Mom’s Choice Awards is excited to announce another post in our interview series where we chat with the inventors, designers, publishers, and others behind some of our favorite family-friendly products.
Welcome, Mom’s Choice readers! The latest in our ongoing series of interviews with award-winning creators of family-friendly products is Aggie L. Jae, who recently won a Mom’s Choice Gold Award for her first children’s book, The Water Door. In it, readers go on an exciting adventure into another world, the planet Tetherae, a land of enormous giants, fierce dinosaurs, underground caverns, and mystical castles. Will the children be able to pay the ransom and rescue someone they love — before time runs out? Young readers and middle-graders will enjoy the magic and fantasy of the world Aggie L. Jae creates.
MCA: Aggie, why don’t you start off the interview by telling us a bit about yourself?
I wrote my first story in third grade. I began writing The Water Door in 1972, while I was in high school. Starting in 2013, I rewrote the story for my two grandsons, but I must admit I wrote it for anyone who loves a great adventure!
I have been married for 30 years. I have two sons, two grandsons, two very cute Shih Tsu dogs, and 11 silly chickens. Besides writing I enjoy reading, boating, birdwatching, listening to all kinds of music, and meeting new friends. In the past I have been an actress, a model, a successful restaurateur, licensed massage therapist, and a certified nutritionist. I have lived in many places, but now I call the Eastern Shore of Maryland my home.
MCA: What inspired you to become an author, and how has your personal background influenced your writing?
After my daughter lost her battle with opioid addiction, I wanted to do something special to heal our family, especially my two grandsons. But I also wanted to create something happy that kids and their families could share and enjoy together. The story of The Water Door encompasses many aspects of my life, including my family, books, TV shows, movies, and many of my life adventures.
MCA: That’s a beautiful goal — sharing something healing and generating happiness. What do you hope readers will take away from your books?
Fun, laughter, and knowing that the love you share is a powerful thing. Love never fails. I like to focus on the love and togetherness of families reading together and sharing the adventure. I also like to encourage middle-graders to read and to exercise their imaginations — maybe to even try writing their own story.
MCA: What do you find most rewarding — or challenging — about the writing process?
Knowing that my words can entertain and bring happiness to everyone who reads them is my reward. The challenges of time, space to do my work, plus the usual and unusual demands of daily life are well worth the results — the smiles of happy people.
MCA: How would you say your books contribute to promoting family-friendly values or enhancing the lives of your readers?
The Water Door promotes the example of a family that loves each other and works together as a team to overcome a unique problem. When one disconnected member of the family doesn’t share the same values, they face the consequences of their bad behavior. The family’s motto in the story is “love never fails.” That phrase is taken from the oldest inspirational self-help book on the planet — the Bible.
MCA: Can you share any memorable moments or feedback from readers that have touched you or reinforced the impact of your work?
After I participated in the Delaware Association of Librarians and Teachers Book Fest last year, one of the students left a review on Amazon stating that I gave her the courage to write her own story. Also on Amazon, a mother wrote in her review that she took a chance on The Water Door, hoping that her son with comprehension issues would enjoy it. She said he enjoyed it very much and thanked me.
MCA: That is such rewarding feedback! Tell us, what advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?
Read. Especially read books about your favorite subject. Is it science fiction? How about mysteries? I wrote The Water Door because I was always drawn to fantasy/adventure stories. I also collected pictures that fascinated me. Pictures that stirred my imagination and compelled me to write what I was feeling or seeing in my mind.
MCA: Is The Water Door a one-off, or do you have plans for a sequel?
I’m actually deep into The Water Door’s sequel. Book 2: The Secret of the Anakim Ruby is a thrilling adventure that takes our young, courageous protagonists back to the medieval planet Tetherae in search of Josh’s friend Omer’s father. It’s a journey you won’t want to miss!
A family-friendly cookbook is also available. In fact, What’s For Food? is a gathering of recipes the family prepared in The Water Door.
MCA: Aggie, we’re so glad you decided to write a children’s book, and that it will be followed by others! Thanks again for being with us today.
You can learn more about Aggie L Jae and her award-winning book, “The Water Door” by visiting her MCA Shop page.
