the meditations, I started classes in my small apartment for friend’s children and they loved it.
I developed a 7-step relaxation system MOVE PLAY STRETCH BREATHE BELIEVE RELAX. The classes were fun and children loved them.
I couldn’t keep up with the demand and so started training in 2005. I have now trained nearly 6,000 coaches who run their own business teaching Relax Kids classes.
I went on Dragon’s Den which is the equivalent to Shark Tank and although they didn’t invest, It helped get my brand known. You can see the video on you tube.
I now have a wide range of products - books, audios and packs to support children’s mental health. My products have been used in over 5 million homes and schools across the globe.
That's quite the journey, and it sounds as if so much of it was a path that was meant to be. With that much engagement, you must enjoy doing it. Now, that you've turned to writing, what is your favorite part about it?
I love being creative. I have been writing children’s theatre shows for over 25 years and I love making ideas from my head come alive on paper. I love colours and having fun with words.
And what would you rather eat worms than do?
I hate going high speed or scary fair rides or parachute jumping.
I completely agree on the parachute jumping - so scary! After reading a bit more about you, I discovered that you're also heading into a new project for women. Could you tell us a little about it?
Over the years, as I have grown older, I have realised my main motivator is creativity. I love creating all sorts of things. I wanted to create a lovely online group where women can come together and be creative. We meet weekly on Wednesday at 7pm UK time and I have a free session once a month to try it out. Each week we have a theme and create and chat about life and art and what inspires us. We often all come tired and leave so energised and everyone says it is the highlight of their week. http://igniteyoursparkclub.com
That does sound wonderful, and we could all use a bit more energizing in life.
It seems that many authors were avid readers as children. What were your favorite books while growing up?
I loved all the fairytales and Aesop’s Fables because of the morals.
Oh, I do wish Aesop's Fables were more visited these days (at least, here in the US). I've met so many kids, who've never heard them, which is really unfortunate.
When you aren’t working on a new project, what do you like to do?
I love swimming and being in nature. I also like creating new comedy characters for stand up comedy. I always have a notebook and pen wherever I go as I have so many ideas. I have drawers and drawers of notebooks with ideas.
It sounds like you have your own 'treasure chest'. With so much creativity and positivity, I do wonder, what was your biggest wish as a child?
I wanted to be a performer - to entertain. I wanted to be a singer.
It seems like you were lucky enough (at least, partially) for your wish to come true. Who knows, maybe singing will slide in someday?
Thanks so much for taking the time to share everything with us. I know I enjoyed it quite a bit. I do wish you the best and look forward to what else still lies in store because it sounds like there is much more to come.
About the Author
Marneta Viegas is the founder of Relax Kids Ltd - the UK's leading expert on children's relaxation. She is a best-selling author and has produced a range of relaxation CDs and has appeared on BBC Dragons' Den. She was invited to perform at Buckingham Palace for HRH King Charles’ 50th Birthday. Marneta has over 40 years of experience in meditation and relaxation and runs a training program where she has trained over 5,000 franchisees in her unique award-winning method of relaxation. She lives in Oxford, UK. For more information on Marneta and other Relax Kids products visit: www.relaxkids.com
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