My Story
Why Write a Book at My Age?
The original concept of this book occurred when I was in my twenties and working as a graphic artist for a university in upstate New York. I was a new mother with a very interesting toddler who had a great interest in everything: fish. We couldn't keep him from smudging his little face against the glass of aquariums or reaching into the water with his pudgy little hands, much to the chagrin of the aquarium owners. Christopher's interest in fish sparked the story. I managed to draw quick illustrations and started coloring them using Prismacolor pencils, which took forever. I soon found little time to devote to this new project as I now had two little ones to raise. Thus, the manuscript was stored under the bed, gathering dust for fifty years. Until…. Emma.
Emma is our grandniece and is very attached to her great-uncle, Thomas, my husband. He was Facetiming her when he called me to his side to say hello. My long silver hair hung loose around my shoulders as I sat down to say hello. She didn't say anything and just stared. She leaned forward and asked me, "Are you a mermaid?" I giggled as I was amused at her consternation and simultaneously remembered I had a Merboy book under the bed. Afterward, I took the manuscript out from under the bed and reread it. With the eyes of a much older woman, I thought I might have something children could enjoy.
Thus began a new journey and career for this seventy-five-year-old grandmother and great-aunt. I updated the story and added more interest by including social interests and a little geography. As educators, we always desire that the reader get more than entertainment from a book. I hope I provided that in When Uncle Chris was a Little Fish.
So, why write this book now? Because I can. Just because we and I speak to everyone who thinks that reaching seventy is a death sentence, we can yet live and sparkle. We octogenarians have loads of talent and lots of time; even though we may be limited in energy, we can still do much. I say, find what is covered in dust under the bed, dust it off, and go for it. Shine! If I can do it, so can you.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!