Tag Archives: children’s author interview

Jul14

Interview with Harvey L. Frierson Jr. Part 3

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I’m happy to present the third part of my interview series with Harvey L. Frierson Jr. He is a songwriter instilling family values as his message within his books. It all started as a way to entertain and teach his niece, but it is becoming a literary legacy that will help future generations. I got to ask Harvey about his book soundtrack, the coloring book edition of “My Big Sister is the Best”, and the other editions of the book.

  1. Why did you decide to write the single “Sleepy Time” and a sing-along soundtrack?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: I wrote all the songs for my (2) month old niece Juliet, my brother and my sister-in-law Kim, so they have songs to sing along to at night.

  • You have some other editions of the book, like audio and translations into other languages. Can you tell us a little about them?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: Children sing along with anything, so I gave my niece a sneaky language course. When Juliet grows up, she will be singing about her childhood memories in Mandarin, Spanish, French and English with ease.

  • Why did you decide to create a coloring book edition?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: As Juliet grows; hopefully it will keep her interest in coloring and learning months from now. (lol) The coloring books reinforce our family values by telling stories that support my brother and his wife’s interest in teaching family values to my niece. I am just trying to do my uncle part. To be the best of her uncles. I have good competition, but I have coloring books and animation to entertain my niece. I am sure to make her laugh the most.

“Sleepy Time”, the sing-along audio track that accompanies the book “My Big Sister is the Best”, is available at Spotify in Mandarin, Spanish and soon in French and English.

A video is also available on YouTube with several of the songs from the “My Big Sister is the Best” soundtrack in English and the book, “I Love to Wave” in English and Spanish.

For more information on Harvey L. Frierson Jr., please visit his website here.

To read part 1 of Harvey L. Frierson’s Jr. interview, link here.

To read part 2 of Harvey L. Frierson’s Jr. interview, link here.

Jul3

Interview with Andrea Witt

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Sometimes you come along and find a great book series you just have to share. “The Woes of a Ginger Named Red” series deals with problems children need to hear about from a diverse voice. Real world problems are all brought to light in this heart-felt series written by Andrea Witt. Ginger is dealing with a seizure disorder, the medications, moving, and adapting to a new home. I was lucky enough to interview Andrea Witt, and asked her about memories from reading as a kid, her favorite authors and how they influenced her, and what writing means to her.

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

Andrea Witt: I used to be “dragged” to flea markets. I couldn’t stand it until I realized flea markets were full of books. I started collecting change from around the house to use to buy books. I started looking forward to going so I could find new books to read. The books I bought were used and I could get 4 for $1! Other people’s discards were my treasures and I bought many books I would have never had the opportunity to read had I not been “dragged to” those flea markets every weekend!

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

Andrea Witt: As a small child, my favorite author was Dr. Seuss. I loved the silliness he added to each story. The rhyming aspect made them fun to read and I used to challenge myself to read them really fast since many of them were like tongue twisters. As I grew a bit older, Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary were among my favorite authors.

3) What is writing to you in one sentence?


Andrea Witt: Writing is the compilation of my thoughts, feelings, memories and imagination combined into a foundation that breeds new thoughts, feelings, memories, and imagination for its readers.

“The Woes of a Ginger Named Red–Book 1: The Move” is told from the perspective of nine-year-old Ginger. She has a mild seizure disorder. Although her seizures don’t happen very often, they are huge to her. Because of the seizures, Ginger is on medications that stunt her growth and make her feel like an outsider. When her mom announces that they’re going to move to a new home in the country, Ginger starts to panic about encountering bullies at her new school. Will Ginger crumble under the pressure of the move, or will she be able to learn to love her new home?

“The Woes of a Ginger Named Red–Book 1: The Move” is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Powell’s Books, Books a Million, Target, and many other retailers.

For more information on Andrea Witt, please visit her Amazon Author page here.

Jun27

Interview with Harvey L. Frierson Jr. Part 2

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The Coloring Book edition for “My Big Sister is the Best” is releasing Summer 2021.

I’m happy to announce more of an exclusive interview with Harvey L. Frierson Junior. I’m featuring him in a three part interview to talk more about his upcoming projects, and the coloring book edition of his book, “My Big Sister is the Best”. He has experience as a songwriter, and is putting his talent into these darling books to impress his niece as she gets older. She is lucky to have an uncle such as Harvey.

