Puzzle Me Complete ... Believer, Mother, Teacher, Writer.

Dragon Boyz is available on Amazon Kindle for a special price of  US$6.99 This Children Novel is a great back to school book. It is an exciting fantasy novel that promotes Friendship, Determination, Unity and Love. My son was the true inspiration behind it and his amazing imagination of dragons, wolfmen and the creation of the Dragon Boyz will keep your kids entertained.  Read and Enj oy!!

Classroom theme ....  it's all about learning  while you smile. 

READ... When you read... you imagine... When you read... you believe... When you read... you learn... When you read... you write... Reading is the doorway to many possibilities and the silver lining to a dark cloud of self doubt and the unknown. It broadens your horizon and exposes you to different cultures, theories and endless discoveries. In support of Reading Literacy I recently offered my children's novel Dragon Boyz as a special prize to the Maple Leaf International School. So apart from enjoying the experiencing of seeing the pride on their students' faces, I liked showing the young learners what they can achieve if they allow their creative juices to flow. It was a great honor to present the Grade 3 student with Dragon Boyz, and appreciated the welcome I received from their Librarian, Gena Mohammed and the Maple Leaf school body. May 31, 2015 - Sunday Guardian of Trinidad and Tobago. Sunday Vibe. (enlarged clipping) I wish the school continued su

Recently I have been experiencing what I can only call BLESSINGS . When I take a look back at my life 2 to 3 years ago, alot of changes occurred. Back then I was hurting, the tears were flowing, and I could not see the light. Back then I did not think I was ready for change, but now I understand why everything happened. It was for a better tomorrow. I am not the same person I was 3 years ago. Yes I look the same, and love my family and children the same, but I have lived,                                     loved,                                              lost,                                                    learnt and love again .  Change was the hardest part and though I usually shy away from it, when confronted by it, I face it head on!!!! The best part was finally realizing and experiencing a couple of my personal dreams and goals. For those who know me, especially my siblings, know I always wanted to teach children. Even when I was living a year in London I had my

Taking the kids to the beach seemed like a good idea. It was a family outing and apart from heading into a 2 and a half hour drive to get to our destination... we were hyped!! Only when we got there did we find out that we were going to paraglide... and that changed the day entirely. All I can say was... there was a hum of excitement in the air. And after watching the first person go up, not only was a ready to back out... I was very intimidated. If you are afraid of height you definitely cannot do this! Dylan was very eager to go... if given the chance, he would have been the first one up in the air... but he was patient and waited his turn. The conditions had to be perfect... Wind Speed - checked Take off space - checked Excited people - CHECKED  This was Dylan waiting for his turn... once that helmet went on there was no going back. He was also really brave getting on and had the biggest smile on his face when he came back. Seeing his shining smile made the

This year so far has been an adventure and I must say I am enjoying the ride. It is not easy...                      There have been some stretches where I cruised comfortably,                                                               And there have been some unforeseen potholes and bumps along the way... but I have not let that slowed me down. My most recent adventure was experiencing my first School Visit and Book Reading at a local school. Not only was I able to share Dragon Boyz with some very excited students, I also contributed one of my books as a prize for a Literary competition the school is having during the April-May month. Fortunately,  am I presenting at their award ceremony, and I am happy to encourage reading and writing for children for all ages. I must confess I think the most challenging thing for me is breaking into the local market. As much as I know children will enjoy reading Dragon Boyz, making it accessible is key. Therefore, apart from being av

So it really begins... I have heard of many people/authors/writers talking about doing public readings, and though I personally was intimidated by the idea, and worried about seeing how other people would react to my book... I have finally done one. I was fortunate enough to arrange a Book Reading with another local school (Maple Leaf International School), and I can safely say the students' feedback and reactions were amazing. It was a fantastic experience sharing Dragon Boyz with the kids and sparking their interest in reading. Funny enough most of the kids were also interested in hearing about book 2... which I informed was still in the making :) I do hope to keep a good relationship with the school and will definitely take part in their school literary contest to encourage their creative writing.  I am also posting a Thank You note I received from the school. This is definitely a new and exciting chapter in my life and I feel very blessed to be living through this very

With the promotion of my book Dragon Boyz it is only fitting to emphasize how important it is to teach children to read. I believe the best quality time spent is time spent reading with you little ones... your teenagers and even those who think they are too big to do it. Enjoy and Happy Monday everyone. 

Great news guys... my books have reached St. Andrews School... and I know this because these 2 boys walked into my room to ask for my autograph! They bought it from Amazon and got it the first week the book was available online.  It was first, very exciting to see my book in the hands of students I teach, and then it was an honor to meet the boys who were the first to purchase my book. They are a great pair and have reported to be enjoying reading and re-reading Dragon Boyz.  This is really a great experience seeing the excitement on the kids faces when they discover I have  written a children's novel, and the questions that follow are endless. I hope that my book gets the same welcome and excitement in other schools as it has in St. Andrews School.

