Congratulations on the release of MY TOOTH IS LOOSE.
Please tell us more about it.
About the book:
Although this book is included in THE SUM OF OUR PARTS series, it is a
bit of a departure from the standard anatomical content of the other books in
the series. Instead of being a
non-fiction rhyme about a particular body system, the book uses an up-front
rhyming story to cover the subject of teeth.
Most of us likely recall the first tooth we pulled as a child. And more importantly, we remember the “how”,
as if it were yesterday. This book
tells one such story about a boy losing his first tooth.
What was the inspiration for this book?
Bill: I’d have to
say our grandson, Dylan, got me to thinking about the whole idea when his first
tooth began to wiggle. Originally, I
had written the book as a stand-alone story for anyone who has lost a tooth or
is about to. When I sent the manuscript
to Lynda Burch, she immediately saw the best “fit” as being part of my
anatomical series. So, that’s where it
landed.
What is your favorite moment from the book?
Bill: I’d have to
say my favorite moment is when the older brother prepares the main character
for the “string on the door knob” trick.
Here’s the verse:
Then I felt a piece of string.
(Yikes! This trick seems ruthless!)
“Close your eyes,” I heard him say.
“You will soon be toothless!”
You’ll have to read the story to find out if this
time-tested method works this time.
My daughter could answer that, but it sounds like reading the book would be way more fun.
This doesn't sound like your first published book.
Bill: No. This book is number nine. It is the fifth book in the anatomical
series (all illustrated by Eugene Ruble).
It joins four other fiction stories, also written in rhyme, and
illustrated by some terrific artists.
All my books have been published by Guardian Angel Publishing. It’s been a lot of fun seeing each book take
form.
We’d love to hear more about you, Bill.
Let’s see. It might
be easier to start now and go backward.
I’m currently retired from my professional life, having completed two
careers. But I must admit to feeling
even busier now than I have ever been.
In addition to writing and promoting my books, I’m having fun as a
Scoutmaster in a Boy Scout Troop. We
meet weekly and our Troop goes camping or backpacking at least once a
month. Last summer a small group of us
spent six days backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail near Lake Tahoe.
I’m also a Deacon at Faith Presbyterian Church in Sacramento
and, in my spare time, I am a Massage Therapist, working just enough to keep my
hands in the business, so to speak.
When I can manage it, I like to run pretty much anywhere I have a
chance, although the distances seem to be getting shorter lately.
In my professional life, most recently I worked for the
State of California for 19 years in the Child Support Program and as a research
manager in the Department of Social Services, where I retired four years
ago. Before my state career, I was an
Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years.
I grew up in an Air Force family with three younger
sisters. My youth was spent on the move
from Germany to Arizona, Florida to Washington DC, Bolivia to Georgia. Then it was back to Germany, France, North
Dakota and Florida again before joining the Air Force myself. After living in California for 27 years, my
wife and I are on the verge of picking up stakes and moving back to Florida. We have two children and four grandchildren,
split between California and South Carolina.
Wow, you know how to live a full life. And 20 years as an
Intelligence Officer!?
Do you have any book signing events or book tours
scheduled for MY TOOTH IS LOOSE?
Bill: In March I did
a book signing at a local novelty store called “Imagine That Gifts and Home
Décor” as the only author with books offered by the store. Looking ahead, I’m working with a branch of
the Sacramento Public Library to do readings of “My Tooth Is Loose” and several
others of my books this summer.
Wherever I travel—most recently to Minnesota and North Dakota, I feel
like a literary version of Johnnie Appleseed, dropping books and business cards
all over the country.
How can our readers learn more about you and any upcoming MY
TOOTH IS LOOSE events?
Bill: The easiest
way is to visit my website at http://www.billkirkwrites.com
where all my books and other writings are presented. I also have a blog dedicated to all aspects of the writing craft
at http://billkirkwrites.blogspot.com
and a second blog specifically highlighting THE SUM OF OUR PARTS at http://billkirkwrites-tsoop.blogspot.com
.
Thank you for stopping in to share MY TOOTH IS LOOSE with
us. Readers can order their copy here. We are proud to add it to the
ever-growing line of quality titles from Guardian Angel
Publishing.
Posts
6 comments:
Wow, what a great interview you guys! You sure have had an interesting life Bill. I wish you great success with your new book.
Bill, your books are always fun and so helpful. And this one is the best yet. Congrats mate.
*Books for Kids – Manuscript Critiques
http://www.margotfnke.com
Bill, your books and interviews are full of life and humor. Keep up the good work. Or as they say in the military, a job well done.
Blessings for success.
Your book seems like a fun read, and your full life must offer lots of story ideas. Well done you!
I love that you rhymed "ruthless" with "toothless." Clever! Congrats on the new book!
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