Here is part two of my interview with Harvey L. Frierson Jr:

  • What books influenced you as a child?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: I had a huge collection of Black History comic books that told stories of Black educators and heroes in action.

  • What future projects do you have in the mix currently?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: In the future I plan to write Si-Fi adventures that my niece Juliet and her big sister Olivia will like and learn family values. There is also an upcoming coloring book for “My Big Sister is the Best” and a sing along soundtrack. The single, “Sleepy Time” is available now on Spotify.

  • Why have you decided to change from songwriting to writing books?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: Writing books is not as a commercial concern as when I first started my songwriting career. So, I am having nothing but fun, and hopefully steering my nieces into enjoyable reading and family values.

“My Big Sister is the Best” is a book of a little sister telling the story about her big sister, Olivia. Told through the adventure of making cupcakes, it shows the love and bonding between two sisters growing up.

“My Big Sister is the Best” is available at Barnes and Noble.com.

The coloring book edition of this book will release during the summer of 2021.

Check out an example of the song “Sleepy Time” in Mandarin on YouTube.

For more information on Harvey L. Frierson Jr., please visit his website link here.

For part 1 in this interview series, link here.

For part 3 in this interview series, link here.

Jun22

Interview with Harvey L. Frierson Jr. Part 1

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You might be looking for books to read this summer that reinforce family values. I’ve found a great author that has a collection of picture books that touches on this subject.

Harvey L. Frierson. Jr. has been a hit songwriter for musical icons such as Mary J. Blige and New Edition. Now, he finds his most current audience could be his most rewarding yet, his three-month-old niece and the next generation. With books like “My Big Sister is the Best” and “I Love to Wave”, Harvey L. Frierson Jr. is using his talent to bring social skills and values to children. I had the chance to ask him about his childhood reading memories, writing routine, and what writing means to him.

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

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: When I was a child, I had a collection of Batman stories that you read along with a 45” inch “action” recording. LOL

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

Harvey L. Frierson Jr:  My writing routine is talking to my brother about what my niece JJ is doing, and then writing a story hoping she will be impressed.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr:  Writings are messages for my children, nieces and nephews to appeal to their family values.

“I Love to Wave” is a story about a girl coping with the new pandemic social norms. Hunter loves to wave, but finds it difficult in this new world of mask wearing, social distancing and virtual school. Through the help of her parents and school teachers, they model how Hunter can stay safe and continue to be kind to people.

“I Love to Wave” is available at Barnes and Noble.com.

Audiobook Spanish edition link here.

Audiobook English edition will be available on July 4th.

For more information on Harvey L. Frierson Jr., please visit his website here.

Part 2 in this interview series is available on June 27th.

Part 3 in this interview series is available on July 14th.

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.

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.

Mar21

Interview with Lia Ginno

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I always like to look high and low for new, interesting children’s authors. I really do love it when I find a new children’s fantasy author. She has a background in children’s development that gives her books that extra insight to support children.

Let me introduce you to Lia Ginno. Her unique, fantasy books deal with characters struggling to fit into normal and realizing often that they are fine the way they are. Her newest picture book, “Turmeric and Magic”, deals with a dragon trying to find her magic.

I had the chance to talk with Lia Ginno about her childhood reading, favorite author, and what writing means to her.

What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Lia Ginno:  I loved going into another world.

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

Lia Ginno: I loved Enid Byton’s, Secret Seven series and Famous Five series. I think I was at an age when I could imagine such adventures with friends. I remember I had a group of friends and an old tumbledown building as our headquarters for a ‘secret club.’ Unfortunately we never ‘lived’ the adventures in the books, but we all read them. They inspired my imagination and the first book and a play, I ever wrote, was when I was twelve. Also, a local reporter in an interview compared my first Legend book to one of EB’s books. So, she had more of an influence than I realized.

What is writing to you in one sentence?

Lia Ginno: A book is a dream you hold in your hand as imagination, problem solves, and creates everything on earth.

