In mid-2023, Amber Link approached Argyle Fox Publishing about Declan the Dinosaur, a sweet book created to educate children about autism. A year later, she reached out again, eager to publish her second book. Learn what inspired Declan the Dinosaur Goes to School and how she continues to grow the audience for her book series.
Declan the Dinosaur Goes to School is the second in your Declan series. Tell us what inspired this book. Did it take more time than the first book? Less time? Were you more or less confident of your writing and storytelling skills this time around?
As with the first book, my wonderful nephew Declan was the inspiration behind this second book. He started school this year and, in a sense, this was my way of documenting the start of his academic journey. He attends the same school where I teach. I absolutely love seeing him in the halls each day and hearing all about the wonderful progress he is making.
I would say it took a little less time to write this second book. I used feedback that I received from family and friends and just sort of went with it. I think I also had more confidence this time around when writing this book.
What did you learn while publishing Declan the Dinosaur that made publishing your second book different?
From the first time that I published with this amazing company, I knew more of what to expect when it came to the whole process. Of course, Daniel can correct me if I am wrong, but I feel like I asked way less questions than I did the first time!
You certainly did ask fewer questions! Now, with your first book, you hoped to raise autism awareness. What goals do you have for this book?
I want to continue to raise awareness about autism. My students ask a lot of questions about autism now that they have read both of my books. It makes my teacher heart to happy to see how sweet, understanding, and caring my students are when it comes to students of different abilities. I think my overall goal for both books is to create an atmosphere of acceptance, and I see that throughout my entire school. I love it!
How are you marketing your wonderful Declan storybooks, and what kind of marketing has been most effective? Are you trying different marketing techniques this time around?
As before, this is the most difficult part for me. I am not the best at book marketing! I have been attempting to get better about posting on social media. I have been keeping physical copies of both books on hand. When people hear about my book and I mention that I have copies on hand, it definitely helps the sell. My older brother (Declan’s father) wants to branch out with me and try going to a few vendor events. I am excited to start that soon.
My school is having an upcoming Author’s Day in November. I have been asked to be the star author for this event. I am so excited to share my books with even more students and families!
What feedback have you received so far on your new book?
My students have told me that this book is the best book they have ever read. I will choose to believe them! My family has given me such support and encouragement with this book. Declan’s teacher was thrilled to have a part in this new book as well.
Do you have more Declan stories up your sleeve? If so, can you give us a sneak preview of what to expect in the third installation?
While I definitely want to continue the series, I am not quite sure what the nest book will be. Maybe Declan will take a trip to the dentist. Maybe he will go on a family vacation.
Is there anything else about you, your writing, or your second publishing journey you would like to share?
As always, publishing with Argyle Fox Publishing was a great experience!
Thanks again, and here’s to more people learning about and understanding autism, while falling in love with Declan!
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