Thursday, October 20, 2016

Interview with author Taylor Barton


Pedro 'n' Pip

1. What inspired you to write your book?
I was on a vacation in Cozumel, Mexico, and my friend went scuba diving. While he was scuba diving, I had a dream of this octopus, who spoke with a raspy voice. The octopus’ character is based on my experience of observing Bob Dylan backstage while my husband served as his sideman from 88-92. I was so inspired by Bob, and learned my trade as a songwriter from him. Concurrently, The Exxon Spill in Alaska occurred at the same time when I first wrote this story and presented it as a musical. I was devastated by the site of birds and sea creatures struggling in oil. Dylan’s resistance to the growing trend of performers coveting fame over craft, was a perfect metaphor for me to use, as we covet oil for money, causing more damage and contributing to the uncertain destiny of our planet. 

2. What is it about?
Pedro 'n' Pip is a raucous, uplifting rock 'n' roll odyssey about a tenacious ten-year-old girl, named Pip, and a ‘rockoctopus’, Pedro, who she meets while scuba diving after an oil spill in the Gulf. Together, they forge a powerful friendship and unite sea creatures and landlubbers alike to help clean up our waters for the good of all. A funny, tender, courageous story meant to raise environmental awareness in our kids. 

3. What do you hope will be the everlasting  thoughts for readers who finish your book?
That life underwater is just as essential as life on land, and that we can all become ambassadors for our planet. 

4. What advice do you have for writers?
To write and not listen to the critics inside our heads.
5. Where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?
The book publishing industry is going to be replaced by digital distribution, canceling the need for them. Authors can now reach their audiences worldwide without them.  Traditional publishers have nothing really to offer writers. 

Having a boutique record label, I experienced the obliteration of record companies, and all we had to do was produce our own work and go directly to ITUNES, thus avoiding massive losses of royalties, that large record companies hoard or rob. The film industry followed the same lead. Book publishers are the farthest behind when it comes to serving their readers. 

6. What challenges did you have in writing your book?
My challenge was convincing a publisher to merge my text with my music and releasing a USER friendly digital book on IBOOKS. I am so super excited to have launched my book on IBOOKS.  I share this distinction with Bruce Springsteen, but he didn’t realize his music could be embedded in the book. I think I have created an amazing new format for artists to tell their story.
7. If people can only buy one book this month, why should it be yours?
First the music is uplifting and fun; second, this new format is cutting edge!

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Brian Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog are his alone and not that of his employer. You can follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog 2016 ©.
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