Category: Author Interview

Book: Where Is The Sun?

Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

My name is Tamar Johnson. I live in New Jersey with my family and our 3 year old Maltipoo Teddy. I work at a Montessori Preschool as a director. I am very silly and over the top, whenever I can be. I am known for going overboard with plans and events, especially when it involves the students at my school or the children in my family. I love having the children in my family with me making blanket forts, having pizza parties, or just watching our favorite movies. Cartoons are not just for children! I love to travel even though I’m bad at it. I hope to see as much of the world as I can, but not as a tourist, as a local. Reading and writing is how I escape the day to day. My favorite genre to read, watch, or write is fantasy adventure, because those types of stories are the best to escape into. They are so far out of the realm of possibility that they pull you completely out of reality and into the fantastical.

Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Where Is The Sun?”?

I was inspired to write this book, because of my students and their families during lockdown.
All of my parents were having trouble explaining what was happening in the world to their young children. One family in particular was having a very rough time. Both parents were first responders with two preschool age children, trying to navigate this new world. While also not letting it affect their or their children’s emotional well being.

Q3. When did you realize you wanted to be an author of Children’s Books?

I arrived late to the game. I had always toyed with the idea of writing a book about me and my cousin when we were little (which is the premise of my first book The Adventures of Bree and Tae: The Great Golden Banana). So when we were locked down at home, I decided to take the opportunity towrite.Itookafew onlinecoursesonhow to write a children’s book,and the rest was history. Now I absolutely love seeing the finished copies of the stories I had floating around in myhead.

Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?

I have written several other children’s books and can’t wait to release them. Including the second story in The Adventures of Bree and Tae series. That will be the next book to be released. Coming soon. 😉

Q5. For which age group are your books suitable?

My books are great for children ages 3 to 8 years old.

Q6. What is your favorite Quote?

My favorite quote from the book is: “The sun missed having fun. It missed people and color and noise. It missed warming picnic blankets, or peeking through the leaves of a tree. It missed shining on kites as they reached up toward the sky. It missed laughter.” This is how I felt being stuck at home. Separated from the people and places I loved. Being locked down just put into stark perspective the little things in life that we all took for granted. I knew once the lockdown was over I would try my best not to take a single moment for granted.

Q7. What do you like the most about your country?

I love the blend of cultures, people, and experiences. I was born in one of the most culturally diverse places in the country (New York City), and it has shaped the way I see and interact with the world.

Q8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

Keep reading! No matter what, read everyday and read everything. My mother read to me every night no matter how tired she was. Eventually, I started reading to her. Please don’t stress on the type of literature. If they want to read a comic or graphic novel over a thought provoking literary classic in their free time let them! They are still building on comprehension skills, vocabulary, and creativity. Start the habit and the love now, and it will continue as they get older.

Q9. What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success is having one of my stories be a child’s favorite. I think we all had that one book we could read over and over again, and I would love for one of my books to be that for a child.

Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

My mother is my inspiration. I know that’s probably not very creative, but she was everything I hope to be. Loving, patient, and strong. She touched so many peoples’ lives in a positive way, and I hope everyone I encounter can say the same about me. She was loved by so many for her giving heart that even though she has passed I am still running into people who knew and loved her.

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Where Is The Sun?

Book: Serial Dater

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

I write psychological thrillers, having always been fascinated by stories with ‘unreliable narrators’. I used to be an independent filmmaker and turned by hand to writing a few years ago. I live in Surrey, England with my husband and son and I love to run, swim, walk and get out into our lovely countryside. And craft beer. I love that too.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Serial Dater’ book?

Serial Dater is the first novel-length story I’ve written, so my key challenges were keeping track of its twisty storyline – I had lots of planning and plotting sheets! Aside from that it was mainly battling my own lack of confidence, which is something I think every writer struggles with.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I grew up on the books of James Herbert and Stephen King, being a diehard horror fan. These days I enjoy Gillian Flynn, Sarah Pinborough and Will Carver. But films have been a huge influence – David Cronenberg especially, he’s the master at creating heroes with warped perception.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

I’m lucky to live on the doorstep of the North Downs. We can step outside our door and be in the most beautiful rolling countryside within minutes. The Lake District is also dear to me from my childhood. The Screes at Wast Water are breathtaking.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

I’m a plotter rather than a ‘pantster’ so I prefer to write a scene plan before I start. I’ve just finished the first draft of my second novel and have found it better to just get the story down, using the plan as my guide, but resist editing. I’ll then fill in any gaps in my research as I do my edits.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Serial Dater’ book?

