My latest TV interview this week was a pleasant experience. But I was a little disappointed when told my allotted seven minutes would be shortened to three. To my surprise it turned out well. After my recent episode with the women’s club, I’d become slightly psychotic and thought it would be another fiasco, but thank God it wasn’t.

The invitation to be interviewed on local TV began with my friend Kirk Finley, Sports Director and Anchor Reporter for Time Warner Cable, Channel 3 in Lancaster, CA. He had come to my house the previous week to drop-off a CD he had edited from another show a year earlier when he had interviewed me for SO-CAL NEWS-3. It had been about my book, “Diary of a Young Musician: Final Days of the Big Band Era,” when I was going to have a book signing at Barnes & Noble.

While Kirk was at my house I showed him my new website, “Felix the Storyteller,” my son David had created and built. He was truly impressed with the site, especially the 31 cover illustrations by Disney animator John MacFarlane. He asked how I happened to get the idea of recording the stories myself. I told him my wife Shirley and I began editing and making small changes to improve all 38 of my children’s stories during the summer of 2007, taking about four months. I told Kirk a former student of mine, Susy Christiansen, now a composer with Disney, had suggested I go to a recording studio and record all 38 of my stories, but I felt totally insecure about doing them. Shirley and I realized it would be an expensive undertaking, so we decided to postpone the decision. A few weeks later Shirley bought me a first-class microphone and interface for Christmas. I now had my own small recording studio. My first attempt at recording one of my own stories was an excruciating experience, making me aware I needed practice—lots of it! I thought to myself, could buying that microphone have been a mistake? I had planned on personally recording only one or two, then hire a professional to do six or seven others. The only reason why I was going to record them was that David told me children liked to hear authors narrate their own stories. At the same time he had almost completed my new website that he’d volunteered to do. I emailed him the first two stories I’d recorded for his personal critique. Being a former editor he rejected both, but gave me great advice how to improve them. I must have learned my lesson well because his next critique a few weeks later was an ecstatic experience, telling me the third recording was fantastic, and the fourth was even better! I thought he was just being kind. He said they sounded so good I should record the other three or four myself rather than hire a professional. Instead of recording seven or eight as I had originally intended, I did 10, then 20, with 30 as my goal, but ended up doing all 38 stories that took me ten months to complete, a monumental task! I used GarageBand to record them on my Mac.

Kirk Finley really enjoyed hearing the story how I began recording, and before returning to the studio he asked if I would like to be interviewed again. I said I would. “You should tell the interviewer the same story you just told me,” he said, “it would be of interest to viewers.” I was surprised when Kirk called the next day and asked if I wanted to be on a show the following day, I would be a last minute replacement for someone who had cancelled. My allotted time would be seven minutes, about the time it takes me to take a long breath! Kirk took notes over the phone about my three careers for the host of the show. The way I figured it would take about an hour or longer to answer the number of questions he asked.

When I arrived at the studio the next morning I found out I was to be the last one interviewed by Mitchell Chase, host of “The Local Edition.” When it was time to be interviewed the crew immediately shuffled me in front of the cameras. With a few adjustments to my seat the host introduced me. Mitchell began the show by asking how I got my start as a professional musician. He then asked a question or two about my teaching career, and finally about my website and children’s books. I didn’t even have time to get nervous. Thanks to Mitchell Chase the entire interview was a great success, another notch in my belt.

The title above is an appropriate one whenever I’m invited to read at schools. I recently went to a third grade classroom in Palmdale, CA, where I not only read one of my stories, but also talked about the children’s writing experiences, love of learning, and being a good student. This particular class was truly exciting for me as I felt I was getting through and influencing many children to have a better life by reading. I found some of them had already lost their desire to learn–and at such a young age! The Question and Answer period was also very illuminating where the students took front and center. They liked asking questions better than answering them. Either way it was beneficial because they were participating. Each question made it easier for me to make my point how learning was so important and enjoyable. I stressed that they all had the potential to be “A” students, no matter how poorly they may have been doing at the time, and it wouldn’t take long to make a complete turnaround. When I explained how it could be done, I saw the excitement in the teacher’s eyes, which was as exhilarating for me as watching the children’s reaction. To be effective I had to be given enough time and not be rushed. The teacher facilitated me in that regard, in fact she encouraged me to continue. That morning was an inspirational experience for me. I’ve found if my presentations go smoothly, the children never tire from hearing me talk, but I’ve become adept at knowing when they become bored or tired and end the session.

