The Writer's Block Interviews: Kristine Daniels

1) Describe your journey to becoming an artist.

I always loved to draw and especially liked to make pretend books when I was a child (“Disco
Cat” was a huge success with my family!). My parents enrolled me in drawing and painting
lessons around age 9 and I eventually studied art in high school and at Westfield State College
in Massachusetts where I received my bachelorʼs with a concentration in art education in 1993.

Most of my early teaching years were spent preparing and planning for my art program and classes. I didnʼt have a lot of energy or time left over for my own art pursuits. It wasnʼt until my husband asked me one day what I would do if I wasnʼt teaching, and I confessed Iʼd always wanted to be a book illustrator. I had my first opportunity to create some illustrations for a local author in 2007 and have been working on childrenʼs books ever since. I self-published the first of my own books in 2009.


2) What inspired you to start writing for children?

I started writing for children because I wanted to illustrate books for children. I started by
writing about the things I like to draw.


3) When did you start teaching art? Where do you teach?

I began my teaching career teaching right out of college in 1993 in my hometown of Acushnet,
Massachusetts. This is my 19th year at the Albert F. Ford Middle School where I teach visual art for every student (about 520 kids) in grades 5 through 8. I am very lucky to teach where my art program has been greatly supported by the community for so many years.

4) How important is it to keep art in public schools?

It is my mission in life! I think children (and adults for that matter) need the arts today more
than ever. The cognitive and emotional development that takes place through arts-based learning has no substitute and benefits the whole person. Creative thinking skills that are nurtured through art are integral to successful problem solving and innovation in any career or subject area. Plus, in a world where ever-increasing technology connects us merely on a surface level, participation in the arts creates a deep connection with other humans that inspires real emotions and empathy. Is there anything more valuable than that for future generations?


5) Tell us about your “Floyd” series.

The “Floyd” series was inspired by my three Welsh Corgis, who are the models for my
characters in the books. My crazy dogs have certainly given me lots of story ideas. Though my stories are fictional, they are based on real things that have happened in our house. In the first book, Floyd and the Irresistible Cookie, Floyd is determined to eat an especially beautiful and delicious cookie which is hanging in the familyʼs Christmas tree. With the help of Tiny and Larue, the three dogs invent some very clever schemes to capture the Irresistible Cookie.

Floyd and the Mysterious Night Time Noise unfolds when Floyd is awakened in the middle of the night by a strange sound. Floyd canʼt sleep until he discovers what is making the Mysterious Noise. Again, he enlists the help of Tiny and Larue in his hunt for the Mysterious Noise. The dogs must become very brave, venturing into dark rooms and even the backyard to solve this mystery.

A third book is in the works titled Floyd and the Sparkling Seashell (to be released in 2013). In this new story, Floyd, Tiny and Larue will be going to one of my favorite places: the beach! There is also a wonderful companion video for Irresistible Cookie produced by the Somerled Charitable Foundation (http://somerledcharitablefoundation.org ). All proceeds from the video download purchase are donated to the MSPCA. A video for Night Noise is also in the works.


6) What other books have you written and/or illustrated? Where can readers buy them?

I recently illustrated a book titled A Halloweʼen Story by Margareta Pothier. The illustrations are traditional black and white pen and ink, different from my work in Floyd. The book is available on Amazon.com.


7) How have you promoted your work? What strategies have been the most effective?

I use Facebook, LinkedIn, my web page and blog networks. For minimal cost, there is so much outreach possible with these online resources. My favorite promotional events are childrenʼs book author fairs since I get to meet both readers and other authors. I have also done many book readings at local stores, schools and fairs. Promo events like these where I have personal interaction with my readers and families have had the biggest impact on my sales.

8) How important is it to belong to professional associations as authors/illustrators?

I belong to SCBWI and I think it is an amazing resource. As a member, just having access to a network of people that can answer questions about the industry has been helpful to me. If people can take advantage of the conferences and workshops offered by these organizations, I think those opportunities can also be very worthwhile.


