Category: Author Interview

Book: Death of a Final Girl

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

Hello world, my name is Sonny G! I’m a free spirit Latino, and a Jersey boy at heart. I’m a horror lover, proud Wiccan, podcaster and all around creative. I also hope to leave a small footprint in the horror genre.

Q2. When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

I started writing in the fourth grade, but I was more into films and creating them. Screenwriting then became my focus from middle school all the way through college. It wasn’t until maybe my second year that I realized I enjoyed writing short stories and the passion started from there.

Q3. From where did you have the idea/inspiration to write your debut book “Death of a Final Girl”?

The original idea was completely different from the final product. It was going to be an anthology based on unsolved murders and I was going to create my own reasoning to what I thought happened. That all changed though when I was reading through the outline and realized this is a series. From there, I combined what I already had and created the world of Devil’s Den. I really wanted this book to be a representation of me as a writer and horror films are a big part of my life. I wanted to create one book that wasn’t just a horror movie but a franchise altogether.

Q4. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

When I’m not writing, I’m working on my podcast: Stoney Horror, watching movies, having adventures with my people or creating content for our IG page. Oh, and I also love cooking! It’s very relaxing and I enjoy feeding others.

Q5. What is the most difficult part of your journey as an author?

Aside from finishing the book…. One of most difficult parts for me since I’m an independent author is figuring out the business all on my own. I was luckily enough to go to an art school and learn some of the ropes there, but real life isn’t like school. Also not having a mainstream team behind you is difficult when it comes to advertising or just getting your work out there to the right people.

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Q6. What is your favorite Quote?

It’s probably corny but my favorite quote is from one of my favorite shows.

“The hardest thing in this world is to live in it. Be brave. Live.”
-Buffy Summers

Q7. Do you believe in ghosts?

Yes, I do. I am very spiritual and have seen weird stuff, but those are stories for another kind interview.

Q8. What do you hope your readers take away from your book?

This book is defintley catered to the horror fans, but anyone can enjoy it. It’s something you can finish before bed, while traveling, or even out by the pool. Aside from the horror references and themes I hope the readers can take away the female empowerment. A horror franchise is as good as its Final Girl, so I hope my final girls fit that mold. But for the most part I hope the readers are just entertained. I wanted this book to be a fun, intense, fast-read.

Q9. Do you read or write daily?

I write almost every day and if I’m not writing I’m thinking of an idea to write. When it comes to reading though, I do it for research compared to it being a hobby. Like I said before I am a little screenwriter at heart.

Q10. Lastly, do you want to give any advice to readers and aspiring writers?

Hm, I would say never give up, the hardest thing is always finishing your work. Write every day even if it’s just little notes in your phone. Lastly, network, network, and network. Sometimes it is who you know, but not only that, networking helps you meet other amazing artists. You can build great relationships with them and eventually collaborate and help each other flourish. It doesn’t always have to be a competition.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Death of a Final Girl

Book: The Faith of a Mustard Seed

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

Hello, my name is Deborah Smith. I am a Speech and Language Pathologist. I have enjoyed teaching special needs children how to communicate for over 3 decades. I’ve often used books along with other teaching tools as a means to help stimulate language development in my students. My biggest joy however, is spending time with my family and creating stories.

Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “The Faith of a Mustard Seed”?

I became inspired to write a book about faith for children because I noticed that many children are growing up lacking an understanding of who God is and what it means to have faith in Him. I wanted to teach the concept of faith on a very simple level.

Q3. When did you realize that you wanted to be an author?

I realized that I wanted to be an author a few years ago. We all know that life can present many challenges and hardships. Teaching children from a young age to build up their faith in God helps with overcoming difficulties. I felt that pictures and stories would be a good way to teach that concept on a simple level.

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

Yes, I am in the process of writing more children books. One is a faith- based book and the others have different themes.

Q5. For which age group your book “The Faith of a Mustard Seed” is suitable?

The book is suitable for children up to 8 years old. However, it was written to engage older siblings and caregivers to engage in dialogue about the concept of faith. The questions at the end of the book will hopefully stimulate that conversation and really get people to think about trusting God.

