305th Floor: Community Connections and Storytelling Magic
Dec 04, 2023
GentheBuilder and Kory
What happens when you pair the whimsy of a children's book author with the magic of a community resource center? The answer to that was found in our co-host Kory's recent book signing at the Inland Empire Health Plans Community Resource Center. This enchanting episode is packed with stories of Kory's engagement with young readers, an inside look at the author’s journey, his thoughts on creating safe spaces for children, and our shared admiration for the center’s community services.
Kory's book signing event for his delightful children's book, "Ruffles," was a hit with the little ones. Their inquisitive minds led to some fascinating questions and reactions. They were keen to understand the logistics of book availability and pricing. On a lighter note, the joy of taking selfies with the children was a highlight of the day. The episode also delves into Kory's inspiring story behind "The Fuzzy Furry Forest," a book that was a labor of love between him and his then 13-year-old daughter Makaila. Their experience is a testament to perseverance and the belief that things happen at the right time.
This episode celebrates the joys of children's literature, community power, and storytelling's enduring magic.
What happens when you pair the whimsy of a children's book author with the magic of a community resource center? The answer to that was found in our co-host Kory's recent book signing at the Inland Empire Health Plans Community Resource Center. This enchanting episode is packed with stories of Kory's engagement with young readers, an inside look at the author’s journey, his thoughts on creating safe spaces for children, and our shared admiration for the center’s community services.
Kory's book signing event for his delightful children's book, "Ruffles," was a hit with the little ones. Their inquisitive minds led to some fascinating questions and reactions. They were keen to understand the logistics of book availability and pricing. On a lighter note, the joy of taking selfies with the children was a highlight of the day. The episode also delves into Kory's inspiring story behind "The Fuzzy Furry Forest," a book that was a labor of love between him and his then 13-year-old daughter Makaila. Their experience is a testament to perseverance and the belief that things happen at the right time.
This episode celebrates the joys of children's literature, community power, and storytelling's enduring magic.
Hey, it's Jen the Builder, and. Cory and we are on the 305th floor on Take the Elevator. Welcome everyone.
Speaker 2:
Wow, jen, 300 of anything is incredible. I think we had this conversation just a little while ago and it's kind of reiterating when you do something 305 times, 300 times, it shows a tremendous amount of dedication and it also shows that the audience and the friends and family and all the other people that are listening are truly dedicated. So I'm very grateful for this platform.
Speaker 1:
Absolutely, absolutely. So. Dedication, passion, love, right, just this is one of the things we love to do. It keeps us connected to each other and to people who listen. So anyway, speaking of connected and dedication, the first things first. It's going to be back. Cory and I are here alone at the Elevate table. No guests today. We've had amazing guests the last four or five episodes. It has been such an experience, and it's also great to just be here with you, cory.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, and we have empty seats. So you know it's like she said, it's good, but those seats being filled definitely was for a purpose, because they brought something to the table that we really wanted to share with you all.
Speaker 1:
We were at the seats of another place that elevates people, and so we want to, first and foremost, give a shout out to Inland Empire Health Plans Community Resource Center, located in Victorville.
Speaker 2:
Woo-hoo.
Speaker 1:
Yes, oh, my goodness, it's an amazing facility, but on top of that, it's the spirit, it's the energy you feel, it's the work that they do there that is so in service to the community. And we're bringing them up because, cory, you had to meet the author event, book reading, book signing, just over the weekend. So we're going to talk all about that and that experience.
Speaker 1:
Oh yeah, oh, my goodness. But first let me just say CRC, victorville. If you all live in that area, you can get down there. Let me tell you what they did on the day we were there for the kids and their parents. When we got there they were already in their Zumba class Jelly.
Speaker 2:
I was so mad. I was like I want to go in there and do what they're doing. They're having so much fun.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, the music was pumping, the kids were just like doing their thing and they were all in it, yeah, yeah. And then after the Zumba class, then they went over to the next room where you were at Cory and to greet them. They had people there, you know, from IEHP, and they had Jersey Mike sandwiches, applesauce, bottled water, just a whole spread. It was so beautiful to see. And then the event that you had. But after that then they had arts and crafts and I was like who does this at this level?
Speaker 2:
Right.
Speaker 1:
I was just a beautiful part to be in service to the community and see truly what they do every day, because this is a Saturday, so it's like IEHP does not close doors on weekends. In fact, that's they're open.