I also read to three wonderful classes at St. Mary’s Catholic School: First grade, Mrs. Boyd; Second Grade, Mrs. Fuentes; and third grade, Miss Catalla and Miss Rios. Because I didn’t have time they were given one of my shorter talks, but I still added a little humor.  I can’t help trying to be a comedian no matter what age level I’m speaking to. They all expressed their thanks by sending me letters or drawings that showed off their talents. They were truly appreciated. Below are a few samples of letters I received from Mrs. Fuentes class. Every child in her class were superior printers, a terrific discipline that could be carried over to every subject:

Dear Mr. Mayerhofer– “I like the book Wobbly Bags a Thief because people need to learn to respect others. Also, people need to be safe and careful” – Elijah

Dear Mr. Mayerhofer -”I enjoyed you reading Wobbly Bags a Thief. It was so exciting for me. God bless you. Thank you” – Ashley

Dear Mr. Mayerhofer “I liked the book Wobbly Bags a Thief. I would like you to come and read us another story. It was lots of fun” – David

Dear Mr. Mayerhofer “I loved the book you read to us, Wobbly Bags a Thief. Thank you for taking your time to read to us. I would love to read your other books” – Amanda

Dear Mr. Mayerhofer “I like your jokes you told us. I like the book Wobbly Bags a Thief. It was a funny story” – Bernice

I was recommended to speak to the local Women’s Club, an influential organization in our community about my novel, “Diary of a Young Musician: Final Days of the Big Band Era.” Since I had spoken to a similar group a few weeks earlier, I assumed I’d speak about one half hour. I received an email of confirmation the same day saying I would speak for 12 minutes with five minutes of Q & A at the end of their luncheon. It takes me that long to take a breath. I thought I’d be able to improvise and stretch the talk a little longer.

When I arrived at the clubhouse, I was informed there would be another speaker before me, causing me a little uneasiness. When the speaker was introduced I was stunned! She was a representative from our local water district who had been asked that day to talk to the group. The previous evening, an overflow crowd of 200 angry residents of our city had attended a riotous meeting of the water board, who were going to raise the rates by possibly up to 300 percent. The board ended up raising the rates that evening by a vote of 3-2. You could see the quandary I was in having to follow that speaker. While giving her talk why the water district raised the rates, she was asked a question by one of the little old ladies who would be seriously affected by the new rates. The air became contentious with more angry questions. The speaker happily left immediately after her allotted 12 minutes.

While she was speaking I adjusted my talk in my mind hoping it would work out…it did not! It was the first time I’d ever addressed an audience with angry faces who could care less about an ex-musician who used to play with big bands. Every story that had brought laughs in the past fell like a lead balloon. There wasn’t a one. I ended my speech in exactly 12 minutes. I thought the meeting was over but I was wrong. The minutes had yet to be read and short talks to be given by about eight other officers. I made a fast exit after thanking the president for inviting me. I don’t think a person in the room heard a single word of my innocuous talk. In the future I’ll make sure I’m the only speaker and that I be given an allotted time of at least one half hour.

The type of children’s books available has bothered me a long time. Witnessing librarians and classroom teachers read to children while going through Olympic-like gyrations to make the stories interesting, especially for boys, made me aware there was something terribly wrong. Not only were the children’s stories not of the best quality, they lacked strength and character.

Being a children’s writer, I’ve gone through libraries and bookstores perusing through hundreds of children’s stories by reputable publishers to help me become a better writer. I’ve become totally disenchanted. Thank God there are the obvious exceptions! The children’s publishing world is in deep trouble and it’s not because of our present economy, the problem had already existed.

