Toler, Violet M. 1941–

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Toler, Violet M. 1941–

PERSONAL: Born June 29, 1941, in West Frankfort, IL; daughter of G. Edgar (a professor of zoology and writer) and Josephine (Harris) Hall; married Larry G. Toler (a geologist and writer), August 23, 1995; children: Pam Hodson McReynolds, Beth Hodson Porritt, Wendy Hodson Wininger, Kelly Hodson Knight, Anna Toler Brogue. Ethnicity: "Caucasian." Education: Shawnee Community College, A.S. (with honors) and A.A.S. (with honors), both 1990; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, B.S. (cum laude), 1998. Hobbies and other interests: Musical instruments (steel guitar, keyboard, autoharp), creative arts (drawing, crafts, sewing, needlework), hiking, bird watching, ballroom dancing.

ADDRESSES: Home—P.O. Box 318, Goreville, IL 62939. E-mail—violett@shawneelink.net.

CAREER: Mental Health Services of Franklin and Williamson Counties, Marion, IL, computer programmer, 1990–91; Shawnee Community College, Ullin, IL, student resource specialist in Financial Aid Office, 1991–2003, part-time instructor, 1999–2002, chair of student services, 2002–03; retired. Also worked as children's church director; performer of puppet shows at schools, libraries, churches, and camps, 1970–90; presenter of puppetry workshops.

MEMBER: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Southern Illinois Writers Guild, Writing.com, Daughters of the American Revolution.

AWARDS, HONORS: Appreciation award for dedicated service, Shawnee Community College, 2003.

WRITINGS:

SUBHEAD

Charlie Churchmouse (juvenile), Standard Publishing (Cincinnati, OH), 1976, revised edition published as Churchmouse Tales: Puppet Book 1, Churchmouse Tales Books, 2004.

Adventures of Charlie and His Friends (juvenile), Standard Publishing (Cincinnati, OH), 1984, revised edition published as Churchmouse Tales: Puppet Book 2, Churchmouse Tales Books, 2004.

Kaleidoscope: A Collage of Prose (poetry chapbook), Wayside Publications (Goreville, IL), 2004.

A Weathered Nest (poetry chapbook), Wayside Publications (Goreville, IL), 2004.

Author of "Money Talks," (monthly column) in Tempo, 2002–03, and "For Authors," (monthly editorial) for Web site Writing.com, 2003–04. Author of articles, plays, devotionals, stories, games, puzzles, and activities for children. Contributor of short stories and poetry to periodicals, including Adventures. Author of newsletter Kids Church Teacher, 2003–04.

The "Churchmouse" books have been translated into Spanish.

WORK IN PROGRESS: Under the Plum Tree Swing, a children's book; Kids Church Teacher Tips; Georgie's Girl, a novel set in a coal mining town in the 1940s, completion expected in 2005; Churchmouse Tales: Puppet Plays, Volume 3-4, 2005; research for a book series for terminally ill children "that gives honest answers to hard questions," with a story, supportive parent aids, and extensive bibliography and resource list.

SIDELIGHTS: Violet M. Toler told CA: "Robert Louis Stevenson, who inspired me as a child, continues to be my favorite author. It takes great strength to survive the dangers of childhood. My goal is to write books that are encouraging and character-building for young readers."