Interview with children’s author Barbara Ann Miller

Children’s author Barbara Ann Miller joins me today to chat about her new picture book, Zig Zag Zeffy.

Bio:
Barbara has been reading and writing stories since she was a child, finding inspiration in the people, animals and natural world that surrounded her. She has a particular passion for children’s literature and is a graduate of the Bachelor of Child Study from Mount Saint Vincent University. Barbara spent over three decades working in the non-profit sector beginning her career with a primary focus on early childhood education and administration, followed by a lifetime of working and volunteering with children, youth and families from around the world, developing and leading community programs in child care, youth services, immigration, employment and social justice.

Her love of children’s literature has led to her adding children’s author to her already long list of roles including speaker, writer and trainer on topics such as Fearless Leadership; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Child Protection.

Her first children’s book will introduce young readers to a little dog named Zeffy, whose adventures will launch a series that will teach themes such as inclusion and self-esteem with fun and rhythmic story-telling that ignites a child’s passion for reading, while developing knowledge and enhancing social interaction with animals as well as people.

Zeffy Miller

Zeffy was born in 2011, and has always been filled with joy, zigging and zagging through each day. He lives with his Hu-Mom (Barbara) and goes everywhere with her: car rides to work or city parks, long walks on beaches or through country trails. He especially enjoys finding sticks! He has a Stick Lending Library to foster chewing and good dental health. His loud bark contradicts his gentle canine soul and love of belly rubs, cuddles and kisses. Zeffy has a wide circle of furry friends with whom he loves to visit and share tales (and tails!). 

What do you enjoy most about writing children’s books?
I learn so much being around young children – they have the best possible combination of innocence and honesty. I enjoy creating a children’s story that is fun, relatable, has some teachable moments, and has a cadence that engages their interest in what is happening on each page. I am very fortunate to work with a wonderful and creative team – publisher Anne O’Connell, illustrator Elizabeth (E.M.) Gales, and designer David W. Edelstein – who each played a key role in helping my vision for Zig Zag Zeffy become a reality.

Can you give us a little insight into a few of your stories – perhaps some of your favorites?
This is my first published children’s book, but there will be more to come!

What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?
I have always loved reading children’s books to individual / groups of children. As a child care teacher and step-mom, story time was as much fun for me as it was for the children! The shared experience creates memories that last forever. I hope to bring joy to the next generation of children by writing stories for them to share. 

What exciting story are you working on next?
Watch for “Zig Zag Zeffy and Friends”!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I have been writing stories since I was a young child, so have always considered myself a writer.

We all have so many roles in our lives (daughter, sister, friend, cousin, parent, cook, chauffeur, event organizer, teacher, mentor, healer, employer, employee, volunteer and sooooo many more). I have just always included writer in my multitude of roles. Life gives us so many things to write about. Even the smallest moments that might seem insignificant to others can become a wonderful story if you pay attention and develop the idea!

How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?
I am very new to this part of being a writer (marketing) and again am so fortunate to work with my partner publisher, Anne O’Connell of OC Publishing to help me with this. She is phenomenal!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I ‘write’ in my head, often when I am walking my dog. I develop ideas and then come home and write them down. By hand. In a book. I have dozens of notebooks on my shelf with budding ideas. Now that I have time to write, the notebooks are being opened and I am spending time at the computer playing with different themes and developing stories.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As the oldest child I was a natural leader, and from a young age I was motivated to help others reach their potential. I have found or created many different personal and employment roles over the years that focused on building relationships, and supporting each other to be our best – knowing we don’t always get it right, but recognizing the importance of trying and moving forward no matter what! 

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I have been so fortunate to have opportunities to interact with people from all over the world, and am so grateful to learn different perspectives and customs that enrich life here in Nova Scotia, where we play and work by the ocean, trees and trails, and enjoy the urban and small communities on this beautiful east coast of Canada!