Author Interview: Zack Bush

Debut author Zack Bush fulfilled a lifelong dream of publishing when he published Made for Me in 2018. This father of two and Miami restauranteur took a few minutes out of his super busy schedule to talk with us about the book. Made for Me is available in both picture book and board book format.

When my first child was born, I was truly overcome with emotion; my heart exploded. There are no words to express the feeling of becoming a dad. When writing Made For Me, I focused on bringing words to life that matched the feelings in my heart.

As the owner of Ball & Chain, a historic live music venue in the heart of Little Havana in Miami, were your employees surprised you wrote a children’s book?

Very. I think many people who only knew/know me as a nightlife/hospitality persona were very surprised. My friends that know me well, however, were not surprised at all. I have always been able to express myself. I wear many hats, but none more enjoyable and prideful than being “dad.”

This is one of the very reasons I wrote Made For Me. My wife and I read to our children every day/night, and I was shocked that there were no dad books that expressed or attempted to express the raw emotion we often see mothers express. If Made For Me helps any father/parent connect with his/her child, then the book served its purpose. Given we have sold almost 50k copies and it has become a bestseller, I have far exceeded my wildest dreams and expectations. I read each and every email, comment on social media, and online review. Needless to say, the positive support and feedback have been overwhelming. Out of everything I have been blessed with in my life, other than my wife and kids, there is nothing I am prouder of than Made For Me.

Made For Me by Zack Bush
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
Simon’s New Bed by Christian Trimmer
I’m Not Afraid of This Haunted House by Laurie Friedman
On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman

I am working on several more picture books. I find my best work is when I am moved by emotion and can really connect my words to my feelings. I hope to have one of the three finished by the end of the year.

I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead.

Keep up with Zack at:https://www.facebook.com/MadeForMeBook/
and on Instagram: @ZackBush1