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Q6. What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is the scripture Matthew 17:20, where it talks about having faith the size of a seed so that nothing will be impossible for you. What a power to tap into!

Q7. How is life in New York?

I enjoy living in New York and being around a diversity of cultures. You can always find something to do. It can however be busy and fast paced. I work in a busy and populated area which many people do enjoy. At the end of the day, I thoroughly enjoy winding down in a quieter setting.

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

My advice would be to always set up a consistent time to read with your children. Take trips to the library and make reading important. Reading builds up their imagination, vocabulary and literacy skills. But most important, kids love to spend that individual bonding time with their parents. Time goes by fast so create those moments as often as you can.

Q9. What does literary success look like for you?

For me as an author I ask myself these questions:
Did I stimulate interest in the book?
Did I get children thinking about a concept I presented?
Did I encourage children and parents to engage in dialogue?
Was something learned?

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

My inspiration in life are my daughters. They are very talented individuals. They have grown into bright and beautiful women inside and out. They encourage me to stay relevant to the times!

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The Faith of a Mustard Seed

Book: Amber Tambourine and the Land of Laugh-a-Lot

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Q1. Can you please introduce yourself so that the readers can know you better?

I was born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. I started off my career as a primary school teacher, and now work in the field of online education.

Q2. From where did you have the idea to write your book “Amber Tambourine and the Land of Laugh-a-Lot”?

I started thinking about my first house as a child, where I used to love wandering through the back woods and discovering hidden places. So that is where the book starts off…Amber wandering through the back woods with her dogs and stumbling upon a magical, hidden place.

I have always been obsessed with magical “otherworlds” I guess you could call them. My favorite movie has always been “The Wizard of Oz” so obviously the Land of Oz was an inspiration. And I also loved “Brigadoon” about a magical Scottish village that appears for only one day every 100 years. All inspiration for my “Land of Laugh-a-Lot” for sure!

Q3. What do you hope your readers will take away from your book?

At its core, the book is about friendships lost and new ones found. It is also about transition in one’s life and how difficult it can be, and how it seems things will never get better…but they do, in time. And good friends are always worth the wait.

Q4. What are your hobbies apart from reading and writing?

I love being outside in nature, exploring the natural beauty of our world – beaches, waterfalls, mountains. I also love road trips, music, dancing, watching good TV and movies, and spending lots of time with my family. And I insanely love dogs.

Q5. Please tell me something about yourself that will astonish me and the readers?

That I didn’t start publishing my writing until my forties…although my mom said technically I wrote my first book when I was like 5 or 6. I always wrote in some form or another growing up, but on my fortieth birthday I had some kind of mid-life epiphany, I think. I promised myself I would start writing more and actively pursued it. I started writing and publishing articles for online platforms like Blasting News and Medium. I created a personal blog, Life Lessons for My Daughter. Then from there, just started writing children’s stories.

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Q6. How do you select the names of your characters?

I really wanted to write a book with a character based on my daughter, Amber, who is now 7. Then our two dogs, Bandit and Roxy, got added in as well. “Amber Tambourine” was a nickname I gave my daughter as a toddler – I don’t even remember why now, to be honest – I have just always made up cutesy nicknames for her – this one just kind of stuck.

Q7. How is life in Canada?

Canada is a beautiful country and being such an outdoorsy person, I truly value and enjoy all of its breathtaking scenery. I think my best writing ideas have come to me while walking and being out and about in nature.

Q8. Can you please tell me and readers about your debut book publishing journey?

I was so fortunate that Austin Macauley Publishers USA believed in my little book and took a chance on me as a first-time author. It really is difficult to get your first book published but Austin Macauley is all about giving first-time authors a chance, and they are fantastic! I will be forever grateful to them.

Q9. Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

I definitely want to keep writing children’s books, so my goal for the next 10 years is to keep writing and hopefully get more books published.

Q10. Who inspires you the most in life?

My daughter Amber is my biggest inspiration – I love watching her grow and play and dance and discovering her own unique talents and interests. I find myself jotting down story ideas all the time just from things she is interested in.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Amber Tambourine and the Land of Laugh-a-Lot

Book: The F Word

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

My name is Paris Chanel and I’m a writer from Chicago, Il. I write humor books, children books, and YA Fiction. I can write anything.

Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “The F Word”?

My son was my inspiration. He repeats everything and much like his parents, he adds a comical spin to everything he does, even when he’s being mischievous. This story is based on a true story, condensed down to one day.

Q3. What are your hobbies apart from writing?

Apart from writing, I love to read! LOVE to read. Reading relaxes my mind and opens the world (this world and factitious worlds) up for me.

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

My next humor book and four children’s books are COMPLETED! They just need to be illustrated. I want to keep my same illustrator, @Taiye_okoh, because he’s the best and understands my vision for the stories. Hopefully we can have three more out by the end of this year. I’m also in the middle of re-writing a couple of YA Fiction books that I can’t wait to introduce to the world. There’s nothing like them.

Q5. For which age group your book “The F Word” is suitable?

Good question! This book is targeted to any adult with a sense of humor. The book is funny! I am also targeting parents, who I think will find the book most relatable. They can decide if the book is suitable for their child to read for a laugh.

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Q6. What is your favorite Quote?

I don’t really have a favorite quote. The scripture that screams at me all the times is, Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth.”

Q7. What is your reaction when you hear a kid using bad word around you?

If it’s not my kid, I don’t have much of a reaction. I wonder how the parent feels because I’ve been there. When it’s my kid, I’m shocked and feel bad because I hope they didn’t pick up the word from me or their dad. The point of the book, if you pay attention *wink*, is that we parents can’t fully control what your child hears, sees, and picks up from the world we live in.

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

Hmmm…I say find books about something that they have an actual interest in, and their child will read it on their own. Enjoying reading came naturally to me, but not to all my kids. I don’t understand that at all, but I had to accept it. They have other passions that I love.

Q9. What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success to me is producing a book that you are proud of and not only sharing it with the world. Everything that I write has an intention. I wrote The F Word to make people laugh. The next book is to make people remember and understand that they are a part of history. My YA fiction books were written to make people think on a new level. If I can reach people through my literature, people I’ve never met and will probably never meet, to me, that is literary success.

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

I have so many…Simply put, I want to be the Beyonce of writing.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

The F Word

Book: Mommy, Is My Hair Nice

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

I am Tanika Baker. I am from Jamaica, but I relocated to Canada with my family just over five years ago. I am a thinker, sometimes I think so much to the point where I get lost in my own thoughts! Good thoughts though, life, my family, my career, where I want to be in the future.

Q2.What is your inspiration behind your book “Mommy, Is My Hair Nice”?

My family is my inspiration – specifically, my children. My husband and I have two daughters. The characters Kaliah and Asara, in “Mommy, Is My Hair Nice?” – actually represent our girls. The story is based on their real-life experience. Just trying to engage in the conversation with them and looking at the current social landscape, I felt it was a story that needed to be told. Black hair continues to spark many discussions, some of them, not so positive and I feel it is necessary for me to let my girls, and other Black girls like them understand the beauty of their hair and how it is a part of their identity – something for them to celebrate. There is also message to every reader – there is beauty in being different and it is perfectly fine to be different.

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

Honestly, it was almost like a collision of thoughts (yes, those thoughts). As a communicator, writing is a huge part of what I do. When I was younger, I always thought about writing books, but never pursued it. I suppose at the time, I never saw my purpose, or maybe I figured there wasn’t anything worth writing about. But it came home to me one evening – maybe about two years ago – after talking to my children, and listening to their stories, looking at our lives, our journey and realized that I do have something to write about. I know our experiences aren’t unique, but as I see it, once you have a message, there will be someone who needs to hear it.

Reading is an impactful experience for children, and so it the message in the stories they read – so here I am, telling my children’s stories, sharing our lives with our readers and hopefully, delivering a positive message to those who need to hear it.

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

Yes, I am planning to release another book before the end of 2021. Hopefully two! These will be part of the Growing Up with Kaliah & Asara series – again, reflective of the girls and their real-life experiences.

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Q5.For which age group your book is suitable?

