written October 31, 2007
“I find inspiration from many sources like music, books and even in everyday conversations. As a writer, you always want to have your eyes and ears open for any inspiration that comes down the road.” – Howard Shapiro
Howard Shapiro is not your typical children’s book author. Having published three books in the last three years, he has achieved his goal of writing characters that adults and kids would be able to relate to and care about. His stories have has also helped children deal with issues (understanding and accepting ones heritage in Hanukkah Counts Too!; dealing with bullies in a non-violent way in Destructo Boy & Spillerella...We Are Who We Are!) that he himself went through as a child. In essence, he has accomplished his objective of creating stories that have something relevant to say.
As with his first two books, Hockey Days has an important message for its intended readers. This book is the heartwarming story of how Tom (the main protagonist of Shapiro’s books) and his dad are brought together by the sport of hockey. Shapiro illustrates the significance of timeless values such as teamwork, self-discipline, friendship and hard work in the pages of Hockey Days, emphasizing that hockey – or any sport for that matter – is more than just winning or scoring the most points.
Hockey Days, according to Shapiro, was written as a tribute to the sport, and to his own dad who passed away in 2005. Upon finishing the book, he went on the Internet, researched on self-publishing companies, and, having read several favorable recommendations, decided to self-publish his third book with Xlibris. He was pleased with the outcome of his decision. “It was good overall. Everyone I worked with there was very professional and dealt with any issue in a prompt and courteous manner. The quality of my book is excellent.”
So excellent, in fact, that Hockey Days has received nothing but good reviews on Amazon.com. And Shapiro has himself to thank for that because not only has he come up with a wonderful, feel-good story that parents and kids can relate to, but he also put much effort in the promotion his book. “Work at marketing [your book] on your own. Do not count on the publisher to help you. They can assist you, but the bulk of the work – like the phone calls, emails – will have to come from you.”
This attitude has enabled Shapiro to pursue the self-publication of his three children’s books in three consecutive years. He believes one has to be prepared to work extremely hard if they want their books to be successful. “There is only so much the publisher can do. The bulk of the marketing/promo/publicity will have to come from the author.”
Another factor for the success of Shapiro and his works is his belief in the Golden Rule – “treat others as you would like to be treated" – something he practices and abides by. With his children’s books, he set out to help kids deal with difficulties in their young lives and, in return, others have helped him succeed as a published author. It has all worked out well for Shapiro.
Now, that’s anything but typical.
“I find inspiration from many sources like music, books and even in everyday conversations. As a writer, you always want to have your eyes and ears open for any inspiration that comes down the road.” – Howard Shapiro
Howard Shapiro is not your typical children’s book author. Having published three books in the last three years, he has achieved his goal of writing characters that adults and kids would be able to relate to and care about. His stories have has also helped children deal with issues (understanding and accepting ones heritage in Hanukkah Counts Too!; dealing with bullies in a non-violent way in Destructo Boy & Spillerella...We Are Who We Are!) that he himself went through as a child. In essence, he has accomplished his objective of creating stories that have something relevant to say.
As with his first two books, Hockey Days has an important message for its intended readers. This book is the heartwarming story of how Tom (the main protagonist of Shapiro’s books) and his dad are brought together by the sport of hockey. Shapiro illustrates the significance of timeless values such as teamwork, self-discipline, friendship and hard work in the pages of Hockey Days, emphasizing that hockey – or any sport for that matter – is more than just winning or scoring the most points.
Hockey Days, according to Shapiro, was written as a tribute to the sport, and to his own dad who passed away in 2005. Upon finishing the book, he went on the Internet, researched on self-publishing companies, and, having read several favorable recommendations, decided to self-publish his third book with Xlibris. He was pleased with the outcome of his decision. “It was good overall. Everyone I worked with there was very professional and dealt with any issue in a prompt and courteous manner. The quality of my book is excellent.”
So excellent, in fact, that Hockey Days has received nothing but good reviews on Amazon.com. And Shapiro has himself to thank for that because not only has he come up with a wonderful, feel-good story that parents and kids can relate to, but he also put much effort in the promotion his book. “Work at marketing [your book] on your own. Do not count on the publisher to help you. They can assist you, but the bulk of the work – like the phone calls, emails – will have to come from you.”
This attitude has enabled Shapiro to pursue the self-publication of his three children’s books in three consecutive years. He believes one has to be prepared to work extremely hard if they want their books to be successful. “There is only so much the publisher can do. The bulk of the marketing/promo/publicity will have to come from the author.”
Another factor for the success of Shapiro and his works is his belief in the Golden Rule – “treat others as you would like to be treated" – something he practices and abides by. With his children’s books, he set out to help kids deal with difficulties in their young lives and, in return, others have helped him succeed as a published author. It has all worked out well for Shapiro.
Now, that’s anything but typical.
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