Author Name:
Erin Mantz
Book Title:
Hey, Who’s In My House? Stepkids Speak Out
Website URL:
Link to book page on Amazon:
Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/HeyWhosInMyHouse
What is your book about?
One in three Americans live in a stepfamily, and more than half of Americans will live in a stepfamily at some point in their lives, according to the Stepfamily Foundation. Much has been written about stereotypes and sometime realities of stepparent struggles and the “wicked stepmother,” but an integral part of all these changing families hasn’t been truly addressed until now – the stepkids themselves. Many people wonder: Will the kids be OK? How will they turn out? Can’t they just get used to it? It’s an incredibly odd experience to suddenly live somewhere where you think: “Hey! Who’s in my house?” From struggles to survivals and tips to triumphs, every stepkid has a story. These show the resilience of children and how some – not all – can rewrite a different kind of happy ending.
What inspired you to write your book?
I was/am a stepkid. I met and heard from stepkids, current and grown, from strangers to friends, and knew we needed our perspectives to be shared.
If you have a business related to your book, tell us about it:
I am always looking for a new and unique story!
What is a typical day like for you?
I work full-time in corporate communications, and i’m a mom of two boys, so days are busy! In my spare time, I enjoy freelance writing, working on my blog “Gen X Girls Grow Up,” and walking my dog, Hank.
What do you most enjoy about what you do?
I get excited by the idea that I can share information with readers that may make them think differently or realize something new. Since I was a kid, the act of writing something I am proud of just brings great satisfaction!
What are some favorite books you’d recommend to our readers?
I love biographies and autobiographies about strong women who have lived exciting lives, faced and overcame personal and professional challenges, and journeyed through interesting relationships along the way. I love Carly Simon’s Boys in the Trees and Gold Dust Woman: The Biography of Stevie Nicks by Stephen Davis.
What advice do you have to offer our readers?
Write about what’s important to you, and help people see a new point of view or understand something better. If it’s something you are passionate about, that excitement will come through and move people.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I look up my dreams in a dream dictionary most mornings.
What’s next for you?
Writing and podcasting about Generation X! I recently started a blog called “Gen X Girls Grow Up” and want to start some lively discussions across different mediums. There’s a very vocal and engaged group of us!
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