Book: Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello! My name is Despena Zouzas and I am a teacher, avid reader, and first-time author. I am the author of the children’s book Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall’ book?
I think that the editing process was the most challenging for me. Looking at my own work was difficult and caused me to miss things along the way, making it a pretty lengthy process. Second guessing different parts of the draft was also a challenge. I kept thinking too far ahead about what the reader may be thinking or feeling during different parts that made me want to make constant changes.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
So many authors in both the children, young adult, and adult realm influence my writing that I can only list a few! Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle, Kevin Henkes, Bill Martin Jr., Roald Dahl, and Shel Silverstein are just a few of the many authors in the children’s book space that I draw inspiration from for my own writing.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I live in New England, and love that I get to experience all four seasons! It is so hard to pick one spot, as I am a short drive from many local attractions. One place I love to visit is Portland, Maine. I love trying different restaurants (huge foodie here), sipping my way through the many breweries, and walking the local shops and beaches.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Before I really start, I like to have a lot of notes and ideas written down. Some ideas just fall flat and do not make it past the note stage. But the concepts I keep going back to are the ones I choose to move forward with. I am usually pretty busy with work so I try to dedicate time on the weekends for writing by blocking out a 20-30 minute window of time.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall’ book?
The idea for the book had been in the works for a while and was something I went back to quite a bit. I already had most of it written, so when quarantine hit my state I spent most of my time perfecting the story line and finishing the draft.
Q7. On what platforms readers can find ‘Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall’ book to buy?
All readers can purchase “Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall” from Amazon. Readers local to the Boston, Massachusetts area also have the option to purchase directly from me to receive a few fun goodies with their purchase by accessing the Google form in the link in my bio.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall’ ?
My own cat, Nala, was my inspiration for the book. She typically stays in during the day, and leaves through her cat door at night as seen in the book. She wanders through the backyard, and the neighborhoods surrounding my house. This is where I got the idea of basing the title off of her actual backyard “adventures”. For the cover, my amazing Illustrator, Maria Katinas, captured my vision perfectly.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
To keep things fresh, I try not to put pressure on coming up with the most unique ideas or to come up with something that has never been done before. As much as I block out time to write or jot down ideas, if I have nothing to write, I simply just do not force it. Since I am a new author, I think keeping things fresh for the reader will start to become difficult as I complete additional books.
Author’s Profile
Book Is Available On Amazon
Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall
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