Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you.
I’m an award-winning writer and video producer at Pennsylvania College of Technology, a special-mission affiliate of Penn State located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. In addition to “A Week with Waffles,” I’m the co-author of the 2021 young adult novel “Bucky Deacon’s Dilemma,” which chronicles the experiences of a young man and his eighth-grade football team in a small Pennsylvania town. I’ve written for publications and websites devoted to the Minnesota Vikings and have served as “The Man in the Crowd” for the Little League Baseball World Series Radio Network since 1998. Besides world peace, my greatest wish is for the Vikings to win a Super Bowl!
Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “A Week with Waffles”?
Waffles, my real guinea pig, was the inspiration for “A Week with Waffles.” The idea came to me after I wrote a press release/feature story on a Pennsylvania College of Technology employee who authored an illustrated children’s book about her courageous son who is blind. Her work inspired me to create a book for young children. Everybody loved Waffles (Sadly, she passed away a few months after the book’s release.), so I decided to make her the focus. I wanted to use Waffles and her adventures to serve as a tool to teach kids the days of the week and encourage creative thought. I wrote the manuscript and contacted the illustrator my work colleague used, Marina Saumell. Marina, who lives in Argentina, loved the content and did a great job with the illustrations based on the photos I sent her of Waffles and all the people (and pets) featured in the book. The book has proven to be a hit with kids and parents!
Q3. When did you realize you want to be an author of Children’s Book?
A couple years ago, I got the idea to finish the unpublished manuscript of a story geared to middle-school readers that one of my mentors, Bill Byham, wrote in the 1980s. Bill had passed away, and it always bugged him that “Bucky Deacon’s Dilemma” was never published. I contacted the family who turned over to me the original type-written manuscript. I spent over a year rewriting and updating the story before finally publishing it in 2021. That experience hooked me on writing children’s books. I should point out that a portion of proceeds from both of my books benefit the Emergency Scholarship Fund at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?
I can’t provide specific details at this time, but the plan is for there to be at least another “Waffles” book within the year. Marina will once again be the illustrator.
Q5. For which age group your book is suitable?
“A Week with Waffles” is perfect for preschoolers through early elementary readers. “Bucky Deacon’s Dilemma” targets middle school readers.
Q6. What is your favorite Quote?
“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” Wayne Gretzky, or if you prefer, Michael Scott.
Q7. What do you like the most about your country?
The rich diversity of people, cultures and traditions.
Q8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
Consistency is key. Set aside a dedicated time for reading (bedtime is great for this) and then follow through day after day.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
A child smiling while reading one of my books.
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
I can’t narrow my “inspiration” to one individual. I can say that I’ve always been inspired by folks who accept their inherent flaws and strive to do their best no matter the circumstances.
Tom Speicher on Amazon
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