Interview with Roe De Pinto, author of “Too Much Trash in My Trunk!”
pinto roe he has received fourteen awards for it The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba series and hopes to continue the praise with the re-release of this adorable little episode, “Too Much Trash in My Trunk!” Through her sweet characters Zealy, a seal pup, and Whubba, an orca pup, Roe continues her journey and dreams of reclaiming the morals she was taught many years ago: to respect herself, others, and the entire world around her. surrounds her. . Giving, sharing and caring for her is her campaign of her entire life, beginning with the birth of a newborn through her developmental years. She feels that giving someone else before yourself and always protecting one another are simple life lessons that can restore peace and non-violence to a very jaded world.
Hello, Roe, and welcome! It’s so nice to visit you again. Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?
Before writing, I was a real estate agent, administrative assistant, manager, travel agent, notary, etc., for professional purposes, but I have been writing since I could write, since I was 10 years old. I am the mother of two beautiful children, and Nana of three beautiful grandchildren, who light up my life with joy and love. They have inspired my writing during my retirement years after countless hours of watching my favorite TV cartoons.
I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been up to since we last spoke! What’s going on with your series? The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba?
Well, I’ve been working on the series, The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba for 3 years and with the release of the new book, which is book 4, “Too much garbage in my trunk”, I have received 14 awards so far, so I am very happy that the audience is eagerly receiving my books!
Recently the publishers, Austin-Macauley, chose me to have my top three reviewed under their house format in hopes that their marketing will take my work to the next level.
That’s very exciting, congratulations! And what is “Too much junk in my trunk!” on?
My fourth book is about our two little characters exploring a food adventure, which turns into a food extravaganza, with some new friends who end up with tummy aches that only their mommy can ease with her best advice. The book ends with a wonderful lesson learned as they joyfully dance to the song that you will see when they feel better.
I love the lessons in your books! Great for adults too – I can relate very well to the message in “Too much junk in my trunk!” What inspired you to write about eating too much?
I constantly tell my grandkids to try new foods, but they have a tendency to overeat the foods they prefer to eat, so I decided to write about it, and now they remember what Zealy and Whubba did and will recite the chant whenever I remind them they are eating too much.
What do you like about writing children’s books and what is the hardest thing about writing children’s books?
The hardest part I feel is getting into the mind of a child and knowing how they will react to the words and lessons you are trying to convey. Children are so easily impressed and you have to be very careful with how you do your writing and keep it simple for them to understand.
What do you wish you knew when you started writing your first book?
How tedious marketing really is when you self-publish. I’d rather spend the energy on writing!
How active are you in promoting your books? Tell us about some of the things you’re doing to spread the news about Zealy and Whubba.
Social media, coast-to-coast book signings, award shows, review shows, book fairs and trade shows are all I do – I’m a one man band.
How do you feel about writing groups and critique partners?
They are beneficial by laying things out for you objectively rather than as you see them subjectively.
Do you attend literary conferences? If so, what is your biggest learning from these events?
Absolutely, exposure is the key there, as well as networking and seeing what works for other writers and industry experts.
Looking back, did you ever imagine that your series would receive so much recognition and praise? What does that validation mean to you as a writer, but also as a mother and grandmother?
I am completely in awe of each and every award, and it validates everything I am expressing in my writing for parents of young children to engage with children.
What were Zealy and Whubba doing 30,000 feet in the sky on a plane? I thought they were sea animals?
Oh, the ad aired on national television as an interview on Talk Business 360, Fox Business Network, and was extended on Talk Business 360 airing on select American Airlines flights (27,000 total) in October and November. I can’t express my heartbeat when I actually saw it on the flight and on TV because my quest and dream come true is to see it on TV in an animated format one day and it was a great pleasure for me to see my characters in the screen!
what’s next for The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba Serie?
The fifth book has not yet started for production, although I have the next 8 written, but not edited. I hope that within a year Book 5 will be produced.
Knowing everything you know now about writing and marketing and really the whole process, what information would you pass on to someone who wants to get into the world of children’s books?
Prepare to spend time and money, but the rewards are so much greater when you see kids bonding, happy, and smiling as they read what you’ve created.
Where can readers interact with you on social media and learn more about you and your books?
My Web site: www.zealyandwhubba.com has it all. I’m also on Twitter at @doctaroe and Facebook.
Roe, as always, it was a pleasure and an honor speaking with you today. I’m inspired by his enthusiasm and ambition and can’t wait to see what’s next!
Thanks.