Josie Bissett, The Tickle Monster

I have a couple of fantastic new kids books to write about but first is Josie Bissett's adorable book called The Tickle Monster. Complete with fluffy gloves, the silly story encourages fun interactive play between the parent and child as the book is read. With cute and colorful illustrations, the book is sure to be a huge hit with both parents and children.



Josie doesn't need any fancy introduction- we all know her from Melrose Place. Back in the day I dreamed about living in California, imagining myself living at my very own Melrose apartments. Well, I'm here now but not quite living on Melrose....I think that's a good thing!



The Tickle Monster is Josie's third book. She is all about parents and kids and being creative and spending quality time with your children. I love that! I was able to do a little interview with Josie and you can learn more about her books, projects and a variety of other things on her site.




Did you always want to be a writer?

I became interested in writing after I had my children. Having completed 7 years on Melrose Place and then giving birth five months later, I really began a new chapter in my life. I wanted to be home with my kids but still have a creative outlet. Writing allowed for that and I find it to be incredibly fulfilling.

Are there any creative similarities between acting and writing?

I don’t find too many similarities between the two. For me, writing is an extremely solitary creative process. When I write, I need to go to a hotel and not leave for a few days. It’s the only way I can accomplish anything. Acting is much more of a collaborative creative process.

What inspired each of your books? I’m guessing it had something to do with your children and becoming a mom…

Little Bits of Wisdom was inspired by the birth of my first child. I enrolled myself and my adorable little gassy newborn into all sorts of mommy and me groups in search for some “what do I do now?” conversations. I quickly realized the power of parents sharing advice and wisdom with other parents. “Little Bits of Wisdom” is a collection of tried and true parenting tips collected from real parents around the world.

I had so much fun reading and learning from the thousands of parents who wrote in with such valuable and heartfelt advice. In fact, my favorite tips were the ones in which parent’s shared meaningful traditions and rituals they experienced as a family. I was so eager to implement them into my family life that I decided to go at it again. I asked parents around the world to write to me and tell me “when was the last time you created a wonderful memory for your child-and how did you do it? “As Edgar Guest reminds us, “time with you is your child’s most cherished possession: and memories their greatest inheritance.”.

Tell me about the Tickle Monster! How did you come up with the idea for this silly monster?

The Tickle Monster is my first children’s book and was created by tickling my son one evening. The story just kinda flew out of my mouth. After putting him to sleep, I quickly wrote it down so I wouldn’t forget! That was 7 years ago! Yes, it has taken me a long time to complete this project! That’s what happens when you have kids!

How were you paired with the illustrator? I love illustrations from children’s books; they are like little works of art.

My publisher and I met with a number of Illustrators. It’s like any relationship. You know when it’s the right fit. I think he did a fantastic job! It was so much fun to watch this character that I had in my head and heart finally come to life!

What are the most valuable words of wisdom from your book, Little Bits of Wisdom? Do you ever watch Nanny 911 for tips? I try to gather some insight from that show and from books and other moms. Being a mother is tough!

Indeed! It’s the most challenging yet rewarding job out there! I can work 14 hours a day and not be tired but after a full day of mothering, I am asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.
As for some valuable words from my book, “Little Bits of Wisdom”, here are a few favorites!

“Listen to your children and marvel in the little things that catch their interest, like a train going by or a lizard on a tree. Have fun with your children, because they won’t remember the nagging you might do, but they will remember when mom and dad play in a homemade tent with them.!” ~Rachel VanDemark

“The best advice I have ever heard was Oprah Winfrey quoting Maya Angelou, who said that the thing she wished for most as child was for her parents eye’s to light up when she walked into the room. That simple statement changed the entire way I relate to my 15-month old twins. Now I always make sure that I look right at them and smile the moment I see them. ~Lynn Weber

And from “Making Memories”

“As a little girl, my dad was dedicated to making my life magical. He had a fun way to encourage me to read. The “Book Fairy” would often leave a new book under my pillow, and my Dad and I would spend time reading the book together. I was well on my way by the time I was 4! Dad, who traveled a lot on business, kept close to me by sending letters to me when he was away or even just at the office. Even though we all lived in the same house, it was very exciting for me to receive these letters, and I felt so important to be getting mail like a “grown-up.” ~Erin O’Sullivan-Smith

“When our children receive a stuffed animal or a doll as a gift, they name it after the person who gave it to them. Its great fun having the names of our relatives on the tips of the children’s tongues all the time-and of course they never forgot the thoughtful person who gave them that gift.”~Amy Wray


What have you read lately?

Unfortunately no novels for me lately. The stack of books that is currently on my night stand is:
The Family Virtues Guide by Linda Kavelin Popov
10 Conversations You Need To Have With Your Children by Shmuley Boteach
If the Buddha Dated and If the Buddha Married by Charlotte Kasl
Psychological Commentaries by G.I. Gurdijeff
Newsweek


What do you like to do in your spare time, hobbies-interests etc?

I really have very little spare time. If I do, I like to spend it with friends and family. If I have any after that, I’d read or learn more about my camera.

Because I also run a beauty blog (www.hellodollface.com) I have to ask about all your favorite beauty products and cosmetics. What are all your favorites, what do you use every day? Are you a cosmetics junkie like I am?

Yes! I am a big time product junkie! I love it all! Some of my favs are:

Smashbox Cosmetics
Murad Resurgence Mask and Vitamin C mask
Murad Resurgence skin care line (I am a spokesperson for Murad and stand behind it 100%)
Love the Murad Lip Gloss spf 15
Homebody in LA (amazing oils)
You Rebel by Benefit (tinted moisturizer)
Murad Body Firming Bronzer


I just found out that you are on a television show, tell me about that. And you work with Molly Ringwald- were you a fan of Sixteen Candles as a teen?

I am currently recurring on ABC Family’s “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”. The show was created by 7th Heaven’s Brenda Hampton. It is a teen and family drama that focuses on real teen issues and the relationships between families and friends. I play a Christian mom (Kathleen Bowman) of the school cheerleader (Grace Bowman, played by Megan Park).
And yes, I loved Sixteen Candles as a teen! Who didn’t?! Molly is great! Our characters rarely cross paths but I really love her work on the show.

So what else is next for you? Where do you see yourself in five years from now?

I am currently working on another children’s book and a relationship book.
Where do I see myself in five years? I really don’t know! I need to think about that question in my spare time! Right now, I am taking life one day at a time.