Children’s author Laurie Trumble Davis joins me today to talk about her new book, The Very Patient Gus Davis.
Bio:
When Laurie Trumble Davis won a pumpkin in her third-grade Halloween writing competition she fell in love with storytelling. Over the years Laurie has kept a journal of ideas that have inspired her to write. Her favorite subject is Gus a French bulldog who was an endless source of entertainment.
A lifelong lover of books, fun, and adventure, she is passionate about stories that help children develop confidence and creative problem-solving skills. She believes strongly in the importance of the human-and-animal-bond and hopes that through her books she can bring laughter and life lessons to children and joy to the parents who read along with them.
Laurie is the author of The Unsinkable Gus Davis and The Very Patient Gus Davis. She has worked for Barnes & Noble coordinating author appearances in New England, has done publicity and promotions in news media, and is a founding member of The Riverbend Montessori School in South Natick, Massachusetts. Laurie has three grown children and three grandchildren. She lives in Massachusetts with her French bulldog, Odin, and is currently working on her third picture book about Gus!
What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?
I’m most inspired to write picture books for children. I love the honest reactions kids have to a story, they don’t hide their feelings.
What do you enjoy most about writing children’s books?
Developing a character and then seeing kids connect with that character. Watching little ones relate to a story is a powerful experience for me, and if I can make them laugh, well, that’s the icing on the cake!
What exciting story are you working on next?
I have several ideas for the next Gus book and although you’ll have to wait to find out, I can promise you this, Gus will be up to his hilarious antics again!
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’m amazed every time I finish a manuscript – did I really do that?! I guess I like to think more of myself as a writer in training – I’m always learning!
How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?
I love settings where I can hear kids interacting with their parents and friends, like on the beach. I’ve heard some of the funniest conversations between children and their parents at places like the beach or grocery store checkout! Visiting with my 3 granddaughters also helps with research. Their emotions remind me of how complex being a kid can be plus, they just make me laugh. I also pay attention to the behavior of dogs, most of all my French bulldog, Odin. Gus was my first French bulldog, and actually thought he was human! His playful antics are what inspired me to write my books. I would say most of my research is done out and about – I’m intrigued by interactions of all kinds.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
This question makes me laugh because I don’t sit still while writing. I begin to write then get up, get an iced coffee, go back to my computer, write a few spreads then I’m up again. For me, movement sparks creativity. Some of my best ideas come while I’m walking the dog!
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
What didn’t I want to be! When I was very young I wanted to work at a pet store scooping the fish into the little bags of water for the customers, then a Veterinarian, an Olympic athlete, an illustrator or an art teacher (but that was because of my elementary art teacher, Ms. Crosby, she wore GoGo boots, I thought all art teachers wore GoGo boots!) A jet fighter and I think Jacque Cousteau!
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Writing children’s books is hard work but the joy of writing for kids is so rewarding. I hope my books about Gus and Bean bring joy and laughter to children and the readers.