Feathered Quill Book Reviews

 #Authorinterview with A.M. Berkowitz

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Shrubaboti Bose is talking with A.M. Berkowitz, author of Welcome Baby Wigglet.

FQ: Tell us a little about your journey as a writer.

BERKOWITZ: My journey to becoming a children's book author was a detour, not a destination. For nearly 25 years, my focus has been firmly planted in corporate America, a career that forged my professional identity and provided stability. Yet, beneath the professional veneer, a long-dormant creative spirit was fighting to be heard/re-heard.

FQ: What motivated you to be a children’s book writer?

BERKOWITZ: As a child, I was defined by music and performance: a trained operatic mezzo-soprano who sang in ten+ languages, a dedicated instrumentalist (flute, piccolo, piano), and even a Mariachi singer. That constant flow of creative expression provided a strength I eventually sacrificed for the essential work of providing for me and my family. 

Author A.M. Berkowitz

FQ: What are some of the difficulties you face while writing a story?

BERKOWTIZ: A deep sense of burnout eventually led to a confusing creative depression. I realized the sadness wasn't about missing music; it was about the loss of imaginative thinking and dreaming. The feeling became heartbreaking, culminating in a night of tears and a desperate wish for change. When I awoke, the heavy heart was gone, replaced by a quiet, reassuring internal voice: "Amber, you're okay, there's nothing serious going on here, you've got this!"

FQ: What inspired you to write this story? Do you plan on writing a sequel?

BERKOWITZ: The new direction began with a random sign: a spam email whose subject line read, "Lit Gadget," I misread as "Gigglet." I was amused, but the word stuck. As I began to play with the idea of "Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet," the questions and answers flowed immediately. My pen moved with an almost frenzied calm, and in about seven minutes, the first draft of Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet Goes to School was complete. Though I had no experience writing children's books, the passion was undeniable—the writer I didn't know I was, had emerged.

What started as a seven-minute burst of inspiration has rapidly blossomed into a full creative enterprise: AMB Kids Books. The moment I realized I had written a book, the floodgates opened. I am now the author of four books in the Gigglet series, continuing the adventures of my happiest little piglet, along with three companion activity and coloring Books. The World of Gigglet has grown so real that it has leapt off the page and into the hands of readers with the creation of two plush characters. The most recent and exciting development is the reveal of my official mascot characters, Gigglet and Wigglet, bringing the joy of my stories to real life!

FQ: Is there a particular reason you chose the animal pig for your characters? Does this choice have any connection with the cartoon Peppa Pig or the classic fairy tale Three Little Pigs?

BERKOWITZ: I get this question often! The choice of a piglet for my character Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet, was purely serendipitous and had no ties to Peppa Pig or the Three Little Pigs.

In fact, the name Gigglet chose me when my brain accidentally read a spam email subject line as "Gigglet," I immediately started asking questions about her: What is a Gigglet? The answer that popped into my head was: Why, she's the happiest little piglet in all the land! The character developed entirely from that happy, chance inspiration and my very strong desire to be a deliberate creator.

While I know Peppa Pig is incredibly popular (especially in the UK), I don't actually know anything about her or her stories. But I do love the thought that maybe one day, the USA's Gigglet and the UK's Peppa could meet and become best friends!

FQ: Have you written any other stories? Tell us a little about them.

BERKOWITZ: Yes, I have! While I'm best known for the Gigglet series, my writing journey actually includes stories written purely for my family's legacy.

My very first book, Ladybug Kisses - Besos De Mariquita, was written just for them. Even more recently, I released my first children’s fiction chapter book, The Magical Farm Mysteries: Bubble Gum Rocks. Both of these were initially written with no real intention of publishing. They are deeply inspired by the incredible memories I have of growing up near my grandparents' 1800s Kansas farm with my huge family. I simply wanted to create a literary legacy—something that would encourage my own family to share and preserve their memories and stories for generations to come. It's a true labor of love that runs parallel to my published work.

For those curious about the future, I have several more books already lined up for the Gigglet The Happy Little Piglet series! Gigglet is getting ready to embark on some very fun and very exciting adventures with her new baby brother, Wigglet!

FQ: Who was/were your biggest source of support during your writing journey?

BERKOWITZ: My biggest source of support, without question, is my family. I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by loving and caring people, especially my husband, my mom, dad, my siblings and extended family. They believe in me and my abilities wholeheartedly. Having that steadfast support has been absolutely critical, particularly when taking such a huge leap from corporate life to becoming a published author.

FQ: As an author where do you look to for inspiration for your stories?

BERKOWITZ: As an author, I find my inspiration in two key places:

1. Mindful Observation: I intentionally take time to meditate and calm my mind first. This isn't just about relaxation; it prepares me to be receptive. When I'm moving about my day, I'm inspired by my everyday comings and goings, and the interactions and dealings that stem from even the smallest tasks. I love to daydream and get lost in my imagination, allowing those observations to bloom into fun ideas.

2. Creative Partnership: I'm fortunate that my husband is also highly creative. He is a fantastic sounding board, and we are constantly playing off each other to come up with stories. He challenges me to think beyond the initial idea and always encourages me to take things a step further. It's a true collaborative spark that keeps the creativity flowing. He just makes life so fun!