Book Birthday Blog with Lindsay Gizicki

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Lindsay Gizicki on the release of Bookley the Book-Loving Ghost

 

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

As a kid, I always loved going to the library. Every Sunday, my parents would take me to pick out new books for the week. It’s one of my favorite childhood memories, and it absolutely sparked my love for reading and writing. One day, I entered the children’s section and there was a book laying on the ground in the middle of the aisle. I didn’t think anything of it, and then the next week there was a new book, and the next week after that as well. My young imagination started running wild with what that could mean… of course it meant the library was haunted and the ghost was picking out a book for me to read! I’ll never know the truth behind that—but it was my inspiration for Bookley.

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

It’s my goal that this book sparks the imagination in all of us, especially those who have a love for the library. The library is a magical place. It’s filled with books that can lead us anywhere. Growing up, those books shaped who I was and allowed me to become who I am today. I hope everyone can experience the library like me—and Bookley—do! It’s never too late or too early to take advantage of all that the library has to offer.

 

What inspires you to write?

My children are the reason I got into writing books for kids, and every book I create I do so with them in mind. This book is my first where they didn’t help me to come up with the idea for it; but I had them in mind while I wrote it. They are my key audience, so it helps me to consider what they would want to see, what they think would be funny, what visuals matter to them as they’re reading. In my books, I have a lot of significant things in there for them. In Bookley the Book-Loving Ghost, there is a book that contains a drawing of two kids running through a weeping willow. That image is taken directly from one of my favorite photos of them. I love putting little tidbits inside of my books for my kids. Things that most readers wouldn’t pick up on; but are so important and meaningful to us.

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it?

I’ve been doing a lot of fun “add-ons” for this book. I’ve commissioned a stuffy to be made, and I’m having a book set created for it so I can sell the book and plushie together. I’ve also created keychains, stickers and bookmarks. I’m really excited for the launch because it’s the most I have ever put into a book launch. I hope to be able to team up with some local businesses in September/October for some fun Fall and Halloween events as well. The book will be available on my website, hankarooreadings.com, Amazon, and at some local stores.

 

 

What's next for you?

I’ve thought a lot about it, and Bookley might be my last picture book! I have gotten a lot of requests to make a sequel to my second book, The Pirate Doctor—and that’s still a possibility. But I don’t think I’ll have any “new” new picture books. I would really love to break into chapter books next. I started writing these books for my kids, and they are getting older. Soon, my daughter will prefer chapter books, and I would love to be able to write some for her.

More about the book . . .

Bookley is a shy spirit who adores the little town he’s in. He connects to the local people through the joy of reading at the town’s library—where he lives!

Published by: Hank A Roo Readings

More 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, and writes for publications all across the country. 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. Lindsay is also one of the founders of A Pop of Indie, Michigan's first traveling book fair for self-published authors. Her children, Harper and Henry are her "why" behind all of her books.

Instagram: @hankarooreadings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hankarooreadings