NAME: SINDY SMITH-KUBITSCHEK
Job: Author and illustrator of children's books
Outlook: "I hope my books really touch children somehow and make a difference in their lives."
Belleville author and illustrator Sindy Smith-Kubitschek has written mostly children's books, which have become widely published. She recently attended the Illinois Library Association's Annual Author's Dinner in Peoria. The Glen Carbon Centennial Library had invited her as one of 11 Illinois authors to attend the event. She recently told her story to business writer Will Buss:
How did you react when you were invited to the state author's dinner?
"I was really honored that they asked me to do it."
Why were you chosen?
"I'm not really sure. I went to the Glen Carbon Library to show them my books to get them in the library. They really liked my books and they wanted them. I was then invited to the annual authors dinner, and I said that I would, so that's how that happened."
How long have you been an author?
"I wrote my first story about 10 years ago. I didn't get serious about it until two-and-a-half years ago."
How did it all begin?
"I have a friend who really likes to read and she read one of my books and said 'you really need to try to get this published.' I thought about it, but I really didn't know where to begin. Then when I let my husband read it, he said 'you need to look for a publisher.' So I actively went looking for a publisher and I sent my manuscript to different companies and got rejection letters until one company offered me a contract."
How many books have you written?
"I have 11 titles out now. Most of those are children's books."
Where can we find your books?
"You can get them through Barnes & Noble or amazon.com. They are also at different places in Belleville, like at Eckert's Florist and other little shops around town. I'm really getting out to other libraries. I'm probably in 150 to 200 libraries in the region here. I am getting to the point where I need an agent because I am wearing so many hats and I'm doing so much."
What do you enjoy most about writing and illustrating your own books?
"I think what I enjoy the most is people seem to enjoy my work, my illustrations and stories. When I see that kids really get what I'm writing, they really makes me feel incredibly happy."
What are your stories about?
"Probably all of my children's stories have all important messages that I think kids should live by. The true meaning of friendship is one, and how we are all different, but we need to get along with one another, and there are stories about overcoming your fear. They all have nice inspirational messages for kids."
Contact reporter Will Buss at wbuss@bnd.com or 239-2526.
