Tag: Children’s Author

Interview With Author Melissa Rousu

By way of introduction, here is Melissa Rousu’s bio:

Melissa Rousu lives in Minnesota with her husband Mike and daughter Samantha.

Rousu is the director of Strategic Initiatives at the Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence during the day and is excited for the launch of her debut children’s book Grandpa Loved Wild Things.

Hello, Melissa , welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.

Thank you so much for having me.

When did the writing bug ensnare you?

It’s always been something that has interested me but I never knew what I wanted to write about.

Is writing your full-time profession?

No, I wish. I am the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the MN State IT Center of Excellence.

How long have you been writing?

This is my debut book so I have only been writing for a year.

Which genre do you write?

I write children’s books.

What do you find most challenging writing for this genre?

I think the most challenging part is writing in a way that is suitable for young children but still being true to the story you want to tell.

What are you working on now?

I am working on my next book in this series Grandpa Loved the Farm.

It will be about my husband’s grandfather and the amazing things he taught us about farm life.

Image courtesy of Melissa Rouso.

Where do you find inspiration for your characters?

The inspiration for this book is my real life. I wrote this book about my grandfather who help heal injured birds when I was young.

So when we came to visit you never knew which animal you would find. It was amazing to be a part of bird releases.

He loved to share his passion for nature and those that live in it with us and I wanted to continue his legacy by teaching others. 

What is your favorite book review from a reader?

The ones that mean the most have been from those who knew him and talk about the memories this book brought back for them. 

Can you share a random interesting fact about yourself?

I have a Doctorate degree in Education.

Wow! Congratulations!

What spark started one of your stories?

It really was to honor my grandfather. We have a lot of babies being born in my family and they will never have a chance to know him.

My brother and I are the oldest of 16 grandkids and we were the only ones to have these experiences with him so it was important for me to capture these memories for my family. 

Image courtesy of Melissa Rouso.

What is one of your favorite scenes that you’ve written? Why?

In this book there is a scene where grandpa is sharing facts about cardinals and the kids ignore him because they are too focused on their phones.

While, obviously, we didn’t have cell phones when I was growing up in the early 90’s, the point of the scene was to show how wrapped up we all get in technology that we miss the important moments that are happening right in front of us and those moments are finite.

I hope it is a scene that gets parents to think a bit about making memories and seizing those moments. 

What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?

Hearing all the stories from those who knew him. He lived in a small town in southern Minnesota and was integral in the creation of their local bird club as well as birding along the Mississippi river, so there have been so many memories and stories shared of his impact on others.

I added a page of photos of my grandpa at the end of the book so people can see he is a real person and they show images from his time with the birds. I felt it was important for people to see that these are real stories. 

What advice would you give to authors just starting out?

Do it. It’s been a learning experience but I have been lucky enough to find an amazing community on facebook that has been so supportive and has provided and immense amount of feedback and advice. 

 Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?

This was truly a passion project. I want to write books that mean something to me and are about people who mean something to me. 

 What message are you sharing in your books?

I want people to see how wrapped up we all get in technology that we miss the important moments that are happening right in front of us and those moments are finite.

I hope it is a scene that gets parents to think a bit about making memories and seizing those moments.

When you’re not writing, where can we find you?

I am usually with my 16 year-old daughter hammocking in Twin Cities area of Minnesota or at my parents in southern Minnesota. 

What are your most effective marketing strategies?

So far it has been word of mouth and just hustling on social media. 

Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc?

Tiktok: @melissarousuauthor

Where can we find your books?

My books are currently sold on Amazon and some local shops in Minnesota. 

Thank you, Melissa, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck.

Available on Amazon

Grandpa Bill had a deep love and understanding of wild things. He shared this love with his grandchildren, showing them the wonders of nature and the creatures that inhabit it.

Grandpa Loved Wild Things is a heartwarming children’s book about the bond between a grandfather and his grandchildren, and the wisdom and love for nature that he imparts to them.

Interview With Author Marla Stahl

Photo courtesy of Marla Stahl

By way of introduction, here is Marla Stahl’s bio.:

Children’s book author Marla Stahl is not a grandma (do grand-dogs count?), but she loves to have adventures just like the grandmas in her book, The Adventures of Grandma Charlotte!

She has studied foreign languages, plays the drums (which she learned later in life), and is a tour guide at a major-league baseball stadium. And yes, she’s even taken a ride in a hot air balloon, just like Grandma Charlotte!

Marla’s other children’s book titles include: Can Sugar Come Out to Play?, Lucy the Amazing Wonder Dog, Mason the Ambassadog (in both English and Spanish), Sugar Goes to the Dentist, Nutsy the White Squirrel and Tommy and the Messed Up Order, and her newest book, A School of Fish, which is both a story and a coloring book!

