Ask the Author: Gal Chivvis
Answered Questions (4)
Gal Chivvis
The book I’ve been working on most recently is What’s Wrong With Tom—the very project that launched me on my journey as an author. The idea came from my desire to create a children’s book that goes beyond just entertainment, offering real education while also strengthening the human-animal bond and helping kids feel more comfortable and confident with veterinary care.
Blending veterinary education with a picture book for children ages 5–8 was not an easy task. I went through many (many!) drafts before arriving at the final version, which is set to launch this August.
This entire process has been an incredible experience of growth, and it’s what inspired me to create the additional books that are already available—and the ones still to come.
Blending veterinary education with a picture book for children ages 5–8 was not an easy task. I went through many (many!) drafts before arriving at the final version, which is set to launch this August.
This entire process has been an incredible experience of growth, and it’s what inspired me to create the additional books that are already available—and the ones still to come.
Gal Chivvis
As is often the case for authors, I draw inspiration from my own life. As a homeschool mom to two wonderful and unique children, there’s never a shortage of ideas or creativity. Many of my books also tie into veterinary medicine—my career—and I often find inspiration in conversations with others in the field.
Gal Chivvis
Once you become an author and dive into the creative process, it feels nearly impossible to focus on just one project. I think this is true for many authors—there’s always something on the horizon that sparks a new idea.
Right now, I’m prioritizing my first children’s picture book, What’s Wrong with Tom?, which is part of the Critter Care Crew series and set to launch in August—and I am SO excited!
Spoiler: the second book in the series is already written and currently being edited.
I’ve also begun an early draft of The Cat Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies, and I have some big plans for a digital product that I’m still mulling over.
Right now, I’m prioritizing my first children’s picture book, What’s Wrong with Tom?, which is part of the Critter Care Crew series and set to launch in August—and I am SO excited!
Spoiler: the second book in the series is already written and currently being edited.
I’ve also begun an early draft of The Cat Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies, and I have some big plans for a digital product that I’m still mulling over.
Gal Chivvis
Taking the leap to become an author is no small feat. Doubt and uncertainty always creep in.
For me, being an author was a dream—something you imagine but never really believe you can achieve. Getting started felt impossible. With limited time in our busy lives, why pour your energy into a dream that feels so out of reach?
It wasn’t until I decided to just go for it—despite the fear of the unknown, and despite knowing I might fail—that things began to shift. That dream started to move into the realm of reality. Not easy, but possible.
I still don’t know how well my books will do, or if they’ll fully serve their purpose: to educate, inspire, support, and provide value. But I do know that I’m trying—and giving it my all.
So my advice? Just do it. And if you’re scared or your imposter syndrome tries to hold you back—do it anyway.
For me, being an author was a dream—something you imagine but never really believe you can achieve. Getting started felt impossible. With limited time in our busy lives, why pour your energy into a dream that feels so out of reach?
It wasn’t until I decided to just go for it—despite the fear of the unknown, and despite knowing I might fail—that things began to shift. That dream started to move into the realm of reality. Not easy, but possible.
I still don’t know how well my books will do, or if they’ll fully serve their purpose: to educate, inspire, support, and provide value. But I do know that I’m trying—and giving it my all.
So my advice? Just do it. And if you’re scared or your imposter syndrome tries to hold you back—do it anyway.
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