Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

Congratulations to Lindsay Gizicki on the release of The Pirate Doctor

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

I asked my daughter last year what she wanted to be when she grew up and she told me she wanted to be a doctor… for pirates. The idea of a little girl curing pirates was just too cute to pass up!

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

One of the biggest motives for me writing this book was my daughter. She loves all things pirates, monster trucks and robots but she doesn’t see herself in a lot of fictional stories that involve those themes. I hope our brave pirate doctor inspires little girls to envision themselves in any story—even if the topic of the story is traditionally not geared toward girls. I really wanted this character, Rue, to be the heroine of this pirate world for every adventure-loving girl out there.

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

The metered rhyming! Following a consistent meter and having all the lines of a verse use the same number of syllables was a completely new concept for me. My first book did not follow that format. I ended up hiring a meter coach and editor to help me perfect this one because I had such a hard time nailing it on my own. I'm really happy with how it turned out and I’m grateful for the learning process I had.

What are your marketing plans for the book?

I’ve been sending my press release to relevant magazines, newspapers, and podcasts. I will be trying to get as much exposure as possible. I also have a few author events planned to celebrate my launch (at bookstores, bakeries, and art centers.) For both my books, I’ve tried to think outside of the box about how to get the word out there and companies/people with whom I can collaborate. There’s a book and craft subscription box service based out of Chicago. I hope to be included in their monthly boxes again as well!

What's next for you?

I plan to start work on my third and fourth children’s books soon. One is a sequel to my first book, To the Moon and Back, the other is a brand-new concept. I also have an adult fiction book I wrote about six years ago. I would love to be able to publish that one day too. Basically, I have a lot planned and I’m hopeful for the future.

A little bit about the book . . .

Rue, a brave and ambitious young girl, longs to sail away on adventures. One day, with the help of a magical compass, Rue comes to discover mystical stones and gems that grant her the ability to heal her pirate friends. Join Rue on a quest to help her dear comrade, Bandana Jack, when he comes to her with a dire problem! Our courageous Rue sets sail to prove that girls have a place in any pirate story, especially as the heroine.

A little bit about the author . . .

Lindsay Gizicki graduated from Central Michigan University and pursued her passion for journalism. She is currently the editor of an architecture magazine based in Troy, Michigan. Lindsay is an avid book lover and the Michigan-representative for The Book Fairies Worldwide, leaving hidden books for potential readers all around the state. In her spare time, she can be found on Lake St. Clair with her husband, Cyle, and their 4-year-old daughter, Harper, and 2-year-old son, Henry.

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