After reading the Sunday comics in the AV Press (the delight of the day), I looked at “The Mini Page,” as I always do, and my blood pressure went up a notch. This Sunday’s edition featured children’s books where the topic was “The Power of Hope.”There were the usual save the environment books; others to help the world and it’s inhabitants; stories that gave children comfort, and another about being true to one’s self. I was sure every rugged boy was clamoring to read that one. To be fair there were others that looked good but they were in the minority. I’m not going into the politics of this whole issue, but women editors in the publishing world who have a special agenda, are in control of the books children read.

What happened to good old stories about American patriots, like George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Andrew Jackson and others? There should be stories about the heroes of our wars and the heroic exploits of soldiers, airmen, and sailors, both men and women, who fought and died for our country in great battles, such as Felluga in Iraq.

Not only did I love stories like Ivanhoe, and Paul Revere, but I also read every Nancy Drew mystery during summer vacation when I was nine. There was excitement and mystery in each story, where that series attracted both boys and girls for her rugged individualism, the type that built America, as we knew it. Are the books presently being read by our children building character and love of country, as it did for us when we were their age? I don’t think so

I sent my book ,”Wobbly Bags a Thief,” to the president of Stater Bros. Market in San Bernardino, CA with ideas how to sell and promote it. My intent was to have the stores give the buyer a miniature shopping cart with the sale of each book. Within a few days I received a phone call from the representative of the company followed by a letter you’ll find below. Enclosed in the letter was a Gift Card for $25 to be used at any Stater Bros. Market. In essence, the representative told me that outside vendors took care of their promotions, but he would send the book to their Stater Bros. marketing department for their consideration.

STATER BROS. MARKET P.O. – Box 150 – 301 Tippecanoe Ave. – San Bernardino, CA 92408 – (909) 733-5000

April 28, 2009

Dear Mr, Mayerhofer:

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me on Monday, April 27, 2009 regarding your letter and children’s book that you recently sent to Jack Brown, the Chairman and CEO of Stater Bros. Markets.

After speaking with you, I read your story about “Wobbly,” a supermarket shopping cart. Your story was enjoyable, but thank goodness the vast majority of Stater Bros. shopping cars don’t have such a coloful and adventuresome existence.

As we discussed, unfortunately we are unable to promote or sell your book directly in our supermarkets as we obtain our products through authorized vendors. I will pass on your book to our Marketing Department who has contact with the vendors for any possible interest.

I wish you well in your writing and publishing career. I was very interested to read of your various career endeavors and academic accomplishments.

Thank you for sharing your book with us and for your interest in doing business with Stater Bros. Markets. Please accept the enclosed $25.00 Stater Bros. Gift Card as a “Thank you” for taking the time to write us and for your loyal patronage.

Best wishes for your continued success.

Sincerely,

George A. Frohm

Executive Vice President, Retail Operations

This is short note from a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), a fine organization I belong to.

“Your web site rocks! I would love to record a book for you if you ever need a female voice or record one with you.”

All my best,

Channe Nolen

My friend, Dr. Don Richards, a dentist who’s now retired, invited me to speak to the Palmdale, CA, Kiwanis Club at the ungodly hour of 7:00 am. I asked, “What shall I talk about? He responded, “Talk about your three careers: big band trombonist for 13 years, school band director for 27, and children’s author for 18.” “How much time do I have?” was my next question. Twenty minutes was his answer.

It took me 16 months to write my FIVE STAR autobiography, “Diary of a Young Musician: Final Days of the Big Band Era,” and that was only the first part of the three topics he wanted me to discuss. I planned on concentrating on my children’s author’s period, but my opening statement would be about my scholarship to Juilliard School of Music at the age of 18, and then spend a few minutes talking about how I broke into the big band scene.

I never got passed the big band stories that I happily found enthralled my mature audience. I went over my allotted time by about 10 minutes and finally stopped. When the group laughed at my stories at the beginning of the talk I decided to stay on the same subject. I was on a role so why change. They invited me to give another talk in May, this time about my children’s writing experience that I know I’ll enjoy.