Five years to get to the first draft! Finding time to write is always a challenge, but I do as much as I can when I can. Writing is a constant learning journey and one that I do for the ride, more than for the destination.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Serial Dater’ book to buy?

Serial Dater is available worldwide on Amazon.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Serial Dater’?

The title came before the book. The story is about a guy who uses a dating app to meet women who, unbeknownst to him, then go missing, so Serial Dater was perfect for it. For the cover, I’m very lucky that one of my amazing friends is also a print and web artist. She read the book so knew the story and its tone. We sat down together and threw some ideas around, but the credit for the fantastic cover art is entirely hers. Thank you Hiromi.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I think reading within and outside of your genre is the secret to that – also watching quality films and TV series. Learning how to write great stories is best done by studying how others have done it before you. Plus it sparks your imagination. Then when you come to write it down, draw on personal experiences.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

Well, I’m not going to give away any twists – but there are a fair few! All I will say is that my intention in writing this story was to create a main character that you really want to trust, but are just not sure you can. The rest I will leave to readers to make up their own minds about!

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Serial Dater

Book: The Shadow Of The Rowan Tree

Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

My name is Florie Parker, which is the pen name I have chosen for my trilogy of children’s fantasy books. Florie was my father’s grandmother and Parker is my mum’s maiden name. I am a mother of four and work as an orthopaedic surgeon for the NHS in the UK. I enjoy walking my dog, running, cooking and skiing. I am a true believer!

Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “The Shadow Of The Rowan Tree”?

Just over two years ago I changed my job at work and literally overnight decided I wanted to write a book! I didn’t quite know what I wanted to write about, but on long dog walks the idea of writing about a parallel fairy world came to being. Inspired by my own personal experiences and those I have observed of my entertaining children, the story of Daisy and Margot appeared.

Q3. When did you realize you want to be an author of this Book?

I think the book found me!

Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?

The second book in the trilogy, ‘Escape to Dorland’ is currently with the publishers production team.

Q5. For which age group your books are suitable?

The story is aimed at 9-11 year olds (and all other believers!).

Q6. What is your favorite Quote?

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams – Eleanor Roosevelt

Q7. What do you like the most about your country?

I most enjoy the changing seasons and our British heritage.

Q8. What suggestion you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

Make reading a habit! Start early – little and often, at a regular time of the day (for us, snuggled on the sofa after supper!)

Q9. What does literary success look like to you?

Someone (literally anyone!) enjoying my story and allowing themselves the time to believe in dreams.

Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

I am surrounded by inspiring people. Whether it be my family, friends, patients or colleagues, I have much to learn from all. I try to take time to listen and find what I can learn from others is truly inspirational!

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The Shadow Of The Rowan Tree

Book: Burning Hope

Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

I live on the West Coast of Canada and when I’m not at home, I like to travel in my camper van and hike. Much of my recent book was written while on the road.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Burning Hope’ book?

All of my books are set in Washington State which is usually a quick trip across the border for me. During the pandemic I couldn’t cross into the U.S. to do my usual research trips. Because of this, instead of setting the story in a real place, I invented the town of Hope Harbor.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I read a lot and across many genres but I’d say Charlaine Harris and Tana French have influenced me.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

I love to visit waterfalls. One of my favourites is the Sombrio Beach cave waterfall on Vancouver Island. It feels magical!

Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

When I start a new book I don’t do a ton of research. Instead, I focus on the protagonist and her special skill. In the case of Burning Hope, Red Hooper’s special skill was a psychic fire seer.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Burning Hope’ book?

It took me about 5 months to write the first draft and another couple of months to edit before I sent it to my agent.

Q7. On what platforms can readers can find ‘Burning Hope’ to buy?

Burning Hope is initially available in all e-reader formats: kindle, kobo, nook, ibook etc. In a few months it should also be available in paperback.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Burning Hope’?

I am blessed to have my publisher, Carina Press, design the cover for Burning Hope. The title was the working title and, to my surprise, the publisher said we could keep that name. That doesn’t happen often!

