father |ˈfɑːðə| noun 1 a man in relation to his child or children. An important male figure in the origin and early history of something: He was a wonderful father.
Father’s Day is coming around the corner, and as my kids and I were discussing what we wanted to do for Field this year, we thought it would be a fun idea to interview their G-Daddy and my father-in-love, Harry Harrison Jr.
Harry is not only the world’s greatest father and grandfather, but he is also a New York Times Best-Selling Author, specializing in parenthood and raising teens. I can personally attest to the fact that Harry is an expert in the area of parenthood because of the incredible man I know my husband to be. Harry and Melissa raised an incredible man worth celebrating each Father’s Day, and every day in between!
Harry recently released two new books titled, “You Know You’re a Mom” and “You Know You’re a Dad“. I thought this would be a great gift idea for your Dad if you haven’t picked up anything yet!
The kids and I sat with their G-Daddy this week and asked him questions about his writing experience and why he loves parenting so much. It was fun to hear his heart and for the kids to find out a little more about their Grandpa. I wrote his answers below so you could enjoy too!
Interview with New York Times Best Selling Author (and my Father-in-Love): Harry Harrison Jr.
- First of all, I think you are are an incredible Dad and Grandfather (though I might be a little biased… *grin*). What made you first decide to start writing parenting books?
I’ve been in advertising my whole life. The greatest goal of every writer in advertising is to write a book someday. I had my own advertising consulting business, and I was working for a large hospital up the road for a breast cancer awareness campaign, and didn’t want to advertise with a handout or pamphlet. I felt to make the greatest impact, we needed to do something a little different. I was researching in a bookstore one day, and saw a small inspirational book that would have been perfect for the campaign. So, I bought the book and called the publisher asking what we could do to change the cover of the book to, “Never Give Up on Joy”. The publisher shot me down right away and told me that it wasn’t possible. I told him I could write this book myself, and that I would. He called me back in less than 24 hours and asked how many copies we would need. I let him print the book for that campaign, but I couldn’t get this little book of joy idea out of my head.
- Did you always consider yourself a writer or was that a niche you found later on in life?
Always. I started out in advertising as a copywriter. I realized I was a writer in 7th grade when I had to write a one-page paper for a history class. I remember loving the process, and thinking my paper was hilarious. I got up to read it in front of the whole class and nobody laughed. I thought, “They’re 7th graders. What do they know??” I wanted to major in journalism. I went to SMU, but wasn’t on the school newspaper because I didn’t like the sponsor. To get a journalism degree at SMU at the time, you had to get a Bachelor of Science. I knew I would fail out if I did that, so I went to Business School instead and majored in marketing. So glad I went the advertising route. - Where do you get your best ideas for your parenting books? Are they all from personal experience?
Most of them are, yes. A lot of ideas came from watching how other parents operate. Watching them on soccer and baseball fields during games. Watching them interact at the grocery store. Are they playing golf every Saturday with their kids like Field? I would also interview parents–both moms and dads for personal reference, quotes and ideas. You want to hear from a wide variety of people to really get a grasp on what the broad spectrum of parenting really looks like.When I wrote Father to Daughter, I interviewed 6 dads with daughters that if I would have had a daughter, I would have wanted them to be like theirs. I often laugh when I’m interviewed about this and say it’s the best piece of fiction I’ve ever written. I learned so much from writing this book. Because I’ve only ever fathered boys, I would host coffee klatches for the women to hear their perspective. I would research and interview about 40 women, 10 at a time through these coffee gatherings. I would learn so much there being the only man. They would always start crying at some point, and that made me really uncomfortable. *haha* So my wife told me to stop asking them the questions that would make them cry. It was a really incredible experience, great for research, and gave me greater understanding on my own marriage and wife. I also joined an exclusive Mom’s Group in Los Angeles that you had to be invited into to join. I wrote the organizer and let her know I was a male writer and just wanted to be a fly on the wall in one of these meetings to better understand moms and their struggles, thoughts, insights, ideas, questions, etc. I just wanted to know what moms were talking about. They would discuss everything from how much to pay their nanny to which doctors and pediatricians were best to go to. I would interview moms one on one and was continually reading parenting columns to gain insight, research and more ideas. Writing is all about research and writing what you know! - What was the first book you ever wrote/published?
