Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Mercy Mize and I live in Pennsylvania. I am a 2nd grade teacher and first time author. Samson’s Tail is my first book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Samson’s Tail. I was inspired to write this book after we adopted our dog, Samson from the DAWGS Prison Program. This amazing nonprofit saves dogs from shelters and places them in prisons. There the dogs live in a cell with their handlers, are trained all basic commands, crate trained, house trained, and well socialized before they are adopted to their forever families. My purpose for writing this book was to educate and support the DAWGS Prison Program and others like it and therefore a portion of the proceeds from each book sold goes to them.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I teach the writing process to my 2nd graders and i often find myself thinking a lot about what I teach them as I am writing. I also am always thinking of ways I can help my students with my knowledge and experience as an author.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a 2nd grade teacher, I read so many amazing and influential children’s books. Some of my favorites are ones that teach children a valuable life lesson.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on promoting Samson’s Tail, that is a full time job in itself!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning all about Amazon, KDP, and ways to promote my book on social media but my absolute favorite way to promote my book is at local book events with the star of my book, Samson. He is a certified therapy dog so he is always allowed to join me and he is always a big hit! I really enjoy sharing Samson’s story with others and helping to spread the word about prison dog programs. I am hoping that soon book stores will reopen and I will be able to reschedule my events.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors would be to be willing to learn from others. Throughout this process I have learned and gotten great advice from so many. Also, make sure to network, find the authors groups on social media, reach out, and ask questions. There is a great community of authors with a wealth of knowledge who are always happy to help so make sure to tap into it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think some of the greatest advice I have ever heard was to write about something that makes you happy or something that you are passionate about. My book is certainly something that is very important to me and I am so happy to be able to teach others about a program that benefits the dogs, the handlers, and the forever families.
What are you reading now?
Well, since it is summer I am just reading some fun, lighthearted beach reads.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am thinking about a second book. What might it look like? Another dog in the program? Something else that brings me happiness? Who knows?
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?
That is a hard one, there are so many I would like to bring!
The Color Purple
The Great Gatsby
The Secret Garden
Samson’s Tail (hehe)
Author Websites and Profiles
Mercy Mize Amazon Profile
Mercy Mize’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile