Interview With Author Timothy Sumter

 

 

1. What inspired you to write this book? My children inspired the book series. It is based on their experiences, navigating issues at a young age, and my experience as a parent helping them to navigate those issues.

 

2. What exactly is it about and who is it written for? The book is about a young child named Jay Wise who, while on a walk with his father, learns a lesson in failure, resilience, and persistence.  The book is written for children and parents.

 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book? I hope children are inspired to try hard to achieve any goal even when it seems like they can’t do something.

 

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? The titular character is based on my son, Jackson Sumter, and my daughter, Rhiley Wise Sumter. The character’s name is a combination of their names. The title is based in the situation/lesson the character learns that day. The cover design is taken straight from the book illustration at the center of the story.

 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!? Ironically enough, I would recommend they read this book! There are lessons in it for children and adults about resilience. Just because you can’t do something now does not mean you can’t do it at all. Find a way around or through the situation to achieve your goal. Keep trying and keep failing until you achieve your goal. Regardless of what happens after the book is published, you will be proud of what you accomplished.

 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? The book industry is trending toward a more technologically advanced creation and distribution environment. I think as the industry evolves the story telling and lessons being communicated must remain authentic. Authors and publishers will have to work to make sure that isn’t lost in the evolution.

 

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? As a former soldier, I had to learn to tailor how I communicate for the audience and situation. It was never tougher than communicating with my children. Searching for the best way to communicate with my children effectively led to the style and tone of the book.

 

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to? The writing article for these books is very straight forward. Children understand are observant and understand for more than adults give them credit for. Being clear and direct is one way of being candid, helpful, and respectful of how kids learn. I try to stick to that.

 

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? Lack of time and money. I work full time, go to school, and I am a father. I was always at a deficit of both time and money needed to self-publish. Additionally, I had less time to spend with my children which is always tough. I made it a point to show them, after the book was published, what I was working in, why it was important that I do this for them, and they know it was/is all about them.

 

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

This book does not coddle children. It teaches them that nothing is easy or given. Some things take time and some take practice. You have to be resilient, keep trying, and be patient to achieve your goal, no matter how big or small. Parents, children, anyone with a goal can benefit from reading this children’s book.

 

About The Author:  I am a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point (c/o 2002). I was commissioned a US Army Officer and served multiple combat tours in Iraq. I hold a BS in Psychology, Masters Degree in Psychology of Terrorism and Security, and I am currently working toward a Masters in Strategic Studies (complete July 2024). While I do not have a background in child development, as a soldier and as a parent, nothing means more to me than my children. My goal is to make sure they develop and grow into the best people possible. That development begins with me. I hope these books are a step in the right direction in letting them know how much they are loved and how important they are. The lessons in the Jay Wise book series are intended to impart/reinforce life lessons for both me and my children. I intend to expand into television and film, if possible, using what my children and I learn to help as many children and parents as possible.

 

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on LinkedIn. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2023. 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. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This award-winning blog has generated over 3.4 million pageviews. With 4,600+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and two jobs 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. He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America, and has spoken at ASJA, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. 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. He has been featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald. For more information, please consult: www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum.