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Sunday, November 27, 2011

Michael Hebler Shares His New Children's Book, The Night After Christmas

Hello, my name is Michael Hebler and I am a Southern California native, specifically from Orange County.  Until my mid-20's, the only goal in my life was to become an actor.  As a child, I would constantly put together performances and coerce other neighborhood children to join me in entertaining and being creative.  I played a part in everything from being the managing director of our own amusement park in the backyard (done with big wheels and Radio Flyer wagons) to directing and performing song and dance numbers from the 1980's cult classic musical, The Pirate Movie.  You might think I had "short-man's complex" if I had been short, but always being slightly taller than the others my age, I think I fell into the category of "control freak" or "director".
Once I entered high school, I put the wagons and big wheels up for sale in the yard and placed the performances on a real stage with people who were much more willing to play with me.  It was in high school that I also dabbled in short story writing, but that was merely something to pass the time in a classroom where I had trouble paying attention.  It was in my senior year that our theatre teacher decided to let the students write a one-act play for an original play festival.  I had very excitedly and enthusiastically picked one of the gatrillion ideas bouncing around inside my head and put it to paper.  The teacher along with a select few students (one of which is now a famous film director) formed a judging committee and picked the top 10 student written one-acts… mine was not picked.  Although devastated, I told myself it would be okay because I did not really want to write, but to perform, and put away the pen and paper...
…But only until college.  As expected, I majored in theatre arts at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa.  Original one-act play festivals were as regular as Hollywood award shows, and it did not take long for me to try my hand at writing again.  I wrote a very dark comedy one-act about a dysfunctional family called, Meet the Waldorfs that received a standing ovation.  I would have to pinpoint this moment as the first in my life where I actually considered doing something other than acting.  The euphoria of having a group of people enjoy something that I had written was more powerful than any applause I received as a performer.  However, wanting to become an actor for so much of my life, this would not be an easy transition.
Being swallowed up by the theatre and spending as much time with my "second" family as possible, I ended up spending 5-years at a 2-year college, and in that time I fine-tuned my craft by writing many more one-act plays, but it was a small piece that I wrote for children's Christmas variety show that changed my life.  I was included in a cast who also doubled as the show runners.  Together, we picked skits, vignettes and music for the show.  It was suggested that we end the play with a reciting of The Night Before Christmas, which would have been very appropriate.  But then I chimed in and suggested since "A Visit from St. Nicholas" was introducing Santa Claus, why not open with that and then close with a similar piece called The Night AFTER Christmas, about Santa returning home.  Of course, the poem needed to pass this new committee, but I was given the green light to write it.
I wrote The Night After Christmas in September 1993, while coming down the mountain from a weekend leadership retreat in Lake Arrowhead.  Being the beginning of fall, the leaves were changing colors (which is difficult to come by in California) and it gave me great inspiration, so much so, that I found it difficult to pay attention to the leadership seminars and started constructing ideas for the story in my head.  Sound familiar?
It felt like déjà vu all over again when I presented the poem to the committee, but this time, it passed with flying colors.  We recited The Night After Christmas in the Christmas Variety Show and after each performance, parents would come up to me and tell me that if my poem ever became a children's book, they would rush out and get a copy.  And that was the first moment that I wanted to become a published author.
Although, as many people can attest, life does not guide you in the direction you think it should go, but sometimes, it's only a slight detour, which happens to be my case.  My detour was becoming an international publicist for feature films; however, I believe this was always the path I was meant to take because being an author (whether self-published or traditionally published), having the publicity and marketing knowhow have become extremely important.  I became a victim of our second great depression; however, it turned out to be one of the best tragedies that I could have happened to me as I would probably still be wrangling journalists and dealing with per-snippety A-list talent.  Now, I can say that I am a published author.
By the way, I no longer wish to be an actor.
Tell us about the genre of your work.
