Book: Mongo
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Jeff Gard grew up in a small rural town in the Midwest in a placed called Dubuque, IA and always had a passion for art and creating things. Ever since he was a kid, he had a mission to travel and see the world. He lived in Alaska for 6 years and got to explore much of that beautiful state. He now resides in Oregon and enjoys the beautiful Pacific Northwest with his family.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Mongo’ book?
I created this character a long time ago and always wanted to publish but never thought I had the tools to accomplish this task. With the technology that we have today and to fill time during COVID-19, I thought what better time to start and accomplish what I have wanted to do from the past. Though my character was created a while ago, I wrote the book for my kids (Kai, Everest, and Byron). Friends and family liked the book and the message the book offered that it encouraged me to seek out how I can get this book out to audiences. I started researching on how to publish and found many ways about how to complete a manuscript and utilizing tools that allowed me to create the book through Amazon. Mongo is an easy-to-read book and geared towards 2 to 8 age ranges for kids. Kids will enjoy Mongo’s adventure and the illustrations. The hope is if the book does well, it will allow me to continue with a series of more adventures for this character.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Dr. Seuss
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
For now, it would either be Seward, AK or Homer, AK. These are two small quaint fishing towns in Alaska that are surrounded by mountains and the ocean. My family and I visited those areas many times for camping trips. Pictures can’t do the beauty of these two places justice.
Also, I live in my favourite spot in my country. The Pacific Northwest is the most beautiful place where I get to call home and feel fortunate to be here. Being able to be close to the ocean, mountains, desert, amazing hiking trails, wineries, etc. you cannot go wrong.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I created the character a long time ago, but when I start writing I like to dive in and finish.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Mongo’ book?
I would estimate about a week to write; however, editing, designing the book, and working with the artist took a considerable amount of time.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Mongo’ book to buy?
Mongo is a unique creature who lives on a remote island in the middle of the sea. Though surrounded by friends and family, he often feels left out and different. By chance, Mongo gets the opportunity to change himself… does he please others or does he be himself?
The link to the book is below. This is offered in the formats of Kindle and Paperback. One can get a free sample to see if the book will suit their kids.
Mongo
by Amazon.com Services LLC
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WN7ZCP3/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_YYG34V1N373WCY9J9AY3
https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/mongo
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Mongo’?
Mongo can be a slang term for “huge” or “extremely.” If you read the book, Mongo, is far from extreme or huge but quite the opposite but he learns a valuable lesson in loving yourself but also being curious about all those “extras” others seem to have. In the end, we are all created imperfectly perfect.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I think creating a character that will interest kids and the story is paramount. Mongo conveys the messages of self-acceptance and self-love. Children will learn to be happy with what they have instead of wishing to have something else or be someone else once they finish reading the story. The message conveyed through the story is positive and uplifting, and is the best way to teach children to accept themselves and be happy with what they have by appreciating their imperfections.
Book Is Available On Amazon
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