I was lucky in these post-covid times to be able attend the book launch for Marilize Ackermann’s first book release held at the local Obz Books here in Cape Town. Her passion for the book was obvious throughout her publishing process and is absolutely tangible in the finished product. Grab a copy of her children’s book today and spoil someone that could use an entertaining and educating read.
Your author name
Marilize Ackermann
Your book title
Give us the elevator pitch for your book
Gordon the Garden Pea is a children’s picture book featuring a small, round and very green pea who accepts himself just as he is.
How long did it take for you to finish the final draft of your book?
The illustrations took around 6 months to complete and the layout, design and printing took around 3 months more. So, 9 months in total.
What makes this book different from others on the shelf?
I’d like to think that Gordon’s unassuming and joyful character makes the book accessible to everyone.
What was the hardest part of the writing journey for you?
As a first-time and independent author, navigating the distribution process has been the most tricky part of the book-making journey. Working with MYeBook provided a lot of insight into the world of self-publishing and enabled access to the international market place.
Your favourite place to write?
The illustrations for the book were all made sitting at a wooden table in a garden while I was working in South Sudan. Any place with a good supply of natural light, and preferably with trees and birds nearby works well for creative thoughts.
What kept you motivated to write during the times you felt stuck?
I would have to say that working on the book was in fact preventing me from feeling stuck. The living conditions in South Sudan were quite restricted and working on the drawings for the book presented an opportunity to focus energy on an activity that I love (drawing and writing), and a project which may eventually open up a new world to explore.
Tell us something about yourself that readers would not be able to guess?
One of my favourite things to do is swim around with the penguins at Boulder’s beach in Cape Town 🙂
Have you written any other books?
Gordon the Garden Pea is my first book, but watch this space – I am working on two more picture books!
Assuming you may not write full time, what is your day job?
I work for an international humanitarian organisation.
How should someone get in touch with you?
Say hello at www.gordonthegardenpea.com
