Book: Where Is Bejou?
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Hiba Shublak I am the founder of Active Learning and ALBI (Performing Arts Programs) http://www.activelearningusa.org I have a B.S. in Child Development and M.A. in Education and
I have developed award winning musical theatre, dance and PE programs and curricula throughout California. My accomplishments include developing innovative resources, publications and programs to maximize healthy communities rich in the arts.
It has always been a dream of mine to write children’s books. When I lost my dad a few years ago, my whole world changed. Then, I lost my first dog, Bejou a few years later. I wrote this story after experiencing loss in my lifetime with the hope of inspiring others to be grateful for having loved ones, and for the positive marks they leave in our lives.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Where Is Bejou?’ book?
Some of the key challenges to writing the book, where coming up with storyline, learning how to illustrate and particularly digitizing my pictures to look professional. This story comes from my heart, and the story didn’t take me long, the pictures easily flowed out of my paintbrush, but learning how to digitize the paintings was the biggest challenge of all. Once I found a great digital artist, we were able to work together to finalize the drawings and I am currently taking classes.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I love children’s books and some of the most influential writers I have been inspired by include the following:
• The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
• They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel
• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favourite spot to visit is the beach and just being out in nature. These spots are special to me because I love being out in nature and paying attention to the beautiful signs that pass by me. I love seeing animals, listening to the water and enjoying the beautiful weather to be grateful for life. Nature inspires me and when you read my book, you can see how the symbols of nature are intertwined in the overall message of the book. “Leave a mark wherever you go.” This is one of my favourite quotes in the book from a snail.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
There are many things that must be done before I start writing. First, there is the initial concept, the age group you are intending to write for and what your moral of the story is going to be. Research on other authors and books that have written around the subject is of utmost importance. It is important to learn what books are out there, read other authors, learn the language of different age groups. Next there are several drafts of the story. Once the story is finalized, illustrations play a big role in the book. Sometimes, the storyline may change a bit based on the illustrations.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Where Is Bejou?’ book?
I wanted to write my first book with the intention to write more books in my future. It took me more than 3 years for the entire process. I spent a year researching, reading and studying children’s books, respected authors and illustrators, and learning how to complete a fully storyline that is interesting to readers. I also spent time learning how to illustrate pictures. I wanted this to come from the heart, so I taught myself how to use watercolour paint and worked with digital illustrators to help me put my drawings into a digital format. Once all of that was completed, I published and I am currently taking classes in digital illustration.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Where Is Bejou?’ book to buy?
My book is available on an international level at many retailers, however the ones listed are the most popular. Furthermore, if you go directly to my website https://www.activelearningusa.org/where-is-bejou You can click the links directly to go to the purchase pages.
Book Baby
• English: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/Where-is-Bejou
• Spanish: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/d%c3%b3nde-est%c3%a1-bejou
Amazon
• English: https://amzn.to/3qUCrtc
• Spanish: https://amzn.to/3cf3sno
Barnes & Noble
• English: http://bit.ly/3iSHWG3
• Spanish: http://bit.ly/3cdotPh
Target
• English: http://bit.ly/3iREJH0
• Spanish: Coming Soon
Walmart
• English: http://bit.ly/3aa4YEo Spanish: Coming Soon
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Where Is Bejou?’?
The cover picture of Where is Bejou, came to me without a thought. I wanted to capture the adorable Bejou in a little portrait of her. The nose, in the shape of a heart, represents how much I loved her.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
As an educator, it has always been my goal to teach stories with moral values. To do this, I am always reading new books for all ages, watching movies that inspire me and getting to know what is out there through extensive research. I think of what I wish I had as a child, what I would want my children to learn and grasp in life and I am constantly looking for new ideas through nature walks, lessons I have learned in life and sharing experiences with others.
Author’s Profile
Book Is Available On Amazon
Where Is Bejou?
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