Ann Martin Bowler: Teacher and Children’s Book Author
Annie Bowler grew up in Manhattan Beach in Southern California in a large and lively family. When she was ten, her family moved inland to the farming community of Ojai. The family had many pets, including a very tame and lovable horse named Angel, and Annie’s early attachment to animals was to serve her well in her career as a children’s book writer. In 1981, she graduated with a BA in Sociology and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from U.C. Santa Barbara. Annie taught all grades K through 3 until becoming a writer in 1997. Since then, she has written nine books including Gecko’s Complaint, a Balinese Folktale and Adventures of the Treasure Fleet, China Discovers the World. Besides writing, teaching and working as a school presenter, Annie enjoys taking walks in the woods near her house in northern California.
What person has had the most significant influence in your life?
That would have to be my mom. She faced many challenges in her life, yet she was the happiest person I have known. She was a quietly spiritual woman. I think that is what carried her through all her difficulties.
What are your hobbies?
I like to kayak, swim and, of course, read, especially children’s books!
Has a book ever changed your life?
Many! East of Eden, the Outsiders, Charlotte’s Web, the Bible, Tales of Winnie the Pooh, the Adventures of Tinting…I could go on and on…
Have you traveled to many interesting places?
I was very lucky to have parents who valued travel and visiting various cultures around the world. My favorite childhood trip was in 1960 when I was six when we spent three months driving through Europe in a VW van. As an adult, I have explored parts of Asia, which was also a great adventure.
How did you first become interested in Indonesia?
My oldest son, Jocean, was a high school exchange student in Indonesia 14 years ago. I knew very little about Indonesia before his visit. During Jocean’s stay, he fell in love with the country, the food, the landscape but mostly the people.
When was your first trip to Indonesia?
Jocean studied at National University in Singapore in 1997 during his junior year of college, mainly so he could be close to Indonesia. When his year was ending, I flew over and we went on to Indonesia together. I just had to meet the people who had become his second family and see Indonesia for myself.
What is your favorite place in Indonesia?
My favorite spot would have to be my son’s farm south of Jakarta. It’s on the side of the mountain so it is peaceful, cool and the view is awesome!
Has the island changed much since you first visited?
Bali was much busier the first time I visited, before the bombings. It is pleasant to have it quieter now but I am well aware that the economy is still suffering.
What was your first published work?
Seasons of Colors and Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, a pair of beginner readers. I’ve written a number of children’s books, several regional guidebooks, and a biography of Jane Goodall.
Why did you decide to write these books?
I wrote Gecko’s Complaint to share a wonderful Indonesian story and lovely art with the rest of the world. Adventures of the Treasure Fleet was a fantastic piece of Asian history that I felt needed to be written.
How long did it take for you to research and write the books?
It depends on the book. I wrote the biography on Jane Goodall in just a few weeks but it took me two and a half years to research and write Adventures of the Treasure Fleet.
Have you received any feedback from readers or other writers?
I love it when I visit schools and kids tell me that mine are their favorite books. It makes all my work worthwhile. I also belong to a writer’s critique group and their feedback is really helpful.
Are you currently involved in a writing project?
Yes, I’m writing a book on the Korean culture - their games, crafts, recipes and holiday traditions. It is a hands-on book so that people of all ages can easily experience the Korean culture.
Do you make your living only from writing?
My family and I also own a farm, a bed and breakfast and an events center. I do the writing and advertising work for our family’s business.
What do you like best and least about your work?
I hate staring at a blank screen; getting started on a project can be difficult. On the other hand, I love refining my writing, making every word count. I really enjoy spending time in schools, including the Jakarta International Schools, and talking with kids about books. I am also proud to belong to an association, Room to Read, that builds schools and libraries in some of the poorest regions of Asia and Africa.
Do you have any future plans?
I have many plans: to keep on writing books, to visit my son and his family in Indonesia more often, to continue presenting in schools. Beyond that, I want to live well, making each day the best that it can be.
Where can people learn more about your work?
My website is www.annmartinbowler.net. If readers are interested in learning more about Room to Read, their website is www.roomtoread.org.
For anyone interested in being considered for Siapa, please contact: <pakbill2003@yahoo.com>
