Interview With Author Wanda Obermeier
1. What inspired you to write this book?
An empty nest, the death of the Berenstain Bears creators, and
the need to
have good books for my grandchild. All of these events prompted
me to
start writing children's books after years of writing songs for
children and
adults.
2. What exactly is it about and who is it
written for?
Mama Bird Papa Bird encapsulates a story of life, from a bird's
perspective, fable like, with themes of nurturing, natural
growth, and
ultimately leaving the nest. Actually, it's MY story of having
been
blessed with one child, after years of tear-filled infertility.
3. What do you hope readers will get out of
reading your book? Universally
speaking, Mama Bird Papa Bird is the human life story. Planned
or unplanned,
babies symbolize that life goes on and parents have the
responsibility to nurture
their offspring.
4. How did you decide on your book's title and
cover design?
The book title, after googling there was no other title like it,
with the
exception of the 60's group The Mamas and the Papas, I federally
trademarked the title Mama Bird Papa Bird ® because I knew I had
a
classic one-of-a-kind title! And the cover needed to be
eye-catching,
which it truly is.
5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have
for fellow writers – other
than run!?
Seek some wisdom from editors, marketing specialists, other
writers,
mentors, writer's circles, etc. Don't act like you're the lone
ranger! It takes
a lot of people to help bring success to your book!
6. What trends in the book world do you see --
and where do you think the
book publishing industry is heading?
Children's literature is in high demand, and if your bilingual,
the world is
your oyster!
7. Were there experiences in your personal
life or career that came in handy
when writing this book?
Absolutely! Rejection was my motivation! I actually was naieve
enough
to call Scholastic. After asking me “Who is your literary
agent?” I hung
up utterly ashamed. But I was determined to find out how to
acquire a
literary agent. Then of course there was the Benjamin Franklin
Silver and
the Mom's Choice Gold awards. Those two things will change the
status
of an ordinary book to extraordinary! Joining IBPA was the
single most
life changing move in my professional career. They literally
took me to
school: Book Publishing 101.
8. How would you describe your writing style?
Which writers or books is
your writing similar to?
I've been told I have a musical like cadence, and my husband
calls me
Mrs. Seuss. And while I admire the morals and good values taught
by the
Berenstain Bears, and Aesops Fables, I would say perhaps in a
word,
didactic, I think. There needs to be an educational take-away,
not just
entertainment.
9. What challenges did you overcome in the
writing of this book?
Definitely finding the right illustrator. Faith Thomas nailed
it! And if it weren't for her
excellent skills as an artist, this book would not have
attracted the attention of
so many. Turns out, you CAN judge a book by its cover.
10. If people can buy or read one book this
week or month, why should it be
yours?
Mama Bird Papa Bird is destined to be a classic. (Not my words,
but from
Midwest Book Review.) And the fact that Mama Bird Papa Bird
earned
two awards that signify excellence, you have a prescreened book
that not
only will you enjoy reading as an adult, your children and
grandchildren
will be mesmorized by the artwork that seems to leap off the
pages like
an animation. Finally, you will want to keep this book as one
you will
treasure for a lifetime.
About the Author : Born in Milwaukee, WI in 1962, “this
grandma-and-a-mama” lives in Georgia with her husband of 40+ years. Bachelor's
from the UW Stevens Point, Master's from Marian University in Educational
Leadership, and singer-songwriter, with 300+ songs in her music catalog. Former
State Coordinator. Nacel Cultural Exchanges, based in Tours, France, placing
over 3,000 students in Wisconsin homes and sending Americans abroad. 25+ years of
experience teaching Spanish and ESL (English as a Second Language) to Hmong immigrants
and South Americans in Marathon County, WI. For more info, see: AdnawPublishing.com
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