06 Mar Candace Spizzirri

Happy Monday! I am thrilled to have the talented Candace Spizzirri back on Writing Outside the Lines. 

Candace, welcome and congratulations on your new book, FINLEY, A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE! I just reread it, and I smiled the whole time. Very cute. I know that kiddos will love it as much as I do! It’s an adorable story, but aside from the fun, there is a great message that you talk about later. 

CS: Thank you, Ellen, for having me on your blog today! I’m so happy to be here.

EL: Before we get started on your adorable book, will you tell us a little about yourself?

CS: I grew up in a small town in New Jersey with tree-lined streets and old Victorian houses. As a child, I spent hours playing at the park, catching minnows in a nearby stream, and exploring the woods at the end of my street.

Passionate about education, I am a co-founder of an elementary school and high school in southern California. Enjoying both the sunshine and changing seasons, I now split my time between SoCal and Pennsylvania.

When not writing, I love spending time with my husband of forty-two years, Marc, son, Joe, daughter, Jenna, daughter-in-law, Casey, and five grandkids – Skye, Karter, MJ, Jack, and new baby, Capri.

I enjoy hiking, traveling, cooking, gardening, dancing, yoga, reading, fishing, and interior design.

EL  That’s great. Now, let’s get to the main event. Please tell us a little about your newest book. How did you get your inspiration?

CS: My second book, FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE, illustrated by the fabulously talented team of Chantelle and Burgen Thorne releases on April 18^th. Yippee; I couldn’t be more excited!

EL: Agree! The illustrator is amazing (as is the author, of course) :)Check out these spreads!

CS: Here is a summary:

“Rules are rules” and wild animals aren’t allowed on trains . . . or so says Conductor Jones.

Young adventurers will fall in love with Finley, a friendly moose with a toothy grin who wants nothing more than to ride the rails across Alaska and beyond. Prepare for giggles when Finley finds a costume shop and tries to pass for anything but wild, only to have Conductor Jones see right through these disguises. Fortunately, Finley has something Conductor Jones doesn’t see coming – heart and determination – showing us all that some rules in life that are meant to be changed.

With illustrations that capture both the essence of Finley’s spirit and the magic of an Alaskan railway adventure, Finley: A Moose on the Caboose is certain to be loved by anyone who dreams of making what seems impossible, possible.

In June of 2019, my husband and I traveled to Alaska and absolutely fell in love with this spectacular state. One of our stops was Talkeetna, a railroad town where moose wander freely, and tourists delight in the beauty all around. There was a lovely little store in the main part of town that gave me the spark for my story.

A big-eyed moose + a quaint railroad town + a shop called Once in a Blue Moose = the story of Finley, a friendly moose who wants more than anything to ride the rails.

EL: Aside from a wonderful trip to Alaska, what inspires you?

CS: I find inspiration everywhere!

In the quiet moments: a spectacular sunset or a hike in the hush of a forest

In the loud moments: family get-togethers and spirited sports events

In the ordinary: daily routines and overheard conversations

In the extraordinary: special celebrations like weddings, birthdays, births, etc.

I am especially inspired by my five grandkids. They are my muses. I pay close attention to their play and often ask what kind of story they like best or to tell me a story. And it’s amazing what they come up with. Many times, it leads to a new manuscript like the time my granddaughter, Skye, asked me to write her a story about the planets playing games together and she wanted it to match (aka rhyme, lol). I now have a picture book entitled Planets Play in rhyme that I hope to have published one day.

In my first book, FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE, my main character is named after my oldest granddaughter. I hope to someday have a picture book published for each grandchild. (I had better keep writing!) 

Inspiration can come at any time, from anywhere, so you have to be ready. Once I had a story idea while driving back from the grocery store. I’d left my phone at home so I pulled off the road and jotted down the title, plot points, and character details on the blank side of my receipt.

EL: What do you think is the best part about writing kidlit?

CS: The best part about writing kidlit is sharing stories with kids everywhere! It is so special to see my books in the hands of little ones. My hope is that my stories will entertain, delight, and make kids think about the world around them. I also love connecting with the wonderful, supportive kidlit community!

EL: Do you have any advice for aspiring kidlit writers?

CS: Yes! Never ever give up!

Take classes, attend conferences, find critique partners, join writing groups, and connect with the kidlit community. What an amazing group they are!

Publishing is a slow go. There will be ups and downs along the way. Patience and persistence are the names of the game. I have trouble with the patience part for sure. Persistence comes much more naturally.

Try to relax, have fun, and enjoy the process. Hang in there and keep working on your craft. You’ve got this!

EL: Thanks, Candace!

To find out more about Candance, check out her website at www.candacespizzirri.com

And now…

Candace is happy to offer a signed book to one lucky winner. Just comment on this post by March 15. Please let me know if you are a subscriber or have shared this post for an extra chance to win.

In case you don’t win, here are some places to order this adorable book!

Here are the links to order:

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

CS: Thanks so much again, Ellen, for hosting me today!

EL: My pleasure!

On a personal note, please check out other parts of my website at www.EllenLeventhal.com to learn more about me, my books, and my school visits.

NEW BOOK ALERT! Sold wherever books are sold. 

If you’d like a signed copy, pre-order at Brazos Bookstore

This tale bears the same timely message as its subject’s music: Let’s all unite in a spirit of community.

Kirkus