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I try to come up with twists and turns to keep readers guessing. While writing, I don’t plot the ending so I have no idea who the killer is until I am about three-quarters through the first draft. This keeps me interested as well!

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

I will say that the protagonist’s skill of fire seeing came to me after talking to a psychic who shared this happened to her.

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Burning Hope

Book: Dire’s Club

Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

I’m a writer of women’s fiction, which I lovingly call the “trashcan punch” genre because it can have action and adventure stories, mysteries, love stories; all it has to have is a female character who undergoes an arc. I’m also a dog and cat mom, a travel addict and avid reader. Running and yoga keep me sane, and of course I love hanging out with my family and friends.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Dire’s Club’ book?

Probably the key challenges was getting inside of a character who is struggling with grief and depression. We learn early on that Charlotte is contemplating suicide, which was really difficult to spend much time in her point of view. The other strange twist was that I started writing Dire’s Club the very week that both Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade took their lives. But once she joined the Dire’s Club and began healing I found it easier to spend time in her perspective.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I think it’s easy to say that everyone from Dr. Suess and Shel Silverstein, Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume all the way to David Mitchell and Jennifer Egan have had some influence on me and my writing. I think writers are all part of an ecosystem that influences each other, even if it’s difficult to discern how. I will tell you the one book that had a direct impact – Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” was a major inspiration for Dire’s Club.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

My favorite place to visit is Big Bend National Park in far southwest Texas. It’s hours away from civilization and has this incredible rugged beauty. The population is sparse, but the people who live out there have the most fascinating stories.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

There is. Usually story ideas find me. In the case of Dire’s Club I had a dream where I was having a conversation with Jimmy Dire. I woke up and immediately started journaling and the bones of the story flowed out. I was actually finishing a trilogy and had another book that I was outlining, so I had to put Dire’s Club on ice, but the story rumbled around in my head for a while. When it was time to finally write it, I sketched out the plot and got to work.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Dire’s Club’ book?

The idea came to me in 2014, but I didn’t start writing it until a few years later. But once I started writing it, it took probably about a year, and then editing took another year or so.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Dire’s Club’ book to buy?

You can get Dire’s Club wherever you buy ebooks or paperback books – Kobo, Apple, Barnes and Noble and Amazon and Indiebookshop.com.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Dire’s Club’?

I’ll start with the title first, and that was part of that dream I spoke about earlier with Jimmy. I just knew that the name of his business, and thus the book, was Dire’s Club. I also like that play on words with the purpose of his business, to take dying people on their bucket list trip. But, in a truer sense of the word, things are dire for some of the characters.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

Oh this is such a good question! As I mentioned, I outline or plot my books, but I don’t get too deep into the details. If I overdo it, I feel like the story feels less organic, and I truly believe that if something surprises me as I write it, it’ll surprise readers as they read it. So I approach my plotboard like a map. Let’s say that I want to drive from New York to LA. There’s a lot of different routes I could take – interstates, back roads, northern routes or southern routes. Now, let’s say I want to stop in Nashville, Kansas City and Las Vegas, but I leave it up to chance on how I get there it’ll leave me open to discover something cool along the way.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

One thing that’s not in the blurb is the fact that Dire’s Club is it’s a love story. It’s a story about loves that are lost, and loves that are found but fleeting. It’s about forgiveness – especially the hardest person to forgive: yourself. It’s a story about death, but most importantly, it’s a story about life.

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Dire’s Club

Book: Come On Little Duck

Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

Hey, my name is Laura Bevan and my book is called ‘Come On Little Duck!’. This is my debut book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it!

Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Come On Little Duck”?

My inspiration comes from being a parent to my two beautiful children. As a Mummy I believe in the importance of encouraging children to persue their goals and interests at a young age. This also applies to adults also. There is nothing stopping you persuing different careers or starting new personal hobbies or interests at any age.

Q3. When did you realize you wanted to be an author of Children’s Books?

My daughter took an interest in writing stories and at the time she had a huge obsession with Unicorn’s so we decided to create a book which incorporated life experiences at the time. This then lead to book two and I enjoyed it so much I decided to create ‘Come On Little Duck’, among others at a time where writing down my thoughts was helping me deal with the situation of the 2020 Lockdown.

Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?

There is more I would like to do with my debut book before I get started on any others of mine. However, I do intend on completing the final book of my daughter’s trilogy with her this year.

Q5. For which age group are your books suitable?

The book has been rated suitable for age group 3-7 years old.

Q6. What is your favorite Quote?

When I get excited about an idea I can’t help but say ”Oh My Gosh…. that’s Awesome!!” and I repeat it about four times. It just comes out!

Q7. What do you like the most about your country?

I love the beautiful scenery and seeing the beautiful pictures captured. Especially sunsets. The country walks where you can be in nature with the creatures and animals of all sizes. It’s so good for you and your mind.

Q8. What suggestion would you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

I would always say it’s good to start anything beneficial early. Picture books and things you can share that are interactive and good for cognitive skills is so important for young children.

Q9. What does literary success look like to you?

Everyone saying positive comments about the book and how inspiring it has been to the reader at whatever age. Also with this particular book ‘Little Duck’ is such a cute character and should be seen!

Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

My dad is my inspiration in life. Always there when needed without hesitation to share his wise words of wisdom, encouragement and comfort. I love my dad and he has always had confidence in whatever I have done.

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Come On Little Duck

Book: Maryam’s Eid Party

Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

My name is Amal Alexander, pen name (Amal Banafa). I am a mother to three children and also an English teacher for almost two decades.

Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Maryam’s Eid Party”?

The story of Marayms’s Eid party emerged from my own daughter Maryam, who always looked forward to
celebrating Eid with her family and friends, similarly it’s the same for most Muslim kids around the world.

Q3. When did you realize you want to be an author of Children’s Book?

When my kids were growing up, I was unable to find good books about our religion that was entertaining and educational for the kids so for about two years I decided to write
these books myself because I was well experienced with these stories.

Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?

Currently I am working on two books, and I intend to release it this year God willing.

Q5. For which age group your books are suitable?

The books are for ages 3 to 12 years old.

Q6. What is your favorite Quote?

My favourite quote is by Maya Angelou, “If you don’t like something change it, if you can’t change your attitude.”

Q7. What do you like the most about your country?

The thing I love the most about the USA is the diversity of people and cultures and religion.

Q8. What suggestion you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

I think it’s very important for parents to encourage their kids to pick up a book and read and use their imagination because we live in an age of electronics.

Q9. What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success is writing books that a lot of people can relate to.

Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

My inspiration in life are my kids, they inspire me everyday to do better and my Creator keeps me humble.

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Maryam’s Eid Party

Book: The Voices You May Not Hear: The Lost Pages

Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Hello, my name is Michael Walker-Thomas. I am an author of many books and I love writing. I am from Philadelphia,Pa but I love to travel the world. I started writing at a young age and I fell in love with it. I love creating stories and characters. I am married and I also enjoy teaching.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Voices You May Not Hear: The Lost Pages’ book?

The key challenges I faced were creating the characters’ setting. I wanted each character to be set in a place of entrapment, but with hope. The settings set the tone for the poems and the characters.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

My favorite authors are James Baldwin, W.E.B Du Bois and Langston Hughes. My favorite books are Encyclopedia Brown, The Souls of Black Folk and The Frederick Douglass Memoir.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

My favorite spot to visit has been Hawaii and California. I have been to California a few times, but Hawaii was amazing. It gave me a sense of peace that I never knew I needed. I spent time there this past summer and I will forever cherish those memories. I will be back to Maui soon haha.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

I usually create a one page paper with everything on it. The characters names, the chapter titles, and the settings. I then usually put Classical music on and write from my head. I started this process after my first book. There is a quote from the movie Finding Forester that says “You must write your first draft with your heart. You rewrite with your head.”

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Voices You May Not Hear: The Lost Pages’ book?

This book took me only a couple days. I was determined to get this project done. I love writing Poetry. When I come up with ideas I have to just finish as soon as I can because the thoughts are in my head.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Voices You May Not Hear: The Lost Pages’ book to buy?

You can find this book on Amazon. If you also type in my name on Google you can find all five of my books.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Voices You May Not Hear: The Lost Pages’?

