This week’s author spotlight features writer and illustrator Gowon M. Fisher. Gowon writes charming children’s book, including Kenai’s Thanksgiving, which is a sweet tale of holidays and one very curious dog. Recently, Gowon offered a pithy perspective into his life as an artist.

A few icebreakers to start: when did you first decide to become a writer, and who are some of your favorite authors?

I decided to become a writer in 2013. I have always enjoyed drawing, and writing, but 2013 was when I decided to put my ideas into action. I love writing children’s books and was inspired by the works of children’s authors, whose books I read as a child. These authors include William Steig, James Marshall, and Maurice Sendak.

In addition to your writing, you are also an illustrator. What are your favorite mediums as an artist?

I love experimenting with different mediums. In my newest book, the illustrations are done in acrylic paint. However, I also like to do illustrations in colored pencil.

Your children’s book, “Kenai’s Thanksgiving,” is such a wonderful concept. What inspired you to create a book from the point of view of your Siberian Husky? (He’s adorable by the way.)

Kenai’s Thanksgiving was inspired by an actual event that took place on Thanksgiving. I felt that this would make a wonderful children’s story because it is funny, and tells the story from the point of view of Kenai. He lives in a world with such wonders, and is curious about everything!  But sometimes his curiosity leads to chaos.

What projects are you currently working on?

I am working on publishing a new children’s book called The Great Squirrel Rebellion. This story is about a group of squirrels who try to eat seed from a bird feeder. However, the woman who owns the feeder does not want squirrels eating her seed. Only birds. The squirrels devise all manner of tricks to gain seed, and the woman tries her hardest to keep them away. A bitter conflict ensues. However, in the end, both parties learn that compromise is always the best way to solve problems.

In what directions would you like to take your writing career in the future?

In the future, I would like to gain employment as an illustrator of children’s books. Right now, I am just working on getting my ideas out in the public.

Thanks to Gowon Fisher for being part of this week’s author interview series! You can find Kenai’s Thanksgiving at Amazon!

Happy reading!