Perfectly Defeating Perfectionism: An Interview with Rick Rieser
Posted: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
by Lisa Barker
http://www.biblioreads.com
When I first heard of Percy The Imperfectly Perfect Chicken, I had reservations. I get many self-published books from authors anthropomorphizing animals with a very heavy-handed feel-good message that turns readers off.
Not so with Rick Rieser's first children's book.
I have to say that this little gem really impressed me. It's your basic story about individuality and uniqueness...how we are all different but special, BUT Rick Rieser doesn't succumb to platitudes. He weaves a tale of one tough little bird and his wise momma who teaches him that perfection doesn't exist. The illustrations are absolutely stunning.
Thank you for the opportunity for this interview. I live in Orient, Ohio with my eight-year-old daughter Gracie. I am the fifth of six children, and I have always had wonderful guidance and inspiration from my parents and family, now including the refreshingly simple life perspective from Gracie.
Please describe your own personal journey as a writer, and how your life experience has impacted upon your writing.
I have always been a writer at heart but my writing opportunities were limited to publishing articles on legal and business topics. Percy was my first opportunity to write about something close to my heart. It is cliché to say that a writer's life is a palate from which to draw upon, but it is true. I have had the blessing of having a variety of life experiences and I have worked closely with children and teenagers in serious life situations. I felt that the most important contribution I could make to the current and future generations is to draw upon my life's palate to create simple but important messages for children.
You clearly know how to talk to kids without speaking down to them and that really carries in Percy, making the message about self-esteem and self-acceptance more authentic. Will there be more stories about Percy?
There will be more stories about Percy and the changes that occur in the henhouse. I believe that the "reformed hens" should get a chance to show their true selves now that they have been freed from perfectionism. Also, there are some unanswered questions about Percy's origin. I would like to further explore the relationship between Percy and his loving mother. I see the next book as a prequel/sequel.
I've read that the story came to you while you were jogging. It seems like your background, daily life, role as a father and children's advocate all came together in one inspirational moment. Was it that easy?
Sometimes it takes many years to prepare for an inspirational moment. While the writing of Percy was a relatively short process, it actually draws upon many lessons I have learned over a number of years. In fact, after I wrote and refined Percy, I noticed several "levels" to the story that I initially did not realize. The fact that Percy remained innocent throughout the book is an example. Even after he annihilated the idea of being perfect, he still had to ask his mom the meaning of the term.
I really like the role the mother hen plays in Percy. She's very wise and a good example for parents. How did you come up with her?
I know from experience that parents and family are the most influential and important element of a child's life. Regardless of what we read or think, friends, television, and movies rank a distant second, third, and fifth to the power of families. I have a wonderful Mom and had a fantastic Grandma. It was just intuitive for me to portray the wisdom of Mama Hen. We will learn more about Percy's Papa in the sequel.
What advice would you give to parents so they can foster inner strength and nourish potential in their children?
I believe that freedom from perfectionism is ultimately a legacy every parent will want to leave their children. It is tough being a parent in today's world. With good intentions we try to push our children to succeed. We need to remember, however, that even though they are our children, they were born to follow their own star. I believe that the greatest good we can do as parents is to love them unconditionally, let them know their star is real, and support them in their journey. Too often our world and even our best intentions can force our children to follow a star that doesn't exist.
How does your daughter feel about Percy?
My daughter and I are a wonderful writing team. It takes me about 25 minutes to drive her to school, and we usually create stories on the way. I get way too complicated and she keeps things simple. Our play and working dynamic is fun and productive. She loves Percy but wasn't sure about me "really" being an author. To her friends at school I am cool; to her, I am still just Dad.
What is your greatest hope for your book?
My greatest hope for Percy is that it makes a difference in the lives of children who need the message. Striving for perfection and not accepting differences puts children at risk. It is a primary cause of both being a victim or a bully at school. It can also lead later in life to depression or other unhealthy ways of thinking. Most important, why should anyone feel bad about being different? They shouldn't. The "different henhouse" at the end of the book is my vision for a world where differences and imperfections are celebrated.
Do you have any advice for aspiring children's book writers?
My advice to aspiring children's book writers is to start writing! The world needs you and I can't wait to see what you write. This fall I have started something called "Live from the Coop!" It is an interactive live web cast for schools and organizations to meet Percy and his extraordinary friends. (Check out RickRieser.com for more information.) A component of the web cast is a discussion on how to start writing. We all have the potential and opportunity to make the world brighter by sharing with others what is in our hearts.
Why did you choose to go with FastPencil.com for publishing your book?
I really appreciate my publisher Fast Pencil. They had the tools and team that I needed. While I have had previous articles published, this was my first children's book. Fast Pencil led me through each step, including connecting me with my illustrator, to ensure that Percy would be the quality product that it is today. The resources for all writers are just a click away at Fast Pencil.
How can readers get a hold of your book?
The easiest way for readers to get a copy of Percy is through my website RickRieser.com or through FastPencil.com, where Percy is currently featured. Bookstores and catalogues around the county are starting to carry Percy, but the websites are still the most efficient way to purchase the book. Within the next month, we will also be releasing a version of Percy for deaf children. It will include a DVD of the Percy book interpreted for the deaf. It will also be available at RickRieser.com
Are there any additional thoughts or comments you'd like to share with readers?
The other day an interviewer asked, "You really believe in this book, don't you?" I didn't hesitate to respond, "Yes!" Already I am getting feedback from parents and schools where Percy has made a difference in the lives of children who have a physical handicap, thinking difference, or in general feel like many do… "just different." I believe that the myth of perfectionism can be most effectively addressed by talking. Percy gives everyone an opportunity to talk.
LISA BARKER reviews children's books for ages 0-12 on www.BiblioReads.com. For book reviews, author interviews, content for your website/publication and advertising on BiblioReads.com please contact Lisa at BiblioReads.info@gmail.com.
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