Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors and illustrators.

Congratulations to Tracy Detz on the release of Valor & Victor and the Zombies from Earth!

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I started writing Valor & Victor and the Zombies from Earth in 2018. Technology with social media and the easy access to know what the world is doing via your phone at any moment is taking over the world. Along with the wise words and great ideas from a five-year-old boy, Ryder Privette, Valor & Victor was born. I love technology and find it helpful, but too many people abuse it when it comes

to the phone.

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

Anywhere and everywhere throughout the world, everyone is looking at their phones. Through my travels, even on vacation, people just can't put their phones down. I would love for people to be in the moment. Communicate eye to eye. Talk to each other, not just texting. There is much more fun to experience without your phone.

What did you learn along the way in getting your second book published?

There is always something new to learn. And good things take time, especially in

the publishing business. I have met so many amazing people in the writing

world. There is a vast amount of networking and resources available, people

who share a passion for words and stories. SCBWI is at the top of the list! They

are kind and happy to help.

What are your marketing plans for the book?

Spread the word! Marketing is so much work, but so much fun! Author signings,

bookstores, libraries, school visits, social media, blogs, accessible websites,

Pinterest, radio, e-books, trailers, Caribu app, and so much more. I always strive

to market my books in every way. Always have a few books on hand and tell

people what you do! Persevere. You can do it! I believe everyone has a story to

tell.

What’s next for you? Any events coming up, or new books in the works?

I have many books completed and in the works. But my latest passion is writing

MG. I am working with my editor now, developing a story dear to my heart.

Along with another 30k plus words rough draft MG book I am diligently working

on. I feel very passionate about both stories. I am one step closer to my dream

agent. I believe if you write what you know and love, the words will flow.

A little bit about the book . . .

Valor from Venus and Victor, his cat, fly to Earth to cause a BIG spat.

Scaring Earthlings is such a great TREAT but sadly, they learn, it’s no easy feat.

These humans are dull, they’re more like ZOMBIES, in love with their phones and

staring at screens! To scare them, the ALIENS devise a plan, that when thwarted, spreads

fun across the land.

Complete with whimsical illustrations, this funny and imaginative book is a reminder to

kids and parents alike that there is much more fun to be had on the other side of

the screen.

A little bit about the author. . .

Tracy Detz is an equestrian, photographer, and therapeutic riding instructor. She is the owner of Forever Free, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities overcome obstacles through the way of the marvelous horse. Tracy travels as much as possible and would love to live in a seashell house someday. She rides like the wind and loves to read and write. Tracy lives on a farm in Wales, Michigan with her horses, cats, dogs, and husband. She grows plenty of flowers and fields of hay. Tracy is the author of No Fish For Charles, and invites you to visit her at www.Tracydetz.com.