WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?
I have always enjoyed writing and used to do much more of it at a younger age when life wasn’t as busy. It took a rather significant family event to catch my attention and slow me down. The thought of being a published writer did not come until I finished a story in June of 2014. I have to admit that I sat on the story for some time while I decided just what type of risk I was willing to take. What pushed me forward and into publishing research mode was the fact that I wanted to show my two young boys that one should never be afraid to take chances, put themselves out there and try something new.
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
Believe it or not, I spent early years wanting to be a Dental Hygienist. Why? I am not sure as the Dentist Office is not one of my favorite places. That idea changed once I was involved in the financial industry and discovered a love for investments and the stock market. The big career change came once I became a Mom. I was fortunate enough to find opportunity to work from home and stay at home to raise my boys.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?
The story is based on a family tradition of wearing red socks to show support for friends, family or anyone that might need a lift in spirit. Just to know that someone is thinking of them and cheering them on can make a world of difference to their outlook and mind set. There are moments in life where there may not be words to express what you are thinking and these red socks become an unspoken message of encouragement, hope and so much more. Initially, I created a photo book with the help of many family and friends that included pictures of individuals wearing their bright, red socks to show their support for a family member experiencing a turn in health. Filled with bright red sock photos and inspirational quotes, it brought a smile to the faces of all those that flipped through it. The actual story came to me at a later date but centered around the notion of that unspoken method of showing support, encouragement and love and how much that simple gesture of putting on a pair of socks on could brighten a person’s day and outlook.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK AND WHY?
“I feel strong. I am ready. I can do anything.” I feel that this simple line is good for all aspects of one’s life and can be a constant reminder that you should not be afraid to put yourself out there and give it all you’ve got. With determination, confidence and a great outlook you can accomplish so much more and be surprised at just how far you can go and how much you can do.
WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE ARE MOST LIKE YOU AND WHY?
At this moment, I am the “Mom”. I have two fabulous boys and I am their biggest fan. It is my goal to reassure them and help them realize that they can do whatever they put their minds to. They can go as far as their imagination will take them and the sky’s the limit. (Yes, I also wear my red socks during times that I think they might need a smile, a boost of confidence or to simply know that I am thinking of them and cheering them on.)
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
It is my hope that readers will see how one doesn’t necessarily have to be only vocal with support and encouragement. I hope that they learn and maybe even develop their own special means of passing along a “secret” message that makes their family, friends and loved ones smile. I hope that they live the line of “I feel strong. I am ready. I can do anything.” and take a few risks and put themselves in new situations and challenges.
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
I like to tell the story of how Harry Connick Jr. played a role in bringing Red Socks Go With Absolutely Anything to the world. My husband and I went to his concert in Vancouver, BC, Canada in August of 2013 and even went so far to attend a “meet and greet” with the singer seeing as how we’ve been fans of his since we were in High School. The concert was amazing and when it came time to the meet and greet after the show, I was rather dumbfounded as to what to discuss with this man. The standard “great show” “big fan” stuff came out but none of my planned conversation appeared. You only had a short amount of time with him and I walked away somewhat disappointed by the experience. We arrived home and I decided to follow my Grandma’s advice of “you never know until you try” and wrote a letter entitled “What I should have said to Mr. Harry Connick Jr.” I mailed it off without much thought. Well, imagine my surprise when I received an email and a request to contact someone from his office. I called her and we spoke for some time as she loved the letter and was even so kind as to send some memorabilia for my husband’s upcoming birthday. It may seem like such a small thing but the reality is that none of it would have happened if I had not taken that chance and sent that letter and if she had not taken the chance to contact me. I mailed her a couple copies of the book as a thank you and I often send her updates on the book. I took a chance contacting Harry Connick Jr. so how could I not take a chance on publishing and sharing my story. “You never know until your try...”
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
Honestly, I do not think it fair to say that one book has had the greatest impact on my life. I feel that an entire genre of books have played an important role in shaping who I have become. I would have to say that the “Picture Book” played a very important role in my life. I spent many hours reading to each of my boys when they were babies and as they grew they picked their own stories for us to read together from their book shelves. That time is of great value to me as I can look back at books that I have saved and remember those moments and re-live memories of sitting with them, laughing with them and simply just being together for a story.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?
Definitely the completion and publication of Red Socks Go With Absolutely Anything. This is a whole new world for me with many challenges and obstacles.
DO YOU HAVE ANY WRITING RITUALS?
No, I don’t have any strict writing rituals other than a nice cup of tea by my side. I can make that cup last all day by simply adding water to it and then heating it up. (I tend to forget that it is sitting there at my side.)
