Maggie Pagratis is a children's book writer who resides in Dorval, Quebec, where she is also the editor of the quarterly magazine, Business News Makers. She is the author of more than 15 books and the publisher of over 30. Go Away Booboo!, her whimsical picture book about a bruise with character, has been translated into seven languages along with an original R&B solo. Maggie has worked with more than a dozen international authors and illustrators and enjoys sharing her book profits with charities around the world. She is the mother of two children and a cat. Her favorite books are Goodnight Moon, Where the Wild Things Are, and Something out of Nothing. Maggie has also written dozens of songs and created more than 22 videos of her children's books.
Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself, Maggie, like where you are from, do you have any special or weird hobbies, etc?
I am from Montreal, Quebec. I now live in Dorval, a very relaxing and inspiring place. I indeed have a weird hobby: esthetics. I always say, if I weren’t a writer, I would be an esthetician. I love to make people feel good about themselves. Many years ago, when I taught English to adults, I would pause and give female students a manicure.
When did it hit you that you wanted to be a children’s author? Did any one thing or event inspire you to take this path in life? Please explain.
When my daughter was born, I made a mental list of all the things I wanted to accomplish before I died. On my list was to write and publish a children’s book. Then it dawned on me: why wait? Why not now? So I set about getting it done. And I just couldn’t stop; it was so exhilarating, the feeling of pleasing both children and adults with one single book, the feeling of tapping into those pure, raw feelings of childhood.
You are the founder of Athse Publishing. That is such an unusual name for a publishing house. How did you come up with that name?
It was originally Athouse Publishing—because I worked out of my house. Then the Canadian copyright office sent me a certificate with the Athouse abbreviation on it (Athse), and I thought, well, I may not always work from home. Perhaps I should give this room to grow. Hence, Athse Publishing.
What do you hope to accomplish with Athse Publishing? It sounds like a great idea to me—combining children’s books with deserving charitable entities. How did this all come about?
I dream big, and thank God I have time, still. I would like the Athse books to keep on giving, even after I am gone. I wanted to give a gift to the world. It is now all set up electronically; the funds go directly to each charity. Funds for charity never touch my hands. So I feel good about this and grateful for modern technology.
What books have you written? Which one is your personal favorite and why?
I have written Go Away Booboo!, With Their Tiny Hands, The Long-Legged Turtle from Arizona, The 100-year Old Boy, and about ten others. My favorite, I think—because it still touches my soul and moves me—is You’ve Got Me Wishing for Wishes Again. I stop and marvel at the world, and the gift of words each time I read it.
Who is your favorite character from one of your own books? What inspired you to create that character?
I love Long-Legged Turtle. She has a hidden gift, one she could easily overwhelm others with, but she is kind. She only flaunts her extremely long surprise when it’s time to defend those less fortunate. And she is so sweet. Kevin Scott Collier did an exceptional job when illustrating her.
If you could be any character in any book, who would you be and why?
I would love to be the mother in You’ve Got Me Wishing for Wishes Again. I would love to hold that boy.
What’s the next project you are working on?
I am currently editor of Business News Makers Magazine. We are in our second issue. I hope to continue working on that— and of course, complete my next children’s book, which is still growing in my mind.
What was the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you in your writing career?
I wish I could recall some funny stories. All I can think of are touching ones, where people from around the world came together to make books.
What advice do you have for new writers just starting out to help them get published?
Do not write what you think people want to read. Write from your soul. Share your message with the world.
If you could do any job in the world for just 24 hours, what would your dream job be, and why?
In the future, I hope to travel to different countries, less privileged than mine, read to the children, and teach them how to make their own books.
If you could visit and then write a children’s story about any country in the world, what country would it be and why?
I fell in love with India when I read A Fine Balance. I would love to visit India one day and write a children’s book that captures the meaning of the people.
Is there anything else you’d like our SFC audience to know about you or Athse Publishing?
Thank you for keeping children’s books alive and growing. Thank you for reading them and loving them. Thank you for the child in you.