Jessica Demuzio
An Interview with author Jessica Demuzio, VMD
Dr. Jessica Dimuzio graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, specializing in wildlife preservation. She has conducted research on elephants, rhinos, and wild baboons and taught conservation programs in Africa, Asia, and North America. Besides being published in the fields of veterinary medicine, veterinary education, and conservation she is an award-winning, children's book author with two picture books (so far). Dedicated to wildlife conservation, Dr. “D.” loves to get kids excited about wildlife and their natural habitats through her writing, nonfiction storytelling, classroom talks, and nature walks. She provides these programs through Nature Tales and Trails, LLC, the company she founded in 2011. Her website is naturetalesandtrails.com.
Bethlehem Writers Group: You are a scientist, a researcher, a veterinarian, a wildlife conservationist. And now, you write children's books. That could seem like a life-plan non sequitur. How did you get from the very professional, grown-up life into the world of children?
Jessica Demuzio: My passion, my life’s goal, has always been saving wildlife, and that destination has never changed, but the approach has. From healing individuals, to rescuing single species, to saving habitats for an entire wildlife ecosystem, to designing and teaching holistic conservation education programs to wildlife biologists, to writing and speaking with children, influencing the next generation of stewards-- all has been done to increase the likelihood of long-term preservation.
And writing and teaching/speaking have always been the core methods of disseminating the conservation message.
BWG: Why, specifically, do you write for children? Do you write anything besides children’s books?
Children’s books about nature that I read as a kid inspired me to love, respect, and ultimately want to protect wildlife. I never dreamed that one day I would be adding to that legacy with my own true stories of animals, their behavior and habitats.
But seeing the enthusiasm of students in naturalist programs I had conducted both in the US and abroad made me determined to engage more children in learning about animals in their natural environment by relating true events from my work.
Besides my articles for veterinary journals, I am published in the fields of conservation and land preservation because I have always enjoyed translating biological, behavioral, and conservation concepts to non-scientifically trained people. I continue to write for these types of publications. To learn the techniques for writing for children, I took a course at the University of Pennsylvania. I focus on creative nonfiction to put the power of a story behind the scientific concepts and details I want to get across. During my school visits I ask children, ‘Why should I spend the time making up characters and plots like a fiction writer, when no one believes my true stories anyway?" This is where the fun begins, because the discussion leads to even more truths behind the written words.
Eugene Ionesco stated: “The end of childhood is when things cease to astonish us.” I guess that child-like wonder has never left me. As a scientist, I am always asking “Why” and as a lover of nature, I’m always thrilled to learn more of its mysteries. Sharing this with children, whether in an oral or written format, is joyous for me. And I feel I am reaching more people and seeing a bigger impact for conservation through my work.
BWG: What are your areas of research?
JD: There were few choices at that time to pursue a career in wildlife conservation so I chose veterinary medicine, believing that byspecializing in nutrition and reproduction I could help preserve wildlife. I began with research on endangered Indian Rhinos and elephants at the Philadelphia Zoo. Then when I won a scholarship for original research, I had the opportunity to study wild baboons in Kenya, Africa. Soon after my studies ended, the land was sold to a cooperative of small farmers who regarded baboons as pests. The only way to save the baboons was to relocate them to a remote area of the country. The realization that land preservation and human engagement were as vital as species studies led me, with my husband, Dr. Tim Halverson, to design holistic conservation education programs. We incorporated animal studies, land use, culture, and economics and conducted these conservation programs for college students and wildlife biologists in the United States, Africa, and Asia.
BWG: Are you still a practicing veterinarian?
JD: After completing veterinary school, I started in a small animal medicine and emergency practice, specializing in exotic pets, in addition to conducting consultancy work with zoos. Conservation education means giving up hands-on work with animals, which I miss very much. To satisfy that need, I still help out friends and neighbors with their pets as well as colleagues who own their own practice. But my first commitment is to my life’s work of conservation education.
BWG: When I met you last March, you had published your award-winning first children’s book: Bark! Bark! Bark for My Park! Please tell us about it.
JD: I was busy writing picture and chapter books about my work with wildlife in Africa, when one day, storyteller that I am, I was relating to a friend how my five-pound dog saved a 690-acre park from being destroyed. She said, “Jessica, you write for children. This is a great inspirational story!” So, with the help of my canine conservation hero “Johnny Angel,” I wrote Bark! Bark! Bark for My Park!.It recounts the true struggle of how Johnny Angel, my Papillon puppy, saved a farm park from development. The story proves that no matter how small, how young, or even what species you are, you do have the power to make a difference in your world if you use your voice, have passion, and create a plan.
The manuscript won the Society of Children’s Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) international Kimberly Colen Award. When I went to accept the plaque and grant money at the SCBWI conference in New York from Randy Colen, brother of the late Kimberly, he surprised the audience and me by having a big red squeaky bone for Johnny Angel, my co-author. This is the first time in the 37-year history of SCBWI that a dog was recognized for his contribution to children’s literature!