The Night After Christmas is my first foray into children's literature; however, this is not my only genre.  I have just started publishing a western/horror series based on the legendary creature, el chupacabra.  But as for children's literature, I can say that, for me, it is more challenging and gratifying as I am not only telling a story with words, but with illustrations as well.  Do not get me wrong, writing the series is challenging too and has its own rewards, but there is a much larger level of creativity behind children's picture books because it goes beyond black and white.  There are so many more components to writing a picture book than to writing a novel; I consider children's literature to be more of a "project.”  This might have something to do with the face that I cannot draw anything beyond a stick figure and I am forced to relinquish some of my creative control to my illustrator, Anita Driessen, whom I trust whole-heartedly.
Why did you choose this genre?
Even though The Night After Christmas is my very first publication, I do not consider children's literature to be my primary genre.  The aforementioned western/horror series for adult readers is my primary genre; however, since I enjoyed working on The Night After Christmas so much, and I have a fantastic illustrator, Anita Driessen, at my fingertips, we have decided to another children's picture book together and possibly a third.  I guess you could say that I did not choose this genre, but that it chose me.  Cliché, I know, but accurate.
What are some of your books, stories that have been published?
Well, as for children's literature, The Night After Christmas is my one and only and is available in both print and digital download.  I do have two publications in my Chupacabra series thus far, Night of the Chupacabra, which is Book I and Hunt for the Chupacabra, which is a short story that leads up to the events of Book I and is a free download.  Hunt is only available as a digital download where Night has been published in both print and digital formats.  I also have two more publications that will be available soon, Book II in the Chupacabra series, Curse of the Chupacabra and my second picture book that will teach children the origins of Halloween and why we celebrate that holiday.  I still have not decided on a title for this second picture book, but it will most likely become available sometime around August 2012, and it will be available in both traditional print and digital formats.
What ages do you direct your books?
The Christmas Variety Show we did back in college was performed for audience members between the ages of one and Up, so it is the same for The Night After Christmas.  I really do consider it a story for believers of any age.
The Chupacabra Series would be ideal for Teenagers and up.  There are some violent scenes, of course, and some mild language, but no sexual situations.  I am not opposed to detailed intimacy if it is warranted, but it has not been warranted just yet.  Although it is a horror series, the heart of the stories really center on family and lost love.  They are quite eclectic tales and very fun, rollercoaster reads, I think.  They are what I would pick up to read.
Would you tell us more about your books?
The Night After Christmas extends the Clement C. Moore tale as Santa returns to the North Pole, where his family and friends await, after completing his busiest night of the year.  It is available at http://www.thenightafterchristmas.net/.  It is also currently available at http://www.amazon.com/ (Print & Kindle); http://www.amazon.co.uk/ (Print & Kindle), http://www.amazon.ca/; http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ (Print & Nook); http://www.buy.com/; http://www.amazon.fr/; http://www.amazon.jp/; http://www.amazon.it/; http://www.amazon.de/ (Print & Kindle); iTunes, and many other online retailers including Sony Reader.  Print ISBN: 978-0-6153-9525-8 / Digital ISBN: 978-1-4581-0546-2
Hunt for the Chupacabra follows a retired Confederate tracker in pursuit of the elusive and legendary creature for some well-deserved revenge.  It is available for digital download only at iTunes, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ (Print & Nook) and many other e-readers at http://www.smashwords.com/ and online book retailers.
Night of the Chupacabra.  There is a creature that lurks in the deserts of the West.  It can only survive on blood and prefers to prey on the weak and the young, but will destroy anything or anyone, when provoked.  It is available at http://www.amazon.com/ (Print & Kindle); http://www.amazon.co.uk/ (Print & Kindle), http://www.amazon.ca/; http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ (Print & Nook); http://www.buy.com/; http://www.amazon.fr/; http://www.amazon.jp/; http://www.amazon.it/; http://www.amazon.de/ (Print & Kindle); iTunes, and many other online retailers including Sony Reader.  Print ISBN: 978-0-9833-8840-1 / Digital ISBN: TBA
Curse of the Chupacabra.  They thought it was luck to be one of the few survivors, but it was a curse.  It will be available sometime this winter 2011/2012 with all the same retailers as Night of the Chupacabra.  Print ISBN: 978-0-9833-8841-8 / Digital ISBN: TBA
Do your books have a teaching objective?  If so, what is it?
Not until my Halloween picture book is released do I feel that I am actually "teaching" anything to anyone; however, that being said, even though The Night After Christmas was written purely for entertainment purposes; I hope children will discover the subtle message of not jumping to conclusions and to always be optimistic.
My Chupacabra series also have subtle messages from within, but they vary and are not the main concentration of the stories.
How do you come up with the names of places and characters in your books?