Speaker 2:
So Jen thought to herself who does this? And I thought to myself who misses this? Because I guarantee you, man, if I was a little kid and I knew that was there, I'd be like mom, I want to go, I want to go. I need to be there, mom, take me now.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, it was so cool. So thank you for having Corey and opening your doors for me, and our moms were there too. And they were just so impressed with the whole event. Corey, yes, let's get to it. Oh, I thought you never asked Ruffles meet the author, book reading, book signing. I'm going to ask you specific questions, but give us some words to describe that experience.
Speaker 2:
It is so incredibly joyous. I mean, if anyone really knows me at my core, they know that. You know, working with children is like my sweet spot, and the reason why is because children will not lie to you as far as if they like you or if they don't, and they would never smile at you if they didn't really feel a smile or happiness coming on. And so we're dealing with adults, and I'm not saying that, you know, everybody doesn't have a bad day. I'm just simply saying kids don't have time to try to fake you out. They just want to give you their true emotion and keep it moving. And so the joy that I found working with these kids them not knowing me and me not knowing them and us having to break that barrier between us to allow them to trust me, to read them this story and allow me to trust them that they weren't going to, you know, and kids can be very truthful about how they feel. So they were giving me a space to operate with them as well. So, yeah, it was just an incredible situation.
Speaker 1:
It was, and I want to invite everyone who's listening and we're going to try to paint this picture to make it to where you can kind of experience it with us. So in the room, corey, what I noticed about you is your intentions to create trust and psychological safety from the moment. From the moment you've got parents who have their children there with them, indeed, and then we're putting them in a room with a stranger, a few strangers, and I was just watching you and I wish I was writing everything that you were doing, because you were at a hundred in setting the space. So did you do that intentionally?
Speaker 2:
I definitely do it intentionally in multiple spaces, but especially when there's children around. In this day and age, you know, you don't you want to play everything over over way he over the safety mark. Safety is never. You can never be too safe. I can say it like that. And so what I purposely do is is I make sure that I'm seen as someone that's not going to cross boundaries, someone that's not going to overstep my bounds.
Speaker 2:
I don't do the touchy-filly thing at all at all. I don't do the breaking space gaps. So you know there's a proper amount of space that you're supposed to give to children, especially women, but even more so with children. I make sure to make that, that space for them. And then what I also do is I make it a point to cross my hand so that you know the parents standing around aren't concerned like you know what's, what's he doing or why is he, you know, advancing or making these moves or those moves.
Speaker 2:
And to create even better space, I put chairs instead of standing or kneeling next to the children, because you can space the chairs out. You know a certain amount of distance. That way, when you're taking pictures or signing the books, there's no, there's no issues. Yeah, and I want that, I want that safety and I want the comfort, because then, as you move forward, it's not that you want parents to let their guard down. What you want is for parents to say, okay, I'm okay with this, I'll continue to watch him, but I'm okay with what's going on, yeah. And then when the kids come up, you know the parents are comfortable with taking the picture yeah, beautifully done, and so establish that that space was there.
Speaker 1:
And then you. So you started off with the signing of the book and I was privileged to open the books up. For you to pretend like this is making this line move smoother, when really I just wanted to be front row seats to your first time with kids in this book yeah, I wanted to be there to take it in.
Speaker 1:
And so you were sitting and the kids were coming up to you and I just even in and it's so simple, but just the way you smiled at them, you said what's your name? They'd say their name, you repeated it. You said like hello Willow, my name is Cory and you'd sign the books and and I remember you telling them, you know, thank you for taking care of ruffles, because you were giving them the book yeah which, by the way, I HP gave that book to everyone for free yeah so that was another amazing thing.
Speaker 1:
So another huge thank you, by the way huge shout out for that, and also Delia Crystal. Thank you for hosting that Jerry as well, was it Jerry? Yeah yeah, okay, so now you've established, that was your first real contact with each one of them right and so the building of the relationship, the building of the connection, started.
Speaker 1:
And so the kids sit down and I just was leaned up against the back wall just in amazement of you and the interaction with the kids and just how engaged they were and you did your good morning greeting and they weren't quite loud enough and you're like, okay, that was at a five and I'm gonna need you at an eight to 10. And in true fashion, the kids rose to the occasion and gave you like a 10 good morning Absolutely.
Speaker 2:
And the thing about that is that you know kids love to give you what they're getting, especially if it's good energy, good vibes, they're even more eager to give that back to you, and so I lean on that and I like leaning on that. Also, you're right about the meeting the kids, telling them my name. I usually don't go into Mr Corey or Mr Body or anything like that. I like to tell them my first name and then that helps them break the ice a little bit, and the one thing that I really liked doing is introducing them to Ruffles, as my friend.