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Hello, Marla, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.

Thank you for having me.

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When did the writing bug ensnare you? 

Let’s go waaaaay back to my childhood in Queens, New York. My very favorite teacher was Mrs. Stella Rizzo for both 4th and 5th grade.

Every week she sent home a newsletter for our families that was filled with stories that we students wrote, plus puzzles and class news.

I was one of the most prolific writers in my class.

One of the moms sent me a note telling me how much she loved my stories and that she thought that one day I would be a famous author!

Well, I’m certainly not famous, but I have been writing and editing a lot during my career. 

Is writing your full-time profession? 

No, although I did write a lot throughout my career in various roles. 

How long have you been writing? 

I began writing children’s books in 2015.

Image courtesy of Marla Stahl

How many published books have you written? 

My books are self-published. I have written 9 of them (9.5 if you count the one that was translated into Spanish!) 😉  

Which genres do you write?

Children’s books, although one of them is for adults or young adults—a compilation of blog entries that I began writing in 2012 or so. 

What do you find most challenging writing for these genres? 

The easy part for both types of books are that they are written from the heart, inspired by real-life events. Something ignites a spark, and the book pretty much writes itself! The challenging part of being self-published is marketing. 

What are you working on now?

Nothing in the works at the moment.

Where do you find inspiration for your characters?

In real life—my own life, from pets and people I love.

Occasionally someone asks me to write something for them, and I get inspiration from the background they provide and their passion for the characters.

It’s especially fun when I get to actually meet one of those characters in real life! 

Image courtesy of Marla Stahl

What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work? 

Definitely seeing kids (and adults) loving my books. I get photos and videos of kids hugging the books, being read to in a grandparent’s lap… that sort of thing.

They warm my heart! I also enjoy reading to school kids. But the most rewarding time was after releasing a book that was written about my mom’s best friend.

Sadly, my book supply was not shipped in time to present one to her; she passed away just days before my box of books arrived—in fact, it arrived on what would have been her birthday.

But I took several to her funeral, autographed, and gave them to her relatives, and when it was my turn to speak about her, I read the book aloud.

They all read along in their copies, smiling and crying simultaneously, and told me afterwards how special that was and that I perfectly described her amazing life. It is something that will forever be in my heart.

I also loved when, at a book signing event, a young man walked by, recognized me, backed up, and came over to tell me, “I remember you from last year! My little sister still asks me to read your book to her!” 

What advice would you give to authors just starting out?

Don’t give up! You may never get that “big break” (I’m still waiting!) but keep your goals in mind.

Have you made your readers happy? Have you taught them something valuable?

Sometimes it’s not all about winning awards or making money — it’s about making a difference. (Although the money is definitely an added benefit!)

Image courtesy of Marla Stahl

Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?

Yes! I give part of my book proceeds to support animal rescue—and sometimes to people-oriented efforts as well.

A purchase helps me to help others. And that makes my heart happy. 

What message are you sharing in your books?

Oh, so many!

First and foremost, kindness to animals; the concept of animal rescue; the love of reading; the love of learning; philanthropy (through my sales donations); and diversity, as most ( but not all ) of my human characters have a somewhat neutral appearance so as to let the readers perhaps see themselves, no matter who they are.

One of my stars is a dog who uses a wheelchair, and he has the most important job in his animal sanctuary—and was actually featured on a TV show!

I also incorporate humor (both for the kids and to keep the adults interested). My books have also inspired kids to explore using their imagination. 

What are your favorite books?

Whichever one I am reading! I love Jan Karon books, autobiographies, and of course, cute books about animals.

When you’re not writing where can we find you?.

Walking with my dog out in nature or sitting on our porch, playing musical instruments and singing, or at a baseball stadium.

In the evenings, watching HGTV! 

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A movie producer wants to turn your book into a movie, and you get to make a cameo. What would you do in the movie?

Hmm… I’d be a fellow traveler with my character, Grandma Charlotte, who in real life went all over the world doing good things for animals and people.

I would want to be in the scene where she goes to an orphanage and simply hugs and rocks babies for 7 hours a day, for a whole week.

Agent 12-15 from Chris Kringle’s Cops

An elf named 12-25 approaches you. He’s sneezing, wheezing, coughing and there’s a strange tattoo of a snoring dog on his cheek. What do you do? 

RUN LIKE MAD! He might have Covid! 

What are your most effective marketing strategies?

Still working on this one.

