Category Archives: Interviews

Jun10

Interview with Darius Good

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I’ve continued my search for good reads for this summer, and I think I’ve found another fantastic author for you to meet. If you’re looking for a good read-aloud at bedtime, I think I found the book and the author for you.

Darius Good is the author of the children’s book series, The Adventures of RiRi. He’s written a science-themed bedtime story called “The Adventures of RiRi: Stars, Stars” which is the first book in the series. He’s also the author of the book, “Unlocking Godly Wisdom: Solomon’s Seven Pillars of Wisdom”. I had a chance to interview Darius Good about his childhood reading memories, writing routines, inspirations, and what projects he has in store for us.

  • What is your favorite memory reading as a child?

Darius Good: As a child I wasn’t into reading. I did well with numbers and math. I remember my mother taking me to the library and telling me there are so many subjects to choose from. I had seen the cartoon the Hobbit and did not realize it was a book. That book introduced me to the Fantasy genre. That sparked my interest in reading and writing stories.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Darius Good: J. R. R. Tolkien became my favorite author. His stories weren’t simple; they were extremely complex and detailed. He wrote songs and poetry. He created another world of different types of people, and had maps that accompanied the stories. He also created languages for the different species. And all the characters had a character arch that made it difficult to put his books down. You can still see his influence in many of the current stories that are popular now.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Darius Good: I do not have a writing routine. I write when I feel inspired. My mother had me take music lessons at the age of 5 and I learned many different instruments. After graduating college I went into the music industry for several years and did fairly well. When I am in a creative mode, whether it’s creating music, writing a story, or whatever other creative mode I find myself in, I “lock in” until that inspiration leaves.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Darius Good: I am currently developing my children’s book series, The Adventures of RiRi. It’s a series based loosely on my youngest daughter Riley. The first book “Stars Stars” is a science themed bedtime story. It explores my love for astronomy through the eyes of a toddler. The second book of the series will explore music. I love music so it was inevitable that I would write a music related book. That book is currently being illustrated. I have several stories that explore different themes for the series that I am currently developing.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Darius Good: Writing (books or songs) is powerful because it has the ability to shape and impact lives of those present and generations to come.

“The Adventures of RiRi: Stars, Stars” is a children’s bedtime story series that features the character RiRi. In her first adventure, she can’t fall asleep until she knows the answer to the question, “What happens to the stars during the day?” This series explores different themes such as science, music, and family dynamics.

“The Adventures of RiRi: Stars, Stars” is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information on Darius Good, please visit his website.

Jun3

Interview with Stephanie Jane Markham

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Stephanie Jane Markham is the author of the picture book, “Maisie Mae From Sunnyside Street”.

Summer is soon upon us. So, I’ve been scouting for some great summer reads for your kid(s). I think our first author has got a real inspiring picture book that will set your kid’s imagination on a roller coaster adventure.

Stephanie Jane Markham is an actor, filmmaker, and singer/songwriter living in Los Angeles. Her book, “Maisie Mae From Sunnyside Street”, utilizes her memories of growing up in Scotland and Kentucky. It’s a book that will show your child how to take their imagination into a big adventure. I was pleased to be able to interview Stephanie Jane Markham about her childhood reading memories, writing routine and what future projects she has in store for us.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Stephanie Jane Markham: My favorite memory reading as a kid was that snuggly, safe feeling I got from my parents reading books at bedtime. It really is such a magical thing to read to a child. My Dad used to tell me what I could dream about before I went to bed at night. I’d make these elaborate plans in my head on where I could go while asleep. I try to instill that same sense of wonder in my little boy.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Stephanie Jane Markham: My favorite author is Mary Shelley. Not just because she gave us Frankenstein or because every Hollywood screenwriter owes her a royalty check. Her voice as a writer is so strong and clear and a bit fragile. She was fearless in a way that I’m not. I’m also very influenced by Charlotte Bronte and Jane Eyre. That book changed me. Her sense of wild independence coupled with a need to belong and a strong inner compass that urged her forward, despite the struggles she kept facing. That is very much who I am.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Stephanie Jane Markham: I don’t have any sort of routine except general chaos dealing with my kid. I’m usually squeezing in whatever free time I can to write, albeit usually late at night when I am most inspired.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Stephanie Jane Markham: Right now, I am focused on the other books in the Sunnyside Street Series. The next book is about Maisie’s introverted friend Duncan and his exuberant unicorn, Letty Lou. I also have an unhealthy obsession with pirates. There’s a lot to explore there.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Stephanie Jane Markham: Writing is how I express myself fully.