Speaker 1:
Yes.
Speaker 2:
And asking them if they'll help me by taking care of Ruffles.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, absolutely so. What other things did you incorporate as far as interactive elements or activities during your event?
Speaker 2:
So the part that I really love about reading the book is that you can ask questions like what was your favorite character, what did you learn, what things did you like about this character or that character, and then, if they miss some of the things, I'll slightly drop hints and then they'll say oh, oh yeah, I did hear of that part, or I did like that part, because there's a lot of good educational moments in the book if heard, and so some parts may be missed, simply because you know when you're excited about something, you don't catch all the pointers.
Speaker 1:
Right, exactly which I thought us bringing up certain elements of the book beforehand in conversation, like introducing them to Ruffles before you read it, going into the boink, boink boink which is the sound he makes when he's hopping around.
Speaker 2:
Right.
Speaker 1:
And then bringing them into fuzzy furry forest. You know, I just thought that was brilliant. And what I loved about what you did, it wasn't just a book signing and a book reading, no, you poured into those kids and I have a strong sense that throughout time they're gonna be. I remember Corey.
Speaker 2:
Yeah.
Speaker 1:
I remember Corey and what he said to me that day. What he said about if I wanted to write a book or if I wanted to be an artist, that I could do these things right. So it was, I wanna say, almost perfect.
Speaker 2:
You know yeah.
Speaker 1:
I agree yeah.
Speaker 2:
Totally. I wouldn't have changed anything about the day, to tell you the truth, it being my first time in that particular situation. It was great, it was perfect. Like you said, the one thing that I will always take away from that situation is something else that you brought up is that these kids will remember me for the rest of their lives, and I know they will, because, walking out of the building, they were saying goodbye Corey, goodbye, bye Corey.
Speaker 1:
Bye Corey. Yeah, Like they were your friends.
Speaker 2:
They were my friends.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, so how do you feel? The children responded Two ruffles After you read the book.
Speaker 2:
I think they responded to ruffles very appropriately, I felt like, and when I say appropriately, I mean they began to see him as not just a character in the book but as a real story to nurture and learn from. And then, take something away from it. And then it was interesting the questions they asked, it was interesting to the comments that they made and then knowing that the message actually got through, right. It was even more of that satisfaction. It's the one of those completion things.
Speaker 1:
Like I love with that. One kid said he's like what I got from it was when or lose, you're still a good person.
Speaker 2:
You're still a good person.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, and so were there any other memorable reactions or questions from the young readers?
Speaker 2:
Yeah, there was a few. I asked if anyone had a wild imagination and one of the kids said yeah. And I said what's a wild imagination? And she said monsters. Yeah, and then another kid said exploring the wild, and say absolutely, you know. Because you know, you want to get those juices flowing. You want, you want the kids to start thinking in a realm of imagination before you get into the book, because it's that's what the book requires you to do Use your imagination, because you can't see it literally happening. You can see the pictures on the page and so you can use a lot of that. But I like to stimulate all those senses, the sounds, the eyesight and, believe it or not, when you're looking at very, very vibrant, colorful pictures, you can taste those, your palate can pick those up, as if you see bright strawberries. You can almost taste it. Yeah, the strawberry taste on your palate. So I love to use those type of things to stimulate and bring forth, you know, the tension.
Speaker 1:
Definitely and we're going to talk about other ways that you brought attention to certain things and what actually quieted that room down, which was so cool to see. I love the tips that you're giving us, by the way, corey, for anyone, and it's not just authors anytime you engage with people, these are just really good tips the trust and psychological safety pieces, the interaction and how do you engage them beforehand and how are you prepping them for what's to come? Right, right, so these are excellent tips. Those kids had a lot of things to give back to you. They also gave you some amazing questions, oh yeah, so during the Q and A sessions, what were some questions that stood out to you?
Speaker 2:
So when you're dealing with kids in that age bracket and it wasn't the older kids, it wasn't the 13 and 14 year olds, it was the six and seven year olds that had interesting questions like how much is the book? And I was hesitant at first to tell them, but then I thought you know what the world we live in? They're going to find out one way or another anyway. So I told them the price, which is $10. And this kid said out loud and it was free for us, yeah. And he was just as happy as he could be. Another child that was I think she was younger than that kid that asked how much it was. She said so, who was the illustrator of the book? And I was like, oh, my goodness, she, how do you even know that word yet? But it just goes to show you you know you really got to be in the egg.
Speaker 1:
Kids are sharp. Kids are sharp. Any other questions?
