Meet Featured Author Amy Gelsthorpe!
Meet our featured author in person at the shop on Friday, November from 6:00-7:30pm for a release party that is open to the public. Amy will participate in a Meet the Author Story Time during the event at 6:30pm, where she will read her new book Star Fishing.
1. A little about Amy:
Amy Gelsthorpe is the author of Star Fishing (MacLaren-Cochrane Publishing, releasing Nov. 7, 2017), a children’s picture book about creativity and using the imagination. As a full time children’s book author and stay-at- home mom, Amy was inspired to write by the adventures of her family and her children’s imaginations. Amy has always loved writing, having written and kept her first book of poems from the fifth grade.
Amy seeks to inspire children to love to read from an early age. Not only is she focused on providing stories for avid readers, but she also has a special place in her heart for children with learning differences as one of her children has dyslexia, a learning disorder marked by difficulty in understanding written language. Amy was pleased to find a publisher, MacLaren-Cochrane, which offers books in both traditional and dyslexic fonts.
Amy has another picture book, I Love Outside, which her publisher will release in 2018. She lives outside Atlanta, Ga. with her husband; three amazing, talented children; and two adorable dogs.
2. What do you do when you are not writing?
I enjoy reading—children’s picture books, spiritual devotionals, and quirky, fun, fiction—writing, spending time with family and friends, yoga, and…Christmas! I am a passionate Christmas decorator and my Christmas adornments have been featured on the national news, social media sites of major retailers, and numerous blogs. I have lost count of my Christmas trees. Every room has at least one!
3. Tell us about your new book: what inspired the story or led you to write it?
I was inspired to write Star Fishing as it metaphorically honors my dad Billy. He passed away with pancreatic cancer 9 years ago and the story is dedicated to him.
4. Who is an author that you look up to today?
I love Judy Blume, Dr. Seuss, and Carmela Coyle.
5. What is your favorite genre of book to read?
Children’s picture books
6. What is your favorite book?
Currently, The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak.
7. Do you have an interesting writing quirk?
Yes! I have a beautiful office with a lovely desk and comfortable chair- BUT I prefer the floor sitting criss-cross applesauce with my laptop in my lap! Sometimes by the fire :)
8. Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
If you want to become an author do it because you are passionate and have a story to tell… Everyone seems to think it’s an easy task but those of us who have accomplished the task know the obstacles it took to arrive.
9. Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers?
To my readers: Thank you! Thank you for your support and my dream is to provide you with many books for many more years to come!
Find out more about Amy and her books on her website.
