Interview With Children’s Book Author Irvin Coston

  

1. What inspired you to write this book? The dog I wrote about passed and my kids were devastated by it. So, I wrote a book about how he acted in his yard to give them great memories of him. 

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for?  Behr the Junky Yard Dog is a heartwarming story about gratitude and responsibility. Behr has been blessed with many things, but when he realizes that some of his friends aren’t as fortunate and begins to reflect on how he treats his belongings. Behr and Gary the Great is a story that shows us that even when the world seems full of bullies. We all have the power to stand up against them and discover the greatness within ourselves and others. It shows us the importance of embracing our unique qualities and inspiring others to do the same. These books are written for children ages 5 – 9 and can be read by younger. 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book? I hope children will gain understanding of chores, being responsible, and grateful for their blessings. I want them to know they are unique and have greatness in them.  

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? On the 1^st book Behr the Junky Yard Dog I wanted the kids to see the mess Behr created in his big backyard. In the 2^nd book I wanted the kids to see the unity and celebration of friendship.  

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!? To always believe in what you are writing. No one can be more convincing of your story than you.  

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? Big industry is monopolizing books, and the demand for less paying contracts is on the rise. Small independent self-publishers are harder to come by. 

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? Yes, I write plays as well and it helps me to channel my writing to children’s books. My degree is in Communication, so that was a big help and I have been creative writing since I was a teenager. 

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to? I would say it’s more descriptive and conversational writing with a bit of storytelling. I don’t know any writer my writing is similar to.  

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? I had to get past my doubt of is this book interesting enough to keep the interest of children. Sometimes you get in your own way. 

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? There is so much to learn from my books. There is a lesson to be learned for children and adults. It speaks about being responsible, being grateful, not being bullied and knowing you are unique. This book is a fun adventure and a true under Dog story. 

For more information, please consult: www.irvincostonbooks.com or connect with him on  Instagram @irvincostonbooks. 

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About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 5,850,000 page views. With 5,600+ posts over the past 14 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.”  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). 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, BookCAMP, 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. 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