Lightening Online

Some time ago, I participated in a Pay It Forward blog challenge designed to encourage bloggers to something nice for another blogger and to then pay it forward. My Pay It Forward offering was an interview with 3 other bloggers. Two of these were done at the time but the 3rd I chose to hold off on, knowing that this particular blogger had some exciting things happening in her “non blogging” writing life and that perhaps the interview could be used to encourage her to talk about that and help her get the word out about publishing her own children’s book.

Here is an interview with Karen from Miscmum, talking about her soon to be released children’s book, “Surprise!”:

How long ago did you write Surprise and what inspired you to do so?

Surprise! is inspired by a true story that happened to me back when my daughter was a baby. We were at our local library and I was borrowing a book for her, and as I opened the pages a lovely picture fell out. It was of a sleeping face, drawn with obvious love and flair and I kept it on my fridge for a long time as I thought of a way I could write a story to match that experience.

What made you decide to self publish?

I’d sent of the manuscript in the usual way other writers will be familiar with, and had several rejections. I just got impatient with the process and then late last year decided to ‘take back’ some of that power we often hand over to others and thought, “Well, I’ll give it a shot myself.” Plus, my daughter kept asking me to read the text and then wondered aloud, “Mum, why aren’t there any pictures yet?” And I thought, “Fair question! Let’s do something about that.”

What would say has been the hardest thing about Self Publishing?

Good question. I would say a few things. First, is although you have ultimate creative control, it also means you’re the one ultimately responsible when things can (and do) go astray. For example, there was a spelling mistake on my first lot of book posters which I didn’t pick up before printing. Then, the week we were finalising the files, a friend of mine flagged a grammar issue I’d overlooked on one of the pages. Moments like those you tell youself, “Phew! Okay, just breathe we can still fix this…” The second hardest thing is the sort of stigma some people feel towards self-publishing - that you’re not bona fide. I think, though, that amongst blogging-types - who are creative and are used to that kind of independance the Internet can provide in terms of software platforms and means of expression - they mostly stand up and say, “Good for you. Well done.”

What would you say has been the best part of this journey you’ve been on so far?

The best part is actively applying what I’ve learned about the publishing process and then channeling it into a project I’ve long had a passion and a ‘gut feeling’ for. Another great part is being able to turn to friends to help me along the way. For example, a friend of mine was the typesetter. It was lovely to be able to use her talents. The same with my illustrator, Kim Fleming. Really, ultimately, it was a ‘girls only’ project. The feminist in me is applauding.

(I will add though my husband came up with the idea to put on the inside back cover a kind of ‘pocket’ which I included because it was a good idea! Kudos to him )

Have you got one piece of advice you could offer to someone who would like to be a published children’s author?

Don’t get irritated if people give you a ‘look’ when you tell them you write for children. I’ve heard it said before that some people regard as writing for children as ‘lesser’ an activity than writing for adults. Actually, I think its harder. But if you are passionate about writing for children, you mightn’t care - you will chip away and keep going because you’re passionate about it.

Where can people purchase a copy of your book “Surprise” and are autographed copies available?

Surprise! can be ordered through book stores if they haven’t already got them on order or stocked. You can buy a copy off my Miscellaneous Press website through paypal and if you do it that way, I can make any inscription or autograph you like. Just ask!

Will you still remember me when you’re rich and famous?
Of course There’s a long way before that happens though (if ever!)

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experiences with writing and publishing “Surprise”?

This is the official ‘blurb’ for Surprise!:

Hamish, Alice, Meg and Thomas are four very different children with one thing in common - they love surprises! And you’ll love yours at the end of this story.

I’d just like to thank you for asking me for this interview and helping me spread the word. It’s been a challenging year, but now the fruits are back I’m just looking forward to hearing back from readers about the book. I hope they love it like I do.

Thanks very much Karen. I would like to wish you every success with the book and look forward to getting to read it. If you’d like to order your own copy, you can do so via the MiscPress website.