Frequently Asked Questions
Ask the Author
Behind the Scenes: Bizzy Goes to the Wallowa Mountains
Q: What was the motivation behind creating a children’s book—when your business has been focused on corporate communications and marketing?
A: First, let me say this does not represent a pivot to book publishing at CMBell! This began as a hobby project that was indeed inspired by our quirky and lovable Shih Tzu puppy, who loves to hike and travel with us in our RV. During his first visit to the Wallowa Mountains, we were amused by his adventurous spirit. Seeing him perched on a granite bolder ten times his size, we wondered what he was thinking. Had he conquered the trail? The world? His enthusiasm for discovery started me thinking about what he was thinking, and thus the tale was born. (You’ll have to read the book to find out how.)
Q: Tell me about the illustration.
A: I happen to have a multi-talented art director working for me at CMBell, and she has always had an interest in illustration. It was this interest that inspired me to start finding ways to incorporate illustration into our corporate communication tools ranging from video animations to social media content. She is always down for the next big challenge and is brilliant at capturing and visualizing the essence of a story. So, when this job came across her desk, she dug in and brought it to life visually. She has captured Bizzy’s quirky, fun-loving, and adventuresome spirit perfectly, and I think the illustrations will delight children as well as their adult readers.
Q: What do you hope for this story?
A: First, I hope that it will provide a happy moment between a reader and a child—grandparents, parents, siblings, aunts, and uncles. I have had such joy reading to my grandchildren, and the stories I enjoy the most combine arresting visuals and meanings on multiple levels. Secondly, I hope it will ignite curiosity for the outdoors, while also providing a chance to learn about the habitat of this beautiful area. (The animals featured can all be found in the Wallowa Mountain region.) I do hope that children will have their imaginations sparked by seeing Bizzy’s, and it is also important to me to contribute to a body of work that is wholesome for children. Finally, I hope that children will hear that while it is fun to pretend, it is best to be what only they can be—themselves!
Q: So, this place is real?
A: The place is real. And the visit was real. And Bizzy is real (though his real name is Otto Von Bismarck).
I have visited the Wallowa Mountains with my family since my childhood and have delightful memories with friends and family there. The beautiful lake, hikes, fabulous camping breakfasts, and the companionship of camping with friends have made this a place we want to revisit often.
Joseph, a friendly little town adjacent to the beautiful Wallowa Lake at the base of the mountains, is rich in history, beautiful views, art, and quaint shops. Located in northeastern Oregon, the drive there is filled with idyllic valleys, pristine creeks and pastures, and majestic mountain views.
Q: Is there more to the series?
A: Yes. Bizzy has been to other places with us that have inspired more tales, which are in the works. All of them will be based on real locations, to give readers a sense of the wonders encountered. And there may be one about Bizzy’s new friend, an Irish Wolfhound, who is his own kind of adorable. There may also be some children’s videos. You’ll just have to follow him to see where it goes!
Q: Can we meet the real Bizzy?
A: Indeed. You can follow him on www.instagram.com/bizzythebusyshihtzu/. Be prepared to smile.
Q: What did this project do for you?
A: It gave me a chance to bring the creative resources of CMBell to the world of children. We are shaped by what we put in our minds, and so I want to help curate and create the very best things for a child’s mind.
Q: Any chance your grandchildren were involved in this project?
A: Most certainly. It has been read to them many times, and always commands a repeat performance, or two, or three (you know how reading to children goes!).
Also, I want to give props to my family, all of whom contribute to my pursuits in one way or another through their feedback, support, suggestions, and encouragement. My husband, whom I met at 17, especially, has supported any creative venture I have imagined. There would be no CMBell, I think, without his steady tending of my hopes and dreams.