If I Could Fly, An Interview with Author Gary Metivier + a giveaway!

What a beautiful cover, yes? Author Gary Metivier has been a friend for years … I know how hard he’s worked at his craft. So when I learned that he self published this book –– which dovetails beautifully with his amazing That’s Wild YouTube nature video series –– I had to know why. It’s every bit as lovely as anything you’d see from a major publisher.

The paper is thick and glossy. The photography, as you’ll see in the few pics I’m including below, is stunning. (It’s even featured on the endpapers.) The rhyming text is engaging and will definitely appeal to kiddos.

Fortunately, Gary was up for a quick chat.

Jill: Welcome, Gary, to Picture Book Builders!

Gary: Thank you so much, Jill. You have been a friend and mentor to so many people on top of your incredible talents with sharing stories with children.

Jill: That’s kind of you. SO. First question: What was the initial spark that led to this book?

Gary: Our story began after seeing Jay’s incredible wildlife photography. He turned to a camera for physical and mental therapy of sorts after an accident nearly took his life. He was simply posting his work online and building a library for his grandchildren. Whenever I noted what I thought was a “perfect” shot, he would counter that the only perfect shots are photos of his grandkids. So, now working together with him to share wildlife in our video YouTube series “That’s Wild,” I thought it would be fitting to capture the images of his children AND his photography together. Both of us hope the book and videos will inspire more children (and adults) to appreciate our wildlife and explore this incredible wild world.  

Jill: Inspiring, for sure. Jay’s gorgeous shots (my phone pics don’t do them justice) and your lovely poem work beautifully together. Tell our readers about your own writing/publishing background, Gary.

Gary: My journey has been unusual, to say the least. I self-published two chapter books and a picture book on my own nearly 20 years ago to raise money to send children with cancer to camp and then veterans on Honor Flight trips. Once I saw the impact the stories were having on young readers, I decided it was time to up my craft a bit. While working full-time as a television reporter and anchoring 3 newscasts a day and managing all our special reports (and raising two young sons) I went back to school to earn an MFA with a focus on writing for children and young adults. I wanted to be a better writer so that I could find new ways to  connect with readers. 

That third book, Saluting Grandpa, was picked up by a small press. They would also publish my next three picture books with all proceeds going to veterans groups. Now, no longer in tv news, I am writing books for all ages.

Jill: So, with If I Could Fly…, did you submit the manuscript to traditional publishers, or did you know right away that you’d be publishing it yourself?

Gary: I believe in always being as open and honest as possible. Over the years I found the children’s book market to be a tough nut to crack after submitting to multiple publishers with little to no response. I did not submit my latest work If I Could Fly to any publishers. I knew from the outset that I wanted to do this one on my own, partly because it was such a personal project to share with his grandchildren. 

Jill: What a treasure Jay is! How did you meet him?

Gary: I was on an honor flight with Jay’s father. He had watched me for years on tv and reached out to see if I would keep an eye our for his father on the trip. He took a photo of me returning that night with the veterans. I asked if I could use it for my Facebook page. And our friendship has grown since then.

Jill: Serendipity. Do you and Jay have plans for more wildlife books?

Gary: I would love to continue with a series of books with Jay under the “That’s Wild Kids!” umbrella. In fact, I have several outlines already done. But back to being honest and open—- it comes down to finding a way to market the books that allows for my other projects. Right now I am trying to do it all on my own through my website and school visits. I would like to find a publisher who might take this book and the series and help us give these stories the boost they need.

Jill: I hope that works out! Gary, you are one of the busiest people I know. Let our readers in on some of the other projects you have going on.

Gary: Since leaving the news about 7 years ago now, I am like a kid in a candy store! All those things I could not do when I was under contract are finding ways to compete for time and energy. My primary projects right now are documentaries films that I produce along with my YouTube stories for a channel that I am blessed to report has just surpassed 1 million views and is closing in on 50,000 subscribers. We share inspirational stories on “The heart of the story with Gary Metivier” and our wildlife shorts and full stories on “That’s Wild!” I also host a podcast and am in the process of writing two nonfiction books (World War two and civil war) and a fun novel based on some of experiences as a news guy. The latter is a project I have been working on for nearly 15 years!!!! I am close to putting that one to bed. 

I will always write and share my stories because it is who I am. The hardest part about leaving the news was that I at first thought I’d be limited in reaching people and touching their hearts, minds and souls with stories that inspire. It didn’t take long to realize using various media platforms—I can discover even more ways to make that connection. Thank you again, Jill, for giving people like me a chance to share their personal stories.

Readers, you can order Gary’s book through his website: https://www.metiviermedia.com/store/p/k9qtmk9xd1l1k6acyxchofj7pb55u1

But if you leave a comment below, you’ll also have a chance to WIN a copy of your own! (U.S. mailing addresses only, please.) Besides the book, Gary’s adding an Explorer Pack, which includes kids’ binoculars, trading cards, and an eagle or owl plushie (your choice)!

Meanwhile, PLEASE check out the 70+ nature shorts on his That’s Wild! YouTube channel. You’ll find videos here featuring owls, prairie dogs, eagles, beavers, ducks, hummingbirds, and many more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJO6vU9E7Ts&list=PLLAhuGKNhmEVHQi6xI9GjbrQX_aAVTLVi