Meet Dr. John Chanaca | Husband, Father, Teacher, Counselor, Founder and Author of MJChanacapublishing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. John Chanaca and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. John, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

It’s been an incredible twelve months since Jane and I embarked on our journey with MJChanacapublishing. With the public’s unwavering support, we’ve achieved a remarkable milestone of producing eight books during this past year. Among these, four belong to our Family Values Series, and four to our Super Student Series (with two more ready for publication). We’re thrilled to share that each of these books is available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audio formats. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for not only listening to our ideas but also for assisting us in crafting wholesome and captivating books for children and their parents. 

This project began during the challenging COVID period when we found ourselves confined to our homes, often with the wonderful presence of my wife, Jane’s mom, Clara Gredlein, who is an impressive 95-year-old. Many of you have inquired about the inspiration behind our project, asking why we chose to embark on this journey. The answer is simple: we were fueled by a burning desire to share the enchanting stories and incredible adventures we’ve had with our children and grandchildren, especially the unforgettable moments involving various pets in both exciting and humorous situations. We had the time and resources to learn the intricacies of book production, and we were determined to create books that not only radiated wholesomeness and beauty but also instilled ethical and moral values, reflecting our faith in God and the blessings we’ve received. This endeavor has demanded extensive research, countless discussions, and the unwavering support of our families, friends, and many of you. We embarked on this journey with no prior knowledge of ISBNs, illustrators, email lists, KDP, Amazon, websites, Facebook, Instagram, or the various software tools necessary for book production. Our learning journey continues, and we’re grateful for your patience and support every step of the way.

As we move forward, we plan to dedicate the remainder of this year and early spring to further educating ourselves about this industry and exploring effective marketing strategies. While we have seven more books ready to go in terms of text, we’ve decided to hold off on publishing new titles until the spring of 2024. We have a Coloring book called “Color Your Own Story Books” 8.5 x 11 coming this spring made with the sketches of our first four books.

Also, a Family Values Storybook Collection is being produced called, “Humor & Heart”. It will be a collection of the first four books in larger 8.5 X 11 size paperback and Hardcover so it can be read to groups. We are also doing our fifth Family Series book, “A Kitty Named Cricket” by Joel Chanaca our son. We are now working with an illustrator from Pakistan It is looking so beautiful! Our goal is to not only get our initial books out there but also delve into marketing strategies and establish local and regional connections. I’m currently involved in a local authors group, actively participating in school visits, author shares, fairs, and book talks here in the Myrtle Beach area.

Once again, we extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and assistance on this incredible journey. Your belief in us and our vision means the world. May God bless you all abundantly.

With heartfelt thanks and warm regards,

John and Jane 2024

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I have over 42 years of teaching/counseling experience in PA and SC public schools. After completing my bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in elementary education counseling and Administration, I taught in various elementary and middle schools at multiple locations with different socioeconomic and cultural groups. I obtained my certification in counseling from Marywood University in PA. I also hold a certificate in public School administration from Penn State University. In addition, he has been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) since 1985 and has a private Christian Marriage and Family Practice.

I received my Doctorate in Education from the University of South Carolina (1992), concentrating on curriculum and instruction. I have supervised over fifty student teachers and interns in education and counseling.

In October of 1998, I was selected as a Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholar to Japan to study their educational system. This trip inspired me to begin writing the Super Student Program. This program was designed to improve, recognize, and celebrate student achievement and behavior.

I am a co-author of the AGS Program Peer Pals. This program has received several national and state awards. Peers Pals is a motivational program for elementary school students focusing on positive learning attitudes and self-esteem in peer-helping situations.

I am a third-degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do martial arts. I was the owner and head instructor of Live Oaks Academy for over 17 years producing over 25 Black Belts instructors.

Currently, I am the Founder and author of MJChanacapublishing,www.mjchanacapublishing.com. MJChanacapublishing LLC is a family values-oriented publishing company. We publish heartwarming stories that reach out to individuals and family members to educate, entertain, and share positive values. The stories are wholesome and often teach moral and ethical values necessary for a healthy society. As we move forward, we plan to dedicate the remainder of this year and early spring to further educating ourselves about this industry and exploring effective marketing strategies. While we have seven more books ready to go in terms of text, we’ve decided to hold off on publishing new titles until the spring of 2024. We have a Coloring book called “Color Your Own Story Books” 8.5 x 11 coming made with the sketches of our first four Family Values Series children’s books.

