She has taught elementary school for 17 years and has been an animal lover her entire life. In April 2015, Mercy and her husband Brian adopted Samson from the DAWGS Prison Program, and there began her passion for dog adoption and training. Since then, she and her husband support this amazing nonprofit organization that helps dogs, inmates, and forever families. Samson’s Tail was inspired by this program and Mercy’s desire to educate and promote its worthy cause. Therefore, a portion of the proceeds from the sales of Samson’s Tail will go to support the DAWGS Prison Program.
Q.1 Tell us something about yourself, not
many people know?
A. I grew up in a small town in New Hampshire. I
rode and competed for horses in shows and events. As a teenager, I rescued horses
off the racetrack, trained them, and sold them. I miss riding and plan to own a
horse again at some point. I just have to talk my husband into it.
Q.2 When should we expect your next book? What
will it be about?
A. Not planning the next book at this time. I am
very busy with teaching and promoting Samson’s Tail.
Q.3 What made you write Samson’s Tail?
Also, let our readers know about the DAWGS Prison Program.
A. As an elementary school teacher, I had always
wanted to write a children’s picture book, but I never knew my story. When my
husband and I adopted Samson from The DAWGS Prison Program in 2015, my passion
for dog adoption, and this program was ignited. We took Samson everywhere with us, and people would always comment on how well behaved he was. We would tell them
how he was saved from a shelter and placed in a prison program. There he lived
in a cell with his handler, and under the watchful eye of expert trainers from
the DAWGS Prison Program, he was trained in all basic commands, was house-trained, crate trained, and well socialized. So, when we adopted him, he was the best
dog ever, and everyone agreed! No one had ever heard of this program or others
like it, and it was then that I knew the story I had to tell.
The DAWGS Prison
Program is an amazing non-profit organization owned by Steve and Amy Eckert in
Pottsville, PA. This amazing program
saves dogs from shelters and placing them in prisons. They live in a cell with their handler and are
trained before being placed in their forever families. This program benefits the dogs,
the inmates/handlers, and the forever families. If you can adopt a dog from a prison
program in your area, you are not only helping a dog, you are helping a human,
too.
Q.4 What actually goes on when the author and
illustrator meet?
A. I published my book with Mascot Books, so my
process to find an illustrator was a little different. Mascot sent me examples of styles, I chose
styles I liked, they sent me portfolios of illustrators, and then I chose the
three I liked best. After that, those
three illustrators drew their rendition of Samson and Trevor, the main
characters in my story, and I chose Rachel Novel because I loved her
Samson! From there, we worked together
page age to get the illustrations exactly what I wanted. I sent Rachel detailed notes about what I
wanted on each page, she did a wonderful job, and I love how the illustrations
turned out.
Q.5 What do you love most about writing
stories for children?
A. As a teacher, I love to write a story that
teaches children something. A story that
creates conversations and discussion. I
also love to see children enjoying my story and asking questions. I will never forget the first time I read my
story aloud to children; it was an incredible experience; my dream had come
true.
Q.6 Why do you think it is important for
children to develop a love of reading?
A. I think it is important for children to
develop a love of reading because it helps to build their vocabulary, inspires
their imagination, it builds confidence and helps them to be able to see the world in a new and exciting way.
Q.7 Many writers describe themselves as
“character” or “plot” writers. Which are you? What do you find to be the hardest part of writing?
A. In my story, Samson’s Tail, I had an idea of
the story I wanted to tell, so I would consider with this book I was a “plot.”
writer. I think the hardest part of
writing is the revising/editing stage.
Q.8 Which children’s book most inspired you as
a child?
A. I have been inspired by so many children’s
books as a child and now as a 2nd-grade teacher. Some of my favorites are The Giving Tree, The
Dot, Last Stop on Market Street, Sulwe, The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes,
Emmanuel’s Dream, All Are Welcome Here, Be Kind, and more!
Q.9 Do you have any advice for aspiring
children’s book authors?
A. My advice to aspiring children’s book authors
would be to read LOTS of children’s books. Choose books that are similar to your book's topic; it is amazing
how much you can learn from just reading and familiarizing yourself with the
genre.
Q.10 Do you read your book reviews? How do you
deal with good or bad ones?
A. I read reviews written on my book, and I
enjoy hearing people’s opinions of my books. It makes me feel so grateful when
I get a good review, and I see that the reader understood my purpose and agrees
with my mission and the DAWGS prison program's mission. When I get a bad review, it is hard to take
at first, but I understand that everyone has the right to his or her opinion and
I try to not let it bother me. Thankfully, so far, I have received better than bad reviews!
Q.11 Outside of your family members, name one an entity that supported your commitment to become a published author?
A. My acquisition editor from Mascot Books, Jess
Cohn was and is wonderful support! Right from the start, Jess saw the importance of sharing Samson’s story, and she was there for me every step of the way. She and her family have even come to many of my author events at bookstores.
Q.12 How will you describe your life before
and after getting published?
A. Before publishing Samson’s Tail, I always
dreamed of publishing a book, but I never really knew my story. Once we adopted Samson and learned all
about the DAWGS prison program, I knew the story I wanted to share. Once
Samson’s Tail was published, my whole life changed! I have been so inspired to market my book and
get Samson’s story out there. I have
been so busy with author signings, reading, events, online social media, etc. I have enjoyed every step of the process and
I am so grateful to everyone who has supported me, my mission, and the mission
of the DAWGS prison program.
Q.13 What are the three most important things
in your life?
A. The three most
important things in my life are family, eating healthy, and traveling.
Q.14 What are you reading now?
A. I am currently
reading A Promised Land by Barack Obama, which was a Christmas present from my
husband.
Q.15 What do you like to do when you’re not
writing?
A. When I am not
writing, I enjoy reading, hiking, cooking, baking, traveling, volunteering, and
riding horses.
Q.16 As a child, what do you want to do when
you grew up?
A. As a child, I always
wanted to be a teacher. I would set up all of my stuffed animals as my students
and give them quizzes on the material I taught.
Q.17 Do you have a particular drink or food
you consume when you write?
A. No.
Q.18 Can you share with us something off your
bucket list?
A. I hope to continue
to travel to a variety of different countries to learn more about different
cultures, to meet new people, and to have new, exciting experiences.
Q.19 What is your favorite book, and why?
A. I have so many favorite books; see above for
my favorite titles.
Q.20 Share the experience of your journey so
far?
A. My journey started
years ago when I dreamed of writing a children’s picture book. The year I published my book
was amazing. I was so busy with events, signings, interviews, and readings every weekend, I was scheduled for something new. It was wonderful to have
reached my goal and to be able to share Samson’s story. Then, when COVID hit, everything slowed down, including my book sales. So, now I am
attempting to promote my book more on social media and online. I hope that the
new year will bring more opportunities for events, readings, signing, etc., to
continue to spread the word about the DAWGS Prison Program and others like it!
Share your social account links -
Facebook - @SamsonsTailBook
LinkedIn - Mercy Mize
Instagram - @Samsonstailbook
Twitter - @Samsonstailbook
No comments:
Post a Comment