The book is suitable for ages 5-10, but I have had older and even younger readers reading it.

Q6.What is your favorite Quote?

My favourite quote is “With God, all things are possible.” (Matt. 19:26)

Q7.What do you like the most about Canada?

Canada is a great place! It’s hard to choose, but I love the newness of each encounter, so many diverse cultures to learn and to understand. I also actually love that there are four very distinctive seasons. The weather keeps life interesting – keeps you on your toes and each season truly gives you something to look forward to.

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

Reading opens our minds to realities and equally to possibilities. Being able to read truly is like having an awesome window into the world. I encourage parents to spend time to read with their children – even once a week. Let your little ones choose a book and spend some time reading it. This allows us to understand how our little ones think, it allows them to be imaginative and build their comprehension skills. It also allows us to see very early, if they need help with identifying words and prepares us to provide that help.

Q9.What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success looks like many things – but I think the most important element really is being able to deliver a story through writing and having an audience that not only provides positive feedback, but also looks forward to more.

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

My mother. She’s my greatest inspiration in life. She has done so much for her family, made so many sacrifices and has never asked for anything – except that we make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. She loves unconditionally and will move every mountain to stand by our side as long we need her.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Mommy, Is My Hair Nice

Book: The Royal Visit

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

My name is Ranti Akintobi. I am Nigerian but I’m currently based in the Netherlands. I work full time as a Finance Manager. I was born in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. As an adult, I have lived in three continents (North America, Europe, and Africa) in London, Chicago, New Jersey, Lagos, and Ibadan. I have found all these different cultures very interesting.
I won’t describe myself as a creative as I’ve always been a numbers person, but I am very passionate about bringing awareness to the various rich African cultures. Most especially embracing our culture.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Royal Visit’ book?

One of my challenges was having a full time job and only having some weekends and some evenings to work on the book. But the greatest challenge (I guess you can call it that) was self-doubt. I doubted myself/ my capabilities of writing something even good enough to read as I’m not naturally a writer.

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

I have to admit that I intentionally didn’t read children’s books written based on African children characters so as not to be tempted to deviate from my idea of my children’s book series (T&T Nubian Adventures). I am still learning how to write, and my editor has been great at guiding me.
However, one book I did read about African folk tales was The Girl Who Married a Lion by Alexander McCall Smith. It has fantastic compilation of African tales which I feel should brought to the whole world.

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

My home in Ibadan. It’s special to me because it’s a house I built from scratch and with my hard earned income. I own it out-right.

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

I have a lot of storyline ideas written down and I have my 2nd and 3rd book written already. The story outline for the 4th book is ready but still needs to be developed. But as mentioned, having a full time job does not help create enough time to focus on my writing. Once I come up with idea of a storyline – I write it down.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Royal Visit’ book?

I can’t remember precisely but definitely a good part of 2019, and I still made changes to it in 2020 and early 2021.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Royal Visit’ book to buy?

Amazon and Okadabooks.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Royal Visit’?

I wanted something that was colourful and be attractive to kids – with that in mind, it made it easy for easy to choose on featuring the animals at the zoo.

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

I try to end the books with a suspense for the kids.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

The Royal Visit

Book: The Sovereign

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

Hello, I’m Xandrea Castaldi, author of the novel, “the Sovereign.” I’m a photographer that loves music, food, traveling, and artsy things, but I’m also a thinker. Deep concepts, unorthodox ideas, an “uncharted territory” type thinker. I don’t own any pets but I will babysit whomever’s furbaby needs it. I started writing as a child, and am a screenwriter “by trade.” My favorite movies are the Godfather, the Mummy (Brendan Fraser not Tom Cruise…sorry Boris Koloff), Rush Hour, and Captain America: Winter Soldier.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Sovereign’ book?

Attempting a genre I didn’t have much experience in. When I started writing (seriously) as a pre-teen, the first story I wrote was based in ancient times, as well as every subsequent story since until now. Learning what makes science fiction what it is and applying my own ideas and flare were pretty mind-opening moments for me. Another challenge that I overcame was the typical fear a debut author would have. I remember the day I told myself that I wouldn’t let that fear keep me from doing what I’ve been wanting to do since I was a kid. I’d let life push me so far off track of where I really wanted to be. I was tired of doing abunch of things I hated. Publishing this book was an act of self-love for me.