Join Maisie Mae and her friends from Sunnyside Street as they dream up new adventures!

Maisie Mae imagines herself all the way to Mars, slides down rainbows and even sails a pirate ship! Her best friend Duncan and his unicorn, Letty Lou, take Maisie for a magical ride around the town. They drop in on the zoo and meet up with their good friends Simon, Sabrina and the twins, Ann & Emma.

Kids will love the lush color illustrations in this 8×8 storybook.

“Maisie Mae From Sunnyside Street” is available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble com, and Target.

For more information on Stephanie Jane Markham, please visit her social media links below.

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/MaisieMaebooks/


Instagram:

https://instagram.com/maisiemaesunnyside

Jun1

Interview with Judi Heights

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Judi Heights is the author of the children’s picture book “Leah Stays Home From School”.

With summer soon upon us, it’s going to be a busy time getting all that energy out that the kids have built up over this strange and unusual school year. It’s also going to be a time to help ease kids back into some kind of normal when it comes to school life for the fall. A great way to prepare them is to start by getting some summer reads that will help with sooth anxiety and fears about regular issues that might start happening again, especially when it will be in regards to returning to school. I think I found a wonderful author that can help with that.

Judi Heights is a Life Coach with over ten years of diversified experience. She’s created a series of books called “Children’s Books for Parents 2” so parents can participate in a discussion on topics as they read to their children. Her most recent book, “Leah Stays Home From School” teaches the importance in staying home when a child is sick. I had a chance to interview Judi Heights about her childhood reading memories, her writing routine, and what writing means to her.

  • What is your favorite memory as a child?

Judi Heights: My favorite memory from reading as a child was being with my dad and feeling that someone was paying attention/giving me attention. I grew up in a home where my parents were busy, and my mother was not interested in helping us with homework. So, reading time as a child made me feel as if I mattered because my father would listen and pay attention to it.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Judi Heights: I write at any time but prefer to write during the nighttime when everyone is asleep. That has worked out for me since I was a teen as I can concentrate in my writing and not be interrupted. I feel that most of my creative writing comes from being alone and calm.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Judi Heights: Writing to me is the highest level of creativity & expression; with writing I can create anything my heart desires with a simple sheet of paper and a pencil.

“Leah Stays Home From School” is a story about a girl named Leah that wishes we lived in a world where no one got sick, and that way, no one would have to miss school. But the world is full of germs, and unfortunately, they can be a problem for everyone. Follow along as Leah learns why it’s important to keep her germs at home when she is sick.

“Leah Stays Home From School” is available from Amazon.com in ebook and print editions.

Apr8

Interview with Davide Amante

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“The Guardian of the Stars – The Journey of Anais with the Wind” is the newest release from award winning author, Davide Amante.

I love searching high and low for books that are inspirational and have a girl protagonist. I think I’ve found a hidden gem emerging from the European book market by celebrated award winning author, Davide Amante. Many things have led to his recent book release. With a background of studying at American and Italian schools, traveling extensively, and teaching modern literature, he has crafted already four brilliant novels.

His new book, “The Guardian of the Stars –The Journey of Anais with the Wind” is reminiscent of “The Little Prince” with a girl leading the adventure. I had the opportunity to ask Davide Amante about his childhood reading memories, author influences, and what future writing projects he has in store for us.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Davide Amante: I remember reading Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows and de Saint-Exupery’s Little Prince in the hot summer afternoons, on an old chair in the backyard of my grandfather’s summerhouse on a small island. From the backyard you could barely catch sight of the sea, but with the hot wind came all the anticipation of the summer and its unexpected hours.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Davide Amante: I loved so much reading that there really was no favorite author. Every author seemed to me to unveil a world so big and so boundless that really every author seemed to me to hold the secret of life.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Davide Amante: I write three or four hours a day, the rest of the time is what happens before actually writing: it is observation and inspiration.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Davide Amante:  I didn’t expect the success “The Guardian of the Stars – the journey of Anais with the Wind” is having. It all began as a tale I told every night before going to sleep to my children. At one point, I realized it was becoming a novel and I wrote it. Although I don’t usually write for children, I am certainly thinking of another book like this.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Davide Amante: It is the only way I know to express what I feel inside.

“The Guardian of the Stars- The Journey of Anais with the Wind” is an incredible journey of a girl connected to nature and driven by the wind. The wind leads her through a Forest of Talking Trees, connects her with a wolf, and helps her connect with the deserted island that she shares with her grandfather that works as a lighthouse keeper.

