Author Name:
Patricia Gleichauf
Book Titles:
Horses of the Sea, Starfish Gazing, Sea Turtles Circle, Coral Gardens
Website URL:
Link to book page on Amazon:
Social Media Links:
What is your book about?
All of my books are rhyming lessons about endangered sea creatures. They are meant to help children of all ages gain some insight into the fascinating world under the sea.
What inspired you to write your book?
I saw a crystal seahorse and realized that I had no knowledge of this unique creature. I began thinking that children will never learn about sea horses in school since there just isn’t enough time in their curriculum. So I decided to write a book to teach the world about sea horses and it mushroomed from there.
If you have a business related to your book, tell us about it:
My business is teaching children about endangered sea creatures. I go to schools and library’s whenever I am invited to read my books to the children.
What is a typical day like for you?
My intention is to write or attend to book business at least three hours daily. But as all writers know, the day gets away from me and I get caught up in research or the second draft or chatting with my illustrator or scheduling an event. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day to fit everything in! Good thing I love what I do!
What do you most enjoy about what you do?
I most enjoy reading my books to children. They are so wonderfully absorbent. Their questions are thoughtful and engaged. Watching their faces light up warms my heart. Just this week, I read to six first grade classes. They were so eager to learn about Starfish and of course wanted to tell me all of their own Starfish stories!
What are some favorite books you’d recommend to our readers?
My all time favorite author and inspirational hero is Louisa May Alcott. If you haven’t read Little Women at least once, run out and get a copy. Her strong character, Jo March, led me to becoming a writer. All writers will identify with her relentless pursuit of the written word in a time when women writers weren’t taken seriously.
What advice do you have to offer our readers?
Hang on tight to your dreams. It is never too late to achieve them. I knew I wanted to write children’s books when I was eight years old. My first book was published when I was 62. Your power is where your focus is. Focus on your dreams and they will come true.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Perhaps people would be surprised to learn that I have visited all 50 of the United States. Before I retired, I had a job in research and travelled all over the country. Once I had seen 35 states, well you just have to finish. I visited my 50th state, Wisconsin, in 2018.
What’s next for you?
My 5th book, Dance of the Dolphins, is in process as we speak. I have committed to spend more time marketing my books after this one is released. I was hugely inspired by the NFAA conference last week and have an idea for writing a nonfiction book about about achieving a dream.
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