Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

Congratulations to Dawn Simpson on the release of Bug, Bug, Don't Bug Me

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

My youngest son was very bothered by bugs of all kinds when he was little. The book idea came to me around Christmas last year – I thought it might be a cute way to help kids see that bugs aren't all bad.

I was originally going to write the story from a child's perspective, but the more I thought about it, the more the idea of using foals as the characters appealed to me. When I was introduced to Gary Millar, the director of the Arabian Literacy Program in AB, Canada, it sealed the deal. I fell in love with Gary's program!

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

I hope littles and parents alike see that even the little things that bug us can sometimes be beautiful – so we shouldn’t let the little things trouble us.

What inspires you to write?

My horses, nature, my friends, little things and big things. My second kids book ‘Flowers from Ella’ – was inspired by the simple gestures of my friend’s daughter who picks wildflowers for me every time she comes to ride.

What are your marketing plans for the book?

I’ve been promoting a bit on Facebook. But honestly, I would love any advice!!! I’d really like to partner with some local bookstores or libraries. I am headed to Angel Heart Farm in January to do a book signing for the kids they work with who are struggling with chronic illnesses like cancer.

What's next for you?

I have three full length novels in progress and two new kiddo books started. The one novel I am working on getting ready first is in Developmental Editing right now. Part of my time in Nashville will also be collaborating with the Executive Director of Angel Heart Farm on a new book about the special ponies there that bring love and respite to the kids she serves.

I’d truly love to get to a point in my writing where I could do it full time.

A little bit about the book . . .

Follow a group of frisky foals who just want the bugs to stop pestering them.

Designed for early readers – soon to become a favorite go to book you and your kids will read again and again.

A portion of all sales will be donated to "The Arabian Horse Literacy Program".

A little bit about the author . . .

Dawn grew up in Western Michigan surrounded by the beauty of the Great Lakes with a family that nurtured her love for the outdoors. A graduate of Western Michigan University, she earned her B.S. degree in Social Science/Communications with a Secondary Education Certificate. Her resume includes teacher, riding instructor and horse trainer turned technical trainer. After years in the tech industry she gained notoriety as continuity and resilience consultant. She has written articles, whitepapers and technical documents on how to prevent and survive a disaster. The itch to explore less technical writing began about eight years ago with a stint as a freelance blogger and occasional 'how to' guide writer. She has a passion for future worlds, broken and damaged people and places that can be put back together and made stronger. She attributes a love for dystopian stories, and a special fondness for zombies, to her kids.

Simpson loves a good PSL, or a Manhattan, and robust discussions on horses or surviving an apocalypse. Whether it's dystopian, tragic or futuristic, her stories and the characters she develops involve a passion for solving problems, helping others, improving relationships and looking for beauty in the ashes.

She is surrounded by a household full of males, a patient husband and two sons, an ancient rat terrier named Snoopy, and her Arabian gelding, Drake. She's a little bit geek; little bit environmentalist; and a little bit country. When not writing or consulting, she spends her time with barn buddies and of course Drake.

https://www.facebook.com/millersimps0n/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1054627.Dawn_Simpson

https://www.dtmillerauthor.com/

Amazon

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnsimpsongr/

https://www.pinterest.com/greatlakestack/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZwAg-LS4rmJV7_8KxFqMFw