A Conversation with Geraldine Litz: Author of The Foxes' New Family
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| Featured Author, Geraldine Litz Author of The Foxes' New Family |
ABB: Why did you feel you had to tell this story?
Litz: My son and his family moved into a new house. Even though it is in a neighborhood, they are at the end of the street and are surrounded on three sides by woods. Two foxes began to appear in their yard. They have a gazebo and the foxes seemed to get comfortable coming out when my son worked in it. The foxes would lie close by while he worked, so he and his family decided to put stainless steel bowls out there, one with hard dog food and one with water. The foxes took advantage of the offerings. In the fall, they were observed playing with a deer, with leaves, and eating out of the bowl in the company of a deer. I thought all of this was very neat and would make a cute children’s book, especially when it is based on a true story.
ABB: Where do you get your ideas?
Litz: For my children’s books, I have written about true situations in my life with my own animals and others. Over 34 years of teaching, my classes and I have read hundreds of books which fed into my desire to read. I began to know which books would appeal to them. Happy stories with good endings were their favorites. There were so many books for children where the animals died in the end which made all of us cry. So we chose those books that made us feel good and I wanted to write that type of story about animals which had a happy ending.
ABB: Do you ever experience writer’s block and how do you overcome it?
Litz: I have just begun my writing career and so far I have not experienced any writer’s block. I have lots of ideas and I am trying to find enough time in my life to expand them into books.
ABB: What advice would you give to aspiring writers on the writing and publishing process?
Litz: To persevere. I found it difficult to publish on Amazon and CreateSpace as I am not tech savvy enough to do this without professional help. Luckily, I have that help in my family as my two sons are in the IT area and provided needed expertise. I would just advise on not giving up easily as it will come together.
ABB: How do you market your work? Have you found some avenues to be more successful than others?
Litz: As I mentioned, I am a newcomer to this world but my most successful marketing of the children’s book was participating in a book fair where I spoke to elementary school classes and signed books for them. I am still looking for great ways to market my work and fiverr.com has been a big help already. I also put out a press release and received a tv interview on a local show that helped tremendously as well.
ABB: If your book was made into a movie, who do you picture playing each part?
Litz: This particular book would be an animated one if it were to be made into a movie. I wouldn’t know who to recommend in such a situation, but it would need good male and female voices.
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Synopsis
Two foxes are dismayed to see a new family with young children move into a long vacant house. Their habitat borders the house’s yards, and until now, they were free to roam the property looking for food. Now the foxes are afraid for their safety but they soon learn the new family means them no harm. It is just the opposite in fact, as the people are kind to them. A tragedy strikes the foxes one night, and they learn just how kind the people really are to them. But will it take more than human kindness to save the wild animals? This book is based on a true story and is beautifully illustrated with colorful images which children will enjoy.5 Stars: This is a well written book for family reading. The fact that it is based on a true story makes it more appealing to all. My friend read this book to two adult residents of a Personal Care Home and the response was "That was a GOOD book, can we read it again?" That emphasizes the fact that books with a simple and loving story can be enjoyed by any age.
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About the Author
FOR MORE INFO
Website: geraldinelitz.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Teachinglitz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeraldineWLitz
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/glitz1/
BUY THE BOOK
Amazon: http://amzn.to/11lEw1P