“Turmeric and Magic” is a picture book that deals with the diversity in all of us. Tumeric is different from other dragons. She cannot fly and is allergic to fire and smoke. She dreams to be like other dragons. Being an avid reader, she discovers that there is a book that will teach you magic if you are determined to find it. She begins a journey to find the book. Will following her dreams lead her to the book? Can it help her magic to appear? This delightfully illustrated picture book will enchant and help children explore their unique differences that can turn into inner strength.

“Turmeric and Magic” is available at Amazon.com. This book is a Kindle Unlimited title. Links to Amazon.co.uk Kindle sales here.

For more information on Lia Ginno, visit her at her FB page here.

Mar20

Interview for Kevin Asla

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Kevin Asla is the author of the new picture book, “When Fitch Lost Summer”.

If you have a child that loves fantasy, look no further. I’d like to introduce you to Kevin Asla. He’s a children’s picture book author that illustrates and writes his own books. He grew up in London surrounded by his mother’s books. Having studied under an ex-Disney illustrator, he wishes to bring what he has learned to his work. His new book, “When Fitch Lost Summer” reflects the magic he brings into his books as the illustrator and writer.

I had the chance to talk to Kevin Asla about his reading memories, favorite authors, and what future projects he has in store for us.

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

Kevin Asla: My mother would get me books every day, so it’s hard to pick a favourite moment.


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

Kevin Asla: My influence comes more from the storytelling found in video games like Spyro the Dragon.


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

Kevin Asla: I tend to write stories by primarily using storyboards and refining dialogue once the main action of the scene has been set up. I have the whole stories skeleton pretty much clear in my head and then storyboard chunks, a few pages at a time, with some place holder dialogue and then go back in and lock down the words.


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

Kevin Asla: I am currently finishing the “When Fitch Lost Summer” series, but after that, I would like to write a more educational book about Vikings.

5) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Kevin Asla: Writing is story-telling, presenting viewers with a fantasy and hope they enjoy it.

“When Fitch Lost Summer” is a charming fantasy about a Fox looking for a Lost World of Summer. Fox wakes up in the mysterious Land of Autumn. Where did Summer go? Fitch sets off to look for Summer. Along the way, he encounters new friends and strange, magical things. But will it be enough to get him back to Summer?

“When Fitch Lost Summer” is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

Ebooks are also available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information on Kevin Asla, please visit his website at kevinasla.com.

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Jan21

Interview for Tracy Clinton

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With all this time at home, it may be hard to teach social skills or even reorganize some kind of normal for your family. I have found a fabulous author that might be able to help.

Tracy Clinton is the author of the children’s book, “Miss Tracy’s, I Need Screen Time”.

Tracy Clinton is a parenting coach with many years experience. Combined with her teaching background, she has come up with a fabulous new way to teach skills for growing up. Through literature, children and parents work together to teach new life skills. In her first book, “Miss Tracy’s, I Need Screen Time”, she has written a story that will teach a successful way to help your child balance their chores with their screen time.

I had the chance to chat with Tracy Clinton about her childhood reading memories, favorite author and influences, and what writing means to her.

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

Tracy Clinton: In kindergarten, my school library had a treehouse built inside that went all the way up to the ceiling. It was full of pillows and it felt huge at the time. Once a week the teachers would pair us up with an older child that would read to us and that’s when we could climb up into that glorious treehouse. It felt so magical, to listen to fairytales and feel like I was living in one at the same time.

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

Tracy Clinton: When it comes to children’s books, I would have to say, Marcus Pfister. The Rainbow Fish was my favorite book as a child. Not only was it shiny and beautiful, but it taught an amazing lesson about finding joy in giving. I feel that it’s important to teach children lessons that will benefit them throughout their lives. Using children’s books is a great way to send them positive messages that will stick with them forever.

3) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Tracy Clinton: Writing is creating alternate worlds, so others can find lessons and joy in them.

“Miss Tracy’s, I Need Screen Time!” is a book designed to be read with your child to help introduce the use of time allowance charts. Tristan doesn’t like doing his chores. He wants to spend all his time playing video games and watching videos. His mom is frustrated, and takes away his screen time. Tristan is super upset, and makes a wish for his screen time back. Suddenly, Miss Tracy appears. Will Tristan be able to follow what task he must do to get his screen time back?

“Miss Tracy’s, I Need Screen Time!” is available at Amazon.com.

For more information on Tracy Clinton, visit her author’s page here.