The summer the wind arrives is the turning point in her life. The wind helps guide her to see the other side of things, leads her to learn about loneliness, connects her with emotions, and points her in the direction of how to live. It’s a charming and powerful story of finding the essence in life and growing up.

“The Guardian of the Stars-The Journey of Anais with the Wind” is available at Amazon.com.

Book Trailer:

For more information on the author Davide Amante, please visit his website here.

Apr3

Interview with Rachelle Nones

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One thing I like to highlight is a unique book that can be used in any teacher’s curriculum or for home schooling. I think I’ve found such a book from a fabulous author.

Rachelle Nones is a multimedia writer, editor and a trained storm spotter.

She used her expertise to create a wonderful book for those that love to weather watch and learn about meteorology. Her book, In the Sky, is a great read for anyone who wants to teach about clouds, tornados, storms and our ever-changing weather. I had the chance to talk to her about her childhood reading memories, her writing routine, and what writing means to her.

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Rachelle Nones: As a child, I read poetry, science fiction, animal and adventure stories, and mystery and detective novels like The Mystery of the Stuttering Parrot by Robert Arthur Jr. I loved to visit the local library and wore out my library card from using it so much!

2) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Rachelle Nones: As a freelance writer, I typically work on contract writing projects. I work remotely and get to set my own routine, which varies according to the project. I prefer to start working early in the morning because that’s when my energy level is high.

3) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Rachelle Nones: Writing is like wrestling a tornado.

In the Sky is a book to help readers understand the ever-changing weather. With creative illustrated rhyming content, it includes a range of cloud facts, cloud-related quotations, resource links to cloud-related poetry, songs, science projects and more. This book will make a great addition to any weather science unit and is ideal for readers grades 5 and up.

In The Sky is available on Amazon.com. It is available as a premium color paperback edition.

For more information on Rachelle Nones, please visit her website at her Amazon Author Page.

Mar14

Interview with Chris Lewis

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Chris Lewis was kind enough to write a guest blog post on engaging young readers already on my blog. Today, I will be introducing you to this fabulous British author, and to the new book, Jax and Sheba Get Messy. I had the chance to ask Chris Lewis about current projects, what it’s like to write a book, and all about Jax and Sheba.

1) What are you currently working on?

Chris Lewis:  I’m playing around with some ideas for another children’s picture book series, Jax and Sheba.  For the older reader, I am toying with the idea of an Artificial Intelligence thriller in the long term.

2) How long does it take you to write a book?

Chris Lewis: That’s like asking how long is a piece of string. My longest book took three years and my shortest took six months. I usually need to go through several versions until I am ready.

3) What is your latest book about?

Chris Lewis: Jax and Sheba Get Messy is the first in a series about best friends Jax and Sheba. Jax is a floor-cleaning robot who loves to zoom, and Sheba, a cat who likes to point. They live at the edge of a faraway forest in a distant world with their good friend, Velo, a dinosaur dance teacher. This short 500-word story is designed to be a fun read for little ones to read to or read by themselves.

Book Blurb for Jax and Sheba Get Messy

At the edge of the forest in a distant world, live two best friends, Jax and Sheba. Velo is their dinosaur friend that teaches dance. Jax is a floor-cleaning robot that loves to zoom while Sheba is an ever-ready practical cat that likes to point. Together, they make an odd team. But what happens when Jax wants to clean too much? Will the two be able to work together again? This humorous story will make a great read-aloud for school or home. Help your child understand that it’s okay to take a break.

Recommended for ages 3 – 5.

Jax and Sheba Get Messy is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. **Ebook available now. Paperback edition releases on March 16, 2021. Pre-order available!

Please visit Chris Lewis’s website to find out more information about Jax and Sheba.

For a look at the guest blog article, “Tips to Encourage Children to Read” by Chris Lewis, follow this link!

Jan26

Interview with Eva and Amaira Deotale

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Eva and Amaira Deotale are the co-authors of the children’s book “Short Stories: By the Children, For the Children”.

During these cold winter months, it’s good to have some inspiration to brighten the days ahead. I’ve found a delightful, twin duo that writes their own short stories to encourage other children to read and write. Their names are Eva and Amaira Deotale. They’re six years old and live in the United Kingdom. Eva loves to sing and tell stories influenced from nature. Amaira loves puzzles, drama and is a keen observer. Together, they love to spend time in the garden and take long walks.

Their current book, “Short Stories: By the Children, For the Children” is a collection of children-written fables. I had the chance to speak with both the girls about their favorite reading memories, authors and future writing projects.

