Tag Archives: children’s book author

Jul23

Interview with Freddie Bell

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With the little ones stuck inside, I’ve been on the search for activity adventures through books. It’s the safe way to spend the summer, and can be enjoyed in any backyard or camping trip. My newest discovery is the picture book, “Mya, the Amazing Girl with Magical Hair, Rides Her Bike” written by author Freddie Bell. I had a chance to interview Freddie about his childhood reading memories, writing routine, favorite authors, and what he has in store for future projects.

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

Freddie Bell: My favorite memory reading as a child came after I read an adventure book and tried to convince my neighborhood friends to go on an overnight adventure with me. (We were seven years old at the time.)

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

Freddie Bell: James Patterson, I love the character development and plot twists.

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

Freddie Bell: I write constantly. Any situation can spark an idea.

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

Freddie Bell: Space Travel, Entrepreneurship, and Empathy. You can throw a little comedy in there as well.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Freddie Bell: Fun!MYARidesHerBikeCVR

“Mya, the Amazing Girl with Magical Hair, Rides Her Bike” takes you on a daring, magical adventure. Written by Freddie Bell and illustrated by Aria Jones, this picture book will sweep you into another world of fantasy adventure. It’s available at Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title.

 

 

Jul21

Interview with Elizabeth M. Reinhart

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Elizabeth M. Reinhart is the author of the picture book, “The Fox Who Chased the Sky.”

Growing up in the West Virginia hills inspired the stories of my next summer reading find. Elizabeth M. Reinhart uses memories of her youth and the beauty of her home to create a fantastical world for her character, the Little Fox. In her book, “The Fox Who Chased the Sky”, the author brings nature and a playful fox into the safe haven of home. I had a chance to talk to Elizabeth about her childhood memories, advice for aspiring writers, and what she has next in store for us.

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: It’s funny, because no amount of words can truly capture the feelings that these memories have for me. Times were not always easy for us back then, financially or emotionally. Reading before bed became a little cocoon of time when we could all be transported into other worlds with a sense of security. My brothers and I heaped onto our parents’ bed while our mom patiently read each book that we picked out and I cherish that time so much. Once I began to read on my own, I read voraciously. I consumed as many words as I could, and still do today! I credit our mom for passing on that love of reading and writing.
2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: It’s difficult to choose, but I think Kenneth Grahame. Wind in the Willows fascinated me as a child. I understood that his writing was for children (it had all the hallmarks of whimsical characters and adventure), but in my heart I also felt that he treated us as “grown ups”. Sure, I LOVED Little Golden Books and Dr. Seuss, but there was just something about reading Grahame’s words and knowing that he respected the reader enough not to simplify it. Books like Wind in the Willows taught me to be curious about language, which in turn led to a love affair with words.

3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: The first book in my series was written at 4:30 in the morning on my front porch after having a very sudden surge of creativity as I awoke. For me, it strikes unexpectedly, so I am always prepared to write notes wherever I am. As a children’s book author, I find that the challenge is to pack a lot of punch in a short amount of text. To successfully accomplish this, I rely heavily on imagery – which means that I daydream … a lot! I try to be open to creative influence whatever I am doing.

4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: For now, I am very focused on the “Little Fox” series that I have been developing over the past 3 years. My illustrator, Aleksandra Bobrek, and I have about 4 books planned so far in this series and we are also focusing on a line of merchandise. We would love to really make this world come alive for readers who fall in love with him.

5) What other books do you have planned in the “Little Fox” series?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: I’m really excited about our plans for the Little Fox series. “The Fox Who Chased the Sky” is book 1 in the series and focuses on themes of self-discovery and establishing friendships. Book 2, “The Fox Who Caught a Star” carries on with the characters introduced in book 1 and takes a deeper dive into the concept of what it means to be a friend to another. Book 2 will be available by the end of the summer! I’ve also written a free book which is posted on my website titled, “The Fox and the Last Leaf.” It has not been through the editing and illustration process, but I thought it would be fun to begin to share stories in early stages. I’m all for creating more story time for folks!

