If you have questions about the books or the self publishing process please be sure to ask. I love sharing ideas and networking with other authors.
You can find my books for sale at most major online book sellers. This is often the best deal as you will find discounts and free shipping offers. I can send books directly if you want them signed.
Find Mommy Takes Away, Daddy Sneaks and Grandma Loves in Stores Now...
In Dawson Creek
Read's Books 250.782.2081
The Northern Toy Box 250.782.1411
Moms-to-be...the baby store 250.719.0574
Shopper's Drug Mart
Bill's News
Art Gallery Gift Shop
Also in Fort St John at...
Playtime Toys 250.785.3500
Kurios Books 250.785.6880
In Tumbler Ridge at...
KC's Dollar Store, Furniture and More
In Richmond at...
Black Bond Books in Landsdowne Centre
How much does the book cost?
Who did the drawings?
I hear this one all the time! I designed and sketched out the drawings and Xlibris has an art department that put together my illustrations based on my designs. For me this was the hardest part because I didn't actually speak to a person who was doing the art work. Each detail that I wanted to adjust had to be described over email. I provided them with reference pictures of Katie and the pets, Tom and myself and Katie's room.
What is self-publishing?
Self-publishing is when you approach a company that provides this service and pay them a fee to complete a publication on your behalf.
Why did you choose to self publish instead of trying to get a corporate publisher to pick up your work?
I submitted my work to two of my favourite publishing houses, Orca Books and Kids Can Press. Unfortunately, they decided not to publish my book. Most publishers were not accepting any submissions for picture books, probably due to the economy. So, I decided that I'd just get at it and do it myself and hope that maybe down the road one of those companies would call me! If you are a publisher of quality children's picture books looking for a few new titles, please, do phone!
What are the benefits of self-publishing?
There are many benefits to self-publishing. I have complete control over my book and how it turned out.
What are the challenges of self-publishing?
Well, it is a big job if you really want to sell the book to the general public. I am responsible for marketing my own work. I don't use an agent or have a publisher that does advertising for my book.
Many places do not recognize self-published authors because they are not backed by a corporate company. There is some discrimination in this area that I believe will change over time as some corporate published authors are now choosing to self-publish to regain control of their own work or to try something new.
Why doesn't the mom really look like you?
Well, the first drawing that they did of me was so unattractive that as soon as they made a cute mom I said, "That's perfect!"
I spent a lot of time trying to get "Katie" to look just right and I love how her character turned out.
You made a special thanks to your students at Parkland School. What did they help you with?
My students did a great job at making suggestions about the illustrations and how I could improve them. I brought in a draft copy and read them the story and they thought of things like adding the cookies and milk to the fireplace mantle, and having the cats play with the bubbles and the money. Listening to my students also sparked my idea of putting a picture of Tom & Katie and I on the fireplace mantle. I had a lot of fun with this part!
Do you have two cats and a dog?
Yes, we have an orange cat named Junior, a black cat named Timone and a black dog named Woolie.
Why is the dog in the book brown if your dog is black?
I didn't think that the dog's expressions would show up as well if it was black.
Do you have another book coming out?
Yes! I'm working on two books right now. The first is called, Daddy Sneaks and it is about a camping trip.
The next is called, Grandma Loves.
I would like to have them completed before Christmas...but it takes a long time to publish a book, so you never know...
How long did it take to write Mommy Takes Away?
Well, the actual writing didn't take very long. I made myself little notes whenever I thought of something and then one day sat down and put them together into the story. I worked on it over the course a couple months.
Publishing the book took about 8 months from start to finish. I am not a very patient person, so this felt like forever to me, but I guess it's actually faster than working with a corporate publisher!
Would you come to speak to my class about how you wrote the book?
Yes! I am excited about writing and love to talk about the process that I take to write a story. If you are interested please send me a message. I love the thought that my passion could inspire a child to become an author.
Is this book available anywhere in Prince George?
You can purchase through amazon or bn.com
