|
Interview: Up On Daddy's Shoulders: An Interview With Matt Berry |
|
 Fatherville: Matt, what motivated you to write a children's book? In other words tell us a little bit about the story behind the story?
Matt Berry: Writing has always been an interest of mine. I studied journalism in college and wrote for Michigan's second largest daily newspaper for about 18 months before landing a career in "corporate communications." I write daily, and it's something I thoroughly enjoy. The idea for Up On Daddy's Shoulders came from the simple experience of walking around with my son on my shoulders. I wondered, "How does he see things up there compared to how he's used to seeing things?" And the book came from that simple question.
Fatherville: How did you decide who was going to illustrate your book?
Matt Berry: Scholastic chose the illustrator. I never met her...but I'm glad they chose her. I think she did a wonderful job.
Fatherville: Are there other children stories brewing in your mind?
Matt Berry: Yes. I have about a half dozen manuscripts written but not refined nor completed. My books are more simple, in that they are based on common people, common occurrences, etc. My books find joy in simple things, like the point of view of a boy on his daddy's shoulders.
Fatherville: How did you come up with the title, "Up On Daddy's Shoulders"?
Matt Berry: I think it's the most appropriate title!
Fatherville: How long did it take you to complete the book?
Matt Berry: It's a fairly short book, best suited for ages 2 to 6, so it did not take me too long to write it. It's hard to remember exactly how long it took, though, because I wrote it a few years ago; and then there was time spent here and there cleaning it up, editing, etc.
Fatherville: What age groups are best suited for this book?
Matt Berry: Ages 2-6
Fatherville: In your opinion what are some of the biggest challenges that young kids face today?
Matt Berry: Some of the biggest challenges young kids face today include overcoming the pervasive environment of negative influences in the media. Even during so-called family time, there is way too much sex and violence on network television. And I think even the alcohol advertising during sports is sending kids the wrong message: "Look at all the fun those people have when they drink." And now these same messages of sex, violence and alcohol are common in video games. So, giving kids the moral spine to make the right choices in life, is the challenge that we all need to step up to. Strengthening the family unit is also a challenge that we all need to do.
Fatherville: When you were a child did you have a favorite book you enjoyed reading?
Matt Berry: I enjoyed Here Comes the Strikeout by Leonard Kessler, which taught the value of hard work and practice. And Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. I also read a lot of sports books.
Fatherville: Who were your favorite authors?
Matt Berry: C.S. Lewis is one of my favorite authors, along with Kessler and Dahl.
Fatherville: Who are your heros?
Matt Berry:The apostle Paul is a hero - someone who completely changed his life around and was willing to make any sacrifice for other people and for his faith.
Fatherville: Who are your most significant literary influences?
Matt Berry: The apostle Paul writes with immense passion.
Fatherville: Are you living your dream?
Matt Berry: My life is blessed in many ways, and I just hope I can share my blessings with others.
Fatherville: Matt, I'm assuming you have kids of your own--what are your greatest aspirations as a father?
Matt Berry: My greatest aspirations are related to question 7, the question about kids' biggest challenges. I want my children to grow up with the moral fortitude that gives them the confidence to stand up for what they believe in and to not give in to the shifting winds of this world.
Fatherville: Matt, thanks for your time.
You can order a copy of Matt's book at Amazon: Up on Daddy's Shoulders
|
