Q&A with ‘Said the Kitty to the Cat’ author, Vincent Spada
A Q&A taken from Hartford Books Examiner:
'An author and poet, Spada was born, raised and currently resides in Methuen, Massachusetts, and is a graduate of the local high school. His interests include reading, history, philosophy, religion and sports, and his works have been published in 20 – 30 magazines, journals, and newspapers throughout the past decade. Spada’s most recent endeavour is Said the Kitty to the Cat, a children’s book that was released by Top That! Publishing in June.
Said one mother, ‘Although my daughter enjoyed reading Harry Potter and the Lightning Thief series, when this book came across my desk, she asked ME to read it for her – she giggled each time the refrain came. It is our new favourite way to end the night.’
1) What inspired you to write SAID THE KITTY TO THE CAT…?
It was February, 2009, and it was just before Valentine's Day, and I was thinking of what I could get as a present for my two little nieces, Annabelle and Charlotte. (Sisters, aged 7 and 6 at the time) I had made them up little gift baskets, with candy and a card and whatnot, but that didn't seem like enough. Anyway, I thought a poem might be best, as both girls are smart and love to read, so I conjured up a picture in my head of two cats (A cat and a kitten) trying to open up a book of candies without any luck, and the same line kept running through my mind again and again:
‘Said the Kitty to the Cat, said the Cat to the Kitty.’
Well, I wrote the poem, and afterward thought it might make a nice children's book, so I submitted it to publishers, and, well, the rest is history...
2) People often take for granted that writing a children's book is easy. Can you tell us what some of the challenges are in writing for a young audience?
Well, if you're writing a children's book you must be as descriptive and colorful as possible with every sentence. As most are only a dozen or so pages long, (not counting illustrations) you can't have a lull as in novel or longer work or else you'll lose their interest. As well, always make sure to stress the positive in whatever situation the characters are in. Childhood is supposed to be a happy time. A children's book should relate that on every page.
3) What do you see as the moral of SAID THE KITTY TO THE CAT...? What inspired you to choose that particular message?
I think what I was trying to most relate was a sense of togetherness. That throughout the whole book, the Cat and the Kitty are always trying to accomplish something as a team. They rely on each other and are there for one another at every turn. The way a sibling might depend on another sibling for support. That inspiration comes from a deep personal belief that one never accomplishes anything good alone. It takes so many people to create something worthwhile.
4) You are also a poet. How did that background influence your writing of the book?
It gave me a good sense as to where to start and how to finish the story. A poem, after all, is a tiny book. It should say something that is brief yet meaningful and leave the reader open to explore their own individual thoughts, whether they are about that particular subject or something entirely different. With children, I hope it introduces them to the world of poetry, and shows them what can be done with just a few simple words.
5) What was your first reaction upon seeing the illustrations that Steve Whitlow created to go along with your story? Were you able to collaborate on the process together?
I first saw the rough black and white sketches and thought they were very good, and was even more impressed when color was added to the completed project. It's innocent, gentle, and exactly what I was hoping for. Just right for young children who are beginning to read. No, actually, I have never met, spoken or contacted Mr. Whitlow. Such a thing is not uncommon in the publishing world. I would, however, be happy to work with him again in the future. He did a terrific job and I certainly appreciate his efforts.
6) What can readers expect next from you?
Well, it's difficult to say, as a lot depends on this first book, but I would certainly be interested in further works in children's literature. A book of poetry is also under negotiations, and a major philosophical piece is still planned, although further time is needed for such an important project. I'm not big on specializing in one genre: The sky's the limit. It's just a matter of getting the chance. We'll see how it goes.'
John Valeri, Hartford Books Examiner.
To buy Said the Kitty to the Cat or for more information, click here: http://www.topthatpublishing.com/title?id=4924
