This writer is looking for an agent.

I wrote my first story at five. O.K. it wasn't published, but, hey, I was five. I submitted my first story at eight. I got such a lovely note in return, I didn't realize, at first, that it was a rejection! But I limited my writing to editorial pieces and a few creative writing assignments.

Then I went to Vanderbilt University to get a M.Ed. and a "real job."

I started to use stories as I worked with children and teens. After more than a decade, I am re-entering the writing world with all of the stories that have helped children learn about the world around them. These are stories that encourage self-esteem, and exploration. I have stories that ask questions that young people ask. And I have stories that give those youngsters the tools to find the answers for themselves. I have several picture books that will probably only be "finished" when an editor forcibly pries them out of my hands and says: "No more Shellie. You can't change anything else."

In 2007, I entered Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories Contest on the very last day. Two and a half months later, I learned that I had won first prize, and after reviewing the manuscript Simon and Schuster offered me a contract.

They chose Robert Neubecker, a fantastic, award winning illustrator for the book and he created pictures that were even more wonderful than I could have imagined.

Cheerios supplied me with a wonderful publicist in Joyce Johannson who bent over backward getting me publicity that is out of reach of most first time authors.

The paperback was released in 1.5 million Cheerios boxes in April of 2009. The hardback was released July of 2009.

Thank you for taking the time to get all the way to the end of this mini-bio. I hope you enjoyed reading it even more than I enjoyed writing it.

"Winner of the 2007 Cheerios Spoonful of Stories Children's Book Contest, Braeuner strikes an upbeat chord for her debut" Booklist

"Short, rhyming text, bold but simple illustrations and a pack of cheerful canines add up to a winning dog tale that is simple enough for younger preschoolers who are just starting to enjoy their first stories with a complete plot." Kirkus Review

"Words are your dojo," Clarke age 8, another satified listener.

The Great Dogwash Illustrated by Robert Neubecker, Simon and Schuster 2009

Winner of the Cheerios Sponfuls of Stories Contest. M.Ed. in Human Developmental Counseling from vanderbilt University. The Silver Pen Award. The Four Star Award.

Almost a Ghost (MG)
Alec Kazam (PB)
Memento Mori (YA)