Tonight I had 12 people around my table for tacos: My mother-in-law, my sister-in-law, her two kids, my two kids, Amelia, her daughter Avi, her baby in-utero, her friend and, of course, our pitbull mix always ready for a handout. (It’s her – and Rex’s – favorite night of the week because it’s the one night there’s meat on the table thanks to Amelia.)
It was my mother-in-law’s birthday so we pulled out all the stops including two dayglo orange and green plastic taco shell holders in the form of trucks. Combined with the mariachi ducks and the sombreros we were a truly a classy joint.
After 2 tacos with 14 fixings, two sets of brownies, a gluten free cake with sprinkle stars and coffee, I was so happy I could have squeezed someone’s head. But I didn’t. Instead I decided to put up tonight’s post, an interview with writer Gwen Vogelzang for her upcoming book, If I Squeeze Your Head, I’m Sorry.
I was honored to be introduced to Gwen through her agent, Stephanie Alton, who asked me to write an endorsement. (Her book deals with a boy who has Tourettes. Turns out that not only do our kids have that in common, but we both have similar journeys of faith, are straight shooters when it comes to transparency with our lives and not afraid to try new adventures. Plus she’s a fan of tacos, so she’s in automatically.)
I love meeting new people like Gwen, but rather than talk about, why don’t I let you read about it!
Where are you from and where do you live now?
My husband and I recently moved from 18 years in Denver to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
What do you do for a living?
I own and operate Four Birds {Airstream Gathering Spaces}, where we rent out a vintage Airstream trailer for events and meetings. We had it gutted and restored and it’s an open space with a mini kitchenette. Unlike most Airstreams, it’s not used for camping but rather as a boutique venue space where small groups can gather. We deliver the trailer to locations of our clients’ choice and host creative workshops on our 5 acre property in the Michigan woods.
What influenced you to write a book?
During a semester of homeschooling, Rylan and I were studying what it takes to be an entrepreneur. We interviewed a local cafe owner we frequented in Denver and she offered Rylan the opportunity to host an art show at her cafe. We decided, after negating the idea of focusing the show on Pokemon, to use the them of what it feels like to live in his brain. The work we did together was more valuable in understanding my son and the way he walk this earth than the tens of thousands we spent on therapy over the years. And the feedback on the show from the public was inspiring and humbling. After the 10th person told us we should consider turning the art show into a book, we put together a proposal and 8 months later, we had a publishing contract. We knew how much value a vast array of audiences would benefit from his work and felt obligated to share it.
Have you always wanted to write?
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. My basement holds boxes full of old journals documenting very dramatic middle school feelings up through journals written during our first years of marriage. I’ve been blogging for 10 years, which continues to evolve into audiences resonating with stages or our family life. It’s therapy. Writing is how I tick and process and form connections.
What is your marketing strategy and how important is this for writers who are publishing their first books?
This being my first book, it’s a huge learning process, but my 15 year career was in non-profit marketing and public relations which helps tremendously. I find so much life in searching for creative and bold ways to spread important messages. We’ve formed a list of influencers who are conencted to autism and tourettes to help us launch the book and will host various events supporting pre and post sales. We also did a fundraiser to fund a book trailer video to utilize during our launch and developed a fun, engaging website specifically for the book. Our social media through Instagram and facebook will keep audiences engaged and cause them to love our kiddo as we prepare to launch the book. Without effective marketing, books are incredibly hard to sell just given how saturated the market it. It’s a tough gig putting a book into the world.
What was the most difficult part about writing your book?
The toughest part was definitely making the design and look of the book to match our vision. It doesn’t always match what the publisher views as the vision, so navigating those waters has been tricky.
What was the most fun about writing your book?
Definitely working with Rylan as he drew and described his experiences. He would verbalize why he drew what he drew and I typed as he talked. It was such a collaborative experience and one that was incredibly unique to anything I had experienced as a parent. It proved to me just how powerful art is in a therapeudic realm for kids of any cognitive or developmental ability.
How did you go from “ticked off” to “happily” ticked off? (Basically, how did you use any of your challenges to motivate you to move ahead?)
This book has directed me away from the mentality that I need to “change” my kiddo to one of contentment and awe in who he was created to be. His “challenges” are in fact gifts that I was stifling by trying to alter the way he behaves and reacts to the world around him. Allowing him to express just how he sees and feels and hears and touches the world brought peace and inspiration in my relationship with him and in my understanding of how to advocate for him. That doesn’t mean we don’t struggle day to day and have challenges to face, but I see them at face value and don’t assume that they can be fixed. They just “are.” And that’s okay.
Give a shout out to a few bloggers or writers who have influenced you the most.
Watching Heather Avis with The Lucky Few advocate and shout the worth of her kiddos is inspiring on so many levels. Her feeds warm my soul on days when I want to give up. Her spirit is infectious and vital to our kids with different abilities. I also admire Sevy Marie and her Mama bear, Lisa Eicher. Their dedication to finding joy in their daughter’s trauma is incredible. Another example of the power of art and advocacy through a kiddo’s strengths. Last, Shelley Moore is a storyteller, inclusive educator, researcher and author who I saw headline an inclusive education conference. She captivated me at her assumption that ALL children can be included in regular education and the brilliant strategies and coaching she offers educators who need guidance.
What do you want people to know most about your book?
12-year-old Rylan thrives and struggles with Autism and Tourette Syndrome. He and his Mama Bird, Gwen, are publishing their first book, set to hit shelves in September, 2019. This one-of-a-kind picture book, “If I Squeeze Your Head I’m Sorry” will uplift, educate, create dialogue, entertain, and allow readers to enter the brain of a child who sees, feels, and understands the world from a remarkably and refreshingly unique perspective. Their work reminds us how important it is to listen to each other in an effort to truly understand and to assume immense value in one another
Send Links and Brag or Forever Hold Your Guacamole
Tell your neighbor, your hairstylist, your teachers, your great Aunt Gerty, Tell ALL your people. This book is an inclusive experience, so get on board Broskis! Pre-orders available soon! Visit http://www.ifisqueezeyourheadimsorry.com for all the crazy fun details. Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ifisqueezeyourheadimsorry/.
Does faith play a role in your writing? If so, how?
We believe in an inclusive God. And that God is the reason this book is about to become a real thing. Rylan and Jesus are pretty tight – always have been. Rylan has a lot of questions about God, but in his heart he feels connected to a love not available anywhere else. Jesus and Rylan knew how important it was to use his words to help create more understanding and conversation around living with special needs and by golly that’s what they’re doing. I’m the tool making it all happen in the literal sense, but the opportunity came through grace and Jesus. I’ve tried explaining it other ways, but I fall short every time.
When we meet in person for tacos, what food item would you bring and why?
Always guacamole. Every day guacamole. Avocado, one lime per avocado and pink sea salt.
Have You Written a Book and Want to Be Featured on Taco Tuesday? Leave a Comment or Just Say Hola to Gwen! Comment and Share
My book is available on Amazon. (Note: It’s a special ed journey… your kid doesn’t need to have Tourettes to relate!) Follow me on Twitter@AndreaFrazerWrites or on Facebook. )
(Note: It’s a special ed journey… your kid doesn’t need to have Tourettes to relate!) Follow me on Twitter@AndreaFrazerWrites or on Facebook.
Happily Ticked Off 