This is a children’s book, but I wanted it to be fun for adults who are reading to children, as well as for older children reading to younger children, and little children learning to read themselves.
Barbara Ann Miller – 21 September, 2023
The Back Flap
Zig Zag Zeffy is a heart-warming story of a Hu-Mom who adopts an energetic, fun-loving Puggle named Zeffy. It’s a rhyming narrative that follows the pair as they develop an unbreakable bond. From Zeffy’s adoption as a puppy, through a few growing pains, to obedience training and exploring the wide world outside, Zeffy and his hu-mom learn about each other, and about boundaries, and loving and living life. It’s the first in a planned 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.
About the book
What is the book about?
This is an engaging and fun-loving story of a puppy coming to live with his human (Hu-Mom), with each of them making adjustments as they learn about each other and how to live together.
When did you start writing the book?
I wrote the story in 2022.
How long did it take you to write it?
The story flowed out easily, and I worked on it for a few weeks to adjust the cadence and rhyming pattern.
Where did you get the idea from?
The idea came from living with this little dog; choosing him as a puppy, training him, learning about his personality and being the lucky recipient of his unconditional love!
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
This is a children’s book, but I wanted it to be fun for adults who are reading to children, as well as for older children reading to younger children, and little children learning to read themselves. So, I worked to make it an easy and enjoyable read for anyone who loves dogs!
What came easily?
Zeffy is such a great dog, with a unique personality, and it was easy to develop a story around him.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Definitely real world! This is about my dog Zeffy, and me as his Hu-Mom.
Do you have a target reader?
As mentioned, this book is for young children, but it is a story anyone can enjoy, especially if you like dogs!
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
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.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Yes, I had an outline and lots of notes.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit as I go, especially with the novels I am working on.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes, my publisher, Anne O’Connell of OC Publishing, provided the editing service.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Sometimes – easy listening classical but quiet is okay too.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I engaged Anne O’Connell of OC Publishing as I have known her for decades and was excited to work with her and her team members to take my vision for Zig Zag Zeffy and make it a reality.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I trust Anne, and have seen the dedicated and professional work she has done with other authors.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Illustrator Elizabeth M Gales and designer David Edelstein worked with Anne and I to create the cover and interior design as well.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Yes, we have a marketing plan and OC Publishing is guiding this process for me.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Never give up. I have been writing for decades, but this is my first published book. Be prepared to work hard, and find creative partners to guide and support the development of your book. Maintain your own vision even as you have input from others.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in rural Nova Scotia (Middle Musquodoboit, Elmsdale, Stewiacke) and moved into Halifax when I was 17.
Where do you live now?
I am still in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I have been reading and writing stories since I was a child, finding inspiration in the people, animals and natural world that surrounded me. I have a particular passion for children’s literature and graduated with a Bachelor of Child Study from Mount Saint Vincent University. I spent over three decades working in the non-profit sector beginning my 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. My love of children’s literature has led me to adding children’s author to my already long list of roles including speaker, writer and trainer on topics such as Fearless Leadership; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Child Protection.
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!
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!
What are you working on now?
I am working on a sequel to Zig Zag Zeffy called Zig Zag Zeffy and Friends. I am also working on a collection of stories about my dad who passed away in 2021.
End of Interview:
For more from Barbara Ann Miller, like her Facebook page.
2 responses to “IndieView with Barbara Ann Miller, author of Zig Zag Zeffy”