So far, my best customers have been my friends, who buy my books for grandkids, nieces and nephews, baby showers— or even their spouses!

I also have had the gift of befriending some lovely folks who own pet supply stores, bookstores, or specialty shops, who carry my books in their stores and/or allow me to come in and do book readings and book signings.

They are angels. Additionally, I have participated in many outdoor festivals—book fairs, special animal rescue events, community “Yappy Hours” (community concerts where you are welcome to bring your pets), Fall festivals, holiday craft fairs, and such—pre-Covid.

Looking forward to getting back into these events! Meeting new people there is always a joy. 

Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc?

Yes! My website is www.woofbooks.com.

I also have a Facebook page (also called Woofbooks), but I have found that most folks there like videos, photos, and memes about animals (of all kinds) more than they like my posts about my books. ; )

But that’s ok, if I am making them smile, I’m happy. It’s fun, kid-friendly, and wholesome. 

Where can we find your books?

Two are on Barnes and Noble, the others on Amazon. They can be found on my website (links will take you right to where you can order).

On my site you can also see videos I made of me reading the books aloud during the beginning of the pandemic shutdown (to entertain kids before virtual school came about—as well as to help me maintain my own sanity!)

That way you can get a feel for what the books are about and whether they are a good fit for the recipient. Not on video is the newest book—a coloring book and story all in one.

One of my books, Nutsy the White Squirrel, can be found in The White Squirrel Shoppe in Brevard, North Carolina. Others can be found in Park Books and LitColab in Severna Park, Maryland, and Growing Minds Bookstore in Catonsville, Maryland.

Thank you, Marla, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck!

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Marla’s Featured Book

Image courtesy of Marla Stahl

Available on Amazon

Hi, kids! Do you wear glasses? Do they stay on your face?

Well, Martha’s glasses liked to fly off her face, and — oh, no! — they especially liked to blow into the sea!

When Martha went scuba-diving, she found some fish–wearing glasses that looked strangely like hers–and the fish looked very much like they were going to school! Find out what this is all about in A School of Fish.

You even get to color in all of the pictures, because it is a COLORING BOOK! Have fun!

Interview With Author Matt Terry

Image courtesy of Matt Terry via Facebook

By way of introduction, here is Matt Terry’s bio:

Matt Terry was born and raised in Nottingham, England, where he works as a Primary School Teacher.

He found his love of writing from the children’s literature he taught from, creating ideas for his own stories.

Inspired by the underlying morals and messages often found in children’s work and with a personal love of rhyme; his own writing style was born.

Matt is still teaching and thoroughly enjoys being able to reach out and impact children’s lives through his work.

Hello, Matt, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.

Thank you for having me.

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When did the writing bug ensnare you?

I’ve had the idea to write my own rhyming children’s book for years, probably since an early teenager.

My mum and I used to make silly poems up all the time to make each other laugh. I have used this love of rhyme to combine with my ideas for story writing.

Is writing your full-time profession?

No, I’m a full-time primary teacher currently, working with children aged 9-11.

How long have you been writing?

I suppose no longer than my first book officially, which was February 2020.

Image courtesy of Matt Terry

How many published books have you written?

Just the one, my first ever. It’s called ‘The Boastful Pansy’.

Which genre do you write?

I only write children’s books, and despite only having written the one, I will definitely ensure all of my published works will rhyme, I just love it!

What do you find most challenging writing for this genre?

With being a teacher, I can’t help but think about what I would want to teach from my books if I were to use them in a classroom.

The vocabulary, literary skills, necessary reading abilities for the techniques used, and wider comprehension are all aspects which prove challenging when writing a children’s book.

What are you working on now?

The Boastful Pansy has only recently been released so a lot of my time and energy is now being spent in promoting it further and gaining an interest from my target readers.

I do however have another story idea for my next work about a curious cow, but I don’t want to give too much away!

I’m very interested in making my next work more accessible to boys as I feel they would lack interest in The Boastful Pansy purely for having a main character as a flower.

Where do you find inspiration for your characters?

My characters are drawn from the storyline of my works, that’s where I begin. I find a situation that intrigues me and run with it to see if I can create an underlying moral or message from the story.

Once I have this, I use the scenario to best gauge what kind of characters I have in my books. For The Boastful Pansy, I was looking out into my garden one wintery morning whilst washing the dishes and I noticed that a pansy I had in my border of the garden was the only one getting any sunlight.

My imagination ran with me and I started to think how much it would think it was the best because it was the only flower in the sun; then equally how jealous the others would be of it.

The story grew from there and the characters naturally along with it.

What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?

I think the most rewarding experience has been the engagement with my work and seeing how it has impacted on other people.

