At some point in our lives we’ve all experienced the trauma of a move. For children in particular, relocating to a new, strange place can be very unnerving.
That is the premise of Sharon Hoffman’s new book, The Story of Queen Lily. In it, Sharon relates to anxious young readers about the upside of moving. The story puts them at ease through well-written, child-oriented dialogue and delightful photos.
Photos of what? Of the main character, Lily, who happens to be a fluffy, gregarious cat with lots of experience on the topic.
Sharon, a veterinary dentist and oral surgeon, wanted to write a book about “something other than medical journals.” She and her family moved from Ohio to Jacksonville four years ago and, as she related it, the strain of the move became the seed of an idea for the book.
Queen Lily, their family cat, moved with them, but seemed to be the only one without trauma in the ordeal. As soon as they arrived, Lily went about exploring their new neighbors, the beach and the marshland around her new home. Thus, Lily provided both material and rationale for the story.
The story captivated members of FCCW at this week’s meeting through Sharon’s slides and discussion. She took it further by relating some important points about what it took to get published – a topic close to our hearts.
When she explored publishing options, Sharon found it too expensive, too complicated and that it took too long. As a first-time writer, she needed simpler approach, and was about to shelve the idea. Then, she found her answer at a small bookshop in Fernandina Beach where she met a “co-op publisher,” named G.W. Reynolds.
Mr. Reynolds explained his company’s minimal risk, fast approach to publishing. She agreed to the partnership he offered, and signed with Mr. Reynolds’ company called, High-Pitched Hum Publishing.
The happy ending is the book is now in print, and being enjoyed by numerous young ones, whether they’re moving or not.
By Ken Overman, FCCW Member
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