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Interview Friday with Author MaryAnn Tatro




MaryAnn Tatro attended Southern Ohio Business College and received a degree in Office Administration and Communication. She also attended Cooper School of Art for one year and took with her a love to create, design and color. She worked several years for a publishing company in Cleveland while raising her son Ryan.

Tatro grew up in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, but her heart is in the country. She currently lives in Wadsworth, Ohio with her husband Dennis of 20 years and their cat. She and her husband enjoy nature walks, antiques, yard sales and being with family.
 
VS: I want to thank you for being my guest here on The Writing Mama today, Maryann.What do you do to help balance your writing life with your family life?


Maryann: I don’t write everyday, only when I feel inspired to do so.  If an idea comes to mind, I will jot down the idea and perhaps use it for future reference.  My family always comes first.

VS: How long have you been writing?

Maryann: I started writing about 7 years ago and kept my stories in a journal, but I actually became serious about writing a few years ago.

VS: Is your family supportive of your writing?

Maryann: My family is very supportive.  In fact, my husband encouraged me some years ago to get at least one story published.  Perhaps now, I’ll have more published soon.

VS: Can you share with us a little about your current book(s)?

Maryann: Milton is a turtle with a square shell.  One afternoon and being new to the area, he decides to take a walk down to the pond to relax.  Just when he finds the perfect spot, he can’t stay.  Not wanting to cause a problem, he goes further up the pond only to discover, home is the best place to relax.

VS: What did you find to be the most challenging part of writing your book(s)?

Maryann: Writing the initial story is the easy part.  Naming the character to go with the personality is the hard part.

VS: What part of your book do you feel really stands out to you personally?

Maryann: Even though the pond animals may be a little frightened because of Milton’s square shell, Milton doesn’t allow that to bother him.

VS: What do you think are the basic ingredients of a good book?

Maryann: I think the basic ingredients of a good book are personality to your main character and a good story line.  I write for ages 0-7 and I also feel illustrations play an important part of the book.  My book has wonderful illustrations, very colorful and children love visual.

VS: What do you feel as parents we need to do to help our children see success?

Maryann: Good question!!!!!  Always encourage them.  Be willing to help them reach their goals, visions and dreams.  Let them know when one door closes, another will open.

VS: Where can the readers of The Writing Mama find out more about and your writing?

Maryann: Readers can go to Halo Publishing’s website, google, or contact me via e-mail at:  dtatro62@yahoo.com, or call me at 330-391-1564.  I will soon have a face-book page.

VS: Is there anything else you would like to share with us about being a “Writing Mama or Dad”?
  
Maryann: Don’t give up if writing is your passion, your dream.  It doesn’t matter where you are “age-wise” in life, just go for it.  It’s never to late.  Whether your book is published or not, don’t get discouraged.  Perseverance is the key.





Just when he thinks he finds the perfect spot, he can't stay. Not wanting to cause a problem, he goes further up the pond, only to discover, home is the best place to relax.

Title: Milton the Square Shell Turtle
Author: MaryAnn Tatro
Illustrator: Diane Lucas
Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1-61244-103-1
Publication Date: June 2013
$11.95

Places available for sale:
Amazon.com
 

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