6) What adventures playing in the West Virginia hills as a kid have led to scenes in your books?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: So many! My brothers and I rarely played indoors, so our memories are deeply entrenched in nature. We would climb trees, play pretend and run around our several acres of land, play on the swing set while watching the farmland behind us being baled for hay. For me, an interesting point about the illustrations is that Aleksandra (the illustrator) is from Poland. Much of what you see is HER perspective living in Europe as a child – and to me, it is a lovely marriage of memories and culture that makes the final look very special to me. When we collaborate, we try to include special details to both of us. For instance, there are little secret nods to my family in each of the books that Aleksandra has captured – one of which is the violets. They have a very special meaning for me.

7) What advice would you give to “aspiring” writers?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: I think it depends on what the writer wishes to accomplish. To me, writing in and of itself, is freedom. Even if I were not pursuing a business in this field, I would write for the love of it. If that is you, write, write, write to your heart’s content and bare your soul. If you are pursuing a livelihood as a writer, do everything I mentioned before – that never changes! I do encourage everyone to research the business end if you are taking it a step further. There are so many nuances to the business and several pitfalls you want to avoid. I am by no means an expert, but I have learned so much starting up my business. I am always happy to pass what I’ve learned on, so if you need a little advice, please feel free to reach out to me.

8) Do you have any upcoming virtual appearances planned?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: Not quite yet, but I am working on it! I had some local plans set up, but as the situation shifts, I will focus more on virtual appearances. Check in with me on my website http://www.emreinhart.com for updates.

9) Are you planning to write any other types of children’s books after the “Little Fox” series?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: I’m always daydreaming up ideas for stories, and yes, I do have other ideas in mind! If I can gain a strong following, I would like to create two separate series. “Stories from the Dale” (which is where Little Fox lives), and “Stories from Home”, which will focus on lighthearted stories about life in West Virginia. All are children’s books which, I hope, young ones and adults will love!

10) What is writing to you in one sentence?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: Writing, for me, is allowing my true self to come forward, unapologetically.

cover The Fox Who Chased the Sky“The Fox Who Chased the Sky” is a story about self-discovery and friendship through the lens of the character, Little Fox. Inspired by the beautiful West Virginia hills, Little Fox sets out to discover the world around him and learns of kindness and patience when he finds himself in a lonely and confused point in life. This book is not only for young readers, but also for everyone with the “child inside” that still needs an occasional reflection on life lessons.

“The Fox Who Chased the Sky” is available at the author’s website here. For more information on Elizabeth M. Reinhart, please visit her website at: https://www.emreinhart.com/.

 

Jul19

Interview with K.A. Ashton

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K.A. Ashton and her daughter are co-authors of the book, “Smiling Back at You”.

With school opening around the corner, it will be back to schoolbooks, virtual learning and/or some in class interaction. The life lessons will still need to be taught, and I’ve found a great book to help kids deal with believing in yourself and stand up to bullying.

Meet K.A. Ashton. She and her daughter co-authored the book, “Smiling Back at You”. I had a chance to talk with K.A. Ashton about her childhood reading memories, favorite authors, and subjects she’d like to explore as an author. 

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

K.A. Ashton: My Favorite Memory reading as a child was reading mystery books and getting lost in the story!

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

K.A. Ashton: My favorite author was Carolyn Keene who authored the Nancy Drew Series.

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

K.A. Ashton: I would love to write about balancing personal development working through Corporate America.

smilingbackyouCVRpromo“Smiling Back at You” is a book where children can learn to believe in themselves and stand up to bullies. Sugar is learning to deal with the tough things, including bullying. Join her in discovering what it means to enjoy being yourself and find the strength to stand up for whom you are.

“Smiling Back at You” is available at http://publishingadvantagegroup.com/smilingbackatyou/.

 

 

Jul14

Interview with Lucia Matuonto

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Lucia Matuonto is the author of the children’s book, Zoe the Crab.

With the current pandemic, you might be looking for a safer way for your kids to explore areas such as the beach, woods, or parks. A book is a great way to learn about these places without getting exposed. Traveling in books is a great way to still foster learning and enjoy far away places. Zoe the Crab is a beginning chapter book that will take young readers on a journey onto the beaches of Florida. Zoe’s a crab that has to overcome challenges and accept that walking sideways is just another aspect of herself.

