Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Leslie Eva Tayloe (I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today)!
Read on to learn more about her, her book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Leslie Eva Tayloe
Leslie Eva Tayloe is a children’s picture book author. Her inspiration for writing, I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today and Save the Trees, releasing Summer, 2023, came from her personal life experiences, which are woven into her stories. She’s a former analyst with the federal government and worked as a substitute teacher for elementary school-aged children. Leslie lives in the Virginia countryside with her partner, Michael, down a tree-lined lane, in a happy place where she can take time to explore nature and share her life in written stories. When Leslie isn’t writing, she loves to take long walks with her black lab Frankie, craft, and spend time with her adult children and many grandchildren.
About the Book: I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today
Rosie wants to catch a BIG fish while fishing with her Pop-Pop. She realizes her Pop-Pop won’t allow her to hold her own fishing pole, bait her own hook, cast her own line, or reel in her own fish. Will Rosie ever get to catch her own BIG fish?
~Author Chat~
What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
I wrote I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today after my partner, Michael and I purchased 74-acres with a 2-acre pond. We stock the pond with fish, so when the grandkids visit, they can fish. One day, our grandson went fishing with us and Michael did everything for him—baited the line, cast, and caught the fish. Our grandson finally asked, “Pop-Pop, can we both fish today?” The situation was hilarious. So, I created I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today from that situation. The character was originally a little boy, but then I changed it to a little girl since there weren’t many books about little girls fishing with their Pop-Pop. It’s a fun fishing story. Easy to read with lots of repetition and a grandparent/child relationship.
Which came first, the title or the book?
In most of the stories I write, the story comes first and then the title. The story’s name is a character’s name and then after the story develops then I’ll give it a title.
Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?
I’ve learned to be patient. I can’t believe how long it takes to publish a book. And I’ve learned that after you sign a contract, continue to write the next story. Don’t stop writing and submitting.
What new release book are you looking forward to in 2023?
My second book releases the summer of 2023. Save the Trees, illustrated by Lintang Pandu Pratiwi, and published by Brandylane/BelleIsleBooks. It’s a story about Ronnie who loves trees and finds out that invasive plants and vines have taken over his town’s trees. Ronnie and his best friend Leona set out to save the trees. This story is fictional but includes an author’s note of what Michael and I have to deal with on our property with invasives. We are saving our trees!
What’s a book you’ve recently read and loved?
I loved Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston. I heard so much buzz on social media about the book. As an adult, this was my first middle grade, supernatural, fantasy adventure book. I was so surprised how much I enjoyed it. The book was so thrilling that I couldn’t put it down. For me, a book has to catch my attention within the first couple of pages. This was definitely one of those books.
What is the main message or lesson you would like your reader to remember from this book?
The key message is that children are resourceful if parents let them. Let children find solutions to some of their problems, like Rosie. Rosie takes matters in her own hands and she does it respectfully, not hurting her Pop-Pop’s feelings. She’s rewarded with not only a big fish but also a day fishing with her Pop-Pop that she will never forget.
Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?
I can’t name just one organization because they all attributed to my success. When I first began my writing career, I joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and Children’s Book Insider (CBI). I enrolled in as many courses as I could. Then, I participated in Tara Lazar’s Storystorm, where a participate creates 30 story ideas in 30 days. And then there is the 12×12 Picture Book Challenge. These groups gave me confidence to write, ideas, formed critique groups and I found friendships.
What advice do you have for new writers?
Be patient, positive and professional. Don’t get involved with the drama of comparing yourself with other writers or authors. Write what you want and find the editor or publisher that accepts you for what you write and not what the latest trend is.
What would say is your superpower?
I have two that I think rank side-by-side. I’m a former analyst with the federal government (for 33 years) so I can take a situation, analyze it, and then come up with a solution. Also, I have good time management skills. I make ‘to do’ lists which keep me organized and focused.
Is there anything that you would like to add?
I write a newsletter every couple of months, which includes an author interview and free book giveaways. If you’d like to learn about other authors and have to change to win free books, then please enter your email address from my website address below. Click on newsletter.
You may purchase my book at:
https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/i%E2%80%99m-fishing-pop-pop-today
The publisher is offering a discount until 12/31/22. Use code AUTHOR1022 at checkout.
In addition, I participate in a marketing group with other authors from Canada and the United States. We are kidlit at heart. View our video. We will present at the Women’s in Publishing Summit in March.
My contact information:
Website: https://leslieevatayloe.com
Twitter: @LeslieTayloe
Instagram: @leslieevatayloe
YABC, Thank you!
Title: I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today
Author: Leslie Eva Tayloe
Illustrator: Austin Macauley Publishers, Ltd inhouse team
Release Date: 10/31/2022
Publisher: Austin Macauley Publisher, Ltd. UK
ISBN-10: 1398444006 (Amazon’s 10 digit number)
ISBN-13: 9781398444003 (paperback). 9781398444010 (e-book)
Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Fiction
Age Range: 4 to 9
~ Giveaway Details ~
Two (2) winners will receive a signed copy of I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today (Leslie Eva Tayloe) ~International
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*
I love the cute cover, and I am eager to learn with my niece how the heroine gets her independence!
So cute!