Book Birthday Blog with Mary Marthey

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Mary Marthey on the release of On Thin Ice

 

 

 

You are super busy with creating your website and releasing your debut picture book (and have another book on the way). What advice do you have for creatives as they prepare to launch their first book?

Launching a first book . . . yes, isn't that a challenge? I read four 'How to Self-Publish Children’s Books’ and, of all the information in them, the most overwhelming were the chapters about The Launch. One book suggested a launch team. This sounds helpful, but it requires the author to ask family, friends and coworkers, to help them spread the word using their social media. There are Facebook groups for authors, indie book shop gatherings, parties and giveaways. To be honest, none of these ideas truly felt comfortable to me.
 
I recalled the launches of J. K. Rowling’s famous books, the lines of buyers gathering at midnight in anticipation, the police guarding the stores. This image calmed me because I reminded myself; I’m a newbie author with a lovely picture book to share.  Just go ahead, I thought, put the book on Amazon, ask people you know who plan to buy the book, to buy it, and write an honest, positive review.
 
I do believe that writers who already have an online presence, those who use social media and are familiar with sharing their accomplishments publicly, will have a successful launch. It’s about advertising and self-publicity, in any form one feels comfortable. The more comfortable we are with broadcasting our success in completing a book, the wider range the coverage of the launch. Blow your horn and celebrate. We only get one chance to launch a new book.

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

The idea for On Thin Ice came to me quite easily because of my concern about climate change. It is overwhelming when we educate ourselves about what is happening to nature, the animals, humans of course, the oceans, the landscape. I love picture books! I so enjoy reading the books slowly and admiring the artwork, both fiction and nonfiction picture books. It occurred to me to write an educational book for children using the quintessential polar bear. After much research I found it almost impossible to write such a book without upsetting the reader. It took years of revisions to develop a plot with a happy ending. Originally, On Thin Ice was nonfiction, but I realized that people might not want to read it. What good is an educational book no one reads?

 

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

 

My hope is that readers of all ages will take away this fact; it is not too late to prevent these bears from disappearing. It is not too late to prevent the ice from melting. It is not too late to stop global warming. I want the reader to know, no matter how young or old they may be, that everything we do, and every decision we make, can help save our planet. Even the smallest of actions, on an individual basis, can make an incredible difference.

What are your marketing plans for the book?

   

I was a teacher prior to writing children's books.  Teaching students ages six through twelve to read was my specialty. I plan to ask the local schools if I can visit them and read to the students. For a while I took a Humane Society dog to schools to teach children about taking care of their pets. After the initial nerves I enjoyed myself very much. If we’re proud of our presentation and familiar with it, it’s a rewarding experience. I have yet to sell my book in person, so I am not familiar with the economics, but perhaps this is the marketing niche I’ll feel most comfortable with.

 

What's next for you? 

 

The Captain will be coming soon. When I was searching for an illustrator for On Thin Ice, I found two wonderful artists who were both interested in the project. I wanted to say “Yes” to both, so I gave one of them another completed manuscript. The Captain tells the story of a boy who takes his sailboat out by himself. I know, it’s preposterous, but it is a book for children. A storm comes up and he survives the storm, enjoying the challenge. It’s a life lesson kind of book.

 

A little bit about the book . . . 

 

It is spring in the Arctic. At long last a mother polar bear and her cub emerge from their den. She takes her curious baby into the cold habitat and onto the ice.  Suddenly, their sea ice breaks away from the mainland and they float slowly out into the Arctic Ocean. Beautifully illustrated in watercolor, On Thin Ice tells the fictional story of two bears, while simultaneously depicting the hard facts about life in the Arctic in the 21st century. Younger readers will enjoy a suspenseful tale, while older readers will learn the powerful truth about climate change.

 

Publisher: Books For Kids Publishing

 

A little bit about the author . . . 

 

Mary graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, with a Master of Education. During her years teaching she spent the summers traveling the world.  Her love for science, social studies, geography and foreign cultures brought knowledge and enthusiasm to her work. Fascinated by all she experienced and desiring to impart a love for books and reading, Mary now writes picture books for children, hoping to share what she has seen and learned.

 

Website: https://www.booksforkidspublishing.com/