This is part two of a series I titled The Voices You May Not Hear. I love this title because everyone has a voice, but some voices you may not hear because of different circumstances. I put myself into peoples shoes not only with these books, but in life. In life it is important to have your voice heard. It is also important to make sure someone hears it. Saying that, these are The Voices You May Not Hear.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I keep things fresh by staying on top of current events and speaking from real life circumstances. Many of the stories are made up, but they can be real life to most people. I remember writing the first book of this series and one of the poems spoke to me. After I wrote it I realized how many people went through that situation. I always think about the reader when I write. I always want to put my reader mind on when I write.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

Yes. There is a poem in this book about a Mother and a daughter. It is very powerful. I feel as though it is one of the more heartfelt poems about sacrifice and love.

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The Voices You May Not Hear: The Lost Pages

Book: Boo Who?

Q1. Could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Teressa Hill! I am originally from Portland Oregon where I grew up as a competitive figure skater. I have always been a writer. As a young girl, I would write poetry and short stories. I enjoyed my English classes in grade school and English and Creative Writing in College where I studied theater as well.

Q2. From where did you get the idea for your book “Boo Who?”?

I was trying to figure out a plot that my characters could face that teaches children how to face their fears. I’m a strong believer in getting out of the problem and into the solution. Walking through the fear sometimes is the best way to go because then you turn around and look back and you’ve done it, which builds self-esteem.

Q3. Can you tell us one thing people may not know about you?

I am currently working in Los Angeles as a professional film and television hair stylist, which is another art form that I enjoy. I am honored to be nominated this season for my work in the film industry. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the greats in our business.

Q4. How much research did you do? before you began your book?

Before I begin any project, I always do massive research. For this particular book, I researched trolls, fairies, Halloween, scarecrows, snails, witches and ghosts. I focused on Halloween and all the characters that come with it.

Q5. Which age group is your book “Boo Who?” suitable for?

For reading, I think it is great for ages six years and older. I believe it can be a book very entertaining for children under than the age of six due to the story line, characters, and the poetic meter.

Q6. What makes you passionate about being a writer?

Knowing that I can change a child’s perspective at a young age and encourage them to better themselves and to be kind and accepting of others. We are all flawed, yet our flaws make us unique unto ourselves and bring something special to the world.

Q7. What is the process of writing a book: how does it go from an idea to finished work on sale in bookstores?

For me, the first step was creating my core characters that I knew were going to embark on adventures where they would meet interesting characters along the way who set obstacles in their path. The challenges my characters faced and overcame would help children understand how to maneuver situations that may occur in their life as they grow older. I am a big fan of positive influences in children’s lives, as well as a big advocate for animals.

Q8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself as a successful children’s book author with a successful children’s animation series, Gracie and Sniggles.

Q9. What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Publishing my books! The ability to give back has been a highlight as well as all the royalties of “The Mystery of the Blue Goo” are donated to Saint Jude’s and the royalties from “Boo Who?” go to the ASPCA.

Q10. What do you hope kids learn from your books?

The benefit of kindness towards others, compassion towards those that are different from themselves, and the importance of friendship. Being different makes life more interesting and makes the world go round.

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Boo Who?

Book: The Nose Family

Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

Hi, I’m 44 I live in Great Yarmouth in Norfolk with my wife and 2 sons. My father and mother are Greek Cypriot I was born in North London, I love gaming and all tec
I have secondary progressive Multiple sclerosis & Epilepsy. But I am really happy and I feel really lucky.

Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “The Nose Family”?

My mother handed me a sketch I did of the characters in the book which inspired me to write a story about them.

Q3. When did you realize you want to be an author of Children’s Book?

After my family and friends & people I didn’t even know liked my sketches and my writing.

Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?

Yes I hope to release my next book this year and If Possible another One is previewed on the back of the first book.

Q5. For which age group your books are suitable?

3-9.

Q6. What is your favorite Quote?

Nothing comes to mind.

Q7. What do you like the most about your country?

The opportunities and support is like no other.

Q8. What suggestion you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

Find something you love to read and read regularly it stimulates creativity.

Q9. What does literary success look like to you?

When my characters are enjoyed by everyone and around the world, And children know their names.

Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

My Cuz, Cary Kiki. Because Within just 15 years he has created a worldwide and brand. Oh, and his support is unfathomable.

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The Nose Family