Learning about your favorite authors and their books can be lots of fun. Author interviews give us insight into the author’s writing process. Interviews help readers to better understand how and why their stories were written. This week I would like you to meet Candace Spizzirri author of Fishing with Grandpa and Skye a books that explores the rewards of patience and celebrates the love between generations.
While this is not my usual day to post, it is National Go Fishing Day. National Go Fishing Day is a great day to take time from your daily routine grab your fishing pole, bait your hook and catch a fish or two. Or if you cannot go fishing you can read Fishing with Grandpa and Skye with your family and friends.
When did you realize you wanted to be a children’s book author?
I began writing for kids back in 2016. It wasn’t anything I ever thought I would do,
but I love it! In fact, I was a much stronger math and science student in school.
I had just turned 64 when FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE was
published. So, you can say writing picture books was a later in life dream. I believe
it’s never too late to go after your dreams or to chase down a new one!
What is your favorite part of being an author?
I adore picture books! Always have, always will!
I write PB with humor and heart. My favorite part of being an author is seeing my
books in the hands of little ones, being shared with loved ones. It is so special to
me. My hope is that kids and those reading with them will delight in and connect with
my stories.
What inspired this book?
The inspiration for this story came from many fishing trips to Lake
Hopatcong, New Jersey, with my beloved Grandpa Henry. Although it is
truly about grandpa and me, I use my granddaughter Skye’s name as the
main character.
This story is about one day in particular when Grandpa had a special surprise
for me. FISHING celebrates the love between generations and is the story of
my heart!
How long did it take you to write this book?
The rough draft of FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE was written in a few
hours one afternoon at my local library. I like to find a cozy corner in the quiet
section, be alone with my thoughts, and just let the words flow naturally.
I always attempt to write a new story in one sitting, try to turn off my internal
“editor” and just get it all down. After I write a new story, I like to put it away for a
week or two. Then I generally do a bit of revising and send it off to my critique
partners. (I don’t know what I’d do without them!)
I wrote my rough draft of FISHING in June of 2018, submitted it in October, and
signed my contract in February of 2019.
What part of the book was the most fun to write?
Recalling all the wonderful days spent fishing with my Grandpa Henry,
especially that one particular day I write about in my book, was fun and
nostalgic.
I sure miss those times on the lake with him and still love to go fishing!
What advice would you give a writer working on their first book?
Never give up! Be patient and persistent. Keep working on your craft. Take
classes, go to conferences, join writing groups, and find critique partners-they are
invaluable. Get involved in the amazingly supportive and encouraging kidlit
community. And most of all, believe in yourself. You can do it!
What are you working on now? OR
What would you like people to know about you or the book?
My next picture book, FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE (Gnome
Road Publishing) will release in Spring 2023.
The idea for this story came to me two years ago on a trip to Alaska. I fell in
love with the gorgeous scenery which looked like a postcard in every
direction.
While visiting the town of Talkeetna, a moose wandered about to the
enjoyment of tourists, then disappeared into the woods. In this quaint town I
happened upon a little shop called Once in a Blue Moose, and the spark for
Finley, a moose who longs to ride the rails, was born.
Short Summary of the book
Days on the lake are a Skye and Grandpa thing. They load up their tackle box, hop
aboard their skiff, and chug out to their favorite fishing spot. Today, the sun is
shining and the fish are jumping. But will Skye hook a big one?
FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE explores the rewards of patience and
celebrates the love between generations.
You can purchase a copy of her book at the links below.
Website www.candacespizzirri.com
Twitter @CCSpizzirri1
Instagram @CCSpizzirri
Facebook CandaceSpizzirri
Short Bio
I grew up in a small town in New Jersey with tree-lined streets and old Victorian
houses. As a child, I spent hours playing at the park, catching minnows in a nearby
stream, and exploring the woods at the end of my street.
I hold a degree in child psychology with an emphasis on emotional development.
Passionate about education, I am a co-founder of an elementary school and high
school in Southern California. I now split my time between California and
Pennsylvania.
Thoughts …
Fishing with Grandpa and Skye is a beautiful story of a grandfather and granddaughter making memories and traditions together. We all have memories we treasure and traditions that bring us together. The illustrations throughout the book are a beautiful addition. I think this is the perfect book for summer reading and a wonderful addition to any classroom library.
Requests …
I am so glad you’re here and so grateful that I can share this journey with you. I really do believe that the world needs your story to be told.
I’m looking forward to helping in any way that I can. And speaking of helping — please leave a comment below and let me know what questions you have about picture book writing.
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I am available for author visits and I am still offering author interviews.
Enjoy your day!