Speaker 2:
Um, I'm sure there was more. Do you happen to remember any?
Speaker 1:
I remember a couple Okay Like when. So I promise this kid is going to be in business and he is going to boss business. He said um. So when's the book launching? Oh yeah, and he was probably eight years old.
Speaker 2:
It was seven years old.
Speaker 1:
Seven. So when's the book launching? And you mentioned it launched November 1st.
Speaker 2:
I did.
Speaker 1:
And, and he says what stores is it available in? Okay, yeah.
Speaker 2:
So, we mentioned him and he's like oh, amazon and as a matter of fact, multiple kids said, oh, they were familiar Like.
Speaker 1:
Oh you're, you're in Amazon, You're legit.
Speaker 2:
You're the real thing, yeah.
Speaker 1:
That's exactly how it felt. Um, so that stood out to me and man, it was just the whole. Oh, this I love. Here was one of the best questions ever. You were taking selfies with each of the kids, their siblings and group of friends or whatever, and this one kid sits next to you and he looks at me and he's all. Can you go in and send that to me, please?
Speaker 2:
Oh yeah.
Speaker 1:
I was like yep, I'm on it, I'll get your, your mom's or your grandmother's number.
Speaker 2:
And he was like no, no, you can there drop it to me.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, yeah, it was really really good.
Speaker 2:
That was funny.
Speaker 1:
So the parts of the book as you were reading it. Let's talk about that. How did it feel to read that book out loud and have the audience that you did?
Speaker 2:
I would love to tell you. So I wrote that book and that book was, that was in me, you know, and I made a way, found a way to get that book in words, on paper and now in a book format, and to read it the way I intended it to be, and to hear it coming out. It just gives you so much energy and so much like joy, and I guess that's why at the end of it, I'm so tired, because I'm really giving everything I got, because that's what I wanted it to sound like, that's what I intended it to be like, and so that's the part where it's not worth letting someone else read it. If I'm there, if I'm there, I'm gonna do it, because I know what this is supposed to sound like. I know what the cadence sound like, I know what the characters sound like and what their intent was when they said these things. So it just was one of those I'm on top of the world type of deals.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, yeah, good points. Yeah for sure. One of the things that we brought up that we hadn't planned on bringing up, actually was that the book was originally illustrated by our daughter McKayla, and when we shared that with the kids, that lit them up. Yeah, that was a very high reaction, high energy type of vibe.
Speaker 2:
That was almost like them getting that. So the first really stamp of approval was like I'm in a real store. And then the second stamp was like your daughter is involved. How old was she? How old is she now? Yeah, where is she at? It's like almost like man. We gotta see this mythical creature that's done this for you. And so, yeah, I explained to them that Kayla and myself did the mockups the first time around and Kayla did do an amazing job with the photos and drawing them, but we needed them in digital copy to brighten up the colors and give a more cartoon effect to the photo. So that's always fun to talk about, because when Kayla and I went through this process, that was the best father-daughter bonding that you could ever imagine.
Speaker 1:
Yes, it really was and that was. So I'm going somewhere with this next question because actually one of the kids asked it, like how old was she when that happened? And she was in middle school about 13, 14 years old 13, 14 years old and they're like how old is McKayla now? And I'm like she's almost 30. Yeah, so that means Corey. This book was originally written 16 years ago.
Speaker 2:
Yeah.
Speaker 1:
And so my question is with the experience that you just had, what would the impact have been on you to not have brought ruffles back and stayed determined to get it published and introduced again?
Speaker 2:
Well, that's the thing. After the company went belly up and I realized I was going to get my rights back, and I said to myself this was not the right time for me to launch this in the first place. So why am I, why would I be concerned or hurt or heartbroken behind this? At the moment of knowing that this was supposed to be, I knew there will be a time, and when that time comes, I'm going to be a massive roaring lion, getting this thing out Just nonstop. Push, push, push. The thing about having something inside of you that you need to put out, be it a song, be it a book, be it a movie, a poem, some love to your partner, whatever that may be. If it's supposed to come out, it's going to come out, and you want it to come out the best way possible, because we've all had those moments where it came out and it was like that's not the way that was supposed to come out.
