: About Me

My name is Jayne Bonilla and when people ask me what I do, I tell them it depends on which hat I am wearing. You see, I have hat hair from the many hats I wear in a day. But hands down, my best fitting hat is the one that reads "MOM" across the top! I have three awesome children who complete me. I am married 21 years to an amazing husband who gets me and appreciates me and all my creativity.

Although I have been wearing my writing hat since I was a child, it is most definitely my three children who have provided me with the best writing material of all time. From the mouths of my babes to the keys on my computer, my subject matter has grown right along with my children. And now that they are young adults, I am into the teen scene!

I have written a series of children's stories and children's musicals about socially relevant issues which are conscience provoking, meaningful and entertaining. This "Inside Out" series allows our youth to get in touch with their inner personal feelings and then inspires them to share those feelings, openly, safely and with confidence.

I am especially proud of my first self-published children's book "IF HURRICANES WERE CANDY CANES". Being spared from the destruction of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 allowed my family to participate in the recovery process. Overcome with the experience, I was completely inspired to write this story which I accomplished in four hours. Raising financial support through its proceeds and emotional support through its message of rebuilding and hope, "IF HURRICANES WERE CANDY CANES continues to be read by children across the United States and serve as an inspirational children's book.

Another hat I love to wear is my Motivational Speaker hat. I have spoken to Elementary School, Middle School, High School, College and Adult audiences on a variety of topics including "Writing With A Purpose", Relationship Education, Parenthood and Self-Esteem, Positive Living and Authenticity.

I have just completed my first fictional novel which I am preparing for submission. I have also written a memoir on surviving depression and thriving in its aftermath which I look forward to speaking about to high school and college audiences.

My best qualities are my devotion to my family, my compassion for others, my warmth, my humor and the courage to be myself! If I can transfer these qualities onto the pages I fill and leave the reader inspired, entertained or moved in some way, then the pleasure is all mine.

My passion is ...

Motherhood and Writing

I know too much about ...

Shopping

My parents always told me ...

Treat others with respect and the way you want to be treated

My childhood ambition ...

Broadway Dancer

My favorite memory ...

Too many to pick, but most recent was Jackson Hole with my family!

Why I write ...

Because it is in me and begs to come out! Catharsis, purpose and to inspire others!

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Love all kinds of music, especially Adele, Ben Folds and all Motown! Reading Way to the Peaceful Warrior.

My first job ...

Miami Beach Hotel Assistant Social Director ~ called Bingo by Poolside!

My best moment ...

3~ "It's a Boy","It's a Boy" & "It's a Girl"

My inspiration ...

My Mom

Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenting (Other) How to prepare children for a hurricane

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THE NIGHT WE DANCED UP A STORM "I'm not scared, I'm prepared" is the message in THE NIGHT WE DANCED UP A STORM. It's a story of a family working together in harmony as they prepare for a forecasted Hurricane. Allowing children to be a part of the mandatory preparation gives them a sense of control, a feeling of contribution and a dose of much needed security in the throes of uncertainty. Having lived through a major hurricane and learning from the experience, THE NIGHT WE DANCED UP A STORM shares the knowledge and lessons learned through a story about preparation, teamwork, community and f...

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