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

Ray Bradbury was the first author that introduced me to science fiction, followed by George Orwell. Both of them directly influenced this book. But in other genres, Michelle Moran, John Grisham, Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Ralph Ellison, Joseph Conrad, A. W. Tozer, J. Gresham Machen…I have a few. If I could choose a book or two that has influenced my general writing the most, I’d pick Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, Heart Of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, and The Ways of White Folk by Langston Hughes. I adore the way they tell stories.

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

I don’t have a single favorite spot to visit. I enjoy spending time in nature, but I also enjoy people-watching. I don’t always need to interact with people to have a good, meaningful time. The first place I think of when I think about visiting or traveling is Miami. It’s where I went to college and I always tell people I grew up there because in many ways, I did. It’s my home away from home. So my answer really just depends on the day, but as long as there’s nature, I’m set.

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

Not at all. Many times I find myself writing scenes, conversations, or full chapters, and calling it a “book” later. I don’t write my books in the mindset of it being “work,” otherwise I’d never get it done. I allow the story to build itself and I supplement the gaps with research or ideas I’ve held onto but had nowhere to use them. I think the most work that goes into it is just figuring out the first few steps, e.g., what’s the story about right now? Where can it go from here? How do you want it to get there? I just ask myself those questions a lot and build as I go.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Sovereign’ book?

The first draft took a month, I started compiling the story into a book in May 2019. I submitted the final draft to a publisher around March or April 2020. So about 11 months.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Sovereign’ book to buy?

Besides Amazon – Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, IndieBooks, WalMart, far too many to list…I mean, it’s selling on online stores across the world. I had to search my own name and book to see all the places that offer it. But it’s available both in paperback and e-book formats.

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

I wanted my book cover simple, that was my first non-negotiable. I didn’t want it “too busy.” I wanted it dark, starry skies, shadows, etc. But the back cover had to be what it is – bold. I wanted the cover to tell you the story but not the whole story. I worked with a design team at Palmetto Publishing and they would send me proofs and I’d send suggestions. It wasn’t a long process because I wanted simple but still a statement. I think they did an incredible job with it.

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

I add elements in the details, and try to give people something they haven’t seen like this before. My writing style is a little different and I don’t force myself to change it. Over time, I think we’ll all see how not only details change in my work, but how influences and interests change. The stakes, however, will always remain pretty high.

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

The only secret is what hasn’t been released yet *wink*…But honestly, no secrets. Plenty of Easter eggs, but no secrets.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Sovereign

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

Hi I am Callie chapman, I am in 6th grade. I wrote my first book when I was 6 years old and in first grade. My favorite color is blue and my favorte food is spagetti. I live in Birmingham, Alabama. I have written four books. Glitter the Unicorn, Glitter the Unicorn goes to the Beach, Glitter the Unicorn goes to the Moon and Chandler The Best Unicorn Rider. I have a fourth Glitter the Unicorn book that I hope will be availble this fall. I donate all my prceeds to Children’s Hopsital for art supplies. I have donated $11,500. I plan to make another donation this fall for $8,500 bringing my total to $20,000. One things I have gotten to do since writing my books is speak to children at schools, teacher conventions and more. I like to share my message Dream Big! You are never to small to do big things.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Glitter The Unicorn’ book?

I was only six when I wrote Glitter the Unicorn. Challenges I faced when writing Glitter the Unicorn was spelling, being able to have a lot of details in each page and putting all my ideas on the pages. Sometimes my mom would have to ask how, describe what it looked like….and how did something happen. These questions helped me to stay on track and write a good story.

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

Pinkalishious was my favorite book when I wrote Glitter the Unicorn . I would beg to read it every night.

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

My grandparents house because when I go there my cousins are there and the whole family.

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

When I have an idea for a book I will put my ideas in bullet points and put everything in order. I will then write the story. It helps when I draw pictures for each page. Sometimes this can help spark new ideas.


Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Glitter The Unicorn Goes To The Moon’ book?

About a month. I like to write the story. Then I will draw picture for my illustrator showing her what and how I would like each page to look. I will then put the story down and come back to it. I will usually then make things more clear, add more details and even change the story ending.

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Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?

Amazon, OakieBees.com, and GlitterTheUnicorn.com

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books?

The titles are the adventures that Ellie and Glitter are doing in each book. The cover is a reflection of what they are doing on that adventure. My mom, my illustrator, and I usually save the cover for last. We look at all the pages and then come up with the best illustration for the book. It’s important for the cover to be exciting to lure you in.

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

I like to write thing that kids at a young age like to do and explore. I find it exciting to day dream and imagine different stories to tell.

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Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Glitter The Unicorn  Goes To The Moon

Glitter The Unicorn 

Glitter The Unicorn  Goes To The Beach

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

Hi, my name’s Steve Ellis.. I’m a writer, musician, singer, narrator and English Language Teacher/Teacher trainer – oh, and more importantly, a parent and granddad! I’m British and live in Banbury, England – for your international readers, that’s not far from Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace.
I write stories for children, although I am also currently working on a young adult novel. My passion for writing has its roots in my childhood. Reading and writing were a pleasure, not a chore – first at home and then at school. I was fortunate! I had lots of encouragement from family and teachers who nurtured my love of books and ensured a plentiful supply of reading material. I fondly remember, – one teacher brought his personal library of children’s books into class!
A love of reading soon led to a love of making up stories and writing, both at school and at home, and many years later, my enthusiasm continues.
My experiences as an English language teacher kept him in contact with children and took him to Italy, Turkey, Thailand and Malaysia, as well as back to the UK to manage Summer Schools. Working for the British Council as Teacher Trainer, I promoted the use of illustrated storybooks as a learning aid for children to read, including using songs and role-play to make English language learning effective and fun.
I seek to pass on my love of books and reading to children.
My other main interest is music, and I have produced written and shows involving children in schools and the local community. I currently live surrounded by a load of books, two pianos, three guitars, four computers and a host of musical and video hardware and software, which often keep me up late at night. Thankfully, an app on my phone gives me a daily nudge to get out and do some exercise, which is not always welcome in a typical British winter.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Man In The Moon ’ book?

Only one! I’ll come back to that in a moment. ‘The Man in the Moon is a poem, a story in verse. It didn’t start as a book – it was just a written doodle I wrote many years ago, toying around with words and verse. Why did I write it? I have no idea really! I do remember I first considered the title when I was in my teens and playing around with song writing – I think the idea of the man in the moon looking down on lovers – something like that! I dismissed the idea. Anyway, later when I did write it, I thought the rhythm of the verse had a lyrical quality to it so I then set it to music, a melody I had used in one of my children’s pantomime shows. That song version is available now on video.
The challenge, if I can call it that, was that I never believed as a child that there was a man in the moon. I remember my granddad used to get me to look up at a full moon and ask me if could see the man. I could sort of make out the outlines of a man’s face, but thought it was a bit silly as where was the rest of him? Anyway, it didn’t stop me from writing the verse later, and when I briefed the illustrator, I was intrigued to see what she would come up with. But, I liked her idea and so too, it appears, do children.

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

Roald Dahl. Easily my favourite children’s book author. He was never afraid to introduce some reality, bad behaviour, even if exaggerated, in adults and children alongside the fantasy! I should say that I have also always loved J M Barrie’s ‘Peter Pan’, which I made into a musical version some years ago. I love the last few words at the end of the book, ‘ … and thus it will go on, so long as children are gay and innocent and heartless.’ I always found the contrast between ’innocent’ and ‘heartless’ striking. I wonder if your readers would ever consider that they can have both qualities?

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

There are many beautiful spots in the UK. My countryside is probably The Yorkshire Dales, where I lived for a time. Older readers may remember it as the location for the TV series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’. My favourite city is York which has both Roman and Viking history.

