Book: Just Imagine
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello, my name is Sharon Giannini and I am a wife, mother of two, and I live in a small town in New England. I grew up in the city of Danbury, CT right on the border of New York State. I was raised by a stay at home mom and my father is a musician. I guess you could say I inherited my love of writing from him. When I was little, I would spend time flipping through picture books. I loved the simplicity of the writing and the beautiful illustrations. I have always appreciated how children’s writers can communicate a concept so deeply using only a few words or sentences on each page. I can remember spending a lot of time writing my own short stories and poems. I still appreciate all of the wonderful picture books I have read and have in my kids collection at home.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Just Imagine’ book?
I have to say the biggest challenges I faced while writing “Just Imagine” were coming up with the simplest way to communicate a very important concept (persistence), in order to accomplish ones goals/dreams. Also, trying to stay true to the conversation that inspired me to write this book in the first place.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I love books by Margaret Wise Brown, and Dr. Seuss. I feel they are two of the most brilliant story tellers. I just really love their style. I also love the series of picture books by Laura Numeroff. I love her characters and the flow of her books. I guess I would have to say her stories have influenced my style of “Just Imagine” the most. But the works of Margaret Wise Brown first made me fall in love with reading as a child.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
It is hard for me to pick one spot in the United States that I love to visit. I love New England; it has been my home all my life and it is very beautiful, especially in the summer and fall. I love taking trips to Maine or Cape Cod in the summer, as well as Rhode Island. I also love Florida; Siesta Key Beach is beautiful and I have been there a few times. The biggest trip I have taken with my family so far was to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, two years ago. It is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places I have ever been and I would recommend that everyone see it at least once in their lifetime.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I put in a lot of “research time” and what I like to call “research field trips” when I first have my story idea. I start with a “blurb” and brainstorm anything I can think of. Then I go online and research my topic. I make sure it is something unique enough that will stand out from all the rest. I also go to my local library and book stores and flip through picture books in the age range I intend to target. I look at how the stories are written, how many words are on each page, what sort of style illustrations would I like for my own book, etc… I take my time. With “Just Imagine” I took the initial idea and put it in the center of my final book. I built the rest of the story around it.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Just Imagine’ book?
I had the initial idea for “Just Imagine” back in 2011. I actually wrote my first paragraph after a conversation I had with my son; he was five at the time. I wrote the first paragraph and I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue. I literally tucked it away at my desk and didn’t pick it up again. Several years later, I found it in a pile and took it as a sign. I decided to have the idea copyrighted in 2016… then after many failed attempts at putting something together that made sense, I will admit I stopped for a while. I was also very busy with other creative outlets; I attempted to start my own business on etsy.com which was fun for a while, but I was always pulled back to writing. In 2017 I decided to give it another try. The illustration process from start to finish took a year and after many edits and some rejections from traditional publishers, I decided to give self-publishing a try. I picked up a book by the amazing Eevi Jones who helped me through the process. I would recommend her to anyone thinking about self-publishing. She is an award-winning author in the self-publishing realm. She was very encouraging and extremely helpful through the entire process.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Just Imagine’ book to buy?
“Just Imagine” is available on Amazon in ebook, paperback and just recently a hardcover format. However, I am in the process of revising my hardcover version, and will announce it’s availability again soon.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Just Imagine’?
The title was actually the easiest part for me. I just kept thinking what would grab someone’s attention quickly and also capture the concept I am trying to convey to readers. The subtitle came much later as a recommendation by an expert. As far as the look of the cover; that was a lot of fun. I had the great privilege of being able to sit down in person with my illustrator, as we live in the same state. I already had an idea of what I wanted, but while talking to her, we just started bouncing ideas off of each other and with each new idea we both came up with all the details. I knew I wanted it to be whimsical and hand drawn. When she suggested watercolors, I loved the idea right away.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
How to keep things fresh.. hmm.. well I would have to say by researching..if I think of a topic that has already been done, I try and think what would be a much more unique way of doing this? I like to create a character/s kids can really relate to and they want to root for. Also one my younger self could’ve also related to… I like to put a little bit of myself in the story.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
My son inspired my story idea. When he was five, I was tucking him into bed one night and he asked me while giggling if he could “taste the clouds”. I said what an interesting question and I immediately had a visual. That conversation is towards the middle of my book and I built the rest of the story around it.
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Just Imagine
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