9) What advice would you give to budding author/illustrators?

Practice your art and writing as often as possible. Educate yourself about the publishing industry and contracts. Sincerely believe in your own work and vision.



10) What is your definition of success as an author/illustrator?

For me, success is seeing a book project through from beginning to end. Itʼs a tremendous amount of work and I always feel a huge sense of accomplishment when a book is done. Success means I can afford to finance my own projects, which gives me total artistic freedom. And if even just one child tells me how much they love my books, that is more than enough to make me feel like a success.

Author Bio

Kristine Daniels is a 1993 graduate of Westfield State College in Massachusetts where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in fine art with a concentration in art education. When not writing and illustrating children’s books, Kristine teaches visual art at Ford Middle School in her hometown of Acushnet, Massachusetts. She holds a National Board Certification in Early Adolescent/Young Adult Art and Massachusetts teacher certifications for Visual Art and English. Kristine is a member of Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators and has appeared as guest lecturer for American International College.


Kristine's independently-published children's books include Floyd and the Irresistible Cookie, (2009, Dog Ear Publishing) and Floyd and the Mysterious Night Time Noise (2011). A companion video based on Floyd and the Irresistible Cookie was produced by the Somerled Charitable Foundation in 2010. Kristine is currently living in Fairhaven, Massachusetts with her husband, jazz musician Matt Richard, and their three Welsh Corgis.


Contact Kristine

Email: artgirlkris@comcast.net

Kristine Daniels Studio web page: http://www.kristinedaniels.net

Kristine Daniels Studio Blog: http://kristinedanielsstudio.blogspot.com/

Kristine Daniels Studio Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/KristineDanielsStudio

Kristineʼs Portfolio on SCBWI: http://www.scbwi.org/Illustrators-Gallery.aspx?i=2918179655362345

Books on Amazon:

Floyd and the Irresistible Cookie:
http://www.amazon.com/Floyd-Irresistible-Cookie-Kristine-Daniels/dp/1608442764/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255992928&sr=8-1

Floyd and the Mysterious Night Time Noise:
http://www.amazon.com/Floyd-Mysterious-Night-Time-Noise/dp/1457501414/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304263195&sr=8-1

A Halloweʼen Story by Margareta Pothier:
http://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Story-Margareta-Pothier/dp/145750846X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329917507&sr=1-1


Videos:
Floyd and the Irresistible Cookie:
http://www.iamplify.com/store/product_details/Somerled-Charitable-Foundation/Floyd-and-the-Irresistible-Cookie/product_id/8934

********************************************

BOOK REVIEW:

Floyd and the Irresistible Cookie

Author and illustrator Kristine Daniels has taken her love for dogs and turned it into a children's picture book series. In Floyd and the Irresistible Cookie, we meet a dog named Floyd and his two canine companions, Tiny and Larue. This first installment in the series chronicles Floyd's persistent and clever attempts to seize the Irrestible Cookie from the family's Christmas tree.

This book teaches children that a little selflessness can go a long way. Floyd decides that as much as he wants the delicious cookie for himself, it would be better to leave it on the tree for everyone to admire.

Floyd and the Irresistible Cookie contains wonderfully creative illustrations. Kristine did a fantastic job at telling her story through pictures. Children will look forward to more adventures with Floyd, Tiny, and Larue!

********************************************

BOOK REVIEW:

Floyd and the Mysterious Night Time Noise

In her second installment of the "Floyd" series, author and illustrator Kristine Daniels takes us on a journey to discover what is keeping Floyd, Tiny, and Larue up all night. Floyd and the Mysterious Night Time Noise is a suspenseful story that tests the canine trio's courage while satisfying their curiosity.

Floyd is a very persistent and determined dog whose character traits are certainly apparent in Kristine's sequel. The ending is both ironic and amusing. While Floyd discovers that he may add bravery to his list of desirable qualities, he also finds out that the sometimes solving a mystery can be done simply by following your nose.

