With one children’s book already to her credit, Valerie Redmond is about to launch her second book, called, “Harry and the Answer Feather” having learned a few lessons.
This time around, Redmond has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds which will be used primarily for marketing her book. It’s one thing to write a book, but how do you get noticed in a market that is flooded with self-published books, Redmond points out.
Her first book, called, “Emma and the Wishing Bead” did very well, she says.
“Publishing is great, but I am hoping that my Kickstarter campaign will help me raise funds to buy a bigger marketing package for my book,” says Redmond.
Half of the profits of Redmond’s first book were donated to the Canadian Harambee Education Society (CHES), a non-profit organization which provides secondary school scholarships to girls in Kenya and Tanzania.
Half of book sale profits from Harry and the Answer Feather will be donated to The Ben McKinnon Fund, through The Pure Art Foundation. This fund is building a daycare in the slums of Pucallpa, Peru, to help young mothers gain employment and support their families. It is a lasting tribute to Ben McKinnon, a young filmmaker whose work encouraged others to expand their compassion and inspired so many to give back.
Redmond’s first book was a story built around her daughter so this second book, she says, is about her son, Harrison.
“He is very intuitive. It’s astounding. He has taught me to trust in my instincts,” Redmond says. At a young age, her son was fascinated by cars and now, at age 12, loves fixing up old cars.
The name of the book is based on the beliefs of many indigenous peoples, who believe that an answer feather is a healing tool for those seeking answers. It may be given to you, or it may appear in your path.
“If you have a question that you are asking yourself, an answer feather is like an instrument. If you listen, you will receive the answer,” Redmond said.
Redmond, an experienced Montessori teacher, says that we have all moved far away from our natural instincts. Most of us do not look for guidance from within. The influences of social media, smartphones and a wired world are changing how children grow up.
As with her last book, Redmond hopes to do what she loves: she hopes to take this book and visit schools to conduct workshops there.
Redmond lives in the St-Lazare, Quebec area with her husband and two children, but she has roots in Eastern Ontario.
She has until November 21 to reach her $8,000 goal. At press time, she had raised about $3,000. She points out that unless she reaches her campaign goal, she will not be able to claim any of the pledges.
Different reward packages are in place, depending upon the amount pledged.
You can make a pledge or find out more about “Harry and the Answer Feather” here.
Note that on Friday, December 1, when children visit The Review to write letters to Santa, Redmond will be present at The Review from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with “Emma and the Wishing Bead” and children will be able to choose their own wishing bead. Redmond says she hopes also have her new book with her for sale that evening.
