Interview with Roe De Pinto, author of “Too Much Junk in My Trunk!”

pinto roe received fourteen awards for her The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba series and hopes to continue the accolades with the new version of this adorable little episode, “Too Much Junk in My Trunk!” Through her adorable characters Zealy, a baby seal and Whubba, a baby orca, Roe continues to embark on her journey and dreams of bringing back the morals she learned many years ago – respect each other, respect each other others and the whole world around you. Giving, Sharing and Caring is her lifelong campaign, beginning with the birth of a newborn through her developmental years. Giving to someone else before yourself, and always protecting each other are the simple life lessons she believes can restore peace and non-violence to a very jaded world.

Hi Roe and welcome! It’s so nice to visit you again. Why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself.

Before writing, I was a real estate agent, administrative assistant, manager, travel agent, notary, etc. for career purposes, but I have been writing for as long as I could write, from the age of 10 years. children, and Nana of three precious grandchildren, who illuminate my life with joy and love. They inspired my writing during my retirement years after countless hours of watching my favorite TV cartoons.

I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been up to since our last conversation! What’s going on with your series, The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba?

Well, I worked on the show, The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba for 3 years now and with the release of the new book, which is volume 4, “Too much bric-a-brac in my trunk”, I have received 14 awards so far, so I am so happy that the public receive my books with anxiety!

I was recently picked up by publishers, Austin-Macauley, to have my first three reviewed in their in-house format in hopes that their marketing would take my work to the next level.

This is so exciting, congratulations! And what is “Too much junk in my trunk!” about?

My fourth book is about our two little characters exploring a culinary adventure, which turns into a culinary extravaganza, with new friends who end up with stomach aches that only their mom can relieve by giving her the best advice. The book ends with a wonderful lesson learned as they happily dance to the song you’ll see when they feel better.

I love the lessons in your books! Great for adults too – I can’t get the message of “Too much junk in my trunk” all too well! What inspired you to write about overeating?

I constantly tell my grandkids to try new foods, but they tend to overeat foods they prefer to eat, so I decided to write about it – and now they remember what Zealy and Whubba have done and will recite the chant every time I remind them that they are eating too much.

What do you love about writing children’s books and what’s the hardest thing about writing children’s books?

The hardest part I feel is getting into a child’s mind and knowing how they will react to the words and lessons you are trying to convey. Children are so easily impressed and you have to be very careful how the wording is done and keep it simple to understand.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started writing your first book?

As marketing is really tedious when self-publishing. I prefer to devote my energy to writing!

How active are you in promoting your books? Tell us about some of the things you do to spread the word about Zealy and Whubba.

Social media, coast-to-coast book signings, award submissions, review submissions, book fairs and trade shows are all I do – I’m a bunch of men.

What do you think of writing groups and critical partners?

They are beneficial for exposing things to you objectively rather than as you see them, subjectively.

Do you attend literary conferences? If so, what do you remember the most from these events?

Absolutely, exposure is key there, along with networking and seeing what works for other writers and industry experts.

Looking back, did you ever imagine that your series would receive so much recognition and accolades? What does this validation mean for you as a writer, but also as a mother and grandmother?

I am completely in awe of every award, and that validates everything I say in my writing for parents of young children, as well as for children.

What were Zealy and Whubba doing 30,000 feet in the sky on a plane? I thought they were sea animals?

Oh my god the ad was aired on national television as an interview on Talk Business 360, Fox Business Network and it was extended on Talk Business 360 which airs on select American Airlines flights (27,000 total) in October and November. I can’t express my beating heart when I saw it myself on the flight as well as on TV because my quest and my dream come true is to see it on TV in an animated format someday and this was a pure pleasure for me to see my characters on the screen!

What’s next for The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba series?

The fifth book has not yet been released for production, although I have the next 8 scripted, but not edited. I hope that in the year, book 5 will come out.

Knowing everything you now know about writing and marketing and the whole process for that matter, what information would you pass on to someone who wants to break into the world of children’s books?

Be prepared to spend time and money, but the rewards are much greater when you see kids identifying and happy and smiling reading what you’ve created.

Where can readers interact with you on social media and learn more about you and your books?

My website: www.zealyandwhubba.com he has everything. I’m also on Twitter at @doctaroe and Facebook.

Roe, as always, it was a pleasure and an honor to speak with you today. I’m inspired by your enthusiasm and ambition and can’t wait to see what’s next!

THANKS.