Today’s special guest is short story writer Lisa Jacovsky to chat about her new children’s picture book, Let’s Talk! Going to the Zoo.
During her virtual book tour, Lisa will be awarding a signed copy of the book and the first book in the series and a coloring book of the illustrations (US only) to a luck randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!
Bio:
Lisa Jacovsky currently is a Doctoral Level student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is excited for the possibilities having her Doctoral degree will bring her. Lisa began writing short stories when she was seven years old. Writing is a passion for her and one of the many things she enjoys. She is currently the author of the award winning first book in the Let us Talk! series, Let’s Talk! A story of autism and friendship. Lisa lives in New Jersey where she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and working on the next book in the Let’s Talk! Series.
Please tell us a little bit about your new release.
Harper and Emma are two best friends who first met at the pool in the summer. Emma has Autism which affected her speech. Harper became determined to find a way to talk with her new friend and learned about Autism. Neither girl would allow anything stand in their way of becoming best friends.
Now, Harper and Emma are excited to go to the zoo for the first time. This is a new adventure for them which they are going on with their daddies. Once they get there, they are amazed at the different animals they see. Then, while admiring them, a group of children come by and begin to laugh and point at Emma. She had been flapping her hands and making noises in excitement watching these new animals. Harper is confused by this but does not allow the bullying to continue. She educates the bullies about Autism and who Emma is. The bullies eventually walk away however, one little boy stayed behind. He apologized for his actions and wants to be friends. The three new friends finish their day at the zoo exploring and meeting new animals making memories with their daddies.
What do you enjoy most about writing short stories?
I love being creative and the freedom to be doing something totally by me that writing allows for. Everything about my books is my ideas without any kind of changes and I absolutely love that. I also love the fact I have this platform in my writing that I can use to make a positive change in this world. My books have been able to help open families to positive possibilities about their little ones with Autism and that is the greatest thing for me. That I truly the goal and it pushes me to keep writing more in the series.
Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?
My favorites of other authors would have to be anything by Eric Carle. I love his books and have a ton I use for work. Of my own work, there will be six books in this series and out of all six, I have to say my current book, Lets Talk! Going to the zoo, number 2 is my favorite. I really love the idea of the zoo and the fact I was able to put so much into this book. From bullying to the diversity in ethnicities and the use of the dads it really is just so amazing to be able to show something different like this in writing. Though I am super excited for the rest of the books in the series and believe in them just as much.
What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?
I am finding that writing children’s books in first person from the point of view of one character is what comes out the most. That is a good question as to why lol I am not sure but that seems to be my style. I am even flirting with the idea of a middle grade book about autism and its incredibly early, but it is coming out as a first-person point of view. It is interesting, I guess everyone has their own style and niche.
What exciting story are you working on next?
I am working on the fourth book in the Let’s Talk! Series. Book 3 will be coming out next year in April 2022 and I am trying to finish book four to keep this momentum going. Also, just because its fun lol book four is about holidays and I really love that I can showcase diversity in that one too. It is fun and just trying to figure out how to make certain things flow. Its about 75% done now and will show case more than one holiday which is going to be interesting. I am excited for it, and I hope everyone will be too.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Not till I started writing and publishing blogs on medium and vocal did I consider myself a writer. It is so interesting you ask that because I did write a blog about this posted on medium. I considered myself an author after I published my first book but in writing blogs, I realized there is a difference between being just an author and being an author/writer. I found myself growing in me by writing blogs and really coming into my style and tone. It made me feel like I can do this, and I can be more than just an author, I can be a full-fledged writer. It was a cool feeling to have.
How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?
I did not necessarily research markets, but I knew when I first published my first book that it was something different because of the use of my background and career. When I would send out query forms to traditional publishers, they would ask for books similar. That is when I had to do research and it was difficult because nothing is like my books other than subject being autism. I would say to write and write what you want and do not compare just yet. Leave the comparing to others. Write what makes you happy and my best advice, go find other authors who write books in the same genre as you on social media. They will be your biggest supporters, assets, and resources.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Good question lol maybe ask someone in my life? I am not sure other than blasting my music and not wanting to be interrupted lol.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a writer in the back of my head. I just knew it was difficult and my parents always wanted me to have a steady, stable career. That led me to want to teach because I loved working with kids. I wanted to be a teacher from like first grade up until my last year in undergrad. I did teach preschool and PreK and kindergarten and I am glad I did because much as I love kids it was not for me. God bless teachers!! I am lucky I found what I love to do in my career, and it allows me to have a business where I can be a publish author too and make a difference in this world.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Yes, I am going to publish a new series in the fall, look out for it on my social media. This one is a fun silly book with a sweet message. Then book 3. Let us Talk! Learning to bowl will come out in 2022. Any one a fan of the series, keep up on my social media and look out for it, I cannot wait for you guys to see this one too. The social issue has to do with Covid so its pretty relevant for any child. I hope you guys can all check it out and continue this journey with me and the girls!
Thanks for hosting!
Thank you for having me and showcasing my book 🤓📚 -lisa
Sounds like a very good book.