Eric DelaBarre is the author of Saltwater Taffy, an award winning filmmaker, speaker, and ghostwriter for Random House/Harmony Books. Eric began his career with Universal Studios on NBC’s mega-hit drama, Law & Order. His work has been sold around the world and showcased on HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz/Encore, USA Networks, and NBC. He is past president of the Boys & Girls Club Council of Santa Monica and travels the country talking to kids about literacy and their potential in life. He lives and works in Santa Monica, California with his wife, Julie and their newborn baby girl!
A MESSAGE FROM ERIC:
You’re probably asking yourself, ‘how is Uncle E able to write a children’s book when he’s like a million years older than I am? Well, first off…I know what it’s like to be a kid…let us not forget I used to be one for many years! Some of my friends will probably tell you that I still am a kids. Nobody knows this better than my wife, Julie DelaBarre.
After 7 seasons with Law & Order, a few independent crime films with Lions Gate, I suddenly realized how entrenched I was with the glorification of murder and mayhem in our society. I also realized I wasn’t very good at telling those types of stories, so when I came across the idea for Saltwater Taffy, I knew I was onto something.
As past Council President of the BOYS & GIRLS CLUB of Santa Monica, I know what kids want from stories they read or watch in the movie theaters. They want adventure and intrigue, but most of all, they want stories that are fun! I remember a teacher from college who once commented on my desire to be ‘in the movies.’ He said to me –
‘You’re in college now, Eric…it’s time to grow up and get serious about life.’
What does that mean…“grow up and get serious?” Graduate college and get myself into some job where the biggest thing I have to look forward to is the clock telling me it’s time to go home?
I know you think fitting in and ‘being cool’ really matters in your life, but you have to trust me on this, it doesn’t. There is life after middle school, high school and even college. If you want to be super cool TODAY, never allow someone to tell you what you can or cannot accomplish in life.
YOU have to stand up for your right to be happy. What other people think of you is none of your business. Stay focused. Have fun. Get involved and always remember…every moment is another adventure, waiting to happen.
FOCUS ON YOUR ABILITIES - NOT YOUR DIS-ABILITIES
You are one heck of a motivational speaker/lecturer….for any topic, not just writing. Thank you for being so positive to all of us who are not only dreaming about becoming an author/illustrator, but who are working toward it! Love your reference to Churchill…I’m going to send your link to my son, a gifted illustrator and playright…he’s a college student. He’d love your thoughts! I do too!
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I really want to thank you for giving us your “Saltwater Taffy” book last week at the concert. It is a very fun story with so many thoughtful insights to living life for young and old. I plan to tell anyone who will listen….read this book!!
You Rock!
Keep on Smiling!
Hi Jill!!!! Thanks so much….you’re saweet! Have a wonderful Halloween!
Eric
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Thanks so much for the comment on my ‘Cinderella Story’. I usually just get comments from my friends and family
So after finding you page and reading all about you, I am so flattered you found my blog! You are very inspiring! and I will have to purchase ‘Saltwater Taffy’, look forward to reading it!
Thanks,
L x
you came to my school today thank you for the book and im gonna enter theessay contest!!!!!!!!!
Hi. I took a few photos of your presentation at the So. CA Writer’s Conference. I was going to e-mail them to you, but I can’t find an e-mail address. If you send your address to me, I’ll send the photos to you.
Gail Kushner
gail@MyPsychicSearch.com
were is the movie goingto be at in port towsend? and do you have to be serten age thanks mckenna kelbel
Hi Eric!
Mackenzie and I met you yesterday in Santa Monica as you were heading to a movie. WE went right to Barnes & Nobel and bought your book. Needless to say, I couldn’t put it down and Mackenzie was so sad that she fell asleep while I was reading it. I guess that is ok since it was after 10 and she usually is in bed by 8!
Thank you for this wonderful book and all the new found excitement that she has for reading!! Best of luck to you!
Julie
Hi Eric,
I just wanted to say congratulations on your little baby girl. Maybe she’ll be as good of a writer as you are when she grows up! So congratulations I wish you and your wife the best of luck!
dear uncle e cant wait in tell the movie it is coming here so fast i was looking at the pics when you were reading and selling the books and i read one of them and it was in sequim WA and i live there but i couldn’t make it because my mom had to work:( so can you contact me back because i sent more questions and i am still looking for a answer thank you Mckenna:)