(Q) How did the Little Lizzy character come into being? (A) Little Lizzy 2 Shoes was inspired by my friend Liz Alex, whose mom’s name for her as a child was “ 2 Shoes”. I loved the story and being a artist I soon created a visual in my mind. It wasn’t long before different shoes were dancing around. My daughter-in-law (Shellie)and grandson (Sky), along with many friends started coming up with even more ideas for shoes and pretty soon I had compiled a list of over 50 different kinds. (Q) How long did it take to write the book? (A) Writing the book didn’t take but a few days to get the general structure although it has gone through many growth spurts since. I had fun playing with the rhyming and rhythm of the words. Deciding to have some child interaction came later and that is when I put in the little verse asking, ”whose shoes?” After reading the story to many many children this part made it great fun for them so it has stayed. (Q) How did you know what Lizzy looked like? (A) It took awhile for her to reveal herself. All I was certain about was that she would have curly red hair. Once I started to draw her she came into focus and what a cute little girl she is. Not too cute, a bit of curiosity and wonder are seen in her eyes and the smile is a bit lop-sided and has a mischievous hint to it. The hair bunched in crunchies just seemed to fit the face. At the very last I decided she needed a few freckles. What red haired girl doesn’t have a few of those? I tried her with glasses but that didn’t seem to work very well.