Some people have a bucket list ... this is something I always admired but have never put down on paper. What I have is private, life, long dreams which I have secretly wished to fulfill ... but one step at a time. For me what came first was my family and my children. I enjoy teaching tremendously and love working with children. But writing is something I tried to do whenever I had the time. I was one of those people who wrote and wrote and wrote. Not to be published ... but to just enjoy the pleasure of writing. There are a few books I have written over the last 10 years that I loved creating, but this book Dragon Boyz not only allowed me to share my passion of writing with my son, it allowed me to achieve a life long dream. I feel excited and accomplished. And for those who know me ... they know these are big words for me. This is the Flyer I am thinking of using to advertise Dragon Boyz. Please tell me what you think...

Today my children's book Dragon Boyz is out!!! Today my son's story becomes a reality for all to read.  Today I am officially a published author and for those who know me, this is a dream come true. This has been a long and somewhat fulfilling journey. I am glad for Black Rose Writing for believing in the story and allowing the publication of this book. I also feel very blessed to not only share Dylan's vision of friendship, but also to experience this with him. He never believed otherwise and was very persistent in getting the actual book to show his friends. So as much as this is a dream realized for me... it is also a dream come true for him as well.  My book is available on Amazon and Black Rose Writing for viewing and purchasing.  This is all very exciting and I hope those who purchase Dragon Boyz enjoy the story. http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Boyz-Jillian-Carreira/dp/1612964877/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425558111&sr=8-1&keywords=drag

Since tomorrow is the BIG LAUNCH DATE for Dragon Boyz, it is only fitting I post a poem my son wrote as a class project. He always was a considerate and loving child and I think this says it all... I Have a Dream I have a Dream... That all peace would come to earth, And every child would have an amazing birth. I have a Dream... That all animals would live to full age, And not end up in a cage. I have a Dream... That all robbers would put down their gun, And try to make up for the things they have done. I have a Dream... That all of mankind would love each other, And treat everyone like a sister or brother. I have a Dream... That all people that live on the street, Would have a home and something to eat. I have a Dream... That all bullies would stop being so mean, And have a heart that is clean. I have a Dream... That all my classmates would be in harmony,   And I hope you all would agree with me.

I know this is Wordless Wednesday... so what I am about to share with you may have a few words but it is an image that have managed to become very important to me and my son. I am very excited to share this with you. This being my first cover completely wowed me. The colours ... fire and dragon are very significant to the story. Come on guys ... please tell me what you think?

Its amazing how every time you finish one thing there is another thing to start just around the corner. As a mother you finish the dishes in the sink... you have to fold clothes in the drier. You finish homework with your son... and you have to start with your daughter. You start cleaning the house .... and you get the picture! Right! As a teacher when one class leaves computers another one enters. You finish one educational program ... you have to start another. You just finish putting a plaster on a bruised knee and another one is making their way to you. You say something once in class ... you have to say it again ... and again ... and again.  :) As a writer when you finish your novel you realize there are more steps to follow.  These stepping stones fail to reveal how challenging or nerve raking you can become with every step. Emotions are good ... they are what keeps you grounded, but they also makes you aware how important this next step is for you. There is a big part of

Hi all, I just wanted to share 2 pics that made me laugh this morning. Facebook can really bring about a range of emotions.. today  I am focusing on the laughter. Enjoy!! Sadly me and my sisters can absolutely relate to this!!

Quote of the day - but I like the meaning behind it. I had to take alot of little steps to get to this point ... so while keeping your eyes on the big picture, look back and appreciate the work you had to put in to get there. Every little effort counts.   Some days I found it difficult to stay focus. Sometimes I would have to step away and distract myself with other projects. But in the end, by not giving up, I was able to complete something that is very special to me and my son.

Hello 2015... this is a year of hopeful expectations and the fulfillment of a dream I have had since I was a little girl. Considering it took alot of life experiences and soul building to get to this point, I feel as if it is almost fitting that it is happening now. In 2 months I will be publishing my first book! It is a children's book called Dragon Boyz which was a collaboration between me and my son, but the journey I took to get here was a long and eventful one. Now that 2015 has arrive I am filled with excitement, anticipation and hope. The next few months are going to challenge me and my ability to focus and promote a book that is not only special to me, I believe it is something every child can connect to. So now I stand at the precipice of a life altering event and I welcome it. Most published authors have been here one time or another, and I do wish other writers to experience this, because it is a fantastic feeling. It is a validation that after all the time spent d