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Eva and Amaira Deotale: Our favorite book memory is reading and listening to “The Giant of Jum” book by Elli Woollard. This book is one of our favorite because it’s a rhyming book with a twist – the giant in this book likes children and is very friendly.

2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Eva and Amaira Deotale: Dr. Suess, Julia Donaldson. We love their storytelling and each story has a message.

3) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Eva and Amaira Deotale: Our next book will be another short story book with funny creatures and a message on disability inclusion. Our latest venture, beingpurple.co.uk, is all about empowering people with disabilities.

“Short Stories: By the Children, For the Children” is a great collection of wonderfully illustrated short stories for children. Written by children, it is relative to kids and can help teach morals and values. These eight easy-to-read fables make great read-alouds in the classroom and short stories to read together at bedtime. Stories include themes of inclusion, courage, learning and exploring, and the lesson to never give up. Give the gift of values to any child.

“Short Stories: By the Children, For the Children” is available at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

For more information on the authors Eva and Amaira Deotale, please visit their website here.

Jan13

Interview with Valerie Anne Hudson

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One of my favorite books I read in 5th grade was called “Half Magic” by Edward Eager. I think it’s one of the books that drew me into fantasy as a kid. So, I’ve always been intrigued by wishing magic stories. I think I’ve found a great one to read aloud to your class or have your youngster dive into during this pandemic. Reading is such a great escape and distraction, as well as building literary skills. I think I’ve been doing more reading since the lockdowns started back in March 2020. So, this is the perfect new release to treat your class or child at the start of 2021.

Valerie Anne Hudson is the author of the new children’s fantasy book, “Watch What You Wish For”.

I’d like to introduce you to the author, Valerie Anne Hudson. She’s written the book involving wish magic called “Watch What You Wish For”. I had the chance to ask her about her reading inspirations as a child, writing routines and helpful methods, and all sorts of interesting facts on her process for writing her book.

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Valerie Anne Hudson: The sudden realization that I could read ‘grown up’ books.  I vividly remember having absolutely nothing to read one day. Out of desperation, I took one of my parents’ books off the bookshelf – it was a Readers’ Digest containing a variety of condensed novels.  I devoured the contents, and was so proud of myself!

2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Valerie Anne Hudson: As a child my favorite author was Louisa May Alcott.  I still have my original dog-eared copy of “Little Women.” I must have read that book dozens of times over the years. What a superb achievement, to write a book that’s still enjoyable and relatable 150 years later.

3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Valerie Anne Hudson: I write for 4 or 5 hours a day, which is easy for me now that I’m retired. I’m truly fortunate to be able to do that!

4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Valerie Anne Hudson: At the moment I’m focused on fantasy:  the paranormal and the supernatural, and I write for children. I hope that my writing evolves, though, and would like to attempt something for adults in the future.

5) How has your day job/career prepared you to be a writer?

Valerie Anne Hudson: I taught school for 25 years, so there’s lots of writing involved there. I taught grades 4 to 6 for many of those years, and always loved teaching English and creative writing.


6) Why are you drawn to writing fantasy and about the paranormal?

Valerie Anne Hudson: An overactive imagination! I’m a huge Stephen King and Dean Koontz fan, along with JK Rowling, of course.  Such great escapism!


7) What activities do you do to help with the creative writing process?

Valerie Anne Hudson: I’m always on the alert for potential plots or scenes for upcoming stories. It’s amazing how many ideas you can get from real life news stories – truth is always stranger than fiction, as they say. Also, I try and read other people’s books as much as I can. All types and genres.


8) How did you get the idea for the “Wishing Tree” in your book, “Watch What You Wish For”?

Valerie Anne Hudson: I was thinking, what if you made a wish that actually came true? And what if you regretted making that wish and wanted to take it back? Then I started researching wishing wells and the stories associated with them, and discovered that there are actually wishing trees in some parts of the world. A tree seemed like it could be more dramatic than a well, so that’s how the idea blossomed.


9) Is the town of Mariposa a real town? If yes, why did you choose it? If no, was it inspired by a real town and which one?

Valerie Anne Hudson: Mariposa is a fictional Canadian town originally created by renowned author Stephen Leacock. Although he denied it, it was actually based on the town of Orillia, Ontario, which is where I live. I’ve changed the layout of the town and its surroundings around a fair bit in my story, so it wouldn’t have been fair to call it Orillia. Mariposa seemed like a good alternative choice.

10) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Valerie Anne Hudson: The desire to entertain my readers with sheer, delightful escapism!

