1. What inspired you to write this book? I was inspired to write Just a Dot? I
Think Not! A Book of Connection by a lifelong belief in the power of
bringing people together. After decades in global sales, I saw firsthand how
meaningful relationships, empathy, and collaboration can transform not only
businesses, but lives. I wanted to take those lessons—the importance of seeing
and valuing every “dot,” every person—and translate them into a story children
could understand and carry with them. In a world that often feels divided, I
felt called to create a book that celebrates diversity, encourages inclusion,
and reminds young readers that connection is a form of magic they can use to
shape a kinder future.
2. What exactly is it about — and
who is it written for? This book is geared towards children ages 4-9. Being that
the book fits firmly into the SEL genre, with interactive worksheets to spark
conversation and practice key concepts, it is a great book for educators and
parents who have a desire to teach children about the power of diversity and
community.
Just a Dot? I Think Not! A Book of Connection is an invitation for every child to discover
the extraordinary power hidden inside something small. At first glance, Dottie
may look like “just a dot,” but her magic lies in the way she brings people
together—showing young readers that when we connect, collaborate, and celebrate
our differences, we create something far bigger and more beautiful than we ever
could alone.
This
book shines a light on the truth children instinctively understand: community
matters. Kindness matters. Every voice, every story, every “dot” matters.
Through vibrant illustrations and heart-opening moments, Dottie guides children
to see that our uniqueness is not something to hide but something to share.
When dots unite, walls fall, bridges form, and a more compassionate world
begins to take shape.
More
than a story, this book is a movement toward belonging. It encourages children
to honor what makes them special, to welcome those who are different from them,
and to recognize that connection is a superpower we all carry. Just a Dot? I
Think Not! reminds every child that they are part of something
meaningful—and that together, we can create a world filled with understanding,
acceptance, and joy.
Dottie
— The Magical Connector
Dottie
is the bright, spirited heart of the story, a tiny and magical dot with a
mighty purpose to connect the world.
Dottie’s
magic isn’t about spells or wands—it’s about connection. She sees the world not
as scattered pieces, but as a vibrant tapestry waiting to be woven together.
With her “magical powers” to bring people closer, she becomes a guide for young
readers, showing them that unity, kindness, and curiosity can transform the
world.
She
is hopeful, wise, and endlessly encouraging. Whether she’s reminding us that “dots
come in all sizes and shapes” or celebrating the beauty of diversity,
Dottie models what it means to lead with love. Her mission is simple yet
profound: to help every child see that they matter, they belong, and they are
part of something bigger.
The
Dot Squad! Throughout the book, Dottie introduces readers to a
joyful cast of dot characters who reflect the richness of the world around us.
Each one represents a different shape, size, color, or style—proof that
uniqueness is something to be celebrated.
These
dots aren’t just illustrations—they’re personalities. They stand “side by side,
proud and bold,” showing children that differences are not barriers but
beautiful variations that make the world more interesting.
While
some dots prefer to stand alone, while others dream of a world painted in gray,
Dottie meets them with compassion, gently reminding readers that connection is
always possible if we are willing to listen and understand.
More
than a book, Just a Dot? I Think Not! is a movement toward a
more compassionate, tolerant and inclusive world.
3. What do you hope readers will get out
of reading your book? I
hope readers walk away from Just a Dot? I Think Not! A Book of
Connection with a deeper understanding that every person—every
“dot”—matters. My wish is that children see themselves reflected in Dottie’s
journey and recognize that their uniqueness is a strength, not something to
hide. I want them to feel empowered to reach out, include others, and build
bridges across differences. In a world that can feel divided, this book reminds
young readers that connection is a superpower, kindness is a choice, and
together we can create something brighter, braver, and more beautiful than we
ever could alone.
4. How did you decide on your book’s title and
cover design? As a person who spent
over 4-decades in professional sales, I was always called a "master
dot connector." What better way to teach children the power
of connection and community than to feature a dot as the main character!
The book takes a simple concept, a dot, and turns it into a powerful metaphor
for connection, kindness, and inclusion. Dottie the magical dot and her vibrant
friends show young readers how unity and respect can build bridges across
differences. The cover, with its bright, playful illustration of Dottie and her
friends, signals a joyful, uplifting reading experience while tackling a
very culturally relevant and important topic, especially in today's
disconnected world.
5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have
for fellow writers – other than run!? Don't hide. Tackle the tough topics. The world needs
your voice and representation.
