Tim Ryan is a retired United States Marine Corps veteran. After serving in the military, Tim transitioned to a career in education and now works as a teacher. Outside of his professional life, he is enthusiastic about charity motorcycle riding, often participating in rides with his Masonic Fraternity in support of the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford, North Carolina. In his free time, Tim enjoys boating along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway around Swansboro, North Carolina. He currently resides in Hubert, North Carolina, with his wife, Joanie. June Bug’s Outdoor Adventures was inspired by his cat, June Bug.

Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?

A: My wife Joanie and I had a Belgian Malinois shepherd named Mason, and two Maine Coon cats named Jack and Joe Joe. We lost Mason and Joe Joe months apart, and the loss devastated our home. Joey was my cat, and he would meet me every day when I came home from work. I loved that cat, and I know that cat loved me . . . the stories I could tell you about Joe Joe.

I came home from work one day and my wife said that she got me a present. She called for June Bug, and out ran the tiniest kitten. June Bug had a lot of spunk and was running around, flipping and flopping, and acting like a kitten would act. She was no Joe Joe, but we bonded instantly. I put June Bug on my lap, and she napped. Since that day, five years ago, my lap has become June Bug’s favorite place. Day or night, if I am sitting on the couch, June Bug is with me.

I often wonder what our pets do when we are not home. Sure, they sleep a lot, but what else do they do? I have been looking for inspiration to write a children’s book, and June Bug gave that inspiration to me. I sat down one day and decided that I wanted to write a book about June Bug and her outdoor adventures. I wanted to inspire children to read and develop their vocabulary through this book. I also wanted to prove to myself that I could write a children’s book.

Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?

A: If I could offer any tips to someone who wants to get into writing, I would tell them to just write or record their thoughts. Do not worry about perfection in the writing process just yet. Create an outline of how you think you want your story to follow, then write it. You will be able to refine, reword, and rewrite your story later. Plus, there are many people who will help you along the way. You can make your dream of becoming an author come true! Also, ask questions. I had a lot of questions for Lauren and Kayleigh as I started my journey, not just about the writing process but about publishing too. Ask your questions!

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: I do not have a favorite book, but a good read is The Iliad by Homer.

Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?

A: June Bug, the main character in the book, is my spunky cat. My wife Joanie got this kitty for me after the loss of my Maine Coon kitty Joe Joe.

Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?

A: My favorite part of the writing process was the rewrite of the story. I had fun choosing different adjectives and verbs to paint a clearer picture for the reader. My goal was to use words that would bring June Bug to life for the reader. I choose words that the reader may have to research to understand (in the glossary) and perhaps prompt the reader to use some of their prior word knowledge as they read the story.

Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?

A: I believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill. I taught English language arts at an elementary school and a middle school. The writing process taught in schools is used to develop the students’ writing. Word choice, punctuation marks, and other literary devices are important to learn and understand as you begin to write.

Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?

My favorite quote and motto is “Cogito, ergo sum,” which is Latin for “I think, therefore I am.” My favorite poem is “Don’t Quit.”

Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?

A: I would like to write another book. I do have a thought about what I would like to write about, and it, too, is another children’s book.

Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?

A: I would not say that I look up to this author, but Dr. Seuss is a favorite. I enjoy his timeless and classic stories, his use of nonsense words, and his ability to capture a reader’s attention.

Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?

A: Children’s and Household Tales by the Grimm Brothers
The Collegians by Gerald Griffin The Tower of Treasure by Franklin W. Dixon Decision Points by George W. Bush The Iliad by Homer

Learn more about Timothy and his debut children’s book, June Bug’s Outdoor Adventures, at https://blueballoonbooks.com/bookstore/june-bugs-outdoor-adventures/.