We were contacted by one of our subscribers this week, Mae Endy, who is a local children's author, among many other things. We would like to thank her for contacting us to let us know of her wonderful book, and also for giving us her time in answering some questions we had for her. Please note that after reading the interview, there is a link you can follow to download her book, "Cozy Cat Sam" for free.
Mae, could you tell us all a little about yourself?
"Yes, I'd be happy to tell about myself. I'm a high school teacher, registered nurse, licensed massage therapist and author of two children's E-books: "Cozy Cat Sam" (free) and "Cozy Cat Sam and His Feline Family" (99 cents).
What is your favorite book?
"My favorite book as a child: "B is for Betsy." It's an old story about Betsy's fist day at school and her school year. My favorite book as an adult: "The Glass Lake" by Maeve Binchy"
You said you are a high school teacher. What subject(s) do you teach?
"I teach allied health subjects to high school students who want to learn about healthcare professions."
Do you live in the area? If so, have you always lived in this area?
"I live in Berks county. I moved here in 1987. Before that, I lived in South Philadelphia where I was born and raised with my brother Arthur."
What inspired you to begin writing children's books?
"As a teacher, I have been asked to help with writing parts of some medical textbooks. This encouraged me to try my hand at writing children's books for two reasons. First, I love to make up stories for children. Second, I felt I could put that to good use with my writing skills."
What do you think about books that are turned into major motion pictures, such as "Harry Potter" or "The Hunger Games"? Do you think it's a way to encourage children to read the books first before going to see the movie, or do you think that it takes away from a child's ability to picture in his/her mind what is being read in the book?
"Unfortunately many children will jump on the opportunity to see a movie rather than read the book of the same title. The movie will entertain us for the moment, but reading the book will live within our imaginations forever. I encourage children, especially, to read first then see the movie."
Mae Endy's book, "Cozy Cat Sam", is a wonderful children's book. In the book, Sam is trying, unsuccessfully, to find a place in his house to take a nap. Children get to follow along while Sam searches high and low to find that one perfect spot to curl up and take a nap.
Mae's book is available for free on Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, and most E-book venues. This is the link on Smashwords, where you can download it in a variety of different formats: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/219584
