FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are some questions I have gotten A LOT from readers and people I have met as I promoted the book. Check here first for your burning questions about the book, the lizard, and beyond!

A: Yes. I have written for advertising, television and film projects, but the world of children's books is entirely new to me. I have always been a fan of good books for kids, and know what I like, so it's been exciting to create my own.

Q: I HAVE A CHILDREN'S BOOK I'M WORKING ON, TOO. HOW CAN I GET MINE PUBLISHED?

A: Your question is a tough one, because I had several unfair advantages (and a certain amount of luck) in getting my book published. As I understand it, children's books are THE toughest industry in all of publishing. Not to discourage your efforts, though! I already knew people at this publishing house through my wife, Vicki. One of the head guys at Honor Books encouraged me to develop this story, then he presented it within the company. I also have known the illustrator, Jonathan Martin, for several years and had worked with him on other creative projects. So this was not the traditional way that a writer gets a book made. But even with my advantages, it was an uphill process that took three years. BUT -- if you have a great story and illustrations, why not go for it? I simply do not have the "inside door" that many people think I might have. And my publisher may not be the best for your particular idea, either. So my best advice is to go through the normal channels of submission. But if you know somebody on the inside, explore that contact, by all means!!

Q: WHAT'S UP WITH THE REAL OSCAR THE IGUANA?

A: Oscar was a pet of mine for many years, but sadly, the real-life Oscar met his demise at approximately 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 8, 2001.

It happened in what can best be described as a mysterious bathing accident. Usually content to float in the bathtub, I found him at the bottom of the tub, shortly after his strength or lungs must have given out. He always liked the water, so this event was a surprise, to say the least.

Oscar was over ten years old, and had not been living in the best of health for the past year. He had seen a lot of action, to be sure. He had lost a claw, half of his tail, and had grown grey with age. Oscar was buried behind my house under a large tree. He will be remembered as the pet who inspired a story that continues to bring joy to many.

I'll miss him, but I know that he led a full life, and should be happier now anyway. While the real iguana is no longer around, the make-believe Oscar will live forever as a character in his book and beyond. Long live the lizard!

Q: I HEARD YOU READ THE BOOK AT ONE OF YOUR SIGNINGS. ARE YOU GOING TO OFFER A RECORDING OF THE AUTHOR READING THE BOOK?

A: Yes! We are proud to offer a book-on-CD product this year, available only on this website and at my live appearances. This is a great companion to the book, with me reading the story, backed by original music and sound effects. Click onto my "BUY THE BOOK" page and order one!

Q: WILL YOU BE COMING OUT WITH ANY NEW BOOKS, ANYTIME SOON?

A: The future is fuzzy on that one.I have always been a story teller. But since publishing "The Christmas Lizard", I have started to think more in terms of stories that would make a good book. Some are picture book ideas for younger kids, and other ideas are larger books, for the older "Harry Potter" type of readers.

Q: WILL THERE BE ANY FURTHER ADVENTURES OF OSCAR?

A: Maybe. There has been a lot of interest in turning him into the "scaly Curious George", and we have talked about a couple of new stories. But I am still waiting to see which one of these ideas fires my imagination the most.