The first book I ever wrote/published was called, “Father to Son“. This was inspired by the hospital story I told you above, but motivated by my teenage son telling me that I should write a book on parenting. I thought that was the best compliment a parent could ever receive, and it actually made me start thinking of the parenting book concept. My lawyer made the same comment only days later while we were having lunch. He was so impressed with my boys that he said, “You should really write a book about raising boys.” That statement was the nail in the coffin. I started drafting the “Father to Son” book idea, sent it to a few publishers, and had my first offer sold on Christmas Eve 1998. My publisher thought it would be a one book deal, and warned me, “Don’t quit your day job.” But that one book turned into a series–and here we are today…
- What is your favorite topic to write about, besides parenting?
I really enjoyed writing the college book for high school graduates titled, “1001 Things Every College Student Needs to Know“. High School kids think they know everything, but they don’t know a thing about anything. They don’t know how to cook, where to buy food, how to sign up for classes, how to take care of themselves–generally. They pick classes so they can sleep in all morning. I wrote this book when my boys were in college because I was learning so much at that time, and thought other parents and kids could benefit from a book like this. - What most valuable lessons did you learn about yourself when you first became a father?
I knew I didn’t want to be like my own father. I vowed to do everything differently. The truth is, every new dad is scared witless. No matter how much times change, men will always feel as though it is all on the man’s shoulder to provide for the family. Your wife tells you she’s pregnant, and you’re supposed to respond all full of bubbles and cheer, but instead you think, “Oh God, can I afford this?”That’s just something dads need to get their heads around. God is going to raise this child. God is going to pay for it. It takes lots of prayer and lots of trust–especially when you’re raising boys! *haha* But that’s the only way to get through parenthood in the first place: lots and lots of prayer. - What do you love most about being a G-Daddy?
I love not being called Grandfather. *haha* I’m teaching them to call me G-Daddy. I love that I can torch them up on sugar and candy and then hand them off to their mother. *wink* But it is very cool to see how your grandkids are so much like their dad in so many ways. I always think, “I saw Field do that exact same thing when he was your age.” It’s such a joy to watch and be so close to them.
- Tell our readers about your latest books. What inspired you to write them?
Money. *haha* The publisher called me to write another book. And honestly, that’s pretty cool. These books are witty, charming and fun. They’re sometimes inspirational and always have a reference to God. I love to encourage parents to raise their kids in healthy ways. To always learn, to always grow, and to always find humor in the day to day. I encourage dads to be the God figure in their house. Every child’s perception of God is their father. Is he mean and drunk, or generous and kind? Parenting is not easy, but you have to remember that parents really influence their child’s perception of God, and that can be a daunting thought. That’s where the prayer comes in again!
- What is the best advice you can give to new (and veteran) fathers out there this Father’s Day?
You’ll be alright. These books will help, but you’ll be alright. Pray and trust. But daily tell yourself, “You’ll be alright”.
- What advice do you have for other writers and hopeful, future authors out there?
I would say, write about what you know and are passionate about. Lots of people can say they’re a writer, but the most important thing is to finish the books/story you’re telling. Writing a book should take over your soul. That book should be all you think about for 6 months. You should always be writing. I would write for 6 hours a day when I was working on a project. No matter what, 6 hours a day. Build the time into your schedule to do it. Outside of that, you’re not a writer–you’re just playing.
I hope you all enjoyed this little pre-Father’s Day interview with my husband’s incredible father! We are so proud of him, and want to see his writing continue to touch the lives of those who read his books. You can purchase books online, in stores or visit his website to learn more!
Happy Father’s Day Harry! We love you!
XO-
Sabrina, Field, Christian & Camila