The author, Lucia Matuonto, is a children’s physiotherapist that has taught children with motor and cognitive disabilities. She’s written her books to inspire children to use their imagination while incorporating Florida beach fauna. I had a chance to talk to Lucia about her childhood memories, favorite authors, and what writing means to her.

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

Lucia Matuonto: I felt like I was traveling around the world and experiencing different cultures.

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

Lucia Matuonto: My favorite author was Agatha Christie. Her books stimulated my creativity.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Lucia Matuonto: Writing enables me to create stories that combine my experience, philosophy and dreams.

ZoetheCrabCVRZoe the Crab is a delightful beginning chapter book that will take you into the Florida beach environment through the lens of a clever, little crab. She wants to spend most of her time hiding from predators such as snakes and humans. But she faces her fears to go out on adventures. Join her as she faces life challenges of dealing with her siblings, always getting into trouble, and finding her way when lost in this story of accomplishments through determination. Recommended for children 7-12.

Zoe the Crab is available at Amazon.com.

 

Jul8

Interview for Brooke Stevens

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Brooke Stevens is the author of Planet Zero, the third book in the Super Science Squad series.

Summer is a time for freedom and fun. But if you’re looking for something to keep your child engaged in some active learning and support their reading for pleasure learning, here is a great find. The Super Science Squad is a science adventure series that should hook many kids into reading for fun while learning about science. In the new series book, Planet Zero, the squad helps the king of Planet Zero.

The author, Brooke Stevens, has created a fantastic combination of reading and science in her series including fun at home science experiments. I had a chance to interview Brooke about her childhood memories, writing routine, and what writing means to her.

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

Brooke Stevens: I used to love when my mom read me bedtime stories. Story time was uninterrupted bonding time. I used to write and create my own stories and characters. I thought creating books would be a great job when I grew up, and here I am, a published author creating stories for kids all over the world.

2) Do you have a writing routine? What works for you?

Brooke Stevens: I have a little secret that helps me write. The secret is to write a terrible story first. Even a terrible story can have good ideas and trigger creative ideas. When you know it can be terrible, the pressure goes away. It’s amazing how a terrible story can turn into a beautiful story over time.

3) What subject(s) would you like to write about in future projects?

Brooke Stevens: In the future I would love to write about time travel. I have always had a passion for history. I have always wondered what it would be like to visit another time period, so this could be a really fun project. I could bring this dream to life in a story.

PlantZeroCVRPlanet Zero: Book 3 in the Super Science Squad series is an innovative story about kids using real science to help in fun, filled adventures. Join the squad as they help out the king of Planet Zero. Enjoy the fun twists and the real science experiments that you can try at home too. Maybe you can help save the universe with science.

Planet Zero: Super Science Squad Book 3 is available at Amazon.com. This is a Kindle Unlimited title.

 

 

 

 

Jul7

Interview with Eric DeSio

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Eric DeSio is the author of the children’s book, The Social Distance King.

As we head further into summer, families are starting to emerge and take safe holidays. To help you with your quest back into the world, I found a great book to help with some of the new normals that are going to be part of our every day lives for a while.

A new book by author Eric DeSio helps to teach social distancing. It is called The Social Distance King. With school starting in the fall, teachers will also be interested in new class structure introduction books as we all take on dealing with the continued pandemic. This book will help in the quest for educators to find books to introduce these new topics to children.

I had a chance to interview Eric DeSio. He shared his love for story telling, and the need to teach lessons in his books. The Social Distance King by Eric DeSio helps introduce the topic of social distancing to children. In the interview, he shares his childhood reading memories, his favorite authors, and what projects he has in story for us.

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

My favorite childhood reading memory would be reading Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax.  I remember feeling totally immersed in the imaginary world of that book. The characters and scenery were real and alive for me.

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

As a child I would say Dr. Seuss. I enjoyed and continue to enjoy the rhyming and visual presentation. I’m not certain about how Dr. Seuss influenced my writing exactly, but I appreciate that he seems to have lose rules if any. I love the originality of his stories.

