Mary Ann
Vitale is a bilingual, Amazon Best Selling award-winning author of children's
books. Her first published book "The Water Lily Fairy" is the winner
of the 2013 YATR Literary Awards Best Children's Book.
Her book
"The Street Where the Dollar Tree Grew" is the winner of the 2014
LSOR Reviewers Choice Awards. She is married and has three grown children. She
loves spending quality time with her grandchildren, teaching them the wonderful
traditions learned from her heritage.
Mary Ann
never dreamed of writing children's books. The language barrier was a challenge
to her writing career. She was born in Sicily. As a young child, she always
loved books, even though they were not available.
At a young
age, she moved to the U.S.A. She attended Cosmetology School and college. She
is fluent in Italian, Sicilian, and English languages. At the age of fifty, she
wrote her first story for children. Urged by constant inspiration, she wrote
many other stories and poems.
One day, she
woke up with the realization "a writer was born!" Mary Ann has always
kept in close contact with her inner child. She taps in her Sicilian folklore
to entertain and cultivate children and the child in all of us.
Mary Ann
realizes the importance of preserving a language and is writing Sicilian
proverbs and Sicilian old sayings. Her books are available online by Amazon,
Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Author House, and worldwide. Mary Ann loves God, her
family, gardening, traveling, and art.
Q & A
Tell me
about yourself. What got you started writing?
My name is Mary Ann Vitale. I am a children’s book author. I
was not planning to write any books. It just happened. At the age of fifty, I
was inspired to write my first story for my granddaughter. She was just a baby,
and I felt motivated to write something interesting for her. Through the years,
many more stories were created by the experiences we shared together.
How did you
come up with your book idea? What inspired you?
A red fish on TV caught my attention, while I was playing
with my granddaughter. That sparked the idea to write my first story, “Simon,
the Red Fish,” which was recently published in the book, “Hidden Treasures in a
Book, A Collection of Seven Children’s Tales, Vol.1.”
What was the
most difficult part of writing this book? How did you overcome this difficulty?
The most difficult part of writing this story was been
creative, trying to figure out what to write about a small fish. Once I wrote it,
I read it to my granddaughter to see her reaction. She was attentive.
Throughout the years, I acquired better writing skills. When it was time to
publish this story, I noticed it was lacking a purpose, a teaching lesson. I
completed it by making some slight changes, thus giving a better comprehension
to a parent reading this story on the expectations of a young child.
Who is your
favorite character from the novel? What about them makes them your favorite?
My favorite is the starfish. Sometimes, when we lose our way,
God sends us angels in disguise, to guide us in the right path. I feel the
starfish was the guiding star in the sea.
Do your
characters (or message) ever seem to have a life of their own or agenda?
My characters are meant to be a good example to others and a
positive influence on a child’s life.
How has
writing this book impacted you personally?
It has taught me the importance of writing stories for
children that give good lessons. As grownups, we forget to be more
understanding toward children, to stoop ourselves at their level, and in turn, to
learn to tolerate their shortcomings.
How many
books do you currently have published? What genres?
I have published fifteen fiction books for children.
What is your
favorite thing about writing? Your least favorite?
My favorite part of writing is creating a story which will
impact the lives of children and spark their imagination, but at the same time,
editing and the inability to publish my stories fast enough are my least
favorite part of writing.
What authors
in your genre inspire you most?
Cindy Freland. She has written a series of inspiring books for
children, similar to my story, “Simon, the Red Fish.”
What would
you tell a beginning author who wants to publish but doesn’t believe he/she has
enough talent?
I would suggest a beginning author not to fear. We all have
trod the same path. Good writing skills develop in time, and they build confidence. You can always rely on other
authors for help. We learn together.
Celebrate the beginning of "Hidden Treasures in a
Book" collection, featuring seven illustrated short stories for children:
Reach for a Star; Catch the Rainbows; A Sparkle from Heaven; Simon, the Red
Fish; Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Bell; The Pumpkin Patch; Angels.
This 37 page
book-collection is a wonderful way to introduce some of Mary Ann Vitale's best
tales, perfect for reading aloud, curling up, or snuggling on a rocking chair.
Can a fairy
make a change in the lives of poor people? Can she listen to their longings and
through acts of kindness fulfill their dreams?
The water lily fairy is curious
about the people of Corleone, Sicily. She hides in a pond among water lilies.
As she explores the town, she is aware of the poverty of the people.
The fairy
grants their hearts' desires by showering them with random gifts every day.
Have you ever wished to find a dollar tree? What would you do
if you found one? A young boy, Lincoln, just happens to discover a dollar tree
in an amazing secret garden. Is it a coincidence that strange things begin to
happen when he does not share his treasure with others?
The boy struggles with
a wise old woman’s advice and his childish desires. Should he listen to his
inner voice or give in to temptations? In the end, Lincoln learns a valuable
lesson about giving and receiving in return.
From the proceeds of this book, a
donation will be given to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