Released on Jan. 8, 2021

“Watch What You Wish For” isn’t your normal fairy tale. 12-year-old Sophie isn’t happy about moving to the small town of Mariposa. She misses the big city, but luckily finds some friends also in the 7th grade. Their adventures lead to the discovery of an ancient Wishing Tree. They find the secret to unleash an evil power connected to the towns shadowy past. People start to go missing as lives turn upside down. Faced with the need to try to get things back to the way they were, our heroes embark on a journey that leads to self-discovery and friendship.

“Watch What You Wish For” is available at Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information on Valerie Anne Hudson, visit her website here.

Jan11

Interview with Wolf Cub Chlo

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With the first interview and book recommendation of this New Year, I thought all of us could use a good laugh. Not only have I found a book likely to make you smile, but also it will guide you into reading and how to tell jokes to brighten up your family’s day.

Wolf Cub Chlo is the author of the children’s joke book, “Once ‘a pun’ a Time: A Guide to reading and telling jokes”.

Wolf Cub Chlo is a child author that loves to tell a good joke. So much, she’s written a book about it. There’s nothing like a child giving insight to something that can make us all feel much better. What a great gift this little cub has given us all in her book, “Once ‘a pun’ a Time: A Guide to reading and telling jokes”. I had a chance to talk with Wolf Cub Chlo about why she writes, what she loves about reading and writing, and what future projects she is planning.

  1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us why you wanted to write your book, “Once ‘a pun’ a Time”?

Wolf Cub Chlo: Hi! My name is Chloé, but I write all my books under the name Wolf Cub Chlo, and I’m 6 years old. I like to think of silly words and create stories around a simple word. But, for my book, I turned those silly words into jokes.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Wolf Cub Chlo: For my next project, I would like to write silly stories using sight words to help other kids learn to read while having fun. I want it to be a series like Bob books. I really love those books too.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Wolf Cub Chlo: To me, writing is a way to relax and bring a smile to my face. Just like coloring.

“Once ‘a pun’ a Time” is a book that is medicine to help you heal others through laughter. Laughter is something people need in their daily lives. Jokes are one way people can support each other during these difficult times during COVID lockdowns. Learn tips and tricks on how to tell and write your own jokes. Share laughter with friends and family through video conferencing and help others heal. Remember, we’ll all get through this together.

“Once ‘a pun’ at Time” is available from Amazon.com as a Kindle edition.

For more information on Wolf Cub Chlo, visit her website here.

Dec14

Interview with Leslie Dangerfield

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I love dog and cat books. They are so uplifting during these trying times. I think I’ve found a memorable one to share with your family or classroom. Leslie Dangerfield grew up in the Bronx, and uses her real life experiences to develop her story ideas. Her debut children’s book, “Fernando the Bodega Cat”, highlights diversity and inclusion through daily encounters with a NYC bodega cat. I had the chance to ask Leslie about her childhood reading memories, writing routine, and what future projects she has in store for us.

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Leslie Dangerfield: My favorite memory from reading as a child would probably be reading books with my grandmother. She would share her favorite books with me, and we would read it together. She would even read a few pages aloud to me every night. Sometimes if the books were really good, I would read ahead. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, so I would still act surprised when we read it together.

2) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Leslie Dangerfield: I’ve come to accept that my writing routine is no routine. My life is very demanding, and as much as I’ve tried to adhere to a routine, it never happens. However, I’ve learned to get creative in order to stay consistent. I use platforms like social media to share short stories from my phone, and in turn I build on that later for a new project. I’ve also even gone as far as recording myself telling a story and having it transcribed, and then going back and revising it until I’m satisfied. The times of dedicating hours at a computer to write are a luxury many people don’t have anymore. Fortunately, due to all the amazing technology we have access to, you can write from anywhere at any time.

3) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Leslie Dangerfield: I have a few different children’s projects lined up that all include aspects of city life, a diverse range of protagonists tackling real issues that children deal with on a daily basis. Kids today are dealing with so much more than my generation did, and so much of it is unsung. I also have plans for a few YA and adult projects. Hopefully, this is just the beginning.

“Fernando the Bodega Cat” is a story that brings you into the heart of many New York City neighborhoods, a bodega store. Found throughout NYC, bodega stores are often the heart of the neighborhood, and can be the meeting of languages, cultures, and highlight the diversity of every neighborhood. Seen through the eyes of a cat, you will get to know all his neighbors and the neighborhood. With Fernando as your guide, learn how differences and diversity is prized and respected, and how everyone can share common interests with their fellow neighbors.

Recommended for children 3-8.

“Fernando the Bodega Cat” is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information about Leslie Dangerfield, please visit her website here.