Meet Marla McKenna, Author of Mom's Big Catch
What inspired you to become a children's author?
I had always wanted to write a children’s book but you really need that perfect idea….one that will stand out from the rest. My story was literally dropped in my lap. I’ve been very fortunate because it’s a unique idea and one that hasn’t been written about before. Plus, I have always enjoyed the creative aspect of writing and graphic design. It is my passion.
How did you come up with the idea for Mom's Big Catch?
Mom’s Big Catch is based on an actual event that took place at the Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. It was just a fun family day at the ballpark a few years ago when something really exciting and crazy happened.
Do you have a favorite topic to write about?
Mom’s Big Catch is my first book. I am working on my second book that will include the same characters which are my favorite characters, my daughters, Julia and Ashley and my dog Sadie. They are my inspiration! As far as a topic, I think it’s very important to offer a positive message to a young reader.
What was your favorite book as a child?
My favorite book of all time is Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss. I love the positive message it portrays for both children and adults.
What do you hope children will learn from your book?
When children read Mom’s Big Catch, I hope they take away a very warm and positive feeling that dreams really can come true. The book has a very inspiring message about a little girl’s love for her family and her love for baseball. It also has an exciting feeling of everything associated with a baseball game which include the sights, sounds, tastes and smells. The book has been warmly received by boys and girls of all ages. The emails and letters have been very heartwarming! As an author, it has been very rewarding to visit schools and share my story with the students! It’s also inspiring for me to offer encouragement to the children to follow their dreams and to never give up. We also talk about the entire publishing process and how they can take any idea, add their imagination to it and they too can write a story.
Are you currently working on other books?
Yes, I am currently working on my second book. It will have the same characters as I plan to turn my writing into a series, and I am very excited about. I can’t wait until the next book is completed!
Mom’s Big Catch has me pretty busy though. There are two versions now available with a third on the way. There is the original version of Mom’s Big Catch and the Wrigley Field version. I recently had the honor of sitting beside former Cubs baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, Fergie Jenkins at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa during spring training. Fergie was kind enough to sign my book for his fans too. It was a wonderful experience!
The Bluefield Blue Jays version is currently in production/design. There will be a Mom’s Big Catch day at their West Virginia stadium this summer where 400 fans (10 and under) in attendance will all receive a copy of the book! This is an exciting element of the book! It can be customized to fit any baseball team! It’s currently being used to promote baseball, family and literacy in the community.
Partial proceeds from Mom’s Big Catch are going to the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation, and singer, actor and best selling author Rick Springfield is matching my donation!
You can find out more about Marla McKenna and Mom's Big Catch by visiting www.marlamckenna.com.
I had always wanted to write a children’s book but you really need that perfect idea….one that will stand out from the rest. My story was literally dropped in my lap. I’ve been very fortunate because it’s a unique idea and one that hasn’t been written about before. Plus, I have always enjoyed the creative aspect of writing and graphic design. It is my passion.
How did you come up with the idea for Mom's Big Catch?
Mom’s Big Catch is based on an actual event that took place at the Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. It was just a fun family day at the ballpark a few years ago when something really exciting and crazy happened.
Do you have a favorite topic to write about?
Mom’s Big Catch is my first book. I am working on my second book that will include the same characters which are my favorite characters, my daughters, Julia and Ashley and my dog Sadie. They are my inspiration! As far as a topic, I think it’s very important to offer a positive message to a young reader.
What was your favorite book as a child?
My favorite book of all time is Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss. I love the positive message it portrays for both children and adults.
What do you hope children will learn from your book?
When children read Mom’s Big Catch, I hope they take away a very warm and positive feeling that dreams really can come true. The book has a very inspiring message about a little girl’s love for her family and her love for baseball. It also has an exciting feeling of everything associated with a baseball game which include the sights, sounds, tastes and smells. The book has been warmly received by boys and girls of all ages. The emails and letters have been very heartwarming! As an author, it has been very rewarding to visit schools and share my story with the students! It’s also inspiring for me to offer encouragement to the children to follow their dreams and to never give up. We also talk about the entire publishing process and how they can take any idea, add their imagination to it and they too can write a story.
Are you currently working on other books?
Yes, I am currently working on my second book. It will have the same characters as I plan to turn my writing into a series, and I am very excited about. I can’t wait until the next book is completed!
Mom’s Big Catch has me pretty busy though. There are two versions now available with a third on the way. There is the original version of Mom’s Big Catch and the Wrigley Field version. I recently had the honor of sitting beside former Cubs baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, Fergie Jenkins at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa during spring training. Fergie was kind enough to sign my book for his fans too. It was a wonderful experience!
The Bluefield Blue Jays version is currently in production/design. There will be a Mom’s Big Catch day at their West Virginia stadium this summer where 400 fans (10 and under) in attendance will all receive a copy of the book! This is an exciting element of the book! It can be customized to fit any baseball team! It’s currently being used to promote baseball, family and literacy in the community.
Partial proceeds from Mom’s Big Catch are going to the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation, and singer, actor and best selling author Rick Springfield is matching my donation!
You can find out more about Marla McKenna and Mom's Big Catch by visiting www.marlamckenna.com.
Stacie Theis / beachboundbooks@yahoo.com / copyright 2012