Book: The Mystery of the Blue Goo
Q1. Hello Maám, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Teressa Hill I grew up in Oregon, primarily the Columbia Gorge. As a child I spent much of my time outside riding horses, with my dog always trailing behind. We always had pets or fur family as I like to refer to them. When I was not spending time outside in nature, I trained as a competitive figure skater five days a week and travelled extensively. During my downtime from training, I liked to write short stories and poetry. I also loved to sketch and later I enjoyed painting. I used oil as my medium; although I loved the look of watercolours, it was so hard to control, so I stuck with oils. As a young adult I sold several of my paintings. After my competitive figure skating career, I transitioned into a career as a film and television hairstylist in the eighties. That is when I began writing screenplays. In 2005, I wrote a children’s animated series, a Bible if you will, which I have now developed into “The Wildly Whimsical Tales of Gracie & Sniggles,” a series of children’s books. My first, “The Mystery of the Blue Goo,” is available online and through any local bookstore. 100% of my royalties from “The Mystery of the Blue Goo” are being donated to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital. My second “Boo Who?” will release in the fall of 2021, my third “Magical Mo” will be released spring of 2022. There are many more beautifully illustrated books to come of this whimsical series. Ever reminding us of the importance of kindness, acceptance and tolerance above all friendship.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Mystery of the Blue Goo’ book?
Never having written a children’s book before. It’s not easy and can be a bit intimidating. There are many great authors past and present who have several degrees from prestigious colleges, who have developed amazing careers, agents and traditional publishers. So I would have to say working through my own stuff, not fitting the mold of a typical author. My children’s books are books are well over the traditional 30 pages, they have lots of illustrations, and they tell a story. So they don’t really fit into the picture book category, and then yet they’re not novels
– I consider them story picture books.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Wow! Good question. So many to name A.A. Milne: Winnie the Pooh. L. Frank Baum: the wonderful Wizard of Oz (my favorite all-time movie). E.B. White: Charlotte’s Web (I never ate pork again). Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree, A Light in the Attic.
Love the whimsical Dr. Seuss, Beatrix Potter, Robert Louis Stevenson
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Northern California. Specifically Mendocino. I like to think of it as where the redwoods with the ocean. It’s real, it’s serene.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Yes of course. It’s important that the atmosphere in which I’m writing is conducive to helping me stay focus. I have my favorite sweater and my favorite socks that I like to wear. Because I like to be very comfortable when I write. Deciding on storyline, subject matter and how it plays out. I write my endings first. I’ve always done that whether it’s a screenplay, or a book. Character research is important. For instance, if I am introducing a new character like Wise Old Owl I want to know a little bit about owls, so I’ll do research on owls.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Mystery of the Blue God’ book?
From start to finish, first draft, editing, creating and developing the characters-illustrations with my amazingly talented illustrator Karine Makartichan, layout, the cover, to print — about 8 months.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Mystery of the Blue Goo’ book to buy?
Use the ISBN # below and you can order it anywhere
Hardcover | 8.5 x 11in | 74 pages | ISBN 9781665506014 Softcover | 8.5 x 11in | 74 pages | ISBN 9781665505994
E-Book | 74 pages | ISBN 9781665506007
Available at:
Any Local bookstore
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Mystery of the Blue Goo’ ?
Going through the process I pretty much envision it, or at least an idea of what the cover is going to look like from the storyline. Of course, it is then solidified once I sketch out illustration ideas with my illustrator. The title of the book, “The Mystery of The Blue Goo,” came from the storyline. Besides, everyone at every age loves a good mystery!
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I think keeping the storylines interesting, relevant, the adventures whimsical, and the characters lovable and intriguing. Right now I’m just trying to engage my audience and introduce the characters. As the series involves so too do the characters. The characters teach children by working through a situation or problem, showing both their vulnerabilities and strengths. The last book of the series is going to be quite wondrous and very unexpected.
Book Is Available On Amazon
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