Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Daniel Olcsvary and “Max The Magnet’s Magnificent Journey: A Shift From Negative To Positive” is my first children’s book. I have been a teacher for over 18 years and a Behavioral Assistant providing in-home counselling to children with different challenges for over 12 years. I am a Taoist and am a huge fan of kung fu movies and golden-era hip hop! I am blessed to be a father to my 6 year old daughter, Amilya, and I make the world’s best guacamole!
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Max the Magnet’s Magnificent Journey: A Shift From Negative to Positive’ book?
Like many authors and illustrators, I decided to go the self-publishing route; so I had a lot to learn! I met an amazing illustrator along the way (shout out to Connie Cabrina!) that was able to help bring my vision of Max to life. After that I had to learn about copywriting the book, obtaining an ISBN, formatting the book and then deciding how to get it out to the people! On paper that doesn’t seem like much, but when you have a career and a daughter that needs your attention, it was hard to get focused and get it done.
When the world was hit with the unfortunate COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to be like my character Max the Magnet and turn a negative into a positive! I was fortunate to be able to teach from home, and I used the extra free time to do what I had to do to finish the steps to publish my book.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
When it comes to children’s books I would say the authors that I look up to the most are Mo Willems and Eric Carle. I enjoy reading books on positive psychology, mindfulness, Taoism and the Law of Attraction, so these are huge influences on me in my personal and professional life.
For this book, I would have to say my biggest influence and inspiration were the kids that I work with both as an educator and a Behavioral Assistant. I have encountered so many young people who think their lives are horrible and full of negativity. When I talk with them, I try to get them to do a paradigm shift and think about all the things in their lives they need to be grateful for. I would often use the analogy of a magnet, and tell them how they choose to act and feel will determine the type things they attract in their lives. This is what initially sparked the idea for this book.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I love to go anywhere peaceful. I really love to visit my mother. She is my biggest supporter and lives in a beautiful community for people 55 years and older. I love going there and spending time with her and Amilya. Within the community, there is a magnificent lake that I love to visit early in the morning. My father passed away recently, and after a few laps around the lake I like to sit on a nearby bench and have a conversation with him. These little morning conversations are special to me because I believe he is watching over my family, protecting and guiding us.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
There is a lot to do before you start writing a book, so I think the best thing a person can do is establish a morning routine to get your writing done. I like to wake up early, meditate, do some positive affirmations, read, exercise, and then work on my book for at least 30-60 minutes. This way you have done all of these positive and beneficial things before the day starts and you can get easily distracted. When I am disciplined and follow this routine, I feel inspired and a lot of creative ideas come to life.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Max the Magnet’s Magnificent Journey: A Shift From Negative to Positive”?
The first draft didn’t take that long. I think I probably finished it within a few hours. I made a lot of revisions while I took the steps needed to self-publish the book; so I think it actually took about two or three years to get to the version that readers hold in their hands now.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Max the Magnet’s Magnificent Journey: A Shift From Negative to Positive’ book to buy?
Readers can go to my website http://www.mindwritepublishing.com or directly to Amazon and purchase the book. They can also follow me on Instagram at @max_the_magnet or on Facebook at @mindewritepublising.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Max the Magnet’s Magnificent Journey: A Shift From Negative to Positive’?
I came up with the title because I feel that Max, the main character in the book, makes a figurative journey. At the beginning of the book he is a pessimist who always thinks negatively and all of these bad things happen to him. With the right guidance, he makes this “journey” to become someone who is full of gratitude and positivity!
I came up with the cover by using the final illustration in the story. I envisioned Max having the feeling like he had super powers when he began to think more positively. On the last page and cover he is flying above the planet with a cape on!
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Being a preschool teacher, I am constantly reading children’s books to my class. I also have a pretty extensive library of books that I read to Amilya at home. Reading all of these great books have helped me see how a really good children’s book flows and keeps the reader engaged. That helped a lot when I was writing this book.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
The only secrets I can share are: 1) I am currently working on my second book that is inspired by my love for hip hop and Amilya’s love for the playground ( and 2) The secret ingredient in my world famous guacamole is……..love!
Book Is Available On Amazon
Max The Magnet’s Magnificent Journey: A Shift From Negative To Positive
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