- Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
A1. I advocate for beaches, birds, and wildlife and write picture books and screenplays. I began my book publishing career as a college textbook sales rep. Since then, I have served as senior editor for Dow Jones-Irwin, publisher for Dearborn Trade, vice president and publisher for IDG Books, director for H&R Block, and director of book publishing for the American Bar Association. As publisher of aka Associates, I collaborate with authors and organizations on book and writing projects. After serving as a book publishing professional for many years, I am excited to begin the next chapter of my career as a writer. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with amazing editors and illustrators on the publication and debut of my first picture books. When I am not writing, I enjoy meditating, reading, and exploring the Lake Michigan shoreline.
- What is your inspiration behind your book “The Magic Sea Turtle”?
A2. I love sea turtles. I got more involved with them when I first “adopted” a sea turtle nest from Outer Banks Forever. Sea turtles are an endangered species and their habitats are threatened. I wanted to write a book that celebrates the majesty of these creatures and hopefully helps support them. A portion of the revenue from the sales of “The Magic Sea Turtle” go to SEE Turtles to help protect sea turtle habitats around the world.
- When did you realize you want to be an author?
A3. It wasn’t until a few years that I truly believed in my own ability to be a writer of my own work. In addition to the support and encouragement that I received in my writing classes at UCLA Extension, a friend of mine kept asking to read my stories and then suggested that I write books for kids. So…I reached out to a couple of picture book publishers and while some rejected me outright there were two who loved my ideas and gave me the opportunity to move forward. I was fortunate to find great editors and publishing pros to project manage the entire publishing process including choosing illustrators and providing wonderful ideas throughout every step of the way. While it was a long time coming for me to be a writer, I finally feel like I have found my true purpose!
- Please tell us something about your book “The Magic Sea Turtle”?
A4. In The Magic Sea Turtle young Myrtle, who, like so many youngsters, dreams of being a queen in her world, tumbles into the sea, and is rescued via a magic carpet to their friends in the ocean. There, she meets dolphins, swordfish, an otter, flying fish, swans, and a magic sea turtle. Myrtle feels so welcome and at home in the sea that she decides she would like to stay and play. Myrtle learns that sometimes you can find an even better place than you first imagined and that everything is possible if we believe in ourselves.
- For which age group is your book “The Magic Sea Turtle” suitable for?
A5. My publisher, Bookfox Press has chosen the age range of 4-9. I wrote it for anyone who wants their wishes and dream to come true.
- What is your favorite Quote?
A6. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” –Eleanor Roosevelt
- What do you like the most about your country?
A7 The beauty of the USA is amazing. I was lucky to grow up near the beaches in Southern California. I love beaches, birds, and wildlife and support organizations that have a passion for sustainability and work to keep “America the Beautiful” the best it can be for today and for future generations.
- What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
A8. Start early. One of my first memories is reading books. My mother gave me a copy of “A Friend is Someone Who Likes You” by Joan Walsh Anglund. That book is still one of my favorites and inspired my love of books at a very early age. I have a picture of myself as a young child holding a book upside down in the back of the family station wagon while I slept. So having a book in a child’s hands has always been vitally important to me.
- What does literary success look like to you?
A9. Literary success to me is enjoying the journey. I love to learn new things and the world of picture books is a big world filled with wonderful people. I am happy to be a part of everything. My dream is to have a feature film made based on one of my books one day,
- Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
A10. Women writers including Eleanor Roosevelt. Emily Dickinson. Joan Walsh Anglund, Mary Oliver, and Kay Ryan. All these writers worked diligently at their creative craft. Eleanor Roosevelt was dedicated to writing 500 words a day at times in her life. Joan Walsh Anglund wrote and illustrated her books in her kitchen while she cared for her children. The poet including Mary Oliver, Kay Ryan, and Emily Dickinson were also dedicated to their craft for many years as well as the joy of sharing the wonder of words and wisdom.
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