Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!
Where we celebrate new books by Michigan's children's book authors and illustrators
Congratulations to Victoria Buursma on the release of her new book, TRIPLE THE FUN ON MACKINAC ISLAND!
Q#1: Congrats on your new book! What inspired you to write it?
My entry into motherhood wasn’t quite the normal route. I’m a triplet mom to three year-old toddlers, Josephine, Rosalie and Eleanor who were born three months premature after a very high-risk and complicated pregnancy. Since high school, I’ve always had a dream of writing a children’s book and after becoming a first-time mom, my desire to write one grew even further but my inspiration didn’t stop there.
When my parents moved to Mackinac Island to become innkeepers at the Cottage Inn of Mackinac, we found ourselves visiting frequently and it quickly became Josie, Rosie and Ellie’s favorite place. Adding together my love for my children and my love for Mackinac Island –– my story was clear and Triple the Fun on Mackinac Island was created.
When my parents moved to Mackinac Island to become innkeepers at the Cottage Inn of Mackinac, we found ourselves visiting frequently and it quickly became Josie, Rosie and Ellie’s favorite place. Adding together my love for my children and my love for Mackinac Island –– my story was clear and Triple the Fun on Mackinac Island was created.
Q#2: Writing can be a real struggle at times. Did you come up against any challenges when writing this book? How did you deal with them?
With being a mother to three toddlers, finding quiet time to focus on my writing was my biggest challenge and my writing sessions were limited to late-evenings after my mommy-duties for the day were complete. Also, many parents would agree that providing equal attention to each child is a necessity, so it was important for me to ensure each child was equally represented in my writing.
Q#3: Who is your author idol? How has that author affected you?
I don’t have one specific author idol, instead I have many. During my daughters long NICU stay, they would each receive a children’s book on a weekly basis, which was a part of C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital’s Giving Library Program. These books provided me with a way to connect with my children when I couldn’t necessarily do so through touch. This experience is what opened my eyes to the all the possibilities of what children’s books offer and I idolized many of the authors I would read.
Q#4: Can you share what you are working on now?
I just finished my first children’s book, Triple the Fun on Mackinac Island which is illustrated by Natalia Wohletz and published by Mackinac Memories LLC. Currently, I am preparing for its launch in mid-June!
I’m also excited to announce that I’m able to donate a copy of Triple the Fun on Mackinac Island to each room at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital thanks to the contribution made by my sponsors, Mackinac Island resident Bob Benser and the following businesses: Cottage Inn of Mackinac, Good Day Café, Island Slice Pizzeria, Original Murdick’s Fudge, Pink Pony and The Mackinac House.
I’m also excited to announce that I’m able to donate a copy of Triple the Fun on Mackinac Island to each room at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital thanks to the contribution made by my sponsors, Mackinac Island resident Bob Benser and the following businesses: Cottage Inn of Mackinac, Good Day Café, Island Slice Pizzeria, Original Murdick’s Fudge, Pink Pony and The Mackinac House.
Q#5: What are your marketing/promotional plans for your new book? Where can people connect with you?
My book launch signing for Triple the Fun on Mackinac Island is on June 16th at the Island Bookstore on Mackinac Island from 11am-1pm and it will be available online at victoriabuursma.com starting June 17th. During the month of June, Triple the Fun On Mackinac Island will begin popping up in stores on Mackinac Island, in Mackinaw City, St. Ignace and at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Triple the Fun on Mackinac Island will also be featured on local news stations as well as in local newspapers. To stay up to date with its release and future signings, visit @triplethefun on Instagram or Facebook and to learn more, head to www.victoriabuursma.com.
A little bit about the author: Victoria Buursma gave birth to triplet daughters, Josephine, Rosalie and Eleanor, three months premature at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Mich. Following their birth, Victoria became an advocate and influencer to help guide new parents through the obstacles of parenting preemies, especially multiples. The stay-at-home mom has a BA in social work from Eastern Michigan University and lives in Gaylord, Mich., with her daughters, husband and two dogs. They often visit Mackinac Island where her parents are innkeepers at The Cottage Inn of Mackinac and The Mackinac House. Keep your eyes peeled; you may see her strolling around the island with her daughters in tow.
Triple the Fun on Mackinac Island will also be featured on local news stations as well as in local newspapers. To stay up to date with its release and future signings, visit @triplethefun on Instagram or Facebook and to learn more, head to www.victoriabuursma.com.
A little bit about the author: Victoria Buursma gave birth to triplet daughters, Josephine, Rosalie and Eleanor, three months premature at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Mich. Following their birth, Victoria became an advocate and influencer to help guide new parents through the obstacles of parenting preemies, especially multiples. The stay-at-home mom has a BA in social work from Eastern Michigan University and lives in Gaylord, Mich., with her daughters, husband and two dogs. They often visit Mackinac Island where her parents are innkeepers at The Cottage Inn of Mackinac and The Mackinac House. Keep your eyes peeled; you may see her strolling around the island with her daughters in tow.
A little bit about the book: Join triplet sisters Josie, Rosie and Ellie as they travel to Mackinac Island. It’s three times the fun – and sometimes the trouble – as they adventure on horse-drawn carriages, splash in the Grand Hotel pool, watch butterflies sip nectar and visit soldiers in uniform at Fort Mackinac.
The girls don’t always agree on things such as fudge flavors and who gets to sit on Grandpa’s lap, but they learn that if they take turns, share and problem-solve little obstacles along the way, their Mackinac Island adventures are always triple the fun.
Beautifully illustrated scenes along with the author’s hard-earned tips and fun-filled activity ideas for parents traveling with young children make this book a must for your Mackinac Island children’s library collection.
The girls don’t always agree on things such as fudge flavors and who gets to sit on Grandpa’s lap, but they learn that if they take turns, share and problem-solve little obstacles along the way, their Mackinac Island adventures are always triple the fun.
Beautifully illustrated scenes along with the author’s hard-earned tips and fun-filled activity ideas for parents traveling with young children make this book a must for your Mackinac Island children’s library collection.
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