Since its publication, the book has been recognized with a Mom’s Choice Award in the Green Earth Category and a rare RECOMMENDED from US Review of Books. And if that wasn’t enough, Betty White the actress and animal advocate wrote us praising our efforts to save open space and wanting a kiss from Johnny Angel! (You can read Betty White’s letter here: http://www.naturetalesandtrails.com/resources/Betty+White+2.jpg)
And that was the start of my life as a children’s author!
BWG: Since then, you have launched a second book, again with Johnny Angel. Please tell.
JD: Bow Wow Wow! Green Beans Now? recounts Johnny Angel’s obsession with eating garden-fresh, mouth-picked green beans. To get kids interested in organic gardening and eating homegrown vegetables, I thought it would be a unique approach (and hopefully a humorous one) to follow Johnny Angel and his girlfriend, Beegee, as they learned the steps of gardening. But the story turned out to be very different from the original manuscript because during the photographic sessions, Johnny Angel revealed some surprises about what he loved about picking and eating green beans. I don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll just leave you with another fact—the ending surprised even me!
BWG: You published your books independently. What were your reasons for choosing that route, rather than seeking a traditional publisher?
JD: The sequence of events that led to the publication of Bark! Bark! Bark for My Park! still amaze me.
Written in one sitting, edited for several months, the manuscript got me into Rutgers’ One-On-One Conference for a second year in a row, where I received invaluable feedback and met editors and publishers. Through the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, I learned about an award that was specifically for non-published children’s book writers, applied, and won! At the award ceremony in NY, I met editors and agents.
The submitted draft had three photographs, basically to show illustrators some unusual things, like a five-pound Papillon wearing a backpack and carrying a petition. The award selection committee suggested that I use photographs instead of illustrations and I followed their advice. It took three years to photograph it, running into every problem any director could possibly have! During this time, I had been invited to join Young Writers’ Day, a 30-year old program of authors and illustrators of all genres who teach their craft to elementary schools, yet I still didn’t have a published book to present.
Then I started conducting nature walks at the park Johnny Angel saved, all the while sending letters to editors and getting rejections. By now, I had a completely illustrated manuscript and Johnny Angel and I had a following with a pre-order for over 500 books. It didn’t make sense at this point to wait the two-plus years that traditional publishing process takes. Within six months, my designed book (thanks to Janice Phelps Williams) printed in the US (thanks to Bang Printing) arrived for my holiday launch party.
BWG: To do so, you created your own publishing company. What factors led you to this?
JD: When I embarked on publishing Bark! Bark! Bark for My Park!, there were no color e-readers and no e-readers that could do a two-page spread—both of which were important to have for this picture book and its sequel. So I couldn’t go the route of an e-book.
The print-on-demand was not an option either because of the limited layouts, paper-type, and quality of photographic reproductions.
It was important to me to have the books printed in America. My husband, Dr. Tim Halverson, found a printer whose prices were equivalent to HongKong’s, which also eliminated the transportation delays. However, we found out in the middle of this process that we needed to establish a publishing company, and in 2011 Nature Tales and Trails, LLC was born.
BWG: Nature Tales and Trails, LLC, does more than publish books, though. What else do you do through that organization?
JD: We use it to connect children to the natural world through classroom talks, nature walks, and books about the adventures Tim and I have had studying and working with wildlife at home and around the world.
As trained scientists with more than 15 years experience in conservation biology, animal behavior, and field research, we provide a unique approach to building an appreciation and respect for the natural world. Our programs help kids feel comfortable in nature and inspire them to cultivate their curiosity.
Although my books are written for elementary school children, Nature Tales and Trails programs are geared for audiences as young as age 4 through middle school, based on depth of content. For my author visits, I read one of my books and answer questions on writing, illustrating, and ways kids can participate in environmental causes through activism or gardening. From 2ndthrough 7th grades, workshops are available in the following topics: Persuasive Writing, Instructional Writing, Conservation (usually tied in with on-going school projects) and Fun Research for nonfiction writing.
We offer guided Nature Walks at the Norristown Farm Park that was saved by Johnny Angel.
During my school and library visits, when children learn I’m a veterinarian, they often ask whether I have worked with this species or that. I realized I had a story for every animal named with the exceptions of dinosaurs (no, I’m not that old and I’m glad I wasn’t a veterinarian then!) and yetis (but if you ever find one that needs a vet, please call me!). We recently began offering storytelling programs, Animal Tales, for six to senior and yes, every story is true!
If you are interested in “Stories from the Wild—Programs for Your Child” or Animal Tales, contact me through Nature Tales and Trails, LLC at www.naturetalesandtrails.com.
BWG: Do you use other books, in addition to your own, in your Nature Tales & Trails programs?