Well, don't tell anyone, but the names for The Night After Christmas were already chosen for me, although I do not think I could have ever come up with a better name for Santa Claus.

As for my Chupacabra series, about 80% of the names come from the research I have done in my own family Ancestry.  Genealogy is a big hobby of mine and I thought what better (and easier) way to come up with stacks of names than by honoring the people who made me and my existence possible in the first place.  This was actually a lot of fun to do and I now look forward to needing a new name for a story because it gives me a reason to revisit my genealogy when writing becomes all consuming.  As for the chupacabra itself, it is actually a fairly recent folklore story that dates "about" two decades back.  There has been a lot of debate about what exactly the chupacabra is and there have been theories that range from an animal infected by radiation to an extra-terrestrial pet left behind.  I have my own theory.

How did you develop the character/s in each of your books?

In The Night Before Christmas, the two main characters were Santa and the man of the house.  I really wanted to visit The Night After Christmas from Mrs. Claus's point of view, as I thought her perspective would be fresh and unique.

For the Chupacabra Series, each character was a work-in-progress.  In the transition from acting to writing, I wrote a few screenplays and submitted them into the competition circuit.  The chupacabra series began as a screenplay that did very well by placing as a finalist in most contests.  With some contests, I would also receive feedback.  It was based on this feedback that would continue my development of the characters.

What is your favorite thing about your book/s?
The Night After Christmas’s simplicity and capture of the traditional holiday spirit is what I like most about the picture book.  I wanted to create another timeless classic, and given a little bit more time, I believe that is what I created.  I also love the little back-story of how I found my illustrator as well. 
Believe it or not, it was on Facebook, but I had already known Anita many years prior.  She was a fellow classmate at Orange Coast College whom I had lost contact with over the years, but then "friended" on Facebook.  I never knew she had been a budding illustrator back in college and was surprised to discover so when she posted some random images that she drew on her page, which just so happened to be the style that was perfect for this story.  Therefore, thanks to Facebook, the birth of Print-On-Demand publishing and a lot of patience, The Night After Christmas finally came to fruition.
The world I created for Chupacabra is my favorite aspect for the series.  Additionally, the idea of mixing Western with Horror just elated me, but no story is complete without interesting and unique characters.  I have fallen in love with many of my chupacabra characters, even the not-so-nice ones.  They are probably my favorite.

