Tower Books is happy to shine our Friday spotlight on Children’s Book Author J. William Zoldak. J. William Zoldak was born in the Highlands along the Hudson River in 1943. He spent his formative years roaming through the mountains, fields, and forests surrounding the town of Cornwall, NY. After college he entered the field of Education, first as science teacher and then as a guidance counselor. After he retired he turned a hobby of building stone walls into an enjoyable business. Never losing the passion for the outdoors, which he enjoyed as a child he started writing letters to his grandchildren so that they might appreciate rural and small town life in the 1950’s.
He will be signing his new book, Grandpa’s Christmas Tree Story at Tower Books on Sunday, November 24, at 2:00 PM. Thanks for being here with us, Bill. Our first question for you is, Where can people find your work? (Besides Tower Books;)–though they should totally check here first!)
My book “Grandpa’s Christmas Tree Story” is available on line at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Locally it can be purchased at Annie’s Book Stop and Root and Press in Worcester as well as at the Farmers Daughter in Auburn.
How can we follow your work and share your awesomeness?
I have an author’s page on Facebook called “Stonehedges” where those interested can follow my work.
For readers unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe what you write? What can readers expect from [newest release/spotlighted release]?
These stories are all true happenings in my life that took place during my childhood. They are written in the form of letters to my grandchildren.
What else can we expect from you in the near future?
Most of the stories were written over the past 10 to 12 years. There will be many more to come depending upon the length of time it takes to have them illustrated.
What draws you to the particular genre or style that you write? What do you think draws readers to these kinds of books?
These books, while written for children, are also appealing to older people because of their setting in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s.
How important has the New England setting been to your writing?
The stories take place along the Hudson River valley, but they could have happened in any small town in America.
What is/are your passions when you’re not writing?
Because I was an educator and I love to talk, I enjoy telling stories verbally as well as in written form.
Bill, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions. We look forward to seeing you here on November 24th!
What a JOY to stumble upon. Bill, I hope they pass this on to you. Being on Fawn Hill was indeed a childhood dream. Aunt Margie & Uncle George would be thrilled to see where you are. One story that won’t be found in the pages of your book was the time you got an awful sunburn. It is deep in my memory! Sending love from a Guarnieri girl.
Would love to chat. Another writer friend, Carolyn Stearns, just published a book about Christmas Letters. I wish more people sent them.