Happy New Year Critters! We made it to 2021! Let’s hope it’s better than last year. I’m thrilled to be back with you all and kicking off the new year of interviews with a local debut author.
So without further ado, please welcome Kim Weybrecht!
Where do you live?
I live in Highland Heights, Ohio
When did you know you wanted to write picture books?
Just a few years ago I decided I wanted to put one of my bedtime stories into an actual book.
Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?
At first I was going to try to self-publish the book. That seemed too overwhelming and I wasn't sure that I would get the quality I wanted going that route. A golf buddy of my husband’s, who is in the printing business told me about Brown Books Publishing, a hybrid publisher. At first, when they read through my book, it was not ready for publishing. They told me to take some workshops and work on the manuscript. I worked on the manuscript and thought maybe I'll self-publish. Then I found my Illustrator, Morgan Spicer. She recommended an editor. I worked with the editor and then I decided to present the book again to Brown Books. This time they loved it! Only a few minor edits and my story was ready to publish.
Anything you can’t live without while you write?
When I write I really love to have a cup of tea!
Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?
Authors that inspire me are Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary.
Tell us about your debut book.
Daisy Takes a Ride is my first book. Daisy is a happy beagle who lives with her owners, Sam and Zoe. When the three of them take a sudden trip to the hospital in the middle of the night, Daisy is told to wait in the truck. But Daisy is curious about the camper that has parked nearby. She jumps out of the truck and is soon on her own camping adventure. Daisy makes a new friend, but there is so much more waiting for her when she gets back home .... I would always read books to my kids before bedtime. When they got a little older, they wanted me to make up stories instead of reading from a book. So I had to get my creative juices flowing. This story just came to me one night about 4 years ago. After I finished the story, my daughter told me it was a really good story and I should make it into a book. I started this a couple years ago and I am glad to finally get it to print. My goal is to get the book into as many little hands as I can. I have donated numerous copies and want kids to fall in love with Daisy and her story.
What’s up next for you?
I am going to start writing book #2 about Daisy. It will involve Daisy accidentally joining a neighborhood running race.
And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?
My favorite 80's movie is Return of the Jedi - love all things Star Wars!
Huge thanks to Kim stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut!
KIM WEYBRECHT grew up in the Midwest, the second eldest of five children. Camping and biking adventures were a huge part of her family's lifestyle. One of her first jobs was as a summer park counselor, where she played games and told stories to children. Throughout her career, Kim has taught, tutored, and coached children. As a volunteer school librarian, she loved reading and encouraging them to get excited about books. Today, when Kim isn't with kids, she enjoys playing tennis, running, and baking muffins. She and her husband share their home in Highland Heights, Ohio with two teenagers and two boisterous beagles.
ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of DAISY TAKES A RIDE, click here.
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