A few days later Don called and said he had a check for me from the Kiwanis Club. The members decided to donate two books each to seven schools in Palmdale, a wonderful gesture on their part. I met Don the next morning at a Starbucks where I gave him the autographed books. We ended up talking about his electric bass playing, his favorite subject, and also his lessons from a first-class teacher. He and his wife Donna are fine people and truly a joy to be with.

I was invited to read my stories to the first, second, and third grades at St. Mary’s School. It was fun. I left them two of my books as a gift for their library, “Horace the Great, and “Wobbly Bags a Thief.” In the afternoon I read to Mr’s Altobelli’s third grade class at Ocotillo School, also in Palmdale CA . They enjoyed my story, “Wobbly Bags a Thief” so much, they asked me to read “Horace the Great,” a story in rhyme.” While there I gave them an inspirational talk how they could become better students. Mrs. Altobelli said the comments were sensational and thanked me for them and for the readings. It was truly an enjoyable hour. I then read to a kindergarten class before I left. Mrs. May, another kindergarten teacher, bought both my books before I left. I was surprised that evening to read a comment on my web site from an unnamed student in Mrs. Altobelli’s class who had read my story, “The Silent Flute,” that you’ll find below:

“Thank you for coming to see my class. I wish that the little girl never died. She probably looks at you from high above. Thank you for coming to OUR class room in Mrs.Altobelli’s class!”

It was a very successful day.

NOTE: The local Kiwanis Club donated six of my children’s books to Ocotillo School that were going to be read by two woman the same day I was going to be there. As I walked into the lobby of the school to read, a women called out to me ( she was one of the readers). “I’m a former student of yours at Yucca School,” she said. It was Patty Hayman, one of the students in my flutophone class in 1963. Her brother Buddy played in my concert band. The combined 90 flutophone students and band played a concert to an appreciative audience at the final year’s performance. This was my first year of teaching. The superintendent of school’s son was in the band so the father was in attendance. He called me into his office the following day not to compliment me but to reprimand me for playing “Little Brown Jug,” as one of the flutophone pieces. We also had performed “Moon River” at the same concert because that was the hit of the year. He said,” It was inappropriate to have played that drinking song “Little Brown Jug.” His father, a Methodist minister, had said it was an evil song. I answered that I had found it in the school music book that had been approved by the board of education. His face turned red upon giving him that information, realizing he had made a mistake. The board replaced him the following year (for other reasons).

Below is an email I received from my niece, Cathy Minoli, who’s husband is Lorenzo Minoli, reputable Italian movie producer and director. He received an Oscar for his Biblical movie, “Joseph.” Cathy gave me her opinion about my story “NIck Meets Knobby,” that she had just read and heard me narrate on my website. The story is about a boy named Nick and his dog, Knobby.

Uncle Felix–I can only say BRAVO!! What a treat! I just met Knobby and listened to his first adventure, what a WONDERFUL story. The web page is also fabulous, the illustrations too. What an accomplishment and legacy! I am sure there are millions of kids enjoying your stories AND the way YOU tell them. You really have something to be proud of. Thank you for sending me the link, I really enjoyed it.

My famous uncle!!

Please keep up the great work and keep sharing with me.

Love,

Cathy

PS I have here in Italy a niece and nephew at the right age and will pass it on!

This is a message I received from Charlie Dana–Music Educator, professional trombonist, and big band arranger: “We’ve checked out a few of your stories for children–really great!–keep ‘em coming! (You old horseshoe champ!)

Charlie was one of the many fine Korean veteran musicians attending New York State University at Potsdam NY, sometimes known as PU (short for Potsdam University). He and I had a blast playing in the trombone section for a fine musical comedy totally created by Delta Kappa, one of the college fraternities. Charlie and his wife Barbara have been very involved for years in the leadership of the “Four Freshmen” fan club, and haven’t missed a single convention no matter what part of the country they were held.