As expected, Floyd and the Mysterious Night Time Noise is beautifully illustrated. Kristine created imaginative and whimsical artwork for this book. I cannot wait to see what Floyd is up to next!

The Writer's Block Interviews: Amber Riley

1)     How did you become an author? Describe your journey.

When I was little, I always wrote short stories. It was something I did for fun because I was passionate about it. It wasn’t until I was twenty that I decided to write a full length novel. It took me two years to complete the first draft.I had to bribe myself with every 5,000 words to get it done. I had never written something that long before so it wasn’t easy. I had also never let anyone read my work before because I was afraid. When I finally broke down and let one of my friends read it, they talked me into going somewhere with writing. It took another year of editing before I thought I was ready to publish, but iUniverse disagreed with their editorial evaluation. I took all of their constructive criticism at face value and re-did the novel again. After it was published, I began work on my second novel. It was ten times easier to write a full length novel the second time around, not to mention faster. Remembering all of the ‘tips’ I got with my first novel, it won the Editors Choice Award.


2)     Do you prefer any particular literary genre?

I mainly read fantasy novels. Lately I have been drawn to the teen section. I also enjoy a good historical fiction.



3)     Where do you find your inspiration to write?

My inspiration usually pops up when I’m listening to music. It starts off with a character and the story is built around them later.


4)     Please tell us about your series,the Kindred Blood Trilogy.

The Kindred Blood Trilogy follows Kaden, a vampire over six centuries old. He was once the second highest ranking vampire but fled after discovering the master,Phoenix, had lied to him. In New York, he turned over a new leaf and is trying to live peacefully. In the first novel, The Flash of a Firefly, Phoenix decides that he wants Kaden to return to his side. Kaden doesn’t understand why and fights to remain free. In the second novel, The Well of Truth, he goes to Rome,Italy to find out what the master vampire is really up to. The truth is devastating to the vampire hierarchy. The consequences of it lead to the third novel, The Land of Tears. Kaden goes to Spain, and Phoenix, for a final ending between the two of them. The trilogy is about more than a feud between vampires, though.Love and friendship are both important parts of the novels.

5)     Describe how you chose your publisher(s).

I did a lot of research on self-publishing before I made my decision. I chose iUniverse because of everything they offer. The biggest draw for me was their editing service. As many times as I went through my novels, there were bound to be typos. It was important to me that they were as clean as possible. I also loved that they would design the covers and format the text. Editorial evaluations, 24/7 one-on-one customer service, and the quality of their product have me hooked.


6)     What other projects do you have in the works?

Right now I’m in the very beginning stages of a new YA novel involving demons. With the release of my third Kindred Blood novel, it has moved to the back burner for the moment while the last minutes edits are completed on The Land of Tears. I’m very excited about it, though.



7)     How do you promote your work? What methods have worked best for you?

There are a few different ways I promote. I’ve made novel trailers for each of my novels. I also had bookmarks and postcards printed for my first novel. The blogging world is a great way to get the word out there. I’ve also done press releases in newspapers and written a short story for a charity novel, with proceeds going to help Japan with the Tsunami relief. The way that has worked best for me is speaking at high schools. It’s great to meet with fans and discuss books in general.



8)     What advice would you offer to aspiring authors?

Keep at it! Your talent will improve with everything you write. Also, write a great beginning to get the readers hooked right off the bat.


9)     What is your definition of success as an author?

Simply having my novels in print was a great accomplishment for me. But, I would say that selling just one novel to someone that wasn’t a friend or relative equals success to me. I didn’t become an author to become rich (although that would be nice!) so just sharing my work with people makes me feel like a success.


10) What is next for you in 2012?

My third novel, The Land of Tears, will be out this Spring. After that, I’m planning to move away from vampires with the new YA novel that I am planning. I am hoping to have it finished by winter and, soon after, out to the fans.

Short Bio:



Amber Riley has enjoyed writing short stories since childhood and is happiest with a cat in her lap. Born and raised in Central New York, she is currently living in Germany with her new son and husband, a Seabee with the US Navy.


Links:


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KindredBloodTrilogy

Blog: http://kindredbloodtrilogy.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @ AmberR_Riley

The Writer's Block Interviews: Holly Blackman

1)  What inspired you to start writing children’s books?

During the second year of my illustration degree I had the chance to illustrate a children’s book. This is when I started to write down the stories I had floating around in my head. I loved the freedom it gave, to create my own illustrations around my words. I was excited to know I had created it all myself.

2)  Which came first: a love of writing or a love of illustrating?

 
Illustration came first and I never actually thought that I had any writing abilities.

3)  What books have you written? Where can readers buy them?

 
I have written a range of books but unfortunately my books have not been snapped up by publishers yet. 

4)  How did you find your publisher?

I exhibited my work at New Designers in London which was a great place to show work to a range of people in the creative industry. A few publishers got in contact with me; I had meetings and sent off dummy books. I only received feedback (which has helped and is brilliant to get constructive feedback from the creative industry) until I was contacted by Dorling Kindersley. I worked with them and other illustrators to create Doodlepedia which will be available to buy in shops or online in May.

5)  How have you promoted you work? What strategies have been the most effective?

I created a website, blog and Facebook page. I also have a twitter and Linkedin account. Keep them updated and check for updates. I think knowing people within the industry will help you get a foot in the door so email and call people.

6)  What advice would you give to budding author/illustrators?

Don’t give up. Keep emailing people even if they don’t get back to you, but be polite. Look out for competitions and enter as many as you can. Always keep at notebook or sketchbook with you; you never know when inspiration may strike. 

7)  What is your definition of success?

To be happy and confident within my work and life.

8)  What is next for you in 2012?

I am working with a couple of local people on a new children’s book which should be available in May. I hope to push my illustrations so they can work on textiles and a range of accessories. I will also be writing and illustration lots more children’s books in the hope to get them published.

Artist Bio

Holly grew up in a town just outside of Brighton and spent most of her childhood climbing trees, jumping in puddles and drawing cartoon characters from books and films. After GCSES she went on to study her A levels in 3D design, graphic design, and photography. Once finishing her foundation degree in Brighton she studied at University College Falmouth where she finished a BA Hons degree in illustration. Since leaving beautiful Cornwall and moving back to her home town with her inks, paint, pens and large box full of children’s books in June 2011; she has had a range of clients including East-West Acupuncture, Kingston University, Eastbourne Borough Council and Dorling Kindersley to name a few. She hopes to continue creating and making for the rest of her days.

Contact Holly 

Website: http:www.hollyblackman.co.uk

Blog: http:www.handmadeholly.blogspot.com

Twitter: @Holly_Blackman

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Holly-Blackman-Illustration/170338249699111

In Case You Missed It! The Writer's Block in Review

Every week on The Writer's Block, I am blown away by the creative people who grace our pages with their talent, personal journeys, and advice. This week was no different.

We kicked things off this week with The Writer's Block alum and guest blogger, John Kenworthy (author of The Missionary and The Brute), who turned the tables and interviewed me! I think that he asked great questions which really made me think and reflect about my journey to becoming an author, illustrator, freelance writer, and blogger. Read the full interview!

On Monday, we met artist and cartoonist Kerry G. Johnson. He is a very accomplished individual who is illustrating and publishing children's books while also publishing a web comic, Harambee Hills. His interview has fast become one of the five most popular posts on my blog. Read his interview and see why!

Next, we met Italian artist and illustrator Alessandro Bioletti. Not only is he incredibly talented, but he is also fluent in Japanese! Learn more about Alessandro!

Lisa Eichlin is a preschool teacher and the author of The Bravest Boy I Ever Knew. This week we learned that it is possible to enjoy life in spite of our physical limitations. We must choose to play the cards we are dealt to the best of our ability. Read Lisa's story!

