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Dawn Aldrich is a native to New England. She resides in Connecticut with her husband, Peter. Together they've raised two adult children and have one granddaughter. She holds an Associates Degree in Radio & TV Communications from Endicott College and a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Education from Houghton College.
Currently, she is enjoying writing books, writing and acting in dramatic presentations and public speaking to both youth and adults. Dawn's passion is to create a picture with words, whether it is written or spoken. It is her hope that her words encourage and impact her readers and audiences as they identify with her characters and reflect on their own lives. Told from the child's perspective, Auntie's House answers the universal questions of every child left in the care of someone other than a parent: "What will I do all day long? Are there fun things to do here? Will Mommy come back for me?"
Tell us about your path to publication.
Writing has been my favorite form of creative expression since I was a young girl along with acting. I pursued those interests in college, (receiving an Associate’s degree in Radio/TV from Endicott College and a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Education from Houghton College) but lacking a mentor I didn’t take my writing seriously until a few years ago. At my local church I wrote, directed and acted in various skits and discovered God’s gift of words through me. I began to witness how the words I gave my characters touched the hearts of the audience in very meaningful ways. From those experiences I was invited to be a guest speaker on a number of occasions at my church and at a mother/daughter retreat. At such an occasion, a former marketer was in the audience who encouraged me to pursue my passion for writing and introduced me to my publisher, Lisa Umina of Halo Publishing International. A few months later, with my manuscript in hand, I emailed a short, simple query to Lisa. I said, “I’ve written a children’s book manuscript. Now what do I do?” Within twenty-four hours I received my first of many personal calls from Lisa. She walked me through every step of the publishing and marketing process and still contacts me to see if she can do anything to help me with my book. 
What inspired you to write "Auntie's House"?
My great niece, Maya, was my inspiration for writing Auntie’s House. For years, my childrens' toys and books had been stored away in the attic. Then when I began to care for Maya a few years ago, those same toys and books came out of storage little by little. We share great adventures when she comes to my house to play and it gives her parents some time to themselves or to be with other adults. Most children (and some parents) deal with separation anxiety at some point. But if the child is distracted by positive play and activities with someone they trust and love, then those anxious feelings disappear. The child gets a chance to spread their wings of independence and the parents get some well deserved time to themselves.
It's a little ironic that Auntie's House" was illustrated by your nephew, Michael Aldrich. What was your first reaction when you saw Michael's illustrations?
The illustrations were drawn by my nephew Michael Aldrich who earned his degree from Savannah School of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia. He’s such a talented artist. When he sent me the first rough copy of my book cover, I was thrilled. I can’t adequately describe the thrill of seeing your words, your story come to life in living color! It absolutely took my breath away! In fact, almost every book review I’ve received mentions the vibrant, colorful and cheerful illustrations as one of the book’s best selling points! I’m very proud of Michael.
Did you have a favorite aunt with whom you liked to stay with when you were young--any fond memories?
I had several favorite aunts growing up. Some lived close by that we visited regularly as a family. One aunt, in particular, had no children and so she adopted all her nieces and nephews as her own. When we visited, she always had a box of toys or paper, scissors and glue to keep us busy. I remember spending a few summer vacations alone with her and my uncle on a lake in Maine when I was a teenager, too. She always made me feel very special. When I married and had my own children, she was one of their favorite babysitters. She was always on call for me whenever I needed her.
What can audiences expect from your author visits?
My author visits have varied from bookstore signings to preschool story hours, home school groups and I’ve been invited to “read” at a toddlers birthday party. When I visit a bookstore, I’m usually reading to young children for a story hour. When visiting a preschool or elementary school my program can vary depending on the wishes of the teacher.
My “show” consists of a few props: a toy box filled with the items shown in my book, (books, blocks, trains, trucks, pretty tea cups), enlarged, mounted illustrations from Auntie’s House on foam board for better viewing, coloring book project pages, give-aways (stickers, book marks) and of course copies of my book. Schools and bookstores have used my coloring pages for contests to which I give away a copy of my book to the winner. I’ve also had a bookstore use the coloring pages as an art project activity while I visit and meet the parents.
Parents who request me for a birthday party are given choices of a tea party (usually for girls) or a train theme (for boys). My character in Auntie’s House is shown having a tea party with Auntie as well as playing with a train set. Parents usually purchase the book as a party favor for their guests. When I present my book to a mixed age of children, especially when older children are present, my program changes to address the process of writing and publishing a book rather than a reading.
What’s your favorite aspect of an author visit?
My favorite aspect of an author visit is to watch the children’s eyes light up when they identify with the experience of my character or illustrations. I remember one visit to a 4 & 5 year old class where one mother related how her daughter had reverted back to separation anxiety due to some health issues she was experiencing. As I read to the class, the little girl got so excited that she crawled up in my lap half way through the story. She had identified with the fear and saw a positive ending to the story and related to my little girl character. It was amazing! I said, “Now that’s why I wrote this book!”
You also write for adults. Tell us a little about your blog.
I also write an inspirational blog for adults called Dawn’s New Day, found at blog.DawnAldrich.com. I write entries approximately 2-3 times a week to encourage the hearts of my readers. Life can be very difficult and sometimes we feel we’re all alone when we’re going through stuff. I try to be very real, sharing real life experiences and emotions with my readers. My entries are written as a devotion, pulling illustrations from the Bible and applying them to everyday life experiences. My goal is just to share my heart and let God do the rest.
To learn more about Dawn and Auntie's House please visit:
www.DawnAldrich.com
Dawn's New Day blog
If you live in New England, you can visit Dawn at The Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts. She'll be signing Auntie's House at the CAPA booth (Connecticut Authors & Publishers' Association) on:
Sept. 24: 10am- 1pm
Sept. 28: 1pm-4pm
Sept. 30: 10am-1pm
Additional Information:
Auntie's House
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Halo Publishing International; First edition (February 28, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0979742978
ISBN-13: 978-0979742972
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