Can you tell me something about yourself and your writing?
I live in the country and try to spend a lot of time outside working in the yard or inside playing my guitar. Now that my daughter is older and my work has slowed down, I seem to have the blessing of lots of quiet time to myself—and so I use that time to imagine little worlds where loveable little creatures a lot like ourselves wrestle with life issues just like ours.
How were you inspired to write your first book for children?
When my siblings and I were very young my mom used to take us all to a beautiful historic library. It was there I first found the series of tiny Beatrix Potter books (Tale of Peter Rabbit, Tale of Tom Kitten). I loved them so much! Her illustrations were so enchanting and I really wanted to spend my life drawing little animals and making them into books for children. Even though I do read books for grown ups now : ), Ive never really grown out of loving children’s books and I still gravitate to the children’s section of bookstores and libraries. People likely think I am shopping for a gift but I buy them for myself!
Can you tell me more about the latest book you’re writing?
The Boogies and the Woogies live in a world a lot like ours. It’s a nice place except there is a great divide between them. The Boogies are certain that the Woogies are wrong and the Woogies are certain that the Boogies are wrong. The divide grows wider bit by bit, taking on a life of its own. Until an incident occurs which, seemingly in an instant, causes everyone to have a shift in their priorities and work together for a common goal. And, in so doing, a bridge is created across the gap. The bridge actually makes them feel very happy and triumphant. So while no one ever actually has to change their opinions or let go of a belief — in other words no one has to say “I was wrong” or “You were right”, instead it just doesn’t matter as much because they found something more satisfying to focus on. They found something they CAN agree on and focusing on that makes them a lot happier.
Maybe the most important thing I want to say with this story is to give full credit and appreciation to all children, because, like the two littlest ones in the story, they are the real experts at looking past differences and making connections purely for the sake of spreading fun and happiness. I feel that the innocence and wisdom of children is really our greatest treasure on earth. And it so often goes unacknowledged. So I wanted to sort of tip my hat to children everywhere.
How long does it usually take for you to write a book?
It might take me 3 to 6 months to write one I guess. Depending on how diligent I am at getting the drawings finished. The ideas themselves can come very quickly, over the course of a few weeks, and then it’s just a matter of getting everything drawn out on paper. I like to run it past my family and get feedback before finalizing things—my sister and boyfriend are pretty good editors!
What books have had the most influence on you when you were young?
I think I loved classic fairytales most of all. I loved being totally transported to a world of beauty and enchantment and yet also feeling deeply connected to the timeless and universal messages about character, and human psychology.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love playing my guitar and sketching.
What’s the best lesson you learned from a children’s book?
I’d have to say that throughout my life I’ve often mentally referenced the main character in Thidwick The Big Hearted Moose by Dr. Seuss. It’s about a generous and friendly moose that gets terribly taken advantage of because of his naïve kindness. It was an eye opener as a child and I really needed that lesson.
How do you usually find the readers for your book? What’s your most effective marketing strategy?
I’m learning as I go with marketing : ) I like to post little fun thoughts from the Boogies and Woogies every week on my social media. And I’m really just doing a grass roots outreach to teachers, parents and librarians because my book lends itself so well to skits, storytime and even special-ed activities.
What was the best response you received from a book you wrote?
Wow, I’ve actually had so many great responses. One parent recently said he thought it should be “required reading for all adults” and another said she wanted to “send hundreds of copies to all of our world leaders”, but I guess my favorite reactions are from the children who hang on the suspense and laugh with relief at the “boogie woogie bridge”. One child I know asks his grandfather to read it every time he sees him.
Have you always wanted to be a writer when you were young?
My first love was drawing, so I always wanted to illustrate childrens books. But later I realized I needed to learn to write stories if I was going to do that.
Do you have an advice for aspiring authors?
Well there is already so much good advice out there from people more knowledgeable than I, but I would just stress the importance of gifting yourself with lots of quiet unplugged time to intentionally create that space in your mind for your unique creativity to start streaming in. And TRUST that it will!
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