JD: Absolutely. I read a lot of non-fiction children’s books. Ultimately, in my interaction with kids, we talk about our favorite animals and interests and I’ll recommend books in those subjects to them and their teachers or parents. One of my favorite series is Scientists-in-the-Field and a favorite author in that series, Sy Montgomery (author of the national best-seller The Good Good Pig). Additionally, I’ll bring reference books on our nature walks for children and adults to see. Whenever I give presentations on creative non-fiction writing or self-publishing, I bring a selection to demonstrate my points.
BWG: You are passionate about offering exciting non-fiction to children. What are your tips for planning and writing creative non-fiction for kids?
JD: There are four approaches I use to improve my writing.
1) Start with a strong character with whom kids can connect. When I started writing Bark! Bark! Bark for My Park!, it was in the first person. But after one paragraph, I realized that children weren’t going to bond with an adult and it really was Johnny Angel’s story to tell. I switched it to his voice, and the rest is in the book!
2) Think visually about your story. Since I “think” in pictures, I find it especially helpful to create a mock-up of the manuscript in Power-Point. Imagine how your words would be illustrated. If you cannot envision a dynamic image with the words you’ve written, it’s revision time. Since I write about true events, and am a stickler for scientific validity, I use our photographs and detailed journals to help maintain the accuracy of my stories.
3) Get feedback from other writers. I’ve found it especially helpful to do so in a group situation, as it often stimulates my creativity. In our critique group, many different interpretations evolve, which can help me see other possibilities or even misinterpretations that require clarification. It can be valuable fuel to create a better story.
4) Let your story be read by, or to, children of different ages and reading and comprehension skills. Watch their reaction, attention span. Listen and take seriously their questions and comments. Direct reader feedback is invaluable! It has improved my writing every time. (And don’t forget to acknowledge them in the book! You’ll create loyal fans and seeing their faces light up with pride is a joy to experience.)
BWG: With all you do, how you make time for writing? What is your typical day like?
JD: There is no typical day. For me, the most critical process is that I must allow for insomnia for the creativity to flow and therefore always keep paper and pencil by my bedside. But I do find the need to get waterproof paper for the shower since most of my Ah Ha moments come then!
As a storyteller, whether these tales have been told to others or mulled over in my head, I’m constantly honing the words, sequence, emphasis, until I feel I’ve captured the listener. Then one day, I’ll find a few hours where I can sit down and write the entire story out.
To date, all of my manuscripts have been done in one sitting. Although one doesn’t need to write a whole manuscript, this method is supported by PiBoWriMo in which writers pen a picture book idea per day for a month. (See http://taralazar.com/piboidmo/)
Now the editing process is a quite a different subject. The first story I ever wrote for children, only 220 words, took 4 years to edit!!
BWG: You are the founder of Milestones Children’s Critique Circle. Could you tell us how this group operates, and what you gain from it?
JD: A course I took with Vivian Grey on writing for children had the most diverse and yet most compatible participants with whom I’d ever had the pleasure of interacting. When the course ended, I offered to organize a monthly meeting. I founded this organization in July 2006 and am proud to be the leader of such a diverse and accomplished group of people. Milestones Children’s Critique Circle is a support group exclusively for dedicated writers of all genres of children’s books, fiction and nonfiction, picture book to YA. Our motto is: E=MC3 because the group generates so much energy, we beat Einstein’s equation!
What I personally gain from this group is exposure to different genres, a variety of perspectives on how to solve a problem with characters or plot, and increased confidence as I help others improve their writing and improve my own skills in the process. And it is essential, and quite rewarding, to have a fabulous support group to navigate all the many changes in this profession!
To be invited as a guest, please contact: dr.d@naturetalesandtrails.com
BWG: Do you have another book or two in the planning or creating stage?
JD: Yes, I just can’t seem to stop writing for kids! In fact, African Animals’ Lullaby, a true account from my experience living and working in the Kenyan bush, which rhythmically describes the sounds of different African animals during a 24-hour period, was the first story I ever wrote for children and is now in the design phase. I have been waiting several years for the technology to catch up to where my dream has always been for producing this as an interactive book. Now I just need the funds or an editor who shares my vision.
In the editing phase are:
Mischievous Mahler, the Baby Baboon that Played a Most Dangerous Game, based on something I saw that most others will never see, when living with, and studying, wild baboons in Kenya, Africa. Using humor and suspense to capture the young reader, I transport the child to witness wild animals as only someone who has lived among them can do.
Elephant Island, the true story of rescuing a bull elephant in Malaysia. I have told students this story verbally and they keep asking when will it be in print.
In the planning stage is a collection of true tales, based on my experiences working with animals, possibly as a memoir for adult readers.
BWG: Do you do a lot of talks and book signings? How can readers find out where you will be next?
JD: Yes, I jokingly refer to myself as the extroverted writer because I LOVE doing school visits, workshops, speaking events, and book signings. Please visit the website event calendar- http://www.naturetalesandtrails.com/3.html. If I’m not scheduled to be in your area, please email me dr.d@naturetalesandtrails.com to set something up. I’m looking forward to meeting you.
Interview by BWG member Brenda Havens