Meet Emily | Capital District Moms
How long have you lived in the Capital District?
I am a New York State native and lived in the Capital District since high school.  I moved around after college including living for several years in Wisconsin, my husband’s home state. My husband, son, pup, and I moved back to the Capital District this past summer to be a bit closer to family and are loving it! 

 

How many children do you have? How old are your children?
My husband and I currently have one son who just turned two. We are expecting our daughter at the end of April.


What’s your favorite part of being a mom?
There are so many great things about being a mom! One of my favorites has to be witnessing my son’s excitement as he encounters new experiences. That look of joy on his face over little things like meeting a cat for the first time or finger painting or encountering a new snow fall have been so much fun! I also can’t get enough of baby and toddler giggles! 


What is your favorite children’s book?
One of my favorite children’s books is Barney Saltzberg’s Beautiful Oops! It is one that I received for my son shortly before his birth. It is all about finding beauty and creative inspiration in our “mistakes.” It is very creative in concept and design and has a great message for readers.


Where did you go to college? 
I studied at Siena College right over in Loudonville. I met wonderful professors and friends there. I was an English major/ Creative Arts minor. I received my Masters of Education and elementary teaching certification from Boston College.


What made you decide to write a book?
I decided to write a book for a few different reasons. Visual arts has always been a passion of mine, so it was a really fun creative outlet for me. The illustrations are done predominantly in acrylic paints, my favorite medium. Also, as an educator, I feel that children’s books are such great learning tools and great ways to reach even very young children. Writing and illustrating a children’s book had been a goal of mine for a very long time. When I started staying home full time with my son at 10 months old, I decided there was no better time to get started! I took a free children’s writing and publishing class at our local library while we were still living in Wisconsin. That helped me learn a little about the industry before diving in.

 

Tell us a little bit about your book:
My book is called Ouch! It is about a young toddler (my son) learning how to use a gentle touch to interact with his dog (our dog, Cara). I decided to write this book because our dog was our first “baby;” my husband and I adopted her a couple years before our son was born. As my son became more interested and more in love with our pup, I found that there were not many children’s books out there on how to have a good and safe relationship with a dog that were toddler-friendly and engaging.


Where can someone find your book?
My book is available on Amazon. It is in the Saratoga Springs Public Library (the  northern part of the Capital District) as well as the Kinderhook Memorial Library (in the southern part of the Capital District) and will hopefully be in other local libraries soon! I am also doing my first give away on my author Instagram account currently. You can find my social media information at the end of this interview.


What is your favorite thing to do with your son in the Capital District?
One of my favorite things to do with my son is being a member of Capital Region Hike It Baby. It is an amazing international organization with local branches. It’s been a great way to meet other moms and kids, get to know the natural beauty in the area, and get us out and active even on cold days. The parents have been so wonderful to meet! 


What was one of your favorite resources as a new mom?
I have always loved libraries but have gained a new appreciation for them since becoming a mom! Children’s rooms have been a great hang out spot especially during cold or rainy days. My little guy gets to meet lots of little ones there and I have met other moms there, as well. We have also done story times and various activities. We are able to check out lots of books for our son’s growing interests as well as find parenting books. Some libraries, including the Saratoga Springs Public Library, even have passes for free or discounted admission to various museums to bring your littles. 

You can find me on
Instagram @emilybriggsauthor
Facebook @ouchauthor
or on my author website:
 emilybriggsauthor.wordpress.com

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