Welcome to the first of my December posts celebrating the holidays I thought we'd start off with a (re) visit with good old St. Nick, or Santa Sal as he likes to refer to himself. This interview was first posted a year ago when his auto-biography Being Santa Claus was first published. It's still available, still a great gift to give or to keep for yourself. Sit back and enjoy Sal's interview and my review of Being Santa Claus!
- ISBN-13: 9781592408368
- Publisher: Gotham
- Publication date: 10/29/2013
- Pages: 208
Sal, I mean Santa, I know you’re terribly busy this time of year so thank you so much for taking time to visit us at The Reading Frenzy.
Santa - My pleasure, Debbie.
Tell us a little about the book Being Santa Claus.
People frequently ask me what it's like to be Santa. I think that this book gives a glimpse of some of the things and people who happened to me as I matured into a professional Santa. It explains, to many, why I do what I do.
Is there a reason that you wrote the book now?
I'd like to say something like, "Because this is the time when such a book is needed" but it was really because I ran into Jonathan Lane and he talked me into "a collaboration" to tell my stories to a wider audience.
Can you give us one humorous example out of the book?
In one of the chapters, I tell of a little girl who asked me my name while standing in a checkout line. I asked who she thought I was and she said, "I think you're Santa Claus." I told her that she should be really good and she replied, "I am! I'm not even peeing in my underpants!"
Do you only portray the Americanized version of Santa?
Well, I do have a kilt and used to appear to in it for Scottish families that requested it.
What’s your favorite Christmas song?
"Santa Claus is Coming to Town," of course!
Will there be another book?
Gosh, I hope so! There are still stories to tell and I would love the opportunity to tell them. I guess it all depends on how this book sells.
Do you have any events or signings?
As a matter of fact, I do! My appearance list can be found here- and you can book a visit with me there too!
Thank you so much for answering these few questions Sal. As you know I loved the book. I think it should be required reading for treating Grinch like symptoms around the holidays. It’s inspiring, touching, it was very heartfelt.
Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review! I have been hearing from many how my book is helping them through some difficulty. One reader told me that she was going to give her sister (who is going through a tough divorce) a copy to cheer her up!
Good luck with the book.
Thank you so much for helping me share info about the book, and helping with its success!
Merry Christmas.
Same to you! And to all of your readers, too!
Santa Sal
Please stop by Santa's website here for touching, heartfelt and funny pictures, stories and to find out where Santa will be.
Connect with Santa – Website – Facebook - Twitter
My Review of Being Santa Claus
Sal Lizard knows what it means to be Santa Claus; he knows the heartfelt and heartbreaking realities it brings every time he donned the red suit. He spent two decades learning from his mistakes and making miracles. He learned valuable life lessons from the smallest individuals. He laughed and he cried but he never took for granted the responsibility that came with Being Santa Claus.
For over 20 years, starting as a fluke and practical joke and ending as a career Sal Lizard takes us through the ups and downs, the laughter and tears and the true magic he found when he put on the red suit and became Santa Claus. He mentions his most poignant moments and his most trying. We’ll get to meet his family, the clients that called upon him year after year and some very creative ways to make all his stops and fulfill all the requests. He takes us through his time as a mall Santa to his special pajama visits on Christmas Eve. He’ll tell us stories about the youngest lap visit to the oldest. The naughty and nice lists that were always checked twice and the ever-present candy cane.
If you’re looking for a really great kickoff to get you in the Christmas Spirit this little, easy to read and emotional book should be first on your list. If you’ve lost the spirit or know someone who has just slip this little treasure into the stocking and those spirits will come back.
I only have one thing to say to Sal Lizard aka Santa. I still believe.
A great interview and a great read. My Santa loved the book.
ReplyDeleteHi Muse or should I say Mrs. Claus , glad your Santa loved the book!!
Deletedeb
Wonderful interview and I can only imagine both the humorous and sad stories he hears out of the mouths of babes.
ReplyDeleteKim, you should read his book you'd love it!
DeleteAw that sounds really great Debbie. This is so the type of read my mom would absolutely love! She's so hard to shop for too. Hmmm :) Thank ya
ReplyDeleteAnna, thanks for the comment and the book was just released in paperback :)
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