Frequently
Asked Questions
Have a question? Contact us
What is the appeal of Quality Time Tales?
The uniqueness of the format! Quality Time Tales are customized and personalized,
written in a letter format, and addressed to each individual child or
family. As a result, children tend to feel a closer connection with the
letter writers and the adventures become more extraordinary and exciting.
If their children ask, who do most parents or readers, say ‘Shanghai
Ned’, ‘Finn’ and ‘Beth’ are?
Most Quality Time Tales members simply say Shanghai Ned is a distant family
friend or acquaintance who enjoys writing about his adventures.
Finn and Beth are generally characterized as 6, 7 or 8 year olds who want to share their adventures and unique events with other children their age – like pen pals. How did they start sending their letters to you as a reader?... Quality Time Tales readers learned about them on the internet – which is also true.
What is a typical time interval to wait between reading the letters?
This is totally subjective. The letters could, or course, be read over
six straight days or nights to children. However, it is recommended that
some period of time (2-3 weeks) be allowed to pass between readings for
two reasons. First, infrequent readings will keep the series alive and
the children will be waiting for the next letter. Secondly, a period of
time between readings allows for additional adventures to take place in
the writer’s life.
Can longer Shanghai Ned letters be read over two readings instead
of one?
Absolutely! This is especially true if the letters are read before bed.
Splitting the stories up over two nights allows children to think about
clues and offers a period of anticipation before the remainder of the
story is read.
What about readers interjecting comments during readings?
Please do! These letters involve travel to interesting places, historical
information, facts about galleons and lost treasure, notes about early
American settlers, the Pony Express, etc. and lend themselves perfectly
for short educational pauses. We believe your listeners will be more eager
to learn while they are being entertained and mentally challenged.
My child is interested in ________________. Does Quality Time
Tales want suggestions regarding plots or settings?
Again…absolutely! If your listeners are interested in dinosaurs,
UFOs, spies, Scottish castles, Antarctica, mountain climbing, cave exploring,
or whatever -- please forward these idea requests on to us. We will do
everything possible to create story-letters to fit the interests of our
members. However, Quality Time Tales does not approach religious, political,
or disciplinary issues.
Who writes the Quality Time Tales letters?
Quality Time Tales are written by individuals who majored in English,
Education and/or Communications at college. Many of the letters are the
sole creation of our writers and some are hatched in group meetings where
we toss out storyline, plot, and setting ideas and then one of us takes
it from there.
Are additional letter series planned?
In short, “yes”. But have a look on our “What’s
New and Upcoming” page to see what we are working on and what is
planned for the future.
© 2006 Quality
Time Tales Privacy Policy