On Thursday, we visited with Sheri Fink who authored The Little Rose and the upcoming release The Little Gnome (March 22, 2012). This Amazon.com best-selling author started writing during a difficult time in her life. Her story now helps children to cope with being different and embracing it. Read Sheri's story here!

Yesterday, we met author Sylvia L. Ramsey who writes across a variety of genres. She is a professor of communications, coordinator of the Academic Resource Center at GMC-Augusta, adviser for the campus newspaper, a bladder cancer survivor, the adviser for the GMC-Students for Bladder Cancer Awareness Group, and the V.P. of the American Bladder Cancer Society. Read more about her fascinating journey!

To round out the week, be sure to read my review of Donalisa Helsley's The Day No One Played Together!






We are already booked for the next three weeks with more great interviews, blogs, and book reviews to come. You could be next! For more information about being interviewed on The Writer's Block, CLICK HERE!

Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...

Book Review: The Day No One Played Together by Donalisa Helsley

The Day No One Played Together is a great story about the joys of compromise. Readers will discover how to find creative solutions to their disagreements (by brainstorming) from the story’s main characters, sisters Jadyn and Genesis. The girls want to play together, but have very different ideas about the games they want to play. Separately, they are miserable. As the day passes, they discover the true meaning of give-and-take. The story concludes with Jadyn and Genesis having lots of fun together while managing to learn a few new words along the way!


Illustrated by Sarah Harkey, The Day No One Played Together contains beautiful positive images of family and togetherness. Readers young and old will enjoy this book over and over again!

Buy it on Amazon.com!
The Day No One Played Together: A Story About Compromise

The Writer's Block Interviews: Sylvia L. Ramsey

1) Describe your journey to becoming an author.

  

I began writing when I was nine-years-old because I was elected as the reporter for the 4-H Club.  We had a workshop for the reporters sponsored by the local newspaper, The Daily American Republic.  The news reporter for the pager was a Mr. Bob Roberts.  He encouraged me to write about events in our community and human interest stories.  By the time I was twelve, I was receiving about $20.00 a month for articles that I had written and submitted other that the club news.  In high school, I was on the school's newspaper staff, and in college at TRCC I was the News Editor.  That was only the beginning.  I wrote short stories, poetry and even wrote "scholarly" research articles that were published in professional journals.  Later, I began to write poetry and short stories.  Luckily, several of them were published.  This led to my first book, Pulse Points of a Woman's World, which was a book of poetry.  The next was an espionage novel, An Underground Jewell,  based on the use of language to control society. After that was the book Merchild Land that I wrote for my eldest granddaughter, Heather.  Finally, I have a new book coming out that is a memoir that focuses on survival of the rough spots that we find as we travel the road of life, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts.

2) Where do you find your inspiration to write?

We all have stories inside of us; it is a matter of getting them down on paper.  However, my inspiration is because of my experience with Stage 3 bladder cancer about seventeen-plus years-ago.  There was nothing out there information or support wise for me.  I decided to make a change in that situation for others.  I began a message board for women and bladder cancer.  I was asked by a publisher if they could publish a collection of my poetry.  I was thrilled.  After the book was published, I decided that it would make a good platform and a way to raise money to somehow help others find information and get the support that was not there for me. Since that time, the American Bladder Cancer Society was founded, and I give all the proceeds from all the book sales to help provide for others that was not there when I experienced my own battle.

3) Please tell us about your children’s book, Merchild Land.

The story behind this book is special.  My eldest granddaughter stayed with me, and attended the public school where I taught at the time.  She was in elementary and I taught high school.  It was a thirty-five mile drive to and from the school.  On the way to and from, she always wanted me to tell mermaid stories.  Later, I wrote a poem that was for her about "merchildren" and an adventure under the sea.  This poem evolved into the book because I wanted her to have something to pass on that related to that childhood memory.  I wanted her to have something she could read to her grandchildren at nap or bedtime and tell them that her grandmother wrote it for her. 

