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

 

 

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 The Guardians of the Garden

 

 

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

My family loves planting and taking care of our fruits and veggies in our family garden. Last summer, my kids caught a squirrel stealing our cherry tomatoes and they were beside themselves! They couldn’t believe the animals outside were “robbing” us. They started trying to stack up their toys around our garden and using their bubble machines to try to keep them away. Which obviously didn’t work BUT it did give me an idea for my next book! 

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

This book really is about the joy of summer and the wonderful imaginations all children have. As kids, we’ve all made up games and explored new worlds right in our own backyards. I hope everyone who reads this with their family can relate to that childhood wonder. The Guardians of the Garden is also about family love. It’s a special time for our family when we come together to plant the garden, and we look forward to pruning it together every day throughout the summer. 

 

 

What are your marketing plans for the book? 

I’m so excited for what I have in store for this latest book! I’m happy to announce that 10% of my proceeds are going to the Detroit non-profit, Rescue MI Nature Now, Inc. Rescue MI Nature Now is dedicated to developing green spaces within communities and nature based educational programs. They began as a beekeeping family and wanted to expand their passions which include working in the community, uplifting the youth and lending a helping hand. I’ll also be doing workshops and readings at some local greenhouses.

In an earlier book birthday interview we learned about The Book Fairies Worldwide. For those who missed the interview, what is this organization and how can others get involved? 

The Book Fairies is an organization centered around the love of books and sharing the joy of reading. As the Michigan representative, I leave books around the state for lucky readers to find. Once the reader finishes the book, they are encouraged to leave it for the next person. Think of it as a traveling library! If you’re interested in hiding books or having your books hidden, you can contact me on Instagram at @bookfairies_michigan

What's next for you?

I’ve started writing my next book! I would love if I could publish that next year. Besides publishing more picture books, I’ve also started consulting some self-published authors, which has been so much fun. The more I learn about the industry, the more I want to help other authors fulfill their dreams. I’m honored that people trust me to bring their ideas to life.

A little bit about the book . . . 

Every summer, two children playfully guard their mother’s garden from cheeky critters that steal their fruits and vegetables. Their arch enemies—the squirrels—prove to be the biggest tricksters of all. 

Publisher: Hank A Roo Readings

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, Mich. In her spare time, she fishes with her husband, Cyle, and speaks nonsense with her 5-year-old daughter, Harper, and her 3-year-old son, Henry. Her previous self-published books include To the Moon and Back and The Pirate Doctor. In 2022, To the Moon and Back won an honorable mention in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards.

Instagram: @elle_gizicki and @hankarooreadings
Facebook: @hankarooreadings
LinkedIN: @hankarooeadings
Twitter: @lindsay_gizicki

 

Book Birthday Blog with Lindsay Gizicki

 

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. 

https://www.facebook.com/hankarooreadings

https://www.instagram.com/hankarooreadings/ 

https://www.instagram.com/elle_gizicki/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hank-a-roo-readings/ 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Lindsay Gizicki

 

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 To the Moon and Back

 

 

 

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

My family and I were eating breakfast one day and we were discussing how mischievous my son can be. My daughter made a comment about him ending up on the moon one day because he’s so naughty. I told her that even if he did, I would go get him and bring him right back home. My husband replied that it sounded like a cute book idea—and I agreed! 

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

The book revolves around a mother’s love. I hope readers can relate to the power of that love—whether it be with their children or the love they felt from their own mothers. It would be an honor if readers were using my own words to express the magnitude of their love for their children. I hope this book helps families connect during bed or reading time.

 

 

What inspires you to write?

My children! One of the most beautiful parts about having children has been watching their little imaginations at work. It’s amazing to me how creative they can be at such a young age. One of the things I started doing with my daughter was to have her tell me a bedtime story every night. Her stories inspire stories of my own. I like to think this book, and every book I write, will have pieces of my children in them. My life these days revolves around my children so it felt very natural to enter the world of children’s books.

You are the Michigan-representative for The Book Fairies Worldwide. How did you find this organization and what is it about?

I stumbled upon The Book Fairies one day while reading an article about Emma Watson. She had just helped The Book Fairies launch in London during Women’s International Month in 2017. I visited London the following July and was disappointed when I couldn’t find one of their hidden books. When I got back to the States, I emailed their CEO to see if I could help with Michigan efforts. She informed me that they didn’t have anyone stationed in Michigan yet and asked if I would like to be the official rep. The Book Fairies are an organization dedicated to promoting reading. We hide free books for readers—brand new or used. We work with many publishers, authors, and bookstores to promote new and upcoming books. We’ve done campaigns with movie production companies as well to celebrate upcoming movies adapted from best-selling novels. Think of it as a revolving Little Free Library, but you can find a book anywhere!

What are your marketing plans for the book?