HOW DID YOU FIND AN AGENT / GET PUBLISHED?
I do not have an agent and I am self-published. I am so very fortunate to have a few contacts in the literary world who introduced me to a number of truly talented individuals. Thanks to these individuals and their dedication Red Socks Go With Absolutely Anything became a reality. Evan Munday did the illustrations and took on the challenge of making the character as gender neutral as possible. Laura P. was the fabulous editor of the book with Troy C. as book designer. A special thank you would have to go out to an amazing individual by the name of Erin C. who patiently answered my questions and also provided encouragement every step of the way.
WHAT DID YOU DO TO CELEBRATE THE PUBLICATION OF YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
Being a new author and a self-published one at that, I am not sure that I actually celebrated but instead perhaps spent time in front of a screen researching just what to do next. I did contact a few bookstores and introduce them to the book hoping that Red Socks would make a “sockcessful” impression on them. I don’t think I have really stopped and had a celebration as of yet. The pressure is there as a relatively unknown, self-published author to continue trying to get the book noticed. Perhaps one day soon I will host a event and celebrate those who have helped make Red Socks a great “sockcess”.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
It was, and still is, a learning process for me and a realization of just how much work goes into perfecting a book before it goes out to the world. It involved countless hours researching the process and learning a new vocabulary in relation to the publishing industry. It is dealing with an ever-constant challenge to expose the book to new readers and to not be afraid to put yourself out there for praise and criticism. I cannot stress how important it is to work with professionals and be patient with the process.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
That is an excellent question as I am still learning and trying to work on the promotion of my book. I would have to say that using social media is a wonderful way to get the word out there. Of course “word of mouth” is most beneficial and something that I strive for. If a reader enjoys the book, chances are that they will talk about it and perhaps even use their social media to express how much they liked the story.
I would suggest a website, a Facebook page, Twitter account and an Instagram account. Volunteering at Literary events such as a school’s Reading Week is also a wonderful way to introduce others to your book. Trying to contact local Book Bloggers and Bookstagrammers is a great idea as well. Those are truly amazing individuals who dedicate so much of their time to reading and reviewing books!
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
I am most proud of the impact that this story has on its readers. I love hearing how someone is heading out to purchase a pair of red socks for themselves and/or their family members. I am especially thrilled when a reader tells me that they are looking forward to initiating their own unspoken method of support and tradition based around the idea of red socks.
We have Read-in-Week happening in our City here soon and I am very much looking forward to visiting the schools and classrooms. I have such great memories and experiences of sharing Red Socks with children the previous year. They are such a wonderful and inspiring group!
I have shared the story with children in grades K through to grade 6 and have been very pleasantly surprised at the comments and discussions with the grade 6 individuals. I wasn’t sure if they were going to be too “big” for the story but they were an awesome group of kids with insightful questions and comments. With that particular group I have great memories:
- I had a couple of girls approach me and tell me about a book they are writing together and how they were inspired to keep their project going and not give up.
- One child came up and told me how great he thought the story was and then secretly handed me a piece of his favorite gum by way of a handshake. He then gave me a wink to confirm the passing of the forbidden gum. (we were all sitting in the library)
- Another child was so inspired by the story that he suggested that they have a wall in the school dedicated to Red Socks displaying the book’s lines “I feel strong. I am ready. I can do anything.” I am so proud of him as he later inspired so many others at a local track competition with his determination to run and finish in a relay match.
I always have fond memories of visiting and reading with the younger grades. I experienced my first “heckler” when I was reading to a grade 2 class and she was in the front row asking me why the socks were not blue. I love the little discussions (that sometimes turn into battles) when I ask the class if they think the protagonist is a boy or a girl. I enjoy the fact that we get off course during the reading as our discussions take a different direction at times when they all want to share their version of the character’s experience. Honestly, the scab stories are the best to hear!
My point? Reading is such a nice way to get a conversation going and hear different ideas and thoughts. I hope to have many more opportunities to share the Red Socks story and would like to sincerely thank those who have read the book and shared it with others. Red Socks Go With Absolutely Anything is “sockcessful” thanks to the support of many.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
I do have a number of ideas and stories with a couple of them actually started. This entire process will be well thought out. At this point I am unsure as to whether I will continue with the self-published route again or opt to take a chance with a more traditional publishing plan.
I cannot set out a specific deadline for next few books. My immediate focus is on Red Socks and taking it as far as I can. Being a new author and one that is self-published I’m just not sure where the end is ... it is a constant process! Stay tuned!
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org
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