Wendy Schicktanz, a talented author, shares her journey as a children's book creator in this enlightening episode.

The focal point of our discussion is her book, *Ivy Blue's Greatest Pumpkin Playhouse*, which embodies her lifelong aspiration of writing for children.

Wendy reflects on her early inspirations, particularly the storytelling legacy of her father and the delightful interactions with her granddaughter that sparked the idea for her narrative.

Throughout our conversation, we delve into the intricacies of the writing and publishing process, as well as the creative strategies that enhance reader engagement, such as the inclusion of a butterfly in every illustration.

Ultimately, Wendy emphasizes the importance of pursuing one’s dreams and the joy of sharing stories that resonate with children and families alike.

This episode presents a detailed exploration of the creative process behind 'Ivy Blue's Greatest Pumpkin Playhouse.'

Wendy reflects on her motivations for writing, which include a desire to engage children in meaningful narratives and instill values such as kindness and perseverance.

She elaborates on the book's unique element—a butterfly hidden in each illustration—which serves to captivate young readers and encourage them to explore the pages actively.

Wendy's insights into the publishing process reveal the challenges and triumphs she faced, from choosing an illustrator to navigating marketing strategies.

The discussion also touches on the emotional rewards of seeing her book connect with families and the unexpected joy of receiving photos from readers enjoying her story, underscoring the deep impact children's literature can have.

Takeaways:

• Wendy Schicktanz always harbored the aspiration to become a children's book author, a dream she pursued after years of professional photography.
• The inspiration for 'Ivy Blue's Greatest Pumpkin Playhouse' emerged from storytelling moments shared with her granddaughter, solidifying her desire to write a children's book.
• Wendy emphasizes that the journey of publishing a book involves considerable effort, investment, and the importance of marketing to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
• Engaging children through interactive elements, such as searching for hidden butterflies in the illustrations, has proven to be a successful strategy for enhancing reader enjoyment.
• Wendy highlights that the central themes of her book revolve around believing in dreams and the value of kindness, which resonate well with young readers.
• The experience of seeing her book reach Amazon's bestseller status and receiving heartfelt photos of families reading her book has been profoundly rewarding for Wendy.

Links:

• Ivy Blue's Greatest Pumpkin Playhouse (Book)
• https://www.wendyschicktanz.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560768592992
• https://www.instagram.com/wschicktanz/

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Miriam Laundry Publishing
• Ingram Sparks
• Amazon KDP
• Zipster
• Facebook
• Instagram