Interview With Children’s Book Author Patricia Kosnik (Patti)

 

 

1. What inspired you to write this book?  If it hadn't been for my granddaughter Emma, I would have probably never taken on this challenge. When I am with Emma, she always asks me to tell her a story.  It can be about her dad (my son), her grandpa, myself or something totally made up. When she was 9, I was invited to her 3rd grade class to read a book to them.  We were visiting her in Virginia, so naturally, I read the class a book about Seattle.  While in the classroom, her teacher was asking each student to share their weekend plans.  She off-handedly told them that she and her family were going to hang out all weekend in their pajama lamma ding dongs".  Immediately I thought "how cute, I wish I had my grandkids call me "Gramma lamma ding dong".  Over the next few months I couldn't stop thinking of a way to turn this into a story.  When I was visiting Emma a few months later, I asked what she thought, and the excitement on her face was all I needed to start writing a story. During the course of writing it, I realized that for me, it was more than just a story, it was a little legacy that my family could keep and share with future generations of our family, to know how deeply they are loved. It's the little things you want to tell someone, but can't always find a way or appropriate moment, so I put all my love for them down in words.  

2. What exactly is it about and who is it written for?  This book is about a fun-loving, silly and hip grandma who spends the day with her 3 grandchildren at a park.  The day is full of surprises because she has a secret that only she and her grandkids know about.  During their time together, she is able to reinforce subtle life lessons along the way to help build good character and compassion.  I started out writing this book for my grandchildren, but as I let friends and family read it, I was encouraged to get it published.  I find that children of all ages are enjoying this story.  

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?  I would hope readers would find the book entertaining and enjoy the rhyming aspect of this book.  I hope they are able to pick up on the subtle lessons throughout the story that remind us to always be polite, kind and share with others.  Mostly, I hope it becomes a favorite book for families to enjoy together.  Recently my granddaughter Xander took her copy to school to share with her class.  She keeps asking me to write another one so she can have me read it to her class.  I guess praise of your work doesn't really get any better than that, at least for me.  

4. How did you decide on your book's title and cover design?  I already answered the title part of this in question #1. I simply could not get the title out of my head.  After deciding to write the story, I wanted to teach my grandchildren a lesson in "Follow Through".  Quitting was never an option. As far as the cover, The illustrator and I played around with a few options, but I really wanted to break from the stereotypical look of "grandmas" portrayed in most books.  My character is energetic, modern, fun and silly.  Not a frumpy granny with gray hair in a bun. I wanted the reader to see the cover and think "This book looks like fun"!  

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers - other than run!?  Take your time and do your research. Keep editing and rewriting until you get the story that makes you happy.  Since this is my first publishing experience, persevere through the rejections from publishers.  If you choose to self-publish, as I did, read the fine print and be aware of what you are agreeing to. 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is headed?  Trends that I see in the book world are specifically audio books and electronic books (e-Books).  People have busy lives and it is easier to keep a book with you on your phone or a tablet. Although these are convenient ways to read, I favor seeing books published in the traditional way, especially for children. Tangible books are more enjoyable when a child can help turn a page, look closely at the pictures, engage in the reading, or just looking at a book at bedtime, in a car or just sitting next to you.  

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?  The experiences shared with my grandkids definitely came in handy with this book. They know that I always have a surprise for them in my purse.  When we are out to eat, I usually bring along coloring packs or stickers to help keep them entertained.  I am not a fan of handing a kid a phone, they need to be taught how to behave in public and how to speak with respect to others. Eating out, for example, is a great way to teach through your actions.  

8.  How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to? In this particular book, it's a rhyming style.  I have always had fun making up rhyming songs, and letters to my family, as well as word games.  I think the style is light and playful and conveys the meaning in an enjoyable and memorable way.  Growing up, my favorite books were Dr. Suess. His stories were fun and easy to read with so many made-up words and characters. I have been told that my book is like a little Dr. Suess, a Little Mary Poppins and a little Magic School Bus, all rolled into one. I find that quite flattering. 

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?  I had so much fun writing this book, that it didn't seem like there were any challenges at all.  However, working with the illustrator was somewhat challenging mostly because we live in different states and we had to communicate mostly by e-mail.  I was fortunate enough to have met Richard a few times, so he got my personality and was able to recreate it in his pictures.  The other challenge was being in a hurry to get it published, so all my grandchildren were young enough to enjoy it. So, consequently, I learned a great deal regarding the self-publishing avenue. 

10.  If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?  If you are looking for a silly, fun and entertaining book to share with your kids or grandchildren, you will not be disappointed.  My book will make you laugh, the pictures will keep your attention (look for the puppy) and it will ignite and inspire your imagination.  I get emails, letters and Facebook comments often from friends and family letting me know how much this book is a family favorite. 

About The Author: I was born and raised in Washington State, where I continue to live with my husband of 41 years.  We have 3 children and 8 grandchildren.  Family is the center of my world. I have a strong belief in right and wrong, keeping promises and following through with commitments. These are values I want to pass on to my children and especially my grandchildren.  I love family time together especially at holidays, or just because.  My husband and I love to share our skills with our grandkids, such as sewing, working on cars, gardening and cooking or baking.  We love making memories that will last a lifetime.  I was close to my grandparents growing up and want to have a close relationship with our grandkids, especially when they enter adulthood.  Please see for more info:  grammalammadingdong.com 

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2024. 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 3.6 million pageviews. With 4,800+ 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 director of publicity positions 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 hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, 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. His first published book was The Florida homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.