The Adventure of Teddy series are all non-fiction stories for children and families about my real-life rescue cat named Teddy. Teddy lost his ears to frostbite while being homeless in freezing weather conditions in central Canada. All of the books in the series will highlight educational points about pet care, support inclusivity and celebrate being different together.
Teddy Loses His Ears is the introduction book into the series, and touches on self-esteem and disability awareness as we fielded many questions about Teddy’s abnormality while emphasizing his beauty and purpose, despite injury. Teddy Loves Spaghetti uses humour to educate children about nutrition, alternatives to food-based rewards and introduction to diabetes.
We’ve had many unique experiences since fostering Teddy, and my children’s reactions to these incidents were inspirational. We hope that children connect with Teddy as a loveable character who shares his stories to help save other animals from preventable injuries, just like his.
Everybody has a story. We need to listen to one another to create opportunities to learn from their journey and perspective to grow to become kinder, more compassionate humans, to animals and each other.
Why do you write in the genre(s) that you do?
I write in children’s non-fiction. I enjoy it because it challenges me to simplify my narrative and get right to the heart of the matter.
Do you keep a notebook of ideas?
Yes, I do. I have a dozen notepads in my phone full of book title ideas, point form thoughts and lessons to incorporate, as well as partially written stories that I refer back to and make constant amendments. I need to keep something handy because I just never know when inspiration will strike.
One time my son was having a complete meltdown, as kids occasionally do, but his rants were filled with nuggets of inspirational gold about feelings and emotions. I was balancing the mom role by comforting him while furiously typing to keep with the speed of his verbal ranting in author mode.
Do you have a muse?
Yes. Our cat is my muse! My book series are all non-fiction stories about my real life rescue cat named Teddy, who lost his ears from frostbite one cold Canadian winter in 2021, and has had an incredible journey to find his way into our hearts and home.
Are you a fan of the Oxford comma?
I suppose I am! I’ve recently noticed that I do use it a lot because I write how I speak, and I feel sometimes a pause is required before continuing on with the thought. LOL.
Coincidentally, the only negative comment I have from a professional book reviewer is that she is not a fan of my use of the Oxford comma. But thankfully, they still gave me a 5-star review.
Fill in the blank: People will like your book if they like stories about…”
overcoming adversity and embracing our differences, as told from the perspective of an adorable cat that children feel they can relate to emotionally.
What are your thoughts on typewriters?
I’m an old soul, so I love all things nostalgic. There is just something so satisfying about the clack of the keystrokes, the ticking of paper winding up through the feeder, and, of course, the audible ding of the reel when you fling it back to reset your starting margin position.
Would you rather own a bookstore or run a library?
Definitely a bookstore. In my head I’m able to romanticize providing a quaint sanctuary in my community where I could connect with my customers and watch children select books they are excited to read. The same could be said for a library, but that feels more institutional.
In my imagination, this bookstore would be an intimate space where people can cozy up and drink delicious coffee from a mug, near a trickling water feature for added Zen. A place where lazy dogs are welcome and fluffy cats wander the shop, soliciting laps.
If Hollywood bought the rights to your book, would you want it to be turned into a movie or series?
Ohhh, I think a natural transition for the Teddy character would be to create a cartoon series! Perhaps one day that could translate into a movie as the character gains popularity.
Who is your dream audiobook narrator?
Julia Whelan. I’ve listened to many novels that she has narrated. She seems to capture the essence of the characters she is preforming, likely from her background in acting. My book club often selects books based on a favourite author or narrator that we’ve all previously enjoyed.
What do you like to read? How often do you read?
I have a book club with seven other friends, and we typically read one book per month which is an attainable goal for everyone’s busy lives. We alternate who picks and we aspire to meet up once a month to discuss, typically while participating in a themed activity. We seem to all really enjoy historical fiction novels with a twist.
Have you made any public appearances to promote your book?
I have been invited to participate as a guest on several Podcasts and a couple of primetime news slots, which I am honoured to have been a part of. This year, it looks like I might be invited to do an in-person book signing at my local Chapters/Indigo. I’m very excited about the prospect of meeting people in a public setting and capturing new Teddy fans!
Who would you most want to read your book?
It would be a dream to have my book reviewed by someone influential and inspiring like Reese Witherspoon or Hilary Duff! They are authentic and relatable. Both are passionate about literature, family, and are uplifting to other woman to achieve their goals. They are fellow book club enthusiasts who inspire millions of people to enrich their bonds and connections.
I admire these women for their achievements and of course, any book they select or recommend would be an instant best seller because of their celebrity, passion and credibility for their insightful title reviews. This would be a dream and likely the highlight of my ordinary life!
Is there an idea that a non-writer pitched to you that you have considered writing?
My children are constantly pitching me ideas. They are my main source of inspiration, so of course I listen intently and try to find a way to piece together a cohesive storyline from their excitement and innocent perspectives. I’ve also had several friends ask for advice on how to get started on a similar journey. It’s such an honour to have people confess they admire me for following through the publishing process and that I’ve inspired them to pursue their own dream.
Do you like to physically write on paper?
No. Not anymore. I’m a fast typer, so essentially I can “scribble” down my thoughts much faster as they come into my brain on a keyboard. Plus, I’m so used to typing now, that writing a simple greeting card gives me a hand cramp and becomes increasingly illegible towards the salutation. ha ha
What is your ideal writing space?
I would certainly love a Hallmark movie moment where the author whisks themselves away to a quiet lake house or a historical castle destination where they can completely immerse themselves in the quaint community whilst rediscovering inspiration within themselves. LOL.
However, this is not reality. My ideal space is simply somewhere that I can take an uninterrupted moment without little people yelling, “Mom.”
Have you ever gone away to work on a piece of writing? If not, where would you go if you could?
I have not yet had the luxury, but I’m currently building a cabin in a rural community 90 minutes out of the city. I’m very much looking forward to spending some time alone at this cozy and peaceful retreat that I am creating.
How do you measure the success of your book?
Children’s reactions! I recently attended a beach field trip with my daughters class and all of the children swarmed me like I was a celebrity! They were all so genuinely happy and inquisitive about Teddy because he is a real live local kitty! I loved so much that they not only remembered the first book from months previous but had so many great follow up comments and questions for me and all expressed their eagerness for the release of the next title in the series.
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Buy a copy of Teddy Loves Spaghetti here!
Buy a copy of Teddy Loses His Ears here!
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