What happens when you put two modern Canadian moms together to write a children’s book?
“The Mischievous Mom at the Art Gallery”.
Written by Rebecca Eckler and Erica Ehm, the book is about a modern mother who makes a point of including her two children in her always hectic life. At five o’clock, when Mom gets home, everything changes for Jessie and Josh. Their mother is mischievous, curious, adventurous, and free-spirited.
I have a personal story about Rebecca; we studied broadcast journalism together in university. After just a few short years (ahem), we have re-connected as moms. I interviewed her recently.
AMW. You’ve come a long way Rebecca! From journalism school to National Post to writing Knocked Up! And now a children’s book. How has the journey been?
RE. The journey has been a roller coaster ride! And I love roller coasters, so it’s been a lot of fun. I can honestly say that all the jobs I’ve had since journalism school have been amazing. Working at the Post was just an incredible experience, working for Pamela Wallin (now Senator Wallin) was an amazing experience, and working on the books was an amazing experience. Such different experiences, so I learned a lot from each.
AMW. What was your life like after your first few books were published?
RE. Well, my life was different because I had a child! But I really got to know the ins and outs of the publishing business, which is interesting. And the audience is different with books. To me now, I still get a thrill out of writing books – from thinking of an idea, to writing it, to editing it, to seeing the final product and getting feedback. Oh, and my parents are proud! Ha.
AMW. From writing very personal stories to writing a children’s book. What inspired you to make that transition?
RE. Obviously, I was interested in children’s books because I have a six year old. And I’m a big believer in getting kids interested in reading at a young age. Plus I really liked Erica Ehm and I wanted to work with her. It was so much fun. I wanted to do something for my daughter, so it’s definitely a good keepsake and it’s a great book for mothers to read to their children. It’s just fun.
AMW. You have many fans but you also have some haters. How do you deal with that?
RE. Haters? Don’t deal. No time.
AMW. What is the best part of being a mom?
RE. Watching her grow up. Every stage I’m just in awe. Now she’s a little girl with a sense of humour and she just cracks me up. She makes me very proud. I’ve never felt so proud about anything before. And realizing how deep your love can be for your children. Also, I get to act like a kid with her (and eat off the kids menu – a bonus!)
AMW. What are the challenges of being a mom that you face?
RE. Time. There’s never enough time to do everything! And finding the balance between work and being with my daughter, Rowan. But I’m getting better at it. Meaning, I’d rather spend time with my daughter, so I don’t go out that much anymore.
AMW. What projects are you working on next?
RE. I have my second teen book, Apple’s Angst, coming out in September. And an adult chick lit novel, the Lucky Sperm Club, coming out early next year. I also write for Sweetmama.ca twice a week.
Rebecca Eckler wrote for the National Post for five years. Her work has also appeared in such publications as Elle, Fashion, Lifestyles, Canadian House and Home and Mademoiselle. Her books include “Knocked Up” and “Wiped! Life with a Pint-Sized Dictator”. Visit her website www.rebeccaeckler.com.
But the book at Amazon.ca or enter to win 1 of 3 books! Contest ends May 14, 2010.