Is your book illustrated?  If so, would you tell us by whom, and if you worked with an illustrator, can you discuss that experience?
The Night After Christmas is illustrated and has 26 pages of full illustrations.  Working with Anita was fun, easy and a fantastic learning experience for the both of us.  It was nice that we had been friends for years, but there is always that line between friendship and business, and we seemed to cross that line effortlessly.  I would have to say that we had the same mindset about 90% of time and whenever one of us was stumped with a problem, the other would run to their rescue. As I mentioned before, we plan on working together for at least one more project, and I cannot wait to get started.
The series does not have any illustrations beyond the cover, which I did myself using Photoshop.  I may not be able to draw, but I can click.
Are there any problems in getting children’s’ books published?
I self-published The Night After Christmas as well as my non-children's book without even attempting to publish through a publishing house, so I'm afraid I would not know what kind of problems lurk for getting children's books published.  As for self-publishing, although the Print-On-Demand company I used had very specific and precise guidelines that required a lot of attention to detail, I think the biggest hurdle was, and still is, marketing and publicity, which an author would have to still do whether or not they went through a publishing house.
What is your writing schedule?
I write when I am inspired, which is quite often, actually.  I also like having a deadline so as a self-publisher, with nobody setting an end date for me, I give myself one.  This helps keep me focused and on track, and keeps me writing at least a little bit each day, if even for only 15 minutes.
What projects are you working on now, or plan for the future?
I have the Halloween origins story that I have written and am now waiting to start art concepts with my illustrator, Anita.  I am just wrapping up Book Two of my upcoming Chupacabra Series, of which five books are currently planned, along with a few more short story freebies in-between.  I also have an untitled Christmas novel that I had written originally as a screenplay that did even better than Chupacabra in the competition circuit that I am planning to adapt sometime next year.  Finally, I am spinning the wheels on two more children's books based on specific topics:  Birth and Bullying, very important topics that have been getting a lot of attention in the media these days.
What kind of advice or tips do you have for someone who wants to write and get published?
I actually have three bits of advice:  1) Attention to detail, 2) Patience and 3) Flexibility.  I think these are three very important tips for any writer.  I have always been told, "anything worth doing is worth doing well,” so attention to detail is particularly important.  I have a crackpot team of five people who help me critique my work before it is published.  They do everything from typo-s to editing to format.  It is important to not rush through the process.  I know the temptation of gratification of publishing is hard to overcome, but it is extremely important to be taken seriously and to do that, your work needs to be flawless.  So, take your time and make sure the product you want people to pay their hard-earned money for is as polished as what you would want to pay your hard-earned money for.  And be flexible, which is what I probably struggle with the most personally, but there are a lot other people out there with just as good, and sometimes even better ideas.  Really listen to what they have to say.  You do not have to always follow what they suggest, but do not discredit their ideas before you have had the opportunity to analyze it and ask yourself if it is best for your story.
Are there any other comments, advice or tips that you would give to beginning writers?
I would just like to say that always write from the heart and when you can, write from experience.  This is the same advice I received time and time again from instructors, colleagues and mentors, and no truer words have ever been spoken.
Do not give up on your dreams and do not ignore constructive criticism, but know the difference between constructive and damaging comments.
What do you do when you are not writing?
I am geek at heart.  I love playing video games, watching movies and going to see live performances.  Although I no longer wish to become an actor, I have recently been involved in a couple of plays as a favor to my sister, Melissa Cook, who I passed along the acting bug to; however, unlike me, she still carries it proudly and helps run a theatre in Westminster, California.
What “Made It” moments have you experienced in life?
The most recent one was when I had been invited to Handy Elementary School in Orange, California to read The Night After Christmas to multiple classrooms and speak about the importance of reading and writing.  Seeing the children's faces light up as they listened to me read my own story was nothing less than amazing.
Add your web site, blogs, and links here.
"The Night After Christmas" - http://www.thenightafterchristmas.net/ 
Each novel has its own Facebook page as well, which you can find by searching, Night of the Chupacabra, Curse of the Chupacabra, Legend of the Chupacabra (Book III)

Friday, November 25, 2011

Chatting with Debbie Williamson about her Books, Journals of The Big Mouth Bass, Keeping Secrets, and her memoir Stand.

