When Dr. Anne Federlein approached Argyle Fox Publishing, she brought a sweet story that anyone with a pet can relate to. As a bonus, the story highlighted her favorite people: her children and grandchildren. Keep reading to learn more about this author and grandmother.
Let’s get started learning about you. Who is Anne Cairns Federlein, PhD?
I’m an educator from Michigan. I taught young children in early childhood and special education classes in public and private schools and later taught their teachers at colleges and universities.
Tell us a bit about Granny Annie Names the Kitten in the Mitten. What is it about and what inspired you to write your book?
Granny Annie and her fluffy yellow kitten with no name live in a cottage in the mitten far from her family. When her family comes to visit, Granny wants the children to name the yellow fluffy kitten. The story leads up to the children giving the yellow fluffy kitten a name. What is it? You’ll have to read the story to find out!
Talk about how you found Argyle Fox Publishing and why you felt we were the right publisher for you.
For well over three years, every evening I was online learning about the different ways to publish. I subscribed to a newsletter that came out every Wednesday with the names of new authors, their agents, and the bidding wars that took place.
I read a book with 1 million pages naming publishing houses, literary agents, and the genres they preferred to read. There was also a list of publishers to avoid.
A close friend in Texas knew a literary agent in her book club. She asked if the agent would read a few chapters of my book. Her answer was swift and to the point, “When she has published her third novel, have her call me.”
Three novels? I’ll never live that long.
Less than a year ago, an author (Nancy Lullo) moved next door. She is well known in the community as an administrator with a special education and early childhood background. In one of our early conversations, she mentioned the recent book she had published. It was an excellent experience, and she suggested I contact Daniel at Argyle Fox Publishing.
Writing books is the fun part for me. Granny Annie will have a few more children’s books in a series. The next manuscript I’m submitting is a memoir, Falling Up the Ladder, about my tenure in higher education and serving as a president at two colleges.
Daniel is an excellent editor. He knows the business of publishing from the beginning of writing to the advertising of the book. He is a patient editor who gives you the support needed throughout the whole process.
Who is your target audience, and what do you hope readers get out of your book?
I hope my book is read by parents, teachers, aunts, uncles, and children alike. It’s a good book about problem-solving for ages two through eight.
The illustrations Victoria Aniefiok created for your book are so cute and seem to be so fitting. How do you feel she captured your vision for your book, and how was the process of working with her?
Victoria Aniefiok is a talented artist and illustrator. I shared photos of those characters in the book with my family. All agree that Victoria caught the spirit of each character. I hope she does the artwork when the next book in the series is written!
Now that your book is published, how will you measure whether it’s a success? What is your goal for your story?
If one person enjoys the story or has a nice memory or a good laugh, it was successful. I always enjoy writing and laugh out loud sometimes. That’s when you know you’ve nailed it—when you’re laughing at your own writing.
What are you doing to market your book and let folks know it is available?
I’m reading the book to young children in groups at the local bookstores and library. I always take a few extra to sell after a reading. Many children want their own copy.
What feedback have you received so far on your book?
People are kind. They all love the story, especially the artwork.
This isn’t the first book you’ve written. Tell us about your first book and any differences between publishing Granny Annie and your first book.
Oh, the first book I wrote was on safe playgrounds (for tenure), and the next was about learning through play.
What would you say to other children’s book writers who have a story they’re considering publishing?
Write! Find a quiet place—a desk at the back of the library is perfect. Take a thermos of tea or coffee where you work. Take care of yourself first. Do not keep changing places to write. Find a favorite one and stay there when you write. Keeps your mind on the book.
With three books under your belt, you obviously love writing. Do you have another book up your sleeve? If so, can you give us a sneak preview of what it’s about and when you plan to present it to the world?
My next books will continue to tell stories about Granny Annie’s life. This was a time before computers, when there were typewriters, pencils, crayons, and paint brushes. Before families moved away from hometowns.
I want to write about some of the things lost. For example, in small towns, before the police force showed up, there were grannies sitting on benches downtown chatting and knowing everything. Sounds like a good story to me!
Is there anything else the world should know about you or your writing?
I’m an English major and believe if you can write, you can follow your dreams.
Thanks so much, and here’s to success!