Also, a Family Values Storybook Collection is being produced called, “Humor & Heart”. It will be a collection of the first four books in larger 8.5 X 11 size paperback and Hardcover so it can be read to groups. We are also doing our fifth Family Series book, “A Kitty Named Cricket” by Joel Chanaca our son. We are now working with an illustrator from Pakistan. The illustrations look so beautiful! Our goal is to not only get our initial books out there but also delve into marketing strategies and establish local and regional influences. I’m currently involved in a local authors group, actively participating in school visits, author shares, fairs, and book talks here in the Myrtle Beach area. Stay in touch if you are interested in this type of reading because we have seven more books ready to go in 2024. They will be published in paperback, hardcover, e-book, and audible formats. Stay tuned.

I am also involved with our author’s group here in the Myrtle Beach Area, The Carolina Forest Authors’ Club which is very helpful to me as I grow and develop in this industry.

I have taught Adult Sunday School for over 30 years and am currently involved in The English Cafe, a lay Christian missionary program sharing the Christian Gospel via Zoom worldwide.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Certainly! Myrtle Beach offers a variety of attractions and activities for a fantastic week-long trip.

Here’s a sample itinerary:

Day 1: Beach Day and Boardwalk Fun

Start the trip with a relaxing day at Myrtle Beach. Soak up the sun, play beach games, and take a stroll along the iconic Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

Grab lunch at one of the oceanfront restaurants like Pier 14 Restaurant & Lounge or Second Avenue Pier.

Day 2: Brookgreen Gardens and Murrells Inlet

Explore the beautiful Brookgreen Gardens, featuring sculpture gardens, botanical gardens, and a Lowcountry zoo. Have dinner at one of the seafood restaurants in Murrells Inlet, known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.” Places like Drunken Jack’s or The Wicked Tuna offer great seafood options.

Day 3: Water Activities and Broadway at the Beach

Spend the morning engaging in water activities like parasailing or jet skiing.

In the afternoon, visit Broadway at the Beach for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Check out attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium, and WonderWorks, and catch a show at the Carolina Opry.

Day 4: Day Trip to Charleston

Take a day trip to historic Charleston, about a 2-hour drive from Myrtle Beach. Explore the historic district, visit the Battery, and enjoy the charm of this Southern city.

Indulge in some Low Country cuisine for dinner at a local restaurant like Husk or Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar.

Day 5: Golf Day

Myrtle Beach is known for its golf courses, so spend a day hitting the links at one of the many championship courses. Some popular choices include TPC Myrtle Beach or Caledonia Golf & Fish Club.

Have a relaxed dinner at a golf-themed restaurant like Pine Lakes Country Club.

Day 6: Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park

Return to Brookgreen Gardens (tickets are good for a whole week) for any areas you may have missed on the first visit.

Spend the afternoon at Huntington Beach State Park, known for its pristine beaches, wildlife, and Atalaya Castle.

Day 7: Adventure Day and Farewell

Conclude the trip with an adventurous day. Consider activities like zip-lining at Radical Ropes Adventure Park or exploring the Myrtle Beach State Park.

For the farewell dinner, choose a restaurant with a lively atmosphere, such as The Boathouse Waterway Bar & Grill, offering great views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Remember to check for any events or festivals happening during your visit, as Myrtle Beach often hosts various activities throughout the year. Enjoy your week in Myrtle Beach!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

With heartfelt gratitude, I begin by acknowledging God, through Christ, for His unwavering guidance and the direction He has graciously bestowed upon my life. I am profoundly thankful for the redemption found in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, cherishing the wisdom encapsulated in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

Above all, I extend my deepest appreciation to God for placing remarkable teachers and influential individuals in my life and guiding my work and journey. There are many!

A special tribute is reserved for my beloved wife, Jane, who stands as both my critic and closest confidante. She has been an extraordinary gift from God, a splendid partner for 53 years. Without her steadfast support and insightful guidance, I would have been lost countless times. She truly embodies the concept of a “helper fit or meet” as described in the Scriptures.

A special mention goes to my brother, David, master teacher at the Ensworth School in Tenn. whose encouragement and faithfulness, along with invaluable suggestions, have been a constant source of inspiration for any project.

I extend heartfelt thanks to my parents, who instilled in me the belief that anything is possible through prayer and hard work.

Gratitude also abounds for my children, Mark and Joel, and grandchildren, Ben, Emma, and Audrey. Their unwavering support during my retirement era has been instrumental in the establishment of a publishing company at the age of 75, dedicated to crafting wholesome and beautiful books for the younger generations. Together, they have been pillars of strength, fostering a legacy that transcends generations. Thanks, John Chanaca

A quote we live by:

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

NKJV: New King James Version

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