I was born in SLC, Utah. My parents moved to Southern California when I was three and that is where I spent my childhood.  I moved back to Utah when I was sixteen and still live there. I have four children, eleven grand children and four loveable schnauzers. I married the love of my life, Gary Williamson, in October of 2000. I love to read, garden, sail, travel and occasionally give a whack at golfing just so I can remember humility. I frequent Santa Rosa, California, I have grandkids there and I am grateful I can get to them whenever I feel the need to see them. I love the ocean, when I was a teenager I would swim out to meet the dolphins on their daily routine passing by. When I have free time I love to curl up in a corner with a good book and a cup of tea, and indulge. Reading has always been special to me; I love how you can go so many places and never leave your home. Learning is endless when you read.
Tell us about the genre of your work.
Ages eight to eleven is my genre; my main character is nine and will be age eleven at the end of the series. There are older characters as well as younger ones just so all kids can connect with the stories.
Why did you choose this genre?
Most of my experiences that were adventurous happened at the age of nine to eleven in my childhood, along with most of my fears, learning curves and many other lessons.  Journals of The Big Mouth Bass are related to my childhood I took all my stories and elaborated a touch, giggled a lot, and cried a little.
What are some of your books, stories that have been published?
Journals of The Big Mouth Bass, Keeping Secrets, and my memoir Stand.
What ages do you direct your books?
Journals is directed to ages eight to eleven. Kids share the same experiences growing up and I wanted them to know they were not alone in the way they feel.
Can you tell us about your new book?
Journals Of The Big Mouth Bass, Keeping Secrets  ISBN: 9780980123418, Amazon.com
Debbie Bass just celebrated her ninth birthday. While she thought most of the presents were somewhat lame, she loves the journal that her mother gave her. Debbie has always had trouble keeping secrets so she has decided to write all of her secrets in her new journal, addressing every entry to God. She figures that there is a good chance that God will not tell anyone what she is writing! Join the fun as Debbie lives up to her unfortunate nickname and shares the trials and tribulations of growing up. From trying to be more girly (and failing miserably) to exciting adventures with her brother and the neighborhood kids, to facing humiliation at school, Keeping Secrets is a heartwarming, funny, and very real book about growing up female. Kids everywhere are falling head over heels for Debbie, a girl who is as honest about her red hair and freckles, lack of girlfriends, and being picked last for dodge ball as she is about her first crush and the fact that she just cannot keep a secret.
Do your books have a teaching objective?  If so, what is it?
I wanted kids to understand they are not alone in the way they feel, the books are meant to teach kids to like who they are and the way they look, to understand fears, secrets, closet monster, friends, growing up and changing, journal writing and what it can give to you, excepting things in life that you have no control over. Moreover, understanding experiences can always be used for good in life. Last and probably the most difficult lesson is saying goodbye when we lose someone we love. This was an early lesson for me, and one I will never fully understand, but I have learned to except and love for what it is along with the unbearable pain that comes along with it. This memory as a child was terrifying for me and I want kids to know that they are not alone, that all of us have felt this pain and if we have not yet we will before we leave here. Learning to embrace it is a powerful lesson.
How do you come up with the names of places and characters in your books?
They are all from my childhood; each character and place was real for me and still makes me giggle. Finn, Beamer, Bro and Jesse were very real so was chopper.
How did you develop the character/s of your in each of your books (If you have more than one)?
I grow up again along with them and they develop along the way. Each of them is very close to my heart and have very real personalities that are related to multiple friends I had as a child. I sort of mixed them up together and watch them grow and change as I write.  Debbie was easy, she takes after me!
Is there a unique character?
Yes, The Big Mouth Bass, Debbie. She is the main character. She tells her story and relates all of her fears, worries, happiness and experiences as she writes in her journals. Dell, Bro, Beamer, and Finn are also throughout the series, not as prominent as the first book but they are there.
What is your favorite thing about your book/s?
My favorite thing is the trouble that The Sunnyside Gang seems to find. It still makes me smile! The lessons in the books are very important to me. But most of all, I think sharing all the mixed up feelings kids go through. I wanted them to know it was ok to feel the way they do.
