My friend, Victor Acquista, asked me, “Why do you write and why do you want to share stories?”
“I have been writing since I can remember. It started with those cute, little suede journals. You remember the ones with the secret key? I spent the next several decades writing content, programs, stories, poetry, and super awesome Christmas letters – duh. Stories connect us, help us understand different perspectives, educate us and ultimately, they change and save lives. You do not have to be a “writer” to share a story. Parents, divorcees, cancer patients, executives, waiters, students, domestic goddesses, or even cab drivers have stories to tell. My mission is to get these stories shared. Books, blogs, social media, radio, TV, or mountain tops, I will continue my days on this planet helping others connect with others. Let me help you! I got you.”
Tanner Tells T.A.L.E.S.
(Truth. Accountability. Love. Emotion. Support)
Tanner Tells Tales is a series of books written by a mother and son, that’s me…Peggy Willms & Tanner Willms. Through the eyes of a mother, Tanner’s tales are told. Tanner, who is now an adult and a father himself, shares his reflection as he looks back on these tales of himself as a growing boy. The Tanner Tells Tales series are lessons of Truth, Accountability, Love, Emotion and Support (TALES). Each illustrated book is accompanied by coloring pages, a maze, and a word search.
The Tanner Tells Tales series share several stories of a little boy’s internal and external trials and tribulations. At times he chose to fib when he wanted his own way, he took things that weren’t his, and he was even bullied. Through each of Tanner’s adventures, there is a lesson to be learned.
Each book ends with Tanner’s Take. His adult view looking back upon himself as a little boy. Why might he have done what he did? How did one story or event from his past life affect his present? Could it have been prevented by making different choices? What we he do differently if he could go back?
As a mentor, parent, or grandparent, reading these books to a youngster will teach both of you different ways to communicate, how to solicit truths, to express the importance of accountability, and offer a safe and supportive platform for a child to share his or her emotions as they grow through their years. These stories are ultimately about love. And the world always has space for more love.