The synopsis of the book is:

Merchild Land is a delightful children's story that will keep both child and adult captivated with its lovely lyrical verse. This is a perfect bedtime story that will send you little one off to the land of mermaids, merchildren and all the wonders under the sea until evening. As the shadows fall, and it is time for bed the children dream of flying high above the mermaids' ocean home, sailing the sky's misty sea above the waves' highest dome on a boat of golden sails, and silvery wings. They visit strange lands as they ride the waves of the Milky Way, talk to the man in the moon, and dine with kings sailing the whole night through.

4) Describe how you chose your publisher.

I have decided that since I donate all the proceeds from the book sales to the American Bladder Cancer Society, that I would self-publish so they would receive as much as possible from the sales.  I check several places, and then I made a choice based on services and distribution. 

5) What other books have you written?

Pulse Points of a Woman's World - Nominated for the 41st. Georgia Writer of the Year Award.

An Underground Jewell - Near possible future/ espionage mystery.

Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts, an inspirational memoir. (To be released in a few days.) 

6) How do you promote your work? What methods have worked best for you?  

Word of mouth, book signings, internet such as Facebook, LinkedIn, blogging, email, online interviews. websites, reviews, and radio and television interviews.  I have many local people who come by where I work to pick up copies for gifts on holidays and special occasions.  I try to everything I can to get the word out about the reason for the books' existence, bladder cancer!

7) What are your upcoming plans for 2012?

Launching my newest book, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts. Launching my newest book, marketing all my books, and I plan to work on a biography of my father who served in WWI.  He was born in 1898, and I think his journey is worth telling. 

 

8) What is your definition of success as an author?

Having others want to read your writing.  Helping others by writing. 

  

9) What advice would you offer to aspiring authors?

Keep writing, never give up on your dreams even when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel.  Remember all the authors who were rejected, and then became successful.  A good example is Frank Baum.  He used the royalties from his Father Goose book to get the Emerald City published even when he was told that no one would be interested in a "classical" children's' story.  He wrote thirteen books in the series, and then...Disney produced the Wizard of Oz.  That was the story of Frank Baum.  He was a father and a traveling salesman who never gave up on a dream.

Biography:

Author, professor of communication/s, coordinator of the Academic Resource Center at GMC-Augusta, adviser for the campus newspaper, the advisor for the GMC-Students for Bladder Cancer Awareness Group, and the V.P. of the American Bladder Cancer Society. (http://www.bladdercancersupport.org).  Bladder cancer survivor, and patient advocate.  Most memorable public speaking event: Guest speaker for the White House Communications Agency's observance of  Women's History Month.  Favorite quote: Reba McIntire, "To survive it takes a backbone, a funnybone and a wishbone."

 

Want to know more about me? Check me out here:

Authors Den Page
http://www.authorsden.com/sylvialramsey1

Thoughtful Reflections Blog

http://wwwthouhtfulreflections.blogspot.com/

or
http://tinyurl.com/4e52loe

Amazon Author Page
http://www.amazon.com/Sylvia-L-Ramsey/e/B002BMJ5NI/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1305578084&sr=1-2-ent

Authors Website
www.sylvialramsey.com

Facebook Page

http://tinyurl.com/4bgfecc

The Writer's Block Interviews: Sheri Fink

1)      Describe your journey to becoming a children’s author.

I wrote The Little Rose when I was going through a difficult situation. I didn't even let my husband read it at first. I put it in a desk drawer and left it there until fall of 2010 when I attended a transformational conference. I met a woman there who encouraged me to share my story and insisted that her grandchildren needed its message. When I got home from the conference, I shared the story with 20 people that I respected and trusted. Eighteen of them told me they got goosebumps when they read my writing. At that point, I started considering publishing my first children's book. I'm so glad that I did! Published in March 2011, The Little Rose has been a #1 best-seller on Amazon for over 30 weeks. The Kindle edition is also a best-seller and is currently the #2 top-rated children’s eBook on Amazon. Having the courage to write and publish my first book has completely changed my life.


2)      Where do you find your inspiration to write?

