Interview With Children’s Book Author Heidi Solomon-Orlick

  

1. What inspired you to write this book? I was inspired to write Just a Dot? I Think Not! A Book of Connection by a lifelong belief in the power of bringing people together. After decades in global sales, I saw firsthand how meaningful relationships, empathy, and collaboration can transform not only businesses, but lives. I wanted to take those lessons—the importance of seeing and valuing every “dot,” every person—and translate them into a story children could understand and carry with them. In a world that often feels divided, I felt called to create a book that celebrates diversity, encourages inclusion, and reminds young readers that connection is a form of magic they can use to shape a kinder future.  

 

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for? This book is geared towards children ages 4-9.  Being that the book fits firmly into the SEL genre, with interactive worksheets to spark conversation and practice key concepts, it is a great book for educators and parents who have a desire to teach children about the power of diversity and community.  

 

Just a Dot? I Think Not! A Book of Connection is an invitation for every child to discover the extraordinary power hidden inside something small. At first glance, Dottie may look like “just a dot,” but her magic lies in the way she brings people together—showing young readers that when we connect, collaborate, and celebrate our differences, we create something far bigger and more beautiful than we ever could alone.

 

This book shines a light on the truth children instinctively understand: community matters. Kindness matters. Every voice, every story, every “dot” matters. Through vibrant illustrations and heart-opening moments, Dottie guides children to see that our uniqueness is not something to hide but something to share. When dots unite, walls fall, bridges form, and a more compassionate world begins to take shape.

 

More than a story, this book is a movement toward belonging. It encourages children to honor what makes them special, to welcome those who are different from them, and to recognize that connection is a superpower we all carry. Just a Dot? I Think Not! reminds every child that they are part of something meaningful—and that together, we can create a world filled with understanding, acceptance, and joy.

 

 Dottie — The Magical Connector

Dottie is the bright, spirited heart of the story, a tiny and magical dot with a mighty purpose to connect the world.

 

Dottie’s magic isn’t about spells or wands—it’s about connection. She sees the world not as scattered pieces, but as a vibrant tapestry waiting to be woven together. With her “magical powers” to bring people closer, she becomes a guide for young readers, showing them that unity, kindness, and curiosity can transform the world.

 

She is hopeful, wise, and endlessly encouraging. Whether she’s reminding us that “dots come in all sizes and shapes” or celebrating the beauty of diversity, Dottie models what it means to lead with love. Her mission is simple yet profound: to help every child see that they matter, they belong, and they are part of something bigger.  

 

The Dot Squad!  Throughout the book, Dottie introduces readers to a joyful cast of dot characters who reflect the richness of the world around us. Each one represents a different shape, size, color, or style—proof that uniqueness is something to be celebrated.

 

These dots aren’t just illustrations—they’re personalities. They stand “side by side, proud and bold,” showing children that differences are not barriers but beautiful variations that make the world more interesting.

 

While some dots prefer to stand alone, while others dream of a world painted in gray, Dottie meets them with compassion, gently reminding readers that connection is always possible if we are willing to listen and understand.

 

More than a book, Just a Dot?  I Think Not!  is a movement toward a more compassionate, tolerant and inclusive world. 

 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book? I hope readers walk away from Just a Dot? I Think Not! A Book of Connection with a deeper understanding that every person—every “dot”—matters. My wish is that children see themselves reflected in Dottie’s journey and recognize that their uniqueness is a strength, not something to hide. I want them to feel empowered to reach out, include others, and build bridges across differences. In a world that can feel divided, this book reminds young readers that connection is a superpower, kindness is a choice, and together we can create something brighter, braver, and more beautiful than we ever could alone. 

 

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? As a person who spent over 4-decades in professional sales, I was always called a "master dot connector."    What better way to teach children the power of connection and community than to feature a dot as the main character!  The book takes a simple concept, a dot, and turns it into a powerful metaphor for connection, kindness, and inclusion. Dottie the magical dot and her vibrant friends show young readers how unity and respect can build bridges across differences. The cover, with its bright, playful illustration of Dottie and her friends, signals a joyful, uplifting reading experience while tackling a very culturally relevant and important topic, especially in today's disconnected world.