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

Often my writing starts with me singing about something. If I’m singing something, then I will usually write about it. And if I write about it, then I usually will start singing about it. I often write about stories or topics that intrigue me and that don’t “go away”. If the story and idea stay with me for a while, then I feel more naturally moved to write about it.

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

Wow. So many but at the same time, there are actually very few specific subjects that I feel I must write about in the future. Recently, for the most part, if I want to write about something, then I write about it. In general, I can say that I would like to write about challenging subjects or subjects that are not often written on. Also, I can see myself writing some non-fiction in the future.

5) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Writing to me is expression, sharing and connection.

social-distance-king-frontThe Social Distance King is a book that introduces the sensitive top of kids and social distancing. It’s a kid-friendly way to introduce them to this new social norm, and to teach them about the reasons for its use to keep them safe.

For a limited time, a FREE copy of this book will be offered through the authors website at: http://ericauthor.com/social-distance-king/.

The Social Distance King is also available as a free Kindle Unlimited title. Printed hardcover copies are also available at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.

May7

Interview with Jenny Wilson

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Jenny Wilson is the author of the children’s fantasy book, The Lighthouse Keeper: A Story of a Soul.

I’m sure you are looking for a great fantasy book for your child to escape into while practicing reading skills. Not to mention, some of their teachers are likely still asking for children to keep up those twenty minutes of silent reading a day (D.E.A.R. Time). I’ve got a fantastic fantasy that will support any Harry Potter fan. The Lighthouse Keeper: A story of a soul takes you to the Vale of Aisenma where a lonely boy realizes that the world around him is full of magic and that he is not alone.

The author, Jenny Wilson, has drawn from her upbringing of growing up in Scotland to bring you a mystical tale. I had the chance to ask her about her childhood reading memories, how she got her story ideas, and what she has in store for us in future projects.

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

Jenny Wilson: I read constantly as a child – I devoured books. One of my earliest memories is making a book called “The Adventures of Teddy” and giving it to my mum. She still has it now, nearly 40 years later!

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

Jenny Wilson: There were so many different authors but the one that stands out for me is Lucy M. Boston. The Children of Green Knowe is one book that I keep coming back to even now. I think I have read it about 30 times now and it is still as fresh and as magical as the first time I came across it. I love how a book can stay with you long after you’ve read it and show you things you hadn’t noticed before. Lucy M. Boston’s writing is enchanting. Words are like spells and a well-written book has the power to transport you to anywhere.

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

Jenny Wilson: My writing routine is just to sit down and do it. Little and often is much better than big long stretches once in a while. If you get into the habit of dedicating a time and a space to do something it becomes automatic.


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

Jenny Wilson: I am working on a prequel to The Lighthouse Keeper at the moment. My aim is to show the world that there is magic all around and within us, and that our thoughts have the power to transform our lives.

5) When did you first become interested in stories about magic?

Jenny Wilson: Well, all stories are magical in some way, if the writer can engage the reader and transport them. So in that sense, for as long as I have been reading! But in terms of magical realism, I love the works of Italo Calvino. He makes the everyday seem extraordinary. I love how changing the way you look at something completely transforms that thing. In this sense, words can be like spells.

6) How did being born and raised in Scotland affect your stories?

Jenny Wilson: I think wherever you are born and raised, your environment will seep into your experience one way or another. Scottish weather is not exactly predictable and lends itself quite nicely to curling up with a good book, which suited me perfectly! There are parts of the country where you can feel the magic in the air as well. One of my favourite parts of Scotland is Stirling and the surrounding countryside. There, when you’re standing up on the top of a hill and looking down below at the rolling fields, you really feel that anything is possible and that you are part of something truly magical.

7) What subjects would you like to explore in your writing?

Jenny Wilson: I want to explore how our thoughts shape the world around us and that we are in charge of our thoughts and, therefore, our worlds. I aim to show how nobody is alone, that even though you may feel wretched and powerless, you are part of something and that if you listen carefully within, you already know what to do.

8) What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Jenny Wilson: To just sit down, take a deep breath and do it! I am very easily distracted and I know how easy it is to let other things take over and seem more urgent than they are. For a while, I had the tidiest cutlery drawer in Europe. Now, I am happy to say, I do some writing every day and my drawer has gone back to being a muddle.