I’ve been trying to come up with ways to connect with parents and teachers. Members of my mailing list receive free activities every month sent right to their inboxes. These activities promote various motor skills for children ages 2-6. I’ve been trying to grow my subscribers through this. I’ve also been sharing free coloring pages and doing giveaways on our social media. I’ve looked for out-of-the-box ways to get To the Moon and Back to potential readers. I have various collaborations in the works. For example, I have the book lined up to be included in a subscription box service. It’s also going to be sold along with Play-Doh sensory kits (which are space-themed). I have several author events planned at bakeries and craft stores, all while featuring goodies that match characters from the book. I found that reaching out to small businesses has been very successful. If you can sell your product along with someone else’s product you’re both profiting and reaching new customers.

A little bit about the book . . .

Join a mother and her child on an epic adventure through space. Our mischievous child keeps finding themself in space through many wrong doings—their balloon carried them too high, their homemade rocket went too far. Their mother, desperate to bring them home, chases after them by her own silly means. Witness the depth of a mother's love and just how far that love can take you—if you just believe.

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.  

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

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/hankarooreadings/ &

https://www.instagram.com/elle_gizicki/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/hank-a-roo-readings/

 

 

 

Get Involved with The Book Fairies by Lindsay Gizicki

There’s been a campaign to encourage readers and spotlight authors in Michigan for a few years now. Maybe you’ve heard of it, or maybe you’ve yet to discover the charm of The Book Fairies. The Book Fairies launched in March 2017 in London and are now sharing books worldwide.

As Cordelia Oxley, our Book Fairy in Chief, writes: “The idea of The Book Fairies is simple. There are people who like to read, and to share the amazing books they’ve read.” And who doesn’t love finding a surprise? “These two things come together with The Book Fairies—giving people a chance to pop a sticker and some ribbon on a book and leave it somewhere to be discovered!”

You’d be surprised how happy this simple act can make people. As the Michigan-representative, I’ve received hundreds of messages from happy readers, ecstatic to find books waiting for them. The opportunity to pass on my own love for books has been something I’ve cherished the last few years I’ve had the honor to be a part of this initiative.

Back in 2019, fairies around the globe participated in a campaign for the movie Little Women. Emma Watson (who helped hide books around London in March of 2017 for Women’s History Month) wrote notes that were included inside books for fairies to leave. The campaign was a success and people went wild for it. We also did a similar campaign for the theatrical release of The Secret Garden last year.

On November 5, 2021, Emma hid over 300 books with our organization for an event we called #COPBookFairies. This event involved sharing books related to climate change, activism, and caring for our planet in partnership with the COP26 conference—the biggest summit the UK has ever hosted.

We’ve even had the honor of doing a campaign with HRH The Duchess of Cambridge to celebrate the release of Hold Still, published by the National Portrait Gallery to create a unique collective portrait of the UK during lockdown.

We also celebrate monumental days and events such as Indie Author Day, LGBTQ History Month, Black History Month, etc. Over the years, we’ve worked with many authors and publishers to promote their books.

Many authors have used our services simply as a self-promotional tool with either Michigan, national, or international campaigns. With every social media post, we share the plot of the book, author, and publisher accounts and any relevant hashtags.  

For more information on who we are and how you can get involved, visit https://ibelieveinbookfairies.com/about-the-book-fairies/, follow the hashtag #ibelieveinbookfairies on social media, or email me directly at bookfairiesmi@gmail.com.

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 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. She’s also a frequent contributor for Detroit Mom. In her spare time she fishes Lake St. Clair with her husband, Cyle, and speaks nonsense with her 3-year-old daughter, Harper, and her 18-month-old son, Henry. Her debut children’s book, To the Moon and Back, launches February 28, 2022.

 

It Starts with Hello

Isabel Estrada O’Hagin

Do you remember the moment when you entered your first Shop Talk or SCBWI-MI workshop with a tinge of nervousness, and then someone in the room smiled and said hello? These friendly gestures led you to feel welcomed and allowed you to feel like you belonged—so you stayed! Fortunately, we’ve been able to adjust through the covid19 protocols and have said hello through our screens and monitors!

As your Outreach Coordinator, I invite you to share these moments with our community to celebrate and reaffirm the importance of how we foster relationships within SCBWI-MI. Our new column, It Starts with Hello, will highlight these positive personal memories that may inspire others. Based on my own experiences, I can attest those welcoming moments made me feel seen and valued. From the Conference Organizers and Shop Talk Coordinators who ask for first-time participants to stand and be recognized, to the empathetic person who invites you to join their table at lunch, together we form a network of creative kidlit professionals. Many of these relationships develop into long-lasting friendships and a support system we often need in our line of creative work.

The stories you submit will be shared on The Mitten blog throughout 2022. Send your It Starts with Hello submission (under 300 words) to Isabel Estrada O’Hagin by December 20, 2021 at: ohaginib@gmail.com

Note: I will post a second call for these submissions in 2022 as a reminder. Start thinking about which welcoming moment you’d love to share with us!