Interviewing Author Lisa Reinicke

Interviewing Author Lisa Reinicke 

Q1. Tell me about your self what are your favorite books to read?

A. Well, of course, I love children's picture books the best that is why I write them. I remember what a special time reading was for me with my mom and my aunt. My mother had my favorite book saved so I had it as an adult. It was Ponies and was a Rand McNally book. because I loved horses and have been on horseback since before I could walk.

     My other favorites are the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder when she wrote for the newspaper.  She was full of common sense and had an entertaining way of writing.

    Lastly was the Rainbow Goblins. Mimi would disappear into the bedroom while I waited patiently on the loveseat. That was the best place to sit so I could share the warmth of her presence upon her return.  She would come back to the living room with the treasured book, “The Rainbow Goblins.”

It was a very big book, with vivid artistry.  None of the children were allowed to touch the book or the pages. There could be no chance of getting the pages dirty or torn. Sitting very still I would be entranced as she would turn the pages appropriately as she read the words.

The words would be read by her dramatically, but softly.  Her normally vivacious voice would be almost a whisper tonight as she pointed to the beautiful pictures describing the paintings as the colors jumped into my eyes.

I wanted it to last as long as it could, not because I was trying to get out of going to bed; I didn’t want my time with Mimi and the Goblins to end.  She didn’t hurry the book along either.  Mimi took her time reading so I could enjoy every word and every detail in the pictures. She would help find the animals, naming each one. I would name the colors of each Goblin with her helping me find the next one.

With me still not touching the book or the pictures, Mimi would eventually turn to the last page.  Her sweet shoulder would move as she closed the book.  The magic lingered and in a Goblin trance, I would go off to bed.  She would tuck in my covers and kiss my face.

The Rainbow Goblins would disappear back to her hiding place that none of us children could ever find, even though we tried.  We all knew the Goblins would not return until we could have another night alone with Mimi.

Q2. when did you decide you were going to write a book?

A.  I have always written stories. Many years ago I wrote children's stories for local TV. Then I recorded some of the writings for audio because we had trouble getting one of our children with ADHD to sleep at night. Putting on a good story seemed to keep him in his bed until he drifted off to sleep. I figured that other parents had the same problem so we created A Goodnight's Sleep Company for children's stories. Now I have the time to really focus on writing.  The children's books were a lot of fun but the memoir about my dad during WW2 was the most rewarding, Football Flyboy. When I was notified for it being a finalist in the Benjamin Franklin Award, I could not stop crying. I felt so honored that I got to tell these wonderful stories to pass on to generations. 

Q3.  How did you come up with the name of your books? 

A. the Cute Little Pig with Personality.  David's Christmas Wish is a true story also about our oldest son and his desire for a goldfish for Christmas. Wings and Feet, I had the story but no name and was having trouble so I involved a school of 3rd graders to help me name the story.  Bart's Escape out the Gate was also named by a 1st-grade class. Wilhelmina's Wish was inspired by our youngest daughter who drew a unibrow on her face and called herself Wilhelmina. Then Football Flyboy because Dad was a small town football start turned pilot.

Q4. What are you working on for 2019? 

A.  Oh Gosh so much!!! I had to have a little talk to myself about myself!!!  I had too many projects going at once, so here is what myself decided. I have a business book that is at the editors right now. We have had an automobile company that works with dealerships all over North America. I started the business in the basement over 35 years ago. It is a rag to riches story full of laughter and business concepts that enabled us to grow the company to a worth of 22 million dollars. It is full of race car analogies. 

Then I have another children's book in the works that is back from editing the first draft, so it is ready for a rewrite. The illustrator is working on the first drawings. It will be like a Toad and Frog sized book. Harry, the hairy troll is a single father of three baby dragons. Piff, Puff, and Poof. Piff is a little tender hearted and cries easily.

Puff means well but can only blow black smoke, and Poof keeps unintentionally singeing Harry's hair off.

    Finally, I have a HOWTO book that is at the editor which is a complete how-to book for writing a children's picture book. It takes a beginner from concept to independent publishing and marketing. I am really excited about that one. Every event we have for book sales, I have at least 3 people want to know how to get started. There are many companies that have webinars and they only take you a step of the way before they want more money for the next webinar. I wanted to give people a way to create their own book even if it is just for family. I am going to walk through many options with the new writer to leave a legacy for their families.

Q5. How long have you been writing?

A. FOREVER! Holy Cow.  I didn't realize just how long this obsession has been going on. I went through my mom's stuff that she saved and found writings from 3rd grade on. I loved drama in high school because we got to write our own material. The speech was another class that my teacher took me under his wing to encourage me to think and write. I have journals and scraps and notebooks all over the place with snippets of ideas and characters.

Q6. What advice would you give other authors? 

A. Don't be concerned about being a New York Times bestseller. Don't worry about selling tons of books and making a fortune. In fact, you probably will not make much money, but you are leaving behind something way more valuable to your family. The fact that you are writing means that you are leaving YOU behind for them to enjoy forever. During the book, events listen to others and are glad to be with them. They probably are going to buy your book because they like you and feel connected because you cared about what they have to say. After listening, you can relate the book to something that they would enjoy. 

7.where can people find you online?

A. It is just my name lisareinicke.com for my website which is full of fun stuff. We have a curriculum for Wings and Feet, videos for crafts that relate to each book, and some behind the scenes pictures for Flyboy. I will always send a signed copy when ordered on the website.  Facebook is Lisa Reinicke author, same with Twitter and Instagram. I have a YouTube channel under my name also. I need followers there, so come join me on YouTube! 

Q8. Do you plan on making more books in the future?

A. Oh, those scraps of paper all over the house keep calling my name. Yes. I want to do a companion book for Flyboy. This is from the child's perspective during WW2. Having parents away in the war, mothers and, grandmothers working outside the home, and children worked for the war effort too recycling.  I am a Rosebud; a direct decedent of a Rosie the Riveter so I am really excited to start this in 2020.  

Q9. How many books have you written?

A. I have written more than 25 stories for TV and 30 for audio recordings. But as far as books I only have 5 children's picture books and the one memoir that are published so far.

Q10.  did you go to college to be a writer?

A.  No, I wish I had, but it is doubtful that I would have listened as much as I do now. I have taken many classes to hone the skill and grow. Being involved in the entertainment industry behind the scenes, I have learned a lot about writing for different venues. This has helped my writing as far as character growth and set the scene. I think it hampered me though on the conflict and resolution. I tend to rush through that a bit too fast.

I would like to say thank you to Lisa for allowing me to interview her on my blog.