Is your book illustrated?  If so, would you tell us by whom, and if you worked with an illustrator, can you discuss that experience?
I was introduced to my illustrator through my editor, Bethany Brown. Tom Rybarczyk, he is wonderful. We started the process with several phone conversations and he not only got me mostly he got my characters and they came alive with his magical pencil. Tom is brilliant, easy to work with and passionate about his work. I am very grateful for his work.
How is writing in the genre you write, different than other genre?
I have to put myself in a nine-year-old frame of mind. It is not only fun but also an experience I hope every adult allows themselves to remember, being nine. It is a fun experience walking down memory lane laughing about the things you used to do and the trouble you got into. This has its own set of issues for me this year. I said goodbye to my love last July after a long battle with cancer. Having a broken heart makes it nearly impossible to find the child within. When I was writing the first two books Gary would sit with me and giggle as we shared the antics in which the Sunnyside Gang found themselves. He was my inspiration in writing Journals and I am searching for that these days. I know he is here with me but it looks and feels different.  When the day comes to write again I know Gary will be there giggling as he always has been.
Are there any problems in getting children’s’ books published? 
Of course, publishing a book as a new author is a beast. Gary researched publishing with me when I had finished my memoir. He found a company, The Cadence Group, online and they assisted me in publishing my first book. I still go to them with new work. My editor, Bethany Brown, is with The Cadence group and I adore and trust her.
Why and when did you begin writing?
I started writing when I was a child, but never seriously until the age of forty when my grandmother told me to write a memoir. It was laughable to think of myself as a writer but something inside me kept nudging and before I knew it, I was writing.  Gary used to tell me writing for kids was my calling; I still get nervous when I give a nine year old a copy of my book.
What is your writing schedule?
Writing and schedule do not fit together in my world. Creativity comes when it is ready and never on demand. Patience is a must and when creativity comes, you go with it. I like to be in a place of beauty when I write, somewhere that will inspire the creativity to keep coming. I take notes on napkins, my mail, whatever is at hand when ideas come. You could be anywhere so being ready is no more than making it work whenever or wherever you happen to be. This inspiration, creativity, messages that come sometimes when you least expect them too could be a book of its own, most embarrassing moments of writing...
What projects are you working on now, or plan for the future?
I am working on the second book of my memoir. It is an emotional journey beyond anything I ever wanted in my life. However, I take it as it comes and try to be thankful for every moment even the heartbreaking ones I would give anything not to have in my life. The love I have had in my life has been such an enormous gift. I will do as I promised myself and finish this book. I also have the last three books of Journals of The Big Mouth Bass to finish, the ideas are in my heart somewhere and I look forward to the day I can write them again.
What kind of advice or tips do you have for someone who wants to write and get published?
Never give up! If you believe in your work, keep moving forward and do not let anyone tell you you are not good enough.
Are there any other comments, advice or tips that you would give to beginning writers?
Do not get caught up in the mechanics of writing so much. Although grammar is important, there are so many wonderful editors out there. Grammar to me it is an afterthought as it is very apparent in my writing. Tell your story, good storytellers are rare and beautiful. Mostly, believe in your work and believe you are worthy of being anything in life you choose to be.
What do you do when you are not writing? 
I travel, work in my garden, read a lot, walk with my schnauzers, visit with my grandkids spend time at the beach, and every now and then I need to go out and remind myself that I stink at golfing.
Anything else you would like to add?
Yes always remember that life is what we make of it so make it fun and full of love. Anything is possible if you believe it to be so.  Love who you are!
What “Made It” moments have you experienced in life?
The most profound "Made It" moment in my life was my marriage to Gary.  The second is watching my grandchildren interact with their parents.  Getting Journals Of The Big Mouth Bass published was a very difficult journey for me. Gary had left this world and I always believed he would be here with me when it was published. I had a dream about my book one night a few months after he was gone. I woke up the next morning and called Amy at The Cadence Group and told her "LETS DO THIS.” Yes it is a "Made It" moment but one filled with mixed emotions. When it becomes a Disney show, I guess I will scream out “MADE IT!!!”
You can find out more about Debbie and what she is doing on the following links:

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Amy Leask Writer of Philosophy for Children Shares Information about Her Books,

Amy tell us about who is the person behind the books. 
I am a bit of a geek.  I read Shakespeare for fun, I think science fiction jokes are hilarious, and I wear t-shirts with clever, but obscure references on them.  Fortunately, being a geek is coming into vogue, and I am lucky enough to work in a profession where I can use my memory for trivia and my love of words, for the forces of good. 
Tell us about the genre of your work. 
My books are nonfiction, and they present philosophy to children.  They are part history, part critical thought, and part activity book.  They are designed to entertain and educate young thinkers, and to hook grown-ups as well.
Why did you choose this genre?
In my case, the subject matter led the way into nonfiction.  When people ask, “What do you do with your degree in philosophy?” I smile and point to these books.  Philosophy lends itself really well to fictional stories and poetry, but it is a pretty cool thing to study on its own too. There is a growing market for a less academic approach to philosophy, and it includes making it accessible to young people. 
What are some of your books, stories that have been published?
Aside from these books, most of my published work has been geared towards adults.  I have published poetry, personal essays and articles.  I deal with many of the same ideas in my children’s books as I do in other genres, and I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of giving them a kid-friendly spin. 
What ages do you direct your books?
Philosophy is a subject that seems to spread itself over a range of ages.  The books are intended for children aged 7-10, but I have had parents tell me that their precocious five and 6-year-olds enjoy having it read to them.  Little kids may not be able to pronounce words like “existentialism” or “categorical imperative,” but they certainly have strong opinions about these ideas.  I have also had adults who have always wanted to know about philosophy tell me it was a fun and interesting introduction to the subject. 
Give a description of each.  Books – title, ISBN and where they can be found. Newest book?
Currently, there are two books available.  The first, Let the Thinking Begin (ISBN 978-0-9868681-0-8), is a general introduction to philosophy.  What Is All This Stuff? (ISBN 978-0-9868681-1-5) is about metaphysics, or theory of reality, and it questions of what humans and the rest of the universe are made.  Upcoming titles will deal with subjects such as knowledge and understanding, ethics, beauty and art, politics, and environmental issues.  I am also finishing a children’s book about robots, which is similarly focused and themed non-fiction.  All of these can be found at http://www.kidsthinkaboutit.com/.
Do your books have a teaching objective?  If so, what is it?
There is a growing movement to introduce philosophy to children, both because it is interesting, and because it is beneficial.  Philosophy encourages children to become aware of important issues, to consider a variety of perspectives, and to develop effective critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.  Philosophy is also effective in character building, and encourages open dialogue between children and adults.  What could be more empowering to a child than participating in a meaningful discussion, and being able to articulate his or her thoughts and opinions clearly?
How do you come up with the names of places and characters in your books?

I am very lucky to be dealing with a subject that boasts thousands of years of history, so there is an awful lot of juicy material from which to choose. The books feature thinkers from around the world, and from throughout history.  I have been careful to include both male and female thinkers as well, to engage little girls in what has traditionally been held to be a male-dominated field.  My narrator, Sophia, was named for the goddess of wisdom, which seemed appropriate.

How did you develop the character/s of your in each of your books (If you have more than one)?

The thinkers featured in the books present some amazing ideas, but they are also pretty colorful in their own right.  I have tried to include some of their quirks and eccentricities because it humanizes them, but also because it is just plain interesting.  Sophia, the narrator, was actually a later addition to the books.  I wanted someone familiar to walk readers through some challenging questions.  Sophia is clever, inquisitive, and has a healthy dose of attitude.  It is funny, but since the books were released, I have met all kinds of real-life “Sophias,” pigtails and all. 

Is there a unique character or a recurring character if you have more than one published or to be published book?

Sophia narrates all of the philosophy books.  In addition to this series, I have another book about Robots that was released in July.  This romp through the world of electronics will be narrated by a robot named Phil.  He is about as adorable as a person made of metal can be.

What is your favorite thing about your books?
I have to admit that I like living vicariously through Sophia.  I was a shy, sensitive little kid, and I love that Sophia is bold and unafraid to ask questions.  I am also proud of the fact that the books are so different from anything else out there.  Reactions to them range from “I never thought to do philosophy with my child” to “Yeah, my son/daughter keeps asking these questions, and I need to know how to approach them.” 
Is your book illustrated?  If so, would you tell us by whom, and if you worked with an illustrator, can you discuss that experience?
I work with an amazing artist named Mark Hughes.  When Mark and I started the project, I sent him home with a manuscript, and what he came up with was exactly what I had had in my head since I first wrote the piece.  Kismet!  Mark has a wonderful, quirky sense of humor, and is able to bring some very abstract ideas to life.  He manages to sneak in nods to adult readers as well.
How is writing in the genre you write, different than other genre?

