Sybrina Durant is a children’s book author from a small town half way between Houston and Galveston, Texas called League City. In this interview, Sybrina talks about her latest book, reading and writing.
Voicu Mihnea Simandan: You recently created and self-published Learn To Tie A Tie With The Rabbit And The Fox – Story With Instructional Song (2012). Where did you get the idea to create a how-to book of this type for children?
Sybrina Durant: Believe it or not, it all started way back in 1985! That’s when I first had a need to learn to tie a tie. Someone, actually a salesman in a menswear store, told me about the rabbit and the fox method of tying a tie. It was such a cute story that was so easy to remember, it just stuck with me. As time went by, I realized there were all kinds of books with illustrations and later, websites with videos showing how to tie a tie but strangely that simple little story was nowhere to be found. I decided I had to fill that niche! After all, there were already children’s picture books for learning to tie shoe laces so I believed people would have an interest in picture books teaching other types of knots as well.
VMS: Illustrations are a very important factor in any children’s books. Learn To Tie A Tie was beautifully illustrated by Donna Marie Naval. What was your work relationship with the illustrator?
SD: Ahhh…. I’m glad you brought that up. As soon as I decided to create the book, I realized… I’m not an artist! And I didn’t know any, either. It was just a small dilemma. Luckily, I am living in the right time and age to overcome most of the obstacles of 1985. I began scouring the internet to find just the right artist. After reviewing the portfolios of over 100 illustrators, I found her… Donna Marie Naval. The moment I saw her drawings of woodland creatures, I was hooked on her style. The books would not be the same without her special renditions. I feel very fortunate that she and I have developed such a wonderful working relationship over the past two years.
VMS: The book is available is English, Spanish and Tagalog and the song can be heard for free in all three languages on your website at Sybrina.com. Why Tagalog? Do you have many readers in the Philippines?
SD: Donna is from the Philippines. I wanted to do something nice for her which would allow her to feel a real ownership of the book. The best thing I could think of to do was create at Tagalog language version of the book. Further research into that idea made me realize that the Philippino people absolutely love reading. This led me to a fantastic web-based company in the Philippines – Flipreads.com, where the Tagalog book may be purchased with Filipino Pesos. Since the book is so easily available to Philippino readers, I’m hoping it will be introduced to very many people there in the near future and for many years to come.
VMS: You’re also active on social media platforms, especially on Pinterest, where you’re trying to encourage a new generation of sharp dressed men. What’s the concept behind that?
SD: When society has broken down to the point of kids thinking it’s cool to wear their pants “on the ground”, as the song conveys, something is needed to counteract that thought process. Pinterest is my very favorite means for presenting my book in the best possible light. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. When people see the hundreds of adorable boys cheerfully sporting neckties on that page, they can’t help but smile at all the positive images. In a small way, it contributes to many young mothers being encouraged to dress their own children like those boys.
VMS: Some people believe that children no longer read and, with the availability of affordable e-readers, many believe that, sooner or later, children will no longer want to hold books in their hands. Please comment.
SD: I personally don’t believe that printed books will ever go away. I remember, as a teenager, reading a book by Ray Bradbury called Farenhiet 451. In it, to possess an actual printed book was illegal. In fact, nearly all books had been destroyed. That only made people want them more. Throughout time, the feel of a books pages between your fingers or the scent of paper as it ages have become embedded in the fiber of humanity. I believe that even children whose parents read them stories, still enjoy cuddling together with a real book and helping turn the page to see the secrets that lie hidden. Holding a book in your hand is an emotional experience.
VMS: Do you still read children’s books fiction?
SD: I have seven grand children so yes, I do read children’s fiction. My favorite gift to give a child is a book. There are so many incredible books out there and new ones coming every day.
VMS: What book are you working on right now?
SD: I’m actually working on a companion book for girls titled Learn To Knot A Neck Scarf With The Rabbit And The Fox! Whereas the boys book is full of bold primary colors, the girls book will have soft water color images.
VMS: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
SD: If you have a book in you… something you want to share with the world… do it! Do it now. You are living in the best time for writers and readers. Take your idea and run with it. The internet is full of all kinds of information and services to help you make your book the best that it can be. There are editors and book cover designers and formatters ready to help you make it look great. There are self-publishing services and print on demand services galore. And there are wonderful bloggers and book reviewers who are happy to share a little bit about you and your book with the world. Today, if you want to write and become a published author, there is no excuse not to. Now, go write!
Have another look inside the book:
[nggallery id=29]
