Local Author Spotlight // Liza Howell

Local author, Liza Howell has lived in Park City for nearly 8 years but the manuscript of her new children's book The Christmas Bird has been around for double that.

Every Christmas for the past 15 years, Liza would think of the manuscript tucked away in her files and ponder what to do with it. Whether she was targeted by an algorithm or a higher power, she started getting emails from a publishing company. “These emails said: Is God Calling You To Write?” explained Liza. “I would look at that and say “Yes” but then hit delete. In January 2018, I decided I had time to pursue publishing and moved forward with Xulon Press.” 

Her late father had always encouraged to write and the character 'Papa' in the story is based on her dad. “He was called Papa by his grandchildren. He was also a prolific whistler and storyteller. He loved to read the stories and poems I wrote and loved my paintings. I think he just thought writing and illustrating children’s books would be a natural career path for me.”

Although Liza loves to paint, she recruited a professional illustrator, Mae Besom, who lives in  China and worked through a translator. “Mae had never heard the Nativity story before, so I sent her Bible passages to help her understand what I hoped to communicate and sent her pictures of our snow-covered trees and local landscape. There is no place on Earth prettier than Park City in the winter. Her illustrations are simply magical.” 

The process of editing, illustrating, formatting and publication took 9 months from start to finish and was released to the public October 30, 2019....just in time for Christmas! This year, a gorgeous hardback edition is available. 

Although children are the target audience, Liza hopes the young at heart will take away a message as well. “God loves everyone. Nothing and nobody goes unnoticed and all things can work together for good. Even seemingly tragic situations can be turned into something beautiful. This past year has been one of isolation, hardship and loss, I know we can all use a message of HOPE!” 

The Christmas Bird can be found online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart and Seeds Family Worship and locally at Dolly’s Bookstore and JW Allen and Son Toy Store. Liza's website is www.TheChristmasBirdStory.com