An Everybody’s Book

“What is your target audience?”

This is the most often-asked question when a writer introduces a new book.

I initially envisioned “I Wanted to Ask My Dad” as a coming-of-age story for girls and young women.

As I have shared the concept, narrative, and working draft of this book with people of all ages and walks of life, however, I realize this young girl’s journey and need for a relationship with her father is universal:

• The young teller at my bank who said, “Please tell me when this book is ready, I want to give this to my dad for his birthday.  I know he’d love it.”
• “Oh, this story gives me such hope,” said an elderly friend of mine, “I would love a copy for myself.”
• My preschool teacher friend who anticipates reading this story to her class.
• The young man who visited my booth at a recent book/art event.  After reading the working draft of “I Wanted to Ask My Dad”, he said, through heart-wrenching tears, “this story touches a place I haven’t been to in a long time.”

Q: What is my target audience?

A: Everyone, because everyone needs a good father.