Jill Starishevsky is an Assistant District Attorney in New York City whose experiences in and out of the courtroom compelled her to a feat of tireless effort in launching, MY BODY BELONGS TO ME, a picture book tackling issues of childhood sexual abuse.  The highwire act of balancing honesty and age-appropriateness has yielded a thoughtful and frank book that is stirring some pretty powerful reactions nationwide.

We’d like to thank her for taking the time to be part of our “5 Minutes Alone” interview series.

AuthorScoop: What was your very first publication credit?

Jill: The first time I was published was actually in high school.  I wrote a sonnet entitled The Naked Ride which was selected for publication in a book of anthologies called Windows of the World.

AuthorScoop: Tell us about your latest release.

Jill: I am a prosecutor of child abuse and sex crimes in New York City and have written a new children’s book to teach children if someone touches them inappropriately to tell a parent or teacher right away.  Praised by parents, educators and the medical community, “My Body Belongs to Me” is a vital tool that can facilitate a lifesaving dialogue.  Speaking to children on their own terms, this critically acclaimed book sensitively establishes boundaries for youngsters. In a non-threatening, engaging manner, this guide teaches kids that when it comes to their body, there are some parts that are for “no one else to see” and empowers them to tell a parent or teacher if someone touches them inappropriately. Telling the story of a gender-neutral child who is inappropriately touched by an uncle’s friend, this tale delivers a powerful moral when the youngster reveals the offender and the parents praise the child’s bravery.

AuthorScoop: Aside from your own hard work, who else do you feel has contributed to your success?

Jill: Without a doubt, I could not have accomplished all that I have without the help of my incredible husband.  Not only is he supportive and generous with his time, he is there to do the heavy lifting when I haven’t the strength.  We spent many a night doing research, editing, writing copy for marketing and stuffing envelopes.  Nothing compares to the confidence derived from knowing you have a partner at your side at all times.

AuthorScoop: At what time of day or night do you do your best writing?

Jill: After the children are asleep and the house is quiet, things tend to get done.  11pm - 1 am are the most productive hours for me.

AuthorScoop: Finally, what advice would you give to new or unpublished writers?

Jill: If you feel passionate about what you are writing, convey that passion in your work and you will be successful.  When the writing is done, your hard work has only begun.  The task of getting people to learn about your work and appreciate its value, takes a lot of time and believing in your work is the first step.  Keep telling yourself - one person can truly make a difference.

MY BODY BELONGS TO ME is available in bookstores now, and through Ms. Starishevsky’s website and on Amazon.com

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 10th, 2009 at 10:30 am and is filed under *Jamie's Posts, 5 Minutes Alone, AuthorScoop Exclusives. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.