Local Author 'Chooses' Lutz

Patch: What inspired you to write I Choose?

The inspiration for "I Choose" came from my husband and my desire to guide our child by encouranging independence and responsibility. Chandler was inspired to do the drawings as soon as he realized his were better than any of the sketches I had started. I chose to humbly agree. ( I Choose was released in 2008, I Choose Too! for grownups in 2010, and Yo Elijo, a Spanish translation in 2012.)

Patch: Can you tell us about the illustrations and your son, Chandler's, involvement in the project and the everyday business of sharing I Choose with readers?

Chandler drew most of the illustrations on his own without any discussion. He knew how he wanted the fruits and vegetables to look, and as a guitar player at the time what different music notes looked like. Choosing to be "rich to the core" came across to him as "it's what is on the inside that counts", hence the bright red heart in the smiling body. He chose which pages would have color and which would not. I chose to embrace his artisitc decisions presuming he would know best what would be visually pleasing to his peers. To this day, he takes an active part in spreading our message by continuing to autograph books, give speeches, and run our exhibit tables when appropriate. He has some amazing marketing ideas and thoughts of how else we can reach readers around the globe.  

Patch: You are a big proponent of supporting local businesses. Why is that important to you?

Illuminated Publishing is a small business, many of my family and friends own local businesses where they live, and Lutz is a small town with many, many local businesses. We choose to make a difference by being unique in our own way and appreciate and count on the support of the community and the families we serve. Local businesses connect the community and strengthen the economy by supporting the families, neighbors, schools and community organizations in the immediate area. Local businesses add to the sense of belonging that I personally value.

Patch: What do you enjoy most about living in Lutz? 

Wow! It is small town America filled with the kindest of people, the best of neighbors, and some of the most community-minded spirits I have ever met. It is a town that is easy to feel connected to. As Guv'na of Lutz in 2009-2010, I had the sincere pleasure of meeting many business owners and community volunteers that I am now glad to call friends. I definitely choose Lutz.

Patch: What is the most interesting thing you've learned since first publishing I Choose?

I always felt it, but now I must acknowledge that the world is so completely small.  It is wonderfully rewarding to hear from people around the world and in all walks of life as to how they use our message of peace and empowerment in their own lives. The message is simple: "We choose what comes out of our mouth, what stays in our head, and what lives in our heart."