I'm inspired by my experiences and how I feel about them. I love taking something that feels like a negative and helping kids discover a way to see it in a different light, one that can be truly positive and beneficial.


3)      Please tell us about your children’s book, The Little Rose.

The Little Rose was my very first children's book. It's an enchanting story about a rose growing in a weed bed who thinks that she's the weed. She learns to accept and love herself despite her differences. It helps empower children ages 5-10 to overcome bullying and believe in themselves.

4)      Who illustrated The Little Rose? Describe your working relationship.

The Little Rose was illustrated by Mary Erikson Washam. She's so talented and wonderful to work with. We collaborated on the book via phone and email. She also illustrated my upcoming book, The Little Gnome. I love working with her!

The Little Gnome will be released March 22, 2012!

5)      Describe how you chose your publisher.

When I was considering publishing my first book, I talked with lots of authors. After learning about the traditional publishing industry and the independent publishing possibilities, I chose to self-publish. I'm an entrepreneur at heart and I believed in my book enough to invest and bring it to market much quicker than would have been possible going the traditional route. There are advantages and disadvantages to both paths, but independent publishing was the right one for me at the time.


6)      What is Author Success Academy?

I created Author Success Academy to help aspiring authors to understand how to write, publish, and market their books so that they can become successful entrepreneurs. Author Success Academy is an author mentoring program that provides the mindset, strategies, resources, and support needed for success. The 12-week program includes audio and video downloads, bi-monthly group coaching calls, an Action Guide book, expert interviews, templates and tools, and surprise bonuses all designed to transform authors' writing careers and lives.


7)      What other projects do you have in the works?

I have lots of projects in development as part of "The Whimsical World of Sheri Fink" brand right now. It's an exciting time! My second children's book, The Little Gnome, will be published on March 22. Set in a Victorian garden, The Little Gnome is a heartwarming tale about a garden gnome experiencing his first winter and helps kids of all ages embrace change while learning about the seasons.  My first children's book, The Little Rose, is being adapted for the stage and will debut later this year. I'm currently writing two new books, one that expands the universe of The Little Rose for younger readers and the next book in my series which will be released in 2013.


8)      As a best-selling author, how do you promote your work? What methods have worked best for you?

I find that a lot of people hear about my book through word-of-mouth. People who read The Little Rose tend to tell their friends and it just takes off from there. A lot of sharing takes place on Facebook and Twitter. I'm very accessible and I think people really like that. I also find in-person author events to be very rewarding. It's a lot of fun for me and it helps spread the beautiful message of The Little Rose to lots of children who need it. I feel so fortunate for all of my fans who have made this a wonderful journey for me!


9)      What advice would you offer to aspiring authors?

My best advice is to find the right mentor. A mentor is someone you can trust who can guide you in the right direction and help you overcome obstacles along the way. Learning from someone who's already successful dramatically shortens the learning curve and makes it a better experience. It's had a very positive impact on my author career so far and I highly recommend it.


10)   What is your definition of success as an author?

For me, success is hearing from children and adults that my books make a difference in their lives. I love receiving fan mail (something I never imagined would happen to me!). I want to inspire and delight children all over the world while planting seeds of self-esteem that can have lifelong benefit.

Author Bio

Sheri Fink is a #1 best-selling children’s author, founder of Author Success Academy, and an international speaker. Sheri writes books that inspire and delight children while planting seeds of self-esteem. Her first book, The Little Rose, has been a #1 best-seller on Amazon for over 30 weeks and is the #2 top-rated children’s ebook on Amazon. Her second inspirational children’s book, The Little Gnome, will be published in March 2012. Sheri’s passion for helping other authors’ dreams come true blossomed into the Author Success Academy, a mentoring program that transforms aspiring authors into successful entrepreneurs.

Contact Sheri

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/sherifinkfan
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Sheri_Fink  (@Sheri_Fink)
The Little Rose Book Website: http://www.TheLittleRoseBook.com
The Little Rose Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/jFcDrQjxuFM