Patsy Smith Roberts
www.rorysadventures.com
Publisher: Savuti Muti Publishing
Patsy Smith Roberts' first visit to Africa as a photographer
in the early 1990s ignited a passion for the continent as
well as for wildlife photography. On one such visit, Patsy
met Gillian Cullinan, a freelance writer who was writing a
story for Travel & Leisure magazine. Patsy shared with
Gill her longtime dream to produce a book for children with
her photos of the animals that she had grown to love. Patsy
and Gill co-authored "Rory" and are now in their first
printing. A self-taught photographer, Patsy exhibits and
sells her work at wildlife shows across the USA. Patsy lives
on St. Simons Island, GA. Gill lives with her husband and
two sons in Cape Town, South Africa.
What was your inspiration for "Rory, the Adventures of a
Lion Cub"?
After collaborating with Gill about co-authoring the book
with me, I flew back into the Botswana bush to photograph.
The guide and I found a pride of 22 lions and in the middle
of the group there was one lion cub. It is most unusual to
see just one cub, and this cub was very active and
mischievous. He would bite the tail of one of the male
lions, and when the male swatted him he would just roll over
in the sand and try again. I sat there for hours
photographing this small delightful fellow, watching his
mother try to discipline him, watching him get muddier and
muddier, and finally subdued by his mother.
So the idea for Rory came from your animal photographs?
Yes, I felt the book should be about a lion cub. When I
found this special cub there was no question, I knew he was
the one. Once I got the photographs that I needed, Gil and I
worked on the text. The story aims to foster a sense of self
worth in all children and teaches them some valuable lessons
about life while learning about Africa animals.
How do you feel about the book now?
I feel like I have given birth. It has been a scary and
wonderful experience. Scary, because I hope it sells
successfully. Wonderful, because I believe so passionately
in the charm of the story.The lions are majestic creatures,
and the cubs are mesmerizing.
Are you planning on writing another book?
Yes, there is another book in the making. The response to
Rory from children, parents. Teachers and librarians has
been overwhelming. I didn't realize how fascinated children
are with the African animals.
Where can Rory be purchased?
Rory is listed on
BookSense.com or you can contact my
marketing company at
rory@pinkstonemarketing.com . We are working on getting
Rory listed with
Amazon.com. This should happen within the next 2 - 3 weeks.
You can also visit Rory and his friends at
www.rorysadventures.com.
Books: 'Rory', The Adventures of a Lion Cub
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