6. What trends in the book world do you see --
and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? As a fairly new author, I don’t
consider myself an industry expert, but I do see several powerful trends
shaping the future of publishing. First, the use of AI is transforming how
authors ideate, edit, and even market their work, making the creative process
more accessible and efficient. While there is a place for AI, and I
understand that it is here to stay, I believe it is also degrading
the authenticity of works published. The industry needs oversight,
regulations and there needs to be a balance. Second, direct‑to‑consumer
marketing is becoming essential, with authors building their own audiences
rather than relying solely on traditional publishers or sales outlets like
Amazon, Ingram Spark and Barnes & Noble. The fees are too high and it
is difficult to see an ROI. Third- the importance of social media
continues to grow—platforms like Instagram, BookTok, and LinkedIn are now
critical spaces for visibility, community-building, and book discovery. If an
author does not have a strong social media presence, it will be very difficult
for their books to get discovered. Finally, I do see a trend of
authors using hybrid and self-publishing options for more creative control and
speed to market. Together, these trends signal a shift toward greater author
autonomy, more personalized reader engagement, and a publishing landscape where
creativity and connection matter more than ever.
7. Were there experiences in your
personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? My four-decade career in global sales
deeply shaped the heart of this book. Throughout my professional journey, I
learned that success is never just about transactions — it’s about people,
relationships, and the magic that happens when we connect across differences. I
became known as a “master dot connector,” someone who could bring individuals,
teams, and communities together to create something greater than the sum of its
parts. Those experiences taught me the power of collaboration, empathy, and
inclusion, and they inspired Dottie’s mission. This book is my way of sharing
that wisdom with children, showing them that connection is a superpower they
can carry throughout their lives.
8. How would you describe your writing style?
Which writers or books is your writing similar to? My writing style is warm, rhythmic, and
intentionally simple—designed to make big ideas feel accessible to young
readers. I love using playful language, repetition, and gentle rhyme to spark
curiosity while guiding children toward deeper lessons about kindness,
identity, and connection. In many ways, my approach is inspired by Dr. Seuss,
who had a remarkable gift for tackling tough or meaningful topics in fun,
imaginative, and engaging ways. Like his work, my stories use whimsy and
metaphor to open the door to important conversations. My goal is to create
books that feel joyful on the surface yet leave children thinking, feeling, and
growing long after the final page.
9. What challenges did you overcome in the
writing of this book? One
of the biggest challenges I faced while writing this book was overcoming my own
self‑doubt and lifelong pull toward perfectionism. Every story I create feels
deeply personal because it reflects my values, my experiences, and the legacy I
hope to leave behind. That weight can make the creative process both meaningful
and intimidating. I had to remind myself that perfection isn’t the goal—impact
is. Pushing past the fear of not being “good enough” allowed me to focus on
what truly matters: writing a book that inspires connection, celebrates
diversity, and, in its own small way, contributes to leaving the world a better
place.
10. If people can buy or read one book this
week or month, why should it be yours? If someone can read just one children's book this week or this
month, I believe Just a Dot? I Think Not! A Book of Connection deserves
to be that choice because it speaks directly to the challenges we’re facing in
the world today. We are more divided, more distracted, and more disconnected
than ever, and those fractures often begin in childhood. This book opens the
door to early conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion, and the
transformative power of community. By helping children understand that every
“dot” matters and that connection is a superpower, we plant seeds of empathy,
belonging, kindness, understanding, tolerance and unity. Our children are the
future, and if these lessons are instilled early, they truly can change the
direction we’re heading—one connected dot at a time.
About The Author Heidi Solomon-Orlick is a trailblazing sales
leader, author, and advocate who proves purpose has no age limit. After a
four-decade global sales career, she reinvented herself in her 60s to champion
diversity, equity, inclusion, and active aging. As founder of GirlzWhoSell, she
is building a diverse pipeline of young women in B2B sales, expanding access to
economic opportunity. An award-winning author, Heidi has published Heels
to Deals, I Have a Voice, and Just a Dot? I Think Not! with More
Than Pretty on the way. Driven by impact, she uses her platform to
elevate underrepresented voices and spark meaningful change. For more info,
please see: https://heidisolomonorlick.com.
Do You Need Book
Marketing Help?
Brian
Feinblum can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com He is available to help authors like you to promote
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experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him
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About Brian Feinblum
This award-winning blog has generated over
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and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” Copyright 2026.
For
the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He
formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the
head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the
director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many
first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with
best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen,
Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard,
Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C.
Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.
His
writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s
The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully) and (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/10-things-my-dog-taught-me-about-marketing-books). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs
He
hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and
has spoken at ASJA, three times at BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers
Association, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod
Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, five
times at Morgan James Publishing Red Carpet, and Connecticut Authors and
Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.
His
letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal,
USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester)
and The Washington Post. His first published book was The
Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook. It
was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.
Born
and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids,
and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.
You
can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum
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