Speaker 2:
So, with all that time to sit and prep, and I feel like that's like my life. I've been prepping for all these major moments in the music world, in the podcast world, in the book world, in the all these worlds that we're operating in I just feel like I've been prepping and preparing and what I realized about that and I hope this helps people, because all these years you've been preparing that's what makes it look like to everyone else, like you're before your time. That's what makes it looks like you're ahead of the game, but you're really not ahead of the game. You're coming out on time. It's just that you've had good preparation time and so now it's ready and it's easy when it comes out. This wouldn't have happened 2014. I would have been fumbling and stumbling all over the place. I just wouldn't have known what to do, Because it came out when it was supposed to. It was perfect.
Speaker 1:
My math is wrong. If that was 2014, it was nine years ago.
Speaker 2:
Nine years yeah.
Speaker 1:
No, I'm sorry, I'm doing real time correction on this. Kayla is almost 30 and she was not in high school. She was 13 years old, that's. I don't think it was 2014. You might be thinking 2004. Just FYI, we got to get that date right. Yeah, 2014,. Kayla would have been a sophomore Anyhow. Clearly we are not good at math.
Speaker 2:
Either way, it was a while ago.
Speaker 1:
Let's hope that lands Forget the years. It was just a while ago. For those who haven't got the book or read it, I don't want to give up all of it because there's so many good pieces in there. But as far as the themes, cory, do you feel that the themes and messages that you have in this book was it conveyed at your time of reading at the CRC in Victorville? Oh man.
Speaker 2:
I felt like Everything was received, and when I say that I don't mean like they just took it. They knew what was happening. The parts that were supposed to be funny I heard the chuckles the parts that were supposed to be exciting. It was so quiet, it was silent in the room. And then there's a part in the book where I sing and that snapped even the parents.
Speaker 1:
The power of music.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, man it just snapped the whole room to be like what's this? What's happening?
Speaker 1:
Yeah, and I know we're not giving up all the goods and, in all honesty, there's still a lot of creative moments around this book, but can you provide a glimpse into what the readers can expect from the future of the fuzzy furry forest and the characters?
Speaker 2:
So there's gonna be a three part series and but we won't get into number two and three just yet. We'll just talk about what's coming from the first book. There's definitely gonna be an audible book. There's gonna be a soundtrack and a music background to go to it.
Speaker 1:
I love it.
Speaker 2:
I've already written the song. Well, it's actually two songs it's a ruffle song and it's a Ringo song. Those are the two main characters of the book, and so I'm gonna do that. And then, like I said, I'm going to do the audible book but definitely incorporate the musical element to that. That's gonna be a blast for me. I mean, that's my wheelhouse right there, so I'll be able to really enjoy that. I'm going to be doing a lot more readings. I have another reading at a CRC in Riverside that's coming up this weekend. It's coming up weekend, and then I'll be in San Bernardino the following weekend, so that would be the ninth in Riverside and then the 16th of December.
Speaker 1:
And we're not solid on the times yet, right?
Speaker 2:
I'm pretty solid. I just have to remember exactly when. So we'll definitely announce that on the podcast for Wednesday. But yeah, it's a lot in store and I have no intentions on stopping and I have no intentions on not telling anyone. I'm gonna tell as many people as possible because I really want everyone to experience this. It is a children's book, but it's something that everyone can get a little bit of joy and bring something out of it.
Speaker 1:
Definitely brings joy and it definitely brings you back to your imagination and I promise, I promise it'll bring a smile on your face. I for one say, if you can get to book reading, get there, because hearing the author Corey read it takes it to a whole another level. And I know it's gonna be available on Audible and things like that, but live is even better, but anyhow. So, yeah, that's Riverside and San Bernardino, so two Saturdays in a row. If you can make it cool, please be there. And, corey, on behalf of me and just everyone who's been touched by your book already, thank you for putting it out there and we're excited for everything that's gonna come from it the expansion of Ruffles, part one, and then what two and three looks like.
Speaker 2:
Indeed, I can't wait for the next step and the next level, and you're welcome and thank you Anyone who's oh, thank you for saying that. Man, oh man, all the people that have been supportive and buying this book. What a tremendous blessing this has been. What a it's rocking my world. I just don't know what to say when it comes to this. You know I explain this to a lot of people and they laugh at me, but I really thought that I would be on the corner, street corner, selling books to get it.
Speaker 1:
We were ready for it.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, to get it in people's hands and it hasn't been anything like that at all. It's been a big blessing, a very and I'll say this shout out again to IEHP for being a part of that. Shout out to all the friends and family who've spread in the word and helping it. Get out there and shout out to you if you've bought it and enjoyed it. I just can't say thank you enough.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, we love you all so much. Thank you, thank you, you know us to take the elevator. We say look up and let's elevate, elevate, every day, elevate, hey, every day, elevate, hey, every day elevate.