Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Mary Schmidt, and I write under the pen names S. Jackson and A. Raymond. A. Raymond is a pen name for my husband, who has a lot of input into our books. I am a retired registered nurse, a member of the Catholic Church, and I have taught Catechism. I have worked in various capacities for The American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Cub and Boy Scouts, (son, Noah, is an Eagle Scout), and sponsored trips for high school music children. I love all forms of art but mostly I focus on the visual arts; as amateur photography, traditional, and graphic art as my health allows. I have an online art gallery, and I am currently finishing up a screenplay from my first memoir (there will be a sequel someday). More recently, we both love to devote precious time with our first grandson, Austin.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Shadow and Friends Spend Christmas in New York
In Shadow and Friends Spend Christmas in New York, a fox squirrel named Stubby receives an invitation from his twin, Shorty, to spend Christmas with him and his squirrel family and friends in Central Park. Stubby invites Shadow, a small dog, and his squirrel family to go with him. They board the Rodent Road Adventure Tours jet, flown by Pilot, and Shorty greets them with a hello from atop the Empire State Building as they fly past! Not only do children learn safety and are introduced to the Eastern Gray Squirrels that range on the east coast of the USA, they have many fun adventures. In this delightful and funny book for children, the squirrels and Shadow learn about the huge Central Park in the middle of New York City. Children are entertained by the adventures of the group as they build a snowman, and Foxy goes shopping at Saks on Fifth Avenue. They decorate a Christmas tree, go ice skating at Rockefeller Center, and decorate a float for the annual Central Park Christmas Squirrel Parade! Add to this mix a few rocking horses, teddy bears, nutcrackers, candy cane castle, angels, elves, and a manger scene, and children are entertained. On Christmas Eve, all of them go to the Central Park Chapel, and celebrated the birth of baby Jesus! Targeted at ages 4-11, this book is easy to read and perfect for home or classroom. This story illustrates how beautiful Central Park is in winter, and the illustrations will fascinate children and adults. Our backyard wild squirrels inspired this fifth book in our children’s picture book series.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t really think so. For our award winning memoir, When Angels Fly, I already had journals from which to work with, however, that memoir actually has three beginnings, and rightfully so, and it is our Freshman book. For the children’s series, we figure out the paragraphs for each page after we come up with the basic plan. We incorporate new things for kids to learn while featuring our wild squirrels in comical moments. Once the narrative is complete, then I do the illustrations.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve read since I was a little girl so I loved to read Cherry Ames, Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Little House, the classics. I love historical romances – I adore them actually. So many great authors out there on this beautiful blue sphere of life.
What are you working on now?
That’s a secret. Okay, I will say it will be our 6th book in our Shadow and Friends series for children. Uncle Stubby (a wild squirrel) Gets Married.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter is great for author branding. For selling I think Facebook is one good way depending on the genre in which one writes. Author interviews are very helpful – I do them for free on my blog and when I do them, I always include a review on Amazon. Reviews are key on Amazon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep on writing. No one has a best seller right away. Keep on editing and perfect your work. Don’t use family or friends as editors.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Hire a professional editor.
What are you reading now?
I’m in the middle of our newest children’s book and I will next read, Captured Lies by Maggie Thom.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Three more children’s books, followed by consulting during production of my screenplay of my memoir, When Angels Fly.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My memoir – When Angels Fly – for the beautiful memories among the sad ones. Swiss Family Robinson as I think that would aid in survival.
Author Websites and Profiles
Mary Schmidt Website
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