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

No, not really with stories for children. I have tended to come up with a concept and a working title first, so the only problem is constructing a plot that is somehow plausible, as well as being fantasy. Elements have to link and there has to be a sort of credibility to how the story unfurls and reaches a resolution.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Bossy Boots’ book?

I honestly cannot remember. As with some of the other books, it started not as a written book, but as audio with music and songs. The hardest part was creating the songs and music, but, of course, they are not in the book version. When, I decided to publish it as a book, the editing took some time because the original audio version depended upon the songs to tell part of the story. I still included some of the lyrics in the book, bits where the boots, not the girl, are speaking in verse.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?

Amazon and now I am just about to make them available on my new website, The Read Sing Play Well. https://www.thereadsingplaywell.com/ There are also videos and songs available.

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Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books?

I use a platform called Fiverr, which has many illustrators who show examples of their work amongst other services offered. I look for ones whose previous work matches the kind of thing I want and have an initial discussion to find out if I think they can understand what I am seeking and if we would work successfully together. The illustrator I have most enjoyed working with is Roz, from Ireland, who produced the illustrations for ‘Bossy Boots’ and ‘Who Knocked Out Santa Claus?’. We had an excellent rapport and I love her work. Her images are so amusing, sad, touching, dramatic – depending upon the part of the story – and they have a vibrancy—a sort of movement in them which almost makes them seem animated. I just wish I could make them even more prominent in the books!

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

For children’s stories, I try to imagine what I would like to read if I was a child, the kind of things, situations that would make me laugh, sad, scared and so on. Working with children as an educator helps because it keeps me in contact with kids. In the case of the young adult novel I am writing, I am trying to make it very contemporary to fit events that are happening, or could happen, in the world today. To say much more would give the theme away! I j pretty well know the plot outline and have made a good start on the writing. I just need to find the time to get on with it – and stop myself doing too much self-editing as I write – something I’m guilty of doing as I get over-critical and analytical, at times.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Man In The Moon

Bossy Boots

Book: The Adventures Of Sara Beara And Selena Bombeelina: Book 1: Who We Are

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

Hello, My name is Jennifer N. Senjanin. I am a mother to two beautiful children, twins that are turning twelve soon. I am also a teacher of 21+ years, and I have always loved to write. From a young age I loved reading books. It let me travel the world, and escape into my imagination. I started writing stories as long as I can remember.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Adventures Of Sara Beara And Selena Bombeelina: Book 1: Who We Are ’ book?

Interestingly, I started writing the book, just shortly after I had Sara and Selena, for whom the book’s characters are named after, and also who the characters are created around. But like many new parents, a busy parenting and teaching schedule delayed the writing process. A few years later as the girls were growing up and their personalities were taking shape, and I had more time, the book was back on track and then finally completed.

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

Two of my favorite books growing up, really impacted my life and my own creative process. The secret garden and Where the sidewalk ends. Two very different books with a common theme, imagination with greater meaning, and in effet communicating such real and significant life lessons.

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

One of my favourite spots to visit is not too far and in my own backyard. Windsor, Ontario, Canada, has a beautiful waterfront, and a great path to walk, relax and reflect. Growing up from carnivals, to concerts and more the waterfront would transform into what it needed to. The path also extends for miles and is outlined with beautiful flowers and natural settings.

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

For me, I need to feel at ease to begin the writing process. It is almost like I have to feel like its the right time. It could be early in the morning or the middle of the day, when an idea or a new inspiration for writing comes along.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Adventures Of Sara Beara And Selena Bombeelina: Book 1: Who We Are’ book?

With all the breaks, and the work in process, it took about 3 years to complete.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Adventures Of Sara Beara And Selena Bombeelina: Book 1: Who We Are’ book to buy?

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indigo/Chapters, and Friesens press

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Adventures Of Sara Beara And Selena Bombeelina: Book 1: Who We Are’?

The book cover took some time and needed to be reflective of the theme of uniqueness and family, while centering around the main characters. The girls embracing in a big hug shows how important their bond is to the understanding of family and more.

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

I often write from experience, so as a teacher and parent the most relevant and important lessons, even the universal ones, can take a different perspective.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Adventures Of Sara Beara And Selena Bombeelina: Book 1: Who We Are