I Want to See My Papa
Angela Campagnoni’s latest children’s book
provides parents and grandparents with a simple yet profound tool to help
children understand grief and loss through story. Recently we spoke with the
author about the work.
What inspired you to
write I Want to See
My Papa?
Originally I was in the process of working on a children’s
book my father wrote back in the 80’s, I thought it would be a wonderful
tribute to him while then continuing his original ideas for the series, but
then I literally woke up on night and wrote this story. In that moment I knew
that this was going to be the best way tribute him by helping other children
deal with loss.
What was the most
challenging aspect of the process?
I would definitely say that I was my most challenging
aspect. Meaning that throughout the process if any self-doubt started to creep
in or if I started to worry that people wouldn’t identify with the story, I had
to remind myself to step back and remember why I was doing this, to reconnect
with that moment when I first wrote the book and knew that it was the right
path. I think that so many great projects and great ideas are stopped by people
living too much into their own thoughts and worry of failure. I decided that I
would silence any worries and remember that this “heart project” was exactly
where I needed to be.
What was the most
rewarding part of the experience?
Definitely the letters I am now receiving from people that
have been buying the book & sharing with me their grief or loss in their
family or of family friends. I have felt so privileged to be someone that
people were connecting to and feeling comfortable with to open up. Also books
that are sold directly through my website or through independent book retailers
I will be donating $1.00 from every book to the Children’s Wish Foundation. My
Husband’s Sister and her Husband were a wish family before the loss of their
daughter, so the charity has been very near and dear to
the whole family’s heart… So of course I am hoping for a best seller to raise
as much funds as possible!
What did you learn
during the process?
I have always been a bit of a control freak when it comes to
anything artistic I have worked on, with this project I did myself a favor and
worked with experts in their field, I listened to my editors, I worked with an
Illustrator that was able to take my exact instructions and vision and turn the
words into a beautiful visual experience. And I also learned that you truly can
experience the best things when you can conquer your fear and put yourself out
there. I have been able to make more genuine connections and conversations with
people.
How did you feel when
the book was completed?
When I received my first 2 copies in the mail from the
distributor (a paperback and a hardcover) I literally cried, it was such an
overwhelming feeling to know I was able to get everything to that point. There
is something about holding a finished product that makes everything seem so
much more real.
What has the response
been like so far from those that have read it?
It has been overwhelming how people have gravitated to this
topic. For adults they get teary eyed reading it because they are remembering
someone they have lost and the comments on the overall look and imagery have
all been super positive.
What's next on your
creative agenda?
Well I am excited that I am now working on the marketing
side of the book, I enjoy preparing for events and meeting with people about
the book. This book will be the first in a series of 3 books following the
character through his life changes. Outside of the publishing world I am
working with my business partner on developing new business programs that will
be accessible in the creative arts & fashion world through our efforts with
Atlantic Fashion Week and I am excited to announce I am currently developing a
program with 97.5 Community Radio to host my own Arts Program to help shine the
spotlight on the amazing East Coast talent we have here in the areas of
Literature, Art and Fashion. I’m Italian/ Irish - I love to talk, so it’s a
perfect outlet for me. And they have an amazing online reach across the globe
through their streaming at www.communityradio.ca
Twitter: @A_Campagnoni
Instagram: @angelacampagnoni
