Frequently Asked Questions

Why did you write this book?

 

This book came about after I saw the documentary a friend, Mark Volkers, is creating about the world’s slums. The message of the video gripped me. I asked myself questions: “What can I do? How can I help?” The purpose of this book is to focus attention on children caught in the poverty of slums. See www.slumdoc.com

How did you develop your ideas for the story?

 

I tried to tie a big picture and a personal story together. Bayani’s life under a bridge is interesting, but it also had to focus on the precarious lifestyle of the slum workers. Despite the family’s poverty, I wanted to give them dignity throughout the story. I also faced the dilemma of presenting the sad story and making it believable and readable for children.

 

How did you begin?

 

I sat down at my kitchen counter after dinner one evening and just began writing. The basic story came together very quickly. But, after that sudden burst of inspiration came the difficult task of rewriting it and revising it many, many times.

 

What other steps did you take?

 

I found a focus group, children and adults, to determine if the story was worth telling.  I made  a decision on the number of pages for the book and the number of illustrations in the book. I created a document with page breaks and a storyboard. The illustrations had to match the text on each page. I found an illustrator and a publisher. I made a decision on what length book is most cost effective. Contracts were signed.

 

What happens before a book is printed?

 

There are many e-mails sent between the author, illustrator and the publisher before the first draft is sent to the printer. The first draft is checked for corrections, then a 2^nd draft is sent for a final check. The book is then finally ready for printing. Bayani's Bridge

An Orange City tulip