What drew you to children’s literature in particular?
The decision to pen a children’s book came by accident. The book wrote itself.
One afternoon I picked up a spiral notebook and started writing a story about a little fairy to entertain myself. The more I wrote the more enjoyable the process became, and more ideas flowed into my head. Before long, I realized this story could be about the tooth fairy and how the tradition started. From there the book wrote itself.
I love writing children’s books because the sky’s the limit. Nothing fun and innocent is out of the question. Doors can talk, rabbits can fly; everything is possible in a magical children’s book.
Why did it take so long to get the first book in the series published?
There was a 25-year time lapse between the time I originally wrote the first book, and it was published. Initially, I sent it off to several big-name publishers, but no one picked it up. I ran out of options and was clueless how to get it published. I put it in a drawer, but never forgot about it.
It wasn’t until I was in Charleston, SC, getting my professional etiquette certification that I noticed the instructor had published a children’s book on etiquette. I asked her who published it and was informed she self-published. From that point on, I was laser focused on self-publishing the book I had written twenty-five years ago.
Where did the idea of a fairy protagonist come from?
I have always been intrigued by the idea of fairies and fairy land. It was natural to write about a little fairy and her adventures.
Do you know the topic/theme of each book prior to writing them?
Yes, I always know the big idea of the book, but not the subplots or various chapters.
I have discovered my own way of writing books. I go back to my roots and sit down with my spiral notebook and pen and just start writing. I don’t try and force any ideas or thoughts; I just write what comes to mind. The story develops very naturally. I am pleased with this process and always happy with the results.
Can you tell us how the racetrack story formed and why?
This book is based on a true story. My racehorse, Thatsmyboxer, developed an abscess tooth and had to be taken out of training. I knew this would make a terrific story because, who better to fix a tooth ache than the tooth fairy?
The setting of the book is the farm of a friend of mine. She wanted me to come out and meet her quirky animals and put them in one of my books. This was the perfect opportunity to blend both stories into one fun book.
Abella and the Almost Racehorse
What inspires you to write?
I have a natural love of writing, so it comes easily to me. Another inspirational moment is when I hear anything clever or catchy, I make a metal note that I need to incorporate the phrase into one of my books. I also utilize personal experiences to draw inspiration from and create content for my books. The main idea of my last three books was directly associated with a life experience I had. I believe pulling from real life events makes for a wonderfully interesting book.
Where is your favorite place to write?
I love relaxing in my morning chair, blocking out the world and writing my stories in longhand. I can re-write or edit anywhere; be it on a plane, in my office, or at the computer.
How has your life experience enabled your story writing?
I find it very enriching to draw from life experiences when drafting my books. There is a more authentic tone to the book as well as life lessons. It is much easier to create an interesting story when I am pulling from my life.
What messages do you want your books to promote in children?
My books highlight friendships, acceptance, responsibility, and above all kindness. I am a huge proponent of bringing back innocence into children’s lives.
Where can readers find you and your books?
All my books are available on Amazon.com. Target, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as well as Neiman Marcus carry several of the books, but not the complete collection.
Abella and the Almost Racehorse: Carruth, Zane Carson: 9798987434239: Amazon.com: Books
“Your kids will love the little fairy, Abella’s adventure at the Rodeo! Abella and her best friend, Darcie, share the excitement they experience as they watch the bull riders, calf roping, the clown, and much more. The Illustrations are fabulous! Abella Goes to the Rodeo is a book you will want to have in your home Library.” _ Diann Floyd Boehm, Author of Ruby Takes Chicago
More books in the series from Zane!
Bio:
Zane Carson Carruth is an award-winning international children’s book author, a certified business etiquette and protocol professional and sits on numerous non-profit boards in Houston, TX as well as the Vice President of Carruth Foundation. Zane serves on the SPCA board of directors, Discovery Green Conservancy, TUTS (Theatre Under the Stars) and previously on The Houston Grand Opera Board for 6 years.
Her books have won awards such as the Story Monsters Seal of Approval, the Story Book Seal of Approval, and the Purple Dragonfly Book Award. Her 4th book in her trademarked series The World’s First Tooth Fairy… Ever, titled Abella Goes to the Rodeo, is the winner of the 2022 Parent and Teacher Choice Award from HowtoLearn and has also won the 2022 Purple Dragonfly Award.
Carruth has been honored to be named an ABC13 Woman of Distinction for 2020, Top Inspiring Woman Impact Maker for 2020, an honoree of The Houston Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Award, named one of the March of Dimes Houston’s Best Dressed 2023 recipients, and St Jude’s Woman of Philanthropy for Houston TX 2021. She and her husband Brady were named Houston Treasures 2022 and Houston Heros 2023 by Texas Children’s Hospital. She was also honored to serve as First Lady of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for the 2021 to 2023 season, when her husband, Brady Carruth was Chairman of the Board of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
There are currently seven books in her trademarked book series The World’s First Tooth Fairy… Ever. They are available online at Amazon, Target, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and her website WorldsFirstToothFairy.com.
She is the Executive Producer for the 3D Animated film Abella’s First Tooth, produced by Emmy winner Rick Sigglekow and Grammy winner Dennis Scott. This delightful 5-minute 3D video is currently being shopped to be developed into a TV series or special.
She currently hosts a Live Broadcast titled Elegance, Polished Demeanor & Posh Living on USA GLOBAL TV & RADIO in Partnership with E360 TV the last Thursday of each month. She won the USA GLOBAL TV & RADIO 2023 Rising Star Host award for her very successful broadcast.
Instagram: zcarruth
Mandy, is there any reason we cannot have a coffee soon? I am really stuck and need some advice. I am willing to pay for your time as an expert.
Hi Vaun,
I would love to help you. Let’s set up a meeting.
Mandy