9) Where do you see your writing taking you in five years?

Jenny Wilson: I’m working on the prequel to The Lighthouse Keeper: A story of a soul now and aim to have four more book titles in five years.

10) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Jenny Wilson: Writing is my soul mission.

The Lighthouse Keeper CVRThe Lighthouse Keeper: A story of a soul is a book that can show you how magic is all around, and how it can shape your life. The people of Aisenma live in constant fear. Wolves prowl around the Bay of Sevlow. The storytellers have been banished. But a lone boy discovers his inner magic and goes on a journey to save his home and all the people in Aisenma. Join in this fantasy adventure that will remind you that nobody is ever alone, especially if they have their true inner magic.

The Lighthouse Keeper: A story of a soul is available at: Amazon.com and Amazon.ca.

For more information on Jenny Wilson, visit her website at: Amazon’ Author’s Page.

May6

Interview with Javelin Jaaziel

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Need a perk up for your child’s reading? Here is a spunky book to make the whole family laugh. Javelin Jaaziel is the author behind a fantastic character, Slog the Winged Frog. Javelin got the idea from a hypothetical question that a zany and inspiring Science teacher would often ask. A terrific story to get the imagination sailing, Slog the Winged Frog: Sister’s Surprise begins the series with this loving and endearing character. I had a chance to talk to Javelin Jaaziel about the love of writing, memories of reading as a child, and what projects are in store for us. 

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

Javelin Jaaziel: When I discovered the little girls next door were fake reading. They read a line in a picture book “black and white ducks”, when really it read “white and black ducks”, but they had memorized it incorrectly. 

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

Javelin Jaaziel: More about Slog and his continued attempts to fly, and another story that’s still under wraps. Also something about ocean thermal energy conversion and it’s many potentials, including its ability to end the devastating effects of droughts and hurricanes.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Javelin Jaaziel: A creative outlet, and a way to express ideas.

Slog the Winged FrogSlog the Winged Frog: Sister’s Surprise is the introduction to the lovable frog character of Slog. He lives in a normal swamp with normal friends. But Slog is no ordinary frog. He has wings. Yet, he doesn’t know how to fly. In his search for the answer, he meets Hooty the Owl and Squiggly Squirrel. Does he find the courage to fly? Find out in this delightful story that combines humor and acceptance into a new spin on the Dumbo theme.

 

Slog the Winged Frog: Sister’s Surprise is available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

 

 

 

Apr19

Interview with Martika Shanel

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Martika Shanel has written the inspirational picture book, I Am Loved & I Love Me

I’m still working hard to find helpful, supportive books for children during these crazy times. As a parent, one thing you might be searching for is a supportive book for your child’s mental well-being during the stress of the outbreak. I think I found something that can help.

I’ve located a marvelous book by author, Martika Shanel. She’s written a book to inspire youth to look inside themselves for love and acceptance. I Am Loved & I Love Me is a picture book that helps build an essential foundation at an early age and to help them build self-love with positive affirmations. I had the chance to talk with Martika about her childhood memories, what she has planned for future projects, and what writing means to her.

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

Martika Shanel: Getting to escape to other worlds is my favorite memory from reading as a child. And I enjoyed the fact that the selection of those worlds were endless–a remarkable concept to embrace at that time. I remember the library being my solace.

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

Martika Shanel: In the future, I would like to write books that help children build and solidify their foundation of self-love and acceptance at various stages of their formative years, even into adulthood. An outlier subject, for me, is writing a thriller novel that I have yet to mentally release (I cannot wait to get started!).

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Martika Shanel: Writing is a liberating medium, allowing one to release thoughts and move others in a multitude of directions.

I Am Final CoverI Am Loved & I Love Me helps promote positive affirmations with children. With uplifting talk and beautiful illustrations, this book will reinforce the significance of talking positive about oneself and looking towards your own inner beauty. This would make a great daily affirmation routine for any child during these uncertain times.

I Am Loved & I Love Me is available at https://www.insparead.com/merch.

For more information on Martika Shanel, visit her website at: www.martikashanel.com.