 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
Back to Featured Interviews >> MEET JIM WALKOW
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
 |
| Jim Walkow |
When I go to schools I want to inspire and motivate children to understand that they each have a purpose to fulfill in their lives.......that they are the director, the actor, the artist and author of their life. I want them to comprehend that they each have gifts within that make them uniquely special and capable of fulfilling their wishes and dreams. Through my stories, songs, and motivational orations, I incorporate concepts of character education, self esteem, diversity and literacy values. The following are excerpts from some of my writings.
"The Zabbit" ( excerpt) "He questioned his parents at bedtime that night
Why am I so different ? Will things ever be right?
Will the dreams I am dreaming ever come true
The answers they said are all inside of you."
Zabbitisms" (samples)
"All of your dreams can someday come true
just believe in the magic that's inside of you.
"Read every day and you will be wise
Knowledge is power when problems arise.
"Wishes and Dreams" (excerpt)
"Empower yourself; Your thoughts are the key
to unlock the doors to your destiny
Believe that you can; Achieve the goals that you plan
It's up to you to make your dreams come true,
so look inside and find your special you."
"Sing Your Own Song" (excerpt)
"You're the director of your life and all that you do
Your thoughts and your feelings are the voice inside of you
Find the answers to your questions ; Be courageous and strong
Don't just follow the crowd because you want to belong
Make a difference in this world; Sing your own Song."
What audience did you have in mind for your career as a writer- adult or children?
I have always had an interest and passion to inspire, educate and motivate children beginning with my own two sons. If you can touch a child's heart and mind, I believe you can positively impact them for a lifetime. It is also very rewarding to realize you can also reach the inner child in an adult and inspire them to continue to pursue their dreams and goals.
Have any of your fiction stories been about real people or events?
Although my stories are mostly about inanimate objects and uniquely different animals, they also have included people. I strive to embody in my subjects the capacity to empathize with real life emotions,situations, values and challenges that I have observed in people and / or encountered myself. I incorporate character education, self esteem, diversity and literacy values in my creative writings.
If you didn't write as a child, then when did you start writing and what inspired you to start?
My passion for the creative arts blossomed in college when two friends and I formed "The Town Criers" singing group. I eventually taught myself to play the guitar and composed the music on an album that was produced by Orville Campbell who was credited with discovering Andy Griffith. After graduate school, my brother and I decided to visit California. Several months later, we permanently settled in Los Angeles and formed a company to manufacture and market children's products. Although I had just received a Master's Degree in Psychology, I loved the idea of creating and working side by side with my older brother. I began witting stories and songs to go along with the children's clocks and whimsical kitchen plagues we created. I envisioned that one day my business experience could help me in my creative pursuits.
Where do you get your ideas?
My ideas are inspired by my own experiences, what I observe, and what I read. My story "The Zabbit" was inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's story of "The Ugly Duckling". My writing style was influenced by Dr, Seuss. As a child and into college I participated in many sports. One day, while watching a football game that was played in the rain,I saw a referee drape a towel over a ball to keep it from getting wet. I thought to myself , if that ball could talk, what would he say?......"It's a tough life being a Football!" My first professional project was launched on "ABC Monday Night Football" as a series of vignettes titled " Great Moments in Sports from the Point of View of the Ball." When Tom Dempsey kicked the longest field goal, superimposed over the real ball was my old pro ball One Tooth Tobias. Tobias takes us back to the moment he defied the law of gravity in "The Dempsey Stroke". Tobias recreates that moment from beginning to end. Tom Dempsey was born with no toes in his right kicking foot and had to wear a special shortened shoe. He always wanted to play football, but was told that it was impossible because he couldn't run. He not only defied the odds but through his perseverance became a professional football player who kicked the longest field goal to this day..63 Yards. Here is an opportunity to encourage children to never give up on their dreams, no matter what the challenge. I use humor to engage my audience ie...One Tooth Tobias, the football retelling his story says: "Before I knew it , I was snapped in place and that man named Dempsey kicked me right in the face."
What are you working on now? When do you expect to start submitting it to publishers?
I have recently finished writing the adventures of "The Slice of Swiss Cheese from Switzerland" which is narrated by,a mouse by the name of Swee. Swee is the best friend and companion of the Slice of Swiss Cheese as they journey through Europe. I have been working with the illustrator for approximately a year and a half and expect to receive the final illustrations by the end of January. I have an offer for publication at present but will also be exploring other opportunities. I am currently developing a sports project that will encompass all major sports as a result of my success with "Great Moments in Sports from the Point of View of the Ball" I also am doing the final edit on a Halloween story about "Mat The Bat" and his friends Beenie,Fellini, Panini, and Mo and a Tuxedo cat named Biggelow.
What other jobs did you have before you became a writer?
I founded Marketing systems International and joint ventured with East West Publications to market products in the airline in flight magazines. I directed The United States Olympic Committee's Entertainment and Special Events Committee.for four years raising monies for our Olympic athletes. Before pursuing my creative interests full time I co founded Windsor Broadcast Productions where I created and became the executive producer of "The American Health Journal" television series which was recognized with twenty seven national awards.
What kinds of things inspire you to write?
My desire to motivate children to make a difference with their lives by discovering their hidden gifts and potential has inspired me to write for children. Children are very impressionable and need positive examples and role models to follow. This is especially true when they come from challenging environments of poverty, drugs, abuse where they are taught to hate and taunt others who do not believe or look as they do. My parents have been my greatest inspiration. Both my mother and father were very compassionate and loving. Dad was strong of character and would daily encourage me with motivational messages. Mother was an idealist and romantic whose heart knew no bounds.Both my parents exemplified the highest ethical standards and planted within me the seeds of love and compassion, values of integrity, and empathy for others. My other mentors included my teachers, family, friends and business associates... When I was involved with The United States Olympic Committee I was befriended by Lamar Hunt, owner of The Kansas City Chiefs football team. He saw merit in my football project which was inspired by my interest in sports. Lamar arranged for me to present my project to the top twelve people at The National Football League. The endorsement of the National Football League gave me the credibility and confidence I needed to open the doors at the television network level. My brother, my sons, my loved ones and my business partners continue to be a major influence and inspiration as I pursue my creative goals.