This summer I had the pleasure of meeting first-time author and Omahan Marcus Sikora and his mom, Mardra, at The Bookworm Bookstore. They were at The Bookworm to read and promote their newly-published picture book, "Black Day - The Monster Rock Band". The book is illustrated by Noah Witchell. Here is my interview with Noah.
Following the pictures and videos you can read my interview with Mardra.
As you may be able to tell from the photos, there was a full house for the event! Mardra read the story aloud for the audience, while Marcus added character voices and comedic touches!
Kitchen Sink Cookie Company provided these whimsical (and delicious!) monster cookies after the program! If I'm not mistaken, this is the first book to have its own "Official Cookie"!
My conversation with Mardra:
Q: Is this the first time you and
Marcus have developed a story together? Or is this book just the tip
of the iceberg?!
Mardra: Marcus and I have been writing
together every weekend for many years, in fact, I think it’s been a ritual for
about 10 years. He has many many ideas, but this is the first book we’ve worked
all the way through. Marcus has also completed a one-act play that was produced
as a multi-class project at North High School last spring.
Q: From
his appearance at The Bookworm, and from reading through your blog, Marcus
impresses me as someone who enjoys jokes, plays on words, creative writing,
etc. What can either of you share about Marcus' childhood?
Mardra: Oh the stories! He has always expressed himself creatively. In fact, while he
was learning to become more “verbal” he used his hands in the shape of puppets
a lot as part of expressing himself and what was happening in his world. In
fact, here is a funny story. Also, he and Quinn, Marcus’ dad,
also work/play together every week and record an improvised session of voice
characterizations/sketches.
Q: I
am fascinated by the correlation between the amount and quality of verbal
interactions between parent and child, and that child's later command of
language, appreciation of literature, ability to spell and read, etc. I suspect "language" was plentiful
during his early years. Words, rhymes, & songs, as well as
imaginative play and conversation?
Mardra: I believe that teaching “the whole child” is important for every person. This
includes math plus music plus arts plus reading and spelling and so on. These
things all do play a part not only in academic success, but more importantly,
in a person’s ability to thrive in his/her skin and environment. In
neuro-typical children music education, for example, is a well-documented way
to improve all areas of academic achievements. Marcus was fortunate to go to
the Madonna School in Omaha, which also holds these values and has a Full Time
Music Therapist. Since his graduation he has continued with voice lessons,
which is perhaps his favorite hour every week. In our house we have the mantra,
“Learning is Fun” –Sometimes we say it sarcastically because we’ve learned
something the hard way, but often it’s because we are always learning at
our house and we know that creating new paths in our brains is important to all
of our brains and long term health.
Q: Somewhere
I read that Marcus has acting experience. Can you share what roles or productions
Marcus has been involved in?
Mardra: Marcus’ biggest acting claim-to-fame was as a
walk-on character (Kite-Boy) for one night a few years ago in the touring
Broadway Cast of Mary Poppins. He also participates in the “Art of Imagination”
classes and performances with the Ollie Webb Center in Omaha.
Q: I
loved the illustration showing the band running through the graveyard and past a
grave stone that says "Limitations". Who came up with that
idea?
Mardra:
The tombstone copy was collaboration between Quinn, Noah, and I. We started with a few joke ideas, and then
decided with this prime retail space – maybe go ahead and choose a real message.
We were thinking of not only Marcus but also everyone we know who is trying to
pursue his or her dreams. We talked about a 3.21 reference* but decided – No,
this is for and about…everyone. Bury
those limitations and do what you love.
* Not being familiar with the reference, I looked up "3.21". It refers to the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome.
When I asked if Mardra or Marcus had anything else to add, Mardra responded by sharing several anecdotes that highlight Marcus' sharp wit and playful nature:
Q to
Marcus: Are you a musician?
Marcus;
Yes
Q: What instrument do you play?
M: The Microphone
Q to
Marcus: How long have you been Writing?
M: Just was (= always)
Q to
Marcus: How have you gone from acting on the stage to writing scripts.
M: Practice
An online
debut of the trailer for Black Day was recently released. Watch it here!
For those interested in buying the book and The DVD – please visit their website: BlackDayBook.com. They can be purchased locally at the Bookworm Bookstore in Omaha or via typical online
sources such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
