Writing from the heart
Published in the Asbury Park Press

Harriet May Savitz brings a wealth of life experience to her books for children and adults.  page3(continued..) By ELEANOR O'SULLIVAN STAFF WRITER STEVE SCHOLFIELD photo Author Harriet May Savitz is shown in her office at her Bradley Beach home. Issues that are important to her are reflected in her books. "Dear Daughters and Sons -- Three Essays on the American Spirit . . . A Tribute" was prompted by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Her interest in civil rights for the disabled resulted in several books, including the novel "Run Don't Walk." Savitz said she chose to write books for children because it's a discipline that demands integrity -- children can spot a false note a mile away, she said -- and because it helps her keep her childlike appreciation of life alive. "Children don't buy a book because it's on the New York Times best-seller list. Unless you're a teacher, you can't force a child to read a particular book. You have to be totally honest with a child and you can get great pleasure out of introducing new ideas to them, ideas that they will carry with them their entire lives." Savitz's latest book is published by Little Treasure Publications, a company based in Ocean City. She said she enjoys working with this company, a throwback to the days of personalized, responsive service. "They put their lives into their company. They saw the potential of my book and they helped create it for me. They have shaped every book we've worked on personally. I think the little presses are going to save publishing from going to pot." "Little Treasure Publications is selective in choosing the books we publish," says publisher Bernadette Garzarelli, "and is privileged to bring Harriet May Savitz's works to life. cont.......