In March of 2020, Mark Brown’s first children’s book, Zen Pig: The Art of Gratitude, was published. Fifteen months later, in June 2021, the 12th installment in the Zen Pig series, Zen Pig: Celebrating Grandparents, was released. Each of the books introduces the notions of gratitude, presence, and compassion to children through easy-to-understand writing and simple yet poignant illustrations. In Zen Pig: Celebrating Grandparents, Brown reminds children how important grandparents are to families and stresses the everlasting respect, gratitude, and admiration one should have for their elders.

Brown spoke to Publishers Weekly about writing 12 children’s books in less than two years, his inspiration for the series, and his writing routine.

What was the impetus for you to write your first Zen Pig book, Zen Pig: The Art of Gratitude?

My entire motivation for writing Zen Pig: The Art of Gratitude was to teach my son the life-changing power of gratitude. This is a skill I admittedly did not learn until later in life—but once I did, my whole world changed. I wanted him to have that gift well before I did.

The importance of gratitude, mindfulness, and compassion is hard for many adults to comprehend, let alone kids. How would you best describe making these concepts easily understandable for children?

The absolute best way to teach our children lessons is to show them. I think Zen Pig does a great job of that through his actions, which are illustrated in the books. Zen Pig doesn’t just speak about these life-changing values; he shows the children as well.

How do you come up with the themes of your Zen Pig books?

Each Zen Pig title has been sparked by watching my son Noble go through life with unbounded curiosity. Seeing him experience obstacles, paying attention to his questions, and listening to his concerns serve as fantastic catalysts for the core themes.

You wrote screenplays in the past— how did you translate that experience to writing for children?

My bachelor’s degree is in film, and I did that for years before writing the Zen Pig series. In college, we learned a lot about storytelling and the journey characters need to go on to be compelling, so that was a great framework to have as I wrote Zen Pig.

Did you find it challenging to shift from writing for adults to writing for kids?

It was a challenge for sure. You have more latitude in regard to nuance when creating for adults. When you are writing for children, you really have to get to the root of the idea and make it very accessible. It’s actually a fantastic exercise, because it makes the writer whittle down the concept to the most fundamental and concise elements.

Do you have a writing routine that you follow and, if so, how did you find what works best for you?

I am a big believer in the power of routine and habit. My writing hours are scheduled every day right after my meditation, when my mind is most clear.

Zen Pig: Celebrating Grandparents is the 12th Zen Pig book in under two years. How have you managed to be so prolific?

Two things: planning and accountability. I plan the title map a year in advance with specific deadlines for when they are due to the publisher. Then I communicate those dates to accountability partners who ensure that I hit the deadline.

Do you have a writing routine that you follow and, if so, how did you find what works best for you?

I am a big believer in the power of routine and habit. My writing hours are scheduled every day right after my meditation, when my mind is most clear.

Zen Pig: Celebrating Grandparents is the 12th Zen Pig book in under two years. How have you managed to be so prolific?

Two things: planning and accountability. I plan the title map a year in advance with specific deadlines for when they are due to the publisher. Then I communicate those dates to accountability partners who ensure that I hit the deadline.

How did you find Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream, and what made you feel they were the right publisher to go with for Zen Pig?

PDIC CEO Jason Kutasi and I connected online, as our digital marketing circles mixed, and I knew right away that his company was the publisher to go with.I had spoken with a few publishers,but PDIC not only communicated but also showed that they understood and embraced new techniques and tools for ensuring success.

I’ve never looked back.