Local dad of two Steven Schoenfeld had a career on Wall Street for 17 years and had never dreamed that he would ever add “children’s book author” to his resume. But that all changed when his parents came to him with a hilarious story about his daughter–involving an innocent question she had about procuring some wind–that occurred while they’d been babysitting her.
He turned the anecdote into a heartfelt book for kids, complete with a meaningful message about what really matters in life, that he self published recently. We caught up with Schoenfeld to get the scoop on the origins of the story, the message that every parent can likely relate to, and the experience of writing and publishing a book for the first time!
What inspired you to write Can You Buy Me The Wind?
The inspiration was an innocent question that my daughter asked when she was 4. My wife and I were on vacation and my parents were watching my children. One afternoon they decided to fly a kite and when my mother tried to explain that it wasn’t going to work because there was no wind, my daughter, Sammy, asked if they could buy some. My mom was hysterical and called me to say that she had just heard one the most amazing (and disturbing) things a child has ever said!
Without giving it all away, how would you describe it to others?
I’d describe it as a fun children’s book with a great lesson. I love reading to my kids and I’ve had a hard time finding books that have meaning. The book is really just about being a good person.
We rarely see grandparents with prominent roles children’s stories. Were these characters based on your parents? Or is it more lessons you taught your children?
The characters in the book are based on my parents and my daughter. I think Chuck Gonzales did a fantastic job on the illustrations and they couldn’t have been more on point. My parents were school teachers who also worked various jobs on weekends and during the summer. Growing up, they taught me what it meant to work hard and how you have to earn everything in life. They also taught me that in the end money doesn’t matter all that much and who you are is far more important than what you have. My kids, who are 9 and 5, are growing up in an environment far different than the one I grew up in. I’m trying to give them everything I never had and at the same time trying to keep them grounded. It’s been no small task, but I think they get it.
You have a career in finance—what was it like to write a children’s book? Did you do any research?
People find it fascinating that someone like me would write something like this. I’ve been on Wall Street for 17 years and writing a children’s book is something I never thought I’d do. If my daughter had never asked that question this book would not exist. The experience has been incredible and I’d love to write more. I’m just waiting for some inspiration from my kids.
Any advice for others who also want to give writing a shot?
Ten years ago it would not have been possible to do what I did without a traditional publishing deal. Since I self-published I’ve had to do everything myself. Writing it was the easy part. Getting it illustrated, edited, re-edited, formatted, printed, shipped, marketed, and sold was the hard part. It’s been extremely satisfying bringing the story and its message to the public and my advice for anyone looking to do the same is to go for it! So many people have told me they’ve always dreamed of writing something and I say: “Why Not?” It’s never been easier to get your voice heard and if you have something to say. I say shout it out!
Beginning at what age, do you think the book’s ideas are understandable to kids?
The response has been amazing from everyone who has read it. I think parents appreciate the message and I think the kids enjoy the illustrations, the rhyming, and the story itself. I say the book is for ages 4-8, but I joke that there are lots of people my age who could benefit too. After all: It’s about being a good person and who can’t appreciate that?
What was one of your favorite books as a kid? What was some of your favorite books to read to your children?
I loved reading Dr. Seuss. Oh the Places You’ll Go is probably my favorite book of all time. I’ve read all of them to my kids and I think it’s their favorite too! They also like Goodnight Moon and all of the Jamie Lee Curtis books.
To purchase a copy of Can Your Buy Me The Wind?, click HERE!
