Abigail & John
David Bruce Smith is the founder of the Grateful
American Foundation; its purpose is to re-create enthusiasm about American
history for kids---and adults -- through videos, podcasts; The Grateful
American Book Series will feature presidential/historical marriages that
were partnerships. The first book, John & Abigail (Adams) will be
published in October by Liberty Bell Press; distribution by Simon &
Schuster. He is also co-founder of the Grateful American Book Prize which
promotes excellence in non-fiction/historical fiction/ YA books;
grades 7-9; of the 85 awards in Children's books, this is the only
award in this slot. Each year a committee of seven judges determines the winner
of the Prize, and two "Honorable Mentions".
For more information, please see: gratefulamericanfoundation.com.
1. What really inspired you to write your book,
to force you from taking an idea or experience and conveying it into a book? During my years of visiting presidential homes such as Mount
Vernon and Montpelier, for example, the signs--and all of the collateral
material said: "George Washington's Mount Vernon" or James Madison's
Montpelier. After a while the omissions started to bother me. I asked myself,
"why not include the wives?" Not only would you capture the interest
of a little girl, but historical literacy would--over time--rise. When I
was writing the book, it was also important that the wife got top billing in
the title. The next in the series will be about the Madisons, DOLLEY AND
JAMES.
2. What is it about and whom do you believe is
your targeted reader? Interestingly,
the age range is wider than one would believe. This book has a bit of the Harry
Potter syndrome, in that because parents can either read it to their kids, or
older students can enjoy it on their own. The illustrations--all created by my
mother--really move the story along.
3. What do you
hope will be the everlasting thoughts for readers who finish your book? What
should remain with them long after putting it down? Abigail was a Founding Mother, and John was a Founding Father;
they made huge personal sacrifices to help form a country to their liking.
While he rose in politics, she managed their farm, virtually alone, because the
Adams's didn't believe in slavery--a very unusual position in those days. I think
it's been said that if their time away one another was added up, they endured a
ten-year separation, tolerated only by their loving letters; in all more than
1000 were written.
4. What advice or
words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers? I don't really have words of wisdom for my fellow writers, but
they probably would have some for me.
5. What trends in the book world do you see and where do you think
the book publishing industry is heading? I think the trends are better than people think. It appears the
Kindle and other such devices have lost some popularity, and more people are
opting to read traditional books. The great service of the
"electrical" books, is they provide an alternative for people with
eye diseases. It's a great thing.
6. What great
challenges did you have in writing your book?The biggest obstacle was assembling the right team around me, but
we did it, and without them, Abigail & John would not have happened.
7. If people can only buy one book this month,
why should it be yours? Many children's biographies are
"sanitized". By that, I mean, here's the impression you get upon
completion: he/she was born, became a success without too much struggle, and
died a hero. Abigail & John was not constructed that way. It's more realistic--difficulties
are presented in age appropriate language--but when you're finished, you'll
likely think, "Wow. They really worked hard to help make America a great
country--despite their hard times."
DON”T MISS THESE!!!
How authors get their book marketing
mojo – and avoid failure
Authors
cannot succeed without the right attitude
So what
is needed to be a champion book marketer?
Should
You Promote Your Book By Yourself?
The Book Marketing Strategies Of
Best-Sellers
How authors can sell more books
No. 1 Book Publicity Resource: 2019
Toolkit For Authors -- FREE
Brian Feinblum’s insightful views, provocative
opinions, and interesting ideas expressed in this terrific blog are his alone
and not that of his employer or anyone else. You can – and should -- follow him
on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels
much more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by
BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2019. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in
Westchester. His writings are often featured in The Writer and
IBPA’s Independent. This was named one of the best book
marketing blogs by Book Baby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and recognized by Feedspot in 2018 as one of the
top book marketing blogs. Also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best
resource.” He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.