 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!? Don't hide.  Tackle the tough topics.  The world needs your voice and representation.   

 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?    As a fairly new author, I don’t consider myself an industry expert, but I do see several powerful trends shaping the future of publishing. First, the use of AI is transforming how authors ideate, edit, and even market their work, making the creative process more accessible and efficient. While there is a place for AI, and I understand that it is here to stay,  I believe it is also degrading the authenticity of works published.  The industry needs oversight, regulations and there needs to be a balance.  Second, direct‑to‑consumer marketing is becoming essential, with authors building their own audiences rather than relying solely on traditional publishers or sales outlets like Amazon, Ingram Spark and Barnes & Noble.  The fees are too high and it is difficult to see an ROI. Third- the importance of social media continues to grow—platforms like Instagram, BookTok, and LinkedIn are now critical spaces for visibility, community-building, and book discovery. If an author does not have a strong social media presence, it will be very difficult for their books to get discovered.  Finally,  I do see a trend of authors using hybrid and self-publishing options for more creative control and speed to market. Together, these trends signal a shift toward greater author autonomy, more personalized reader engagement, and a publishing landscape where creativity and connection matter more than ever.  

 

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?    My four-decade career in global sales deeply shaped the heart of this book. Throughout my professional journey, I learned that success is never just about transactions — it’s about people, relationships, and the magic that happens when we connect across differences. I became known as a “master dot connector,” someone who could bring individuals, teams, and communities together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Those experiences taught me the power of collaboration, empathy, and inclusion, and they inspired Dottie’s mission. This book is my way of sharing that wisdom with children, showing them that connection is a superpower they can carry throughout their lives.

 

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to? My writing style is warm, rhythmic, and intentionally simple—designed to make big ideas feel accessible to young readers. I love using playful language, repetition, and gentle rhyme to spark curiosity while guiding children toward deeper lessons about kindness, identity, and connection. In many ways, my approach is inspired by Dr. Seuss, who had a remarkable gift for tackling tough or meaningful topics in fun, imaginative, and engaging ways. Like his work, my stories use whimsy and metaphor to open the door to important conversations. My goal is to create books that feel joyful on the surface yet leave children thinking, feeling, and growing long after the final page.  

 

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? One of the biggest challenges I faced while writing this book was overcoming my own self‑doubt and lifelong pull toward perfectionism. Every story I create feels deeply personal because it reflects my values, my experiences, and the legacy I hope to leave behind. That weight can make the creative process both meaningful and intimidating. I had to remind myself that perfection isn’t the goal—impact is. Pushing past the fear of not being “good enough” allowed me to focus on what truly matters: writing a book that inspires connection, celebrates diversity, and, in its own small way, contributes to leaving the world a better place.

 

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? If someone can read just one children's book this week or this month, I believe Just a Dot? I Think Not! A Book of Connection deserves to be that choice because it speaks directly to the challenges we’re facing in the world today. We are more divided, more distracted, and more disconnected than ever, and those fractures often begin in childhood. This book opens the door to early conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion, and the transformative power of community. By helping children understand that every “dot” matters and that connection is a superpower, we plant seeds of empathy, belonging, kindness, understanding, tolerance and unity. Our children are the future, and if these lessons are instilled early, they truly can change the direction we’re heading—one connected dot at a time. 

 

About The Author Heidi Solomon-Orlick is a trailblazing sales leader, author, and advocate who proves purpose has no age limit. After a four-decade global sales career, she reinvented herself in her 60s to champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and active aging. As founder of GirlzWhoSell, she is building a diverse pipeline of young women in B2B sales, expanding access to economic opportunity. An award-winning author, Heidi has published Heels to Deals, I Have a Voice, and Just a Dot? I Think Not! with More Than Pretty on the way. Driven by impact, she uses her platform to elevate underrepresented voices and spark meaningful change. For more info, please see: https://heidisolomonorlick.com.

 

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About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 6,400,000 page views. With 5,600+ posts over the past 15 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) and (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/10-things-my-dog-taught-me-about-marketing-books). 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, three times at BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, five times at Morgan James Publishing Red Carpet, 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