The line between children’s nonfiction and fiction is, in my opinion, a little fuzzy.  I still have a narrator, I still need to use tricks with language, and I still endeavor to tell an interesting story.  I do, however, have to be a little more careful with my facts.  Because the book is intended to be educational, I also have to keep in mind what a teacher might need in order to use it in the classroom.
Are there any problems in getting children’s’ books published? 
Most definitely.  It is an extremely competitive market, with a very slim profit margin.  I have no illusions about becoming the next J.K. Rowling.  In my opinion, the best way to approach the children’s market is to become educated about the realities of it (some of them are not pretty), and to be as picky with my own work as a potential publisher would be. 
Why and when did you begin writing?
I think I have been doing it since my first sloppy lessons in cursive.  In second grade, I had a poem published as part of a regional collection, and that was it for me.  I suppose I have always written for the same reason everyone else does- it is satisfying to be allowed say one’s piece in a clever way. 
What is your writing schedule?
It varies greatly.  My husband and I run a consulting and educational resource development business, and I am a parent, so writing projects happen whenever I can fit them in.  Years of teaching English taught me to make careful notes and outlines.  I generally have a good idea of where a story is going before I write it, and if all I get is an hour or two, I can still pick up where I left off.  My favorite time to write is late at night, when the house is quiet and distractions are minimal. 
What projects are you working on now, or plan for the future?
There is a stack of projects on the corner of my desk that nags at me constantly.  I would love to tackle new and unusual subjects in children’s nonfiction, and I’m hoping to write parent/teacher guides to accompany the philosophy and robot books.  There are at least a dozen unfinished picture books floating around on my hard drive, as well as a long-suffering novel and a new short story collection.  I get my writing fix on a regular basis by writing for online magazines and blogs.
What kind of advice or tips to you have for someone who wants to write and get published?
Someone once told me that the first million words a writer puts on paper are usually garbage, and I have found this advice to be strangely liberating.  I would say it is very important to acknowledge that writing is not an industry for instant success, and like any craft, it takes years of practice.  The expectation that a story will come out perfectly the first time (or the fiftieth time) is what fuels writer’s block, along with other writing-related neuroses.  So many new writers expect to jot something down, mail it to a publisher and become millionaires, and that just is not the way it works. Writing is joyful work, but it is work, nonetheless.
Are there any other comments, advice or tips that you would give to beginning writers?
Do your homework and read up on the industry.  You would not hire a lawyer who had never studied law, and you would never let an uneducated surgeon operate on you.  If you want to be taken seriously as a writer, you need to learn the lingo, become familiar with protocols, and set your expectations accordingly.
Also, do not be intimidated by new movements and technologies associated with writing and publishing.  More than ever before, there are opportunities to be heard, and to practice your skills.  Social media, blogs and electronic formats can be our friends.  The printed page may be in decline, but words and ideas will never go out of style.
What do you do when you are not writing? 
The business I run helps others to develop educational materials for their clients and students, so there are not very many days when I do not write or edit something.  However, I absolutely love to bake (the more difficult and complicated the recipe, the better).  During the warmer months, (I am Canadian), I like to garden a little. I am also a world-traveler, an avid reader, and a supporter of local arts. 
Anything else you would like to add?
What “Made It” moments have you experienced in life?
  1. A leading role in my school play in grade 8.  It marked the beginning of the end of my gawky, awkward phase, and it reassured me that I was sufficiently cool to just be myself.
  2. Many, many moments while travelling in other countries.  Feeling incredibly small, but also incredibly connected has rocked me to my core and changed the way I think, the way I wrote, and the way I see the universe.
  3. It is terribly cliché, but becoming a parent has been earth-shattering (in a wonderful way).  I had no idea that so much free will could be crammed into such a small package, and that a control freak like me could be so happy to just let things unfold as they may.  
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