Hi! I’m Tracy Weldon, author and creator of children's books that encourage imaginative play and creativity. My goal with bringing my most recent book My Blank Page to life was to promote the importance of imaginative play in a child’s development. Activities like crafting, running around outside, and building forts now have to compete with gadgets, screens, and devices. My fondest childhood memories centered around the countless imaginative games and activities my siblings and I played for hours on end. We were encouraged to use our minds to build our own fun and I truly believe these skills help me thrive to this day.In many ways, the play I engaged in as a child was training for the day I was able to focus my creative energy and turn it into a business. In 2006, I started a medical marketing company that specialized in working with physicians, healthcare companies, and sales representatives. The company brought a creative lens to the medical space by offering innovative solutions for patient information. Over a decade, I was fortunate to share the message of the company with physicians around the world through over 500 lectures I delivered in Australia, Canada, China, England, France, India, Italy, Turkey and at over 100 national conferences throughout the United States. It was during this time that I saw the benefit of holding on to the delicate part of our minds that allows us to think beyond boundaries, to create from a raw space, and to use our “creative muscles.” I saw that, just as some train for marathons, football, or swimming, creativity and the muscles of the mind can be strengthened with practice.During my time working with physicians, I had three medical marketing books published and wrote over 100 magazine and journal articles. It was during this time that my life-long love of the written word was heightened. I find writing to be an artistic expression and a tremendous creative outlet. In 2014, my medical marketing company sold, which allowed me time to explore other interests, including writing children’s books. I have always found that life’s most important lessons can be taught through books for kids. I love the way complex concepts are presented in a simple yet impactful way. Through captivating illustrations and carefully constructed words, lessons come to life for children and adults to reflect on. By encouraging kids to use and hold onto their creative talents, you are doing more than passing the time with play. You are helping them grow and develop crucial life skills.