For example, the first time my Godchildren heard The Boastful Pansy was when I read it to them before bed and they were so excited to hear it and engage with it knowing their Uncle Matt had written it. That was truly special.

What advice would you give to authors just starting out?

Don’t be afraid of being afraid!

As first-time authors, we enter a completely unknown world of contracts, publishing and marketing; all of which are extremely daunting and constantly make you question whether you’re doing the right thing or how to move forward.

I’d say this is a completely normal reaction to have and with thorough decision-making and taking the time to weigh up the options, it’s definitely worth taking the plunge!

Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?

The Boastful Pansy is dedicated to my wife’s Nana, who unfortunately passed away the week after I’d finished writing the book.

Although she wasn’t directly family, she was an incredible woman who lived to an astonishing 97 and someone who I held extremely close to my heart.

There was nothing she loved more than beautiful flowers and she had a magic touch with helping plants to grow in her home, which made the dedication all the more poignant.

What message are you sharing in your books?

I am an author who ensures there is a deep meaning or message throughout my work, especially as they are aimed at children, and I personally feel that books are a fantastic tool at helping children to realize their own morals and standards.

In The Boastful Pansy, the key messages are humility and forgiveness, both of which I think are obvious from the storyline when you read it!

What are your favorite books?

My absolute all-time favorite books, unsurprisingly a children’s book series, are the Rupert the Bear Series.

My mum used to read these to me as a child and she would always read the rhyming couplet version, which is possibly where my love for rhyme was born.

I used to love his adventures and all of the wonderfully mythical characters and friends he’d meet along the way. They’re just fantastic and I’d highly recommend them to anyone!

I also love anything by Julia Donaldson, again for her rhyming perfection! I think the Snail and the Whale would have to be my favorite of hers.

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If you could create an author’s group with writers from any time period, who would you invite?

I’d have a lot of old school authors such as Enid Blyton, A. A. Milne, Dr. Seuss and Mary Tourtel. I think it’d be fascinating to hear their stories of how they became who they so famously are nowadays.

Who has influenced your writing the most?

I would have to say Julia Donaldson.

As a teacher, whenever I picked up any of her works, I’d immediately be captured in a world of rhyme and fun.

I love everything about her books, and she has definitely inspired my own writing style for sure.

When you’re not writing where can we find you?

I’m an incredibly social person, so if not writing or teaching, I’m usually socializing with friends, having them over for dinner or going for a drink at the local pub.

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A movie producer wants to turn your book into a movie, and you get to make a cameo. What would you do in the movie?

I can imagine the movie of The Boastful Pansy would be an animated film, so I’d love to do the voice over for the Sunflower. It has a deep, booming voice and is what offers the pansy its most invaluable advice. I’d love to voice this character!

An elf named 12-25 approaches you. He’s sneezing, wheezing, coughing and there’s a strange tattoo of a snoring dog on his cheek. What do you do?

Invite him round for dinner! He sounds such an interesting elf, I’m sure I’d be able to get all sorts of wonderful ideas from him for a fun children’s book!

What are your most effective marketing strategies?

I’m finding a direct approach is proving the most useful. I have been directly contacting local newspapers and television stations to inform them of my new book and asking if they’d like to do a piece about it.

It’s worked well so far and I love the dialogue you can have with different industries surrounding the same topic.

Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc.?

I do! They’re as follows:

Website: https://www.austinmacauley.com/author/terry-matt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattterryauthor

Instagram too: @mattterryauthor

Where can we find your books?

They’re available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones and WHSmiths (the latter two UK only)

Thank you, Matt, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck!

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Image courtesy of Matt Terry

Available on Amazon

Book Blurb:

In a beautiful English country garden, all manner of plants and flowers grow peacefully in their flower beds. The winter sunshine beams brightly, but the tall, tall fence that surrounds the garden blocks almost every ray of light from reaching the ground – well, almost every ray.

One very proud golden winter pansy stands in the only sliver of light that reaches the flower bed, and oh, how it boasts to the others. This pansy needs to be taught a lesson in humility and the very seasons themselves help the pansy to realize the error of its ways.

Interview With Author/Illustrator Donald Lloyd

By way of introduction, here is Donald Lloyd’s bio:

Donald Lloyd is a first-time children’s book author looking for a way to bring childhood lessons to light. 

Originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and a professional Landscape Designer by trade, Donald has spent the last decade watching his kids learn these lessons.

His book, The Adventures of Monkey and Toad: Unlikely Friends, explores what it is like to make a new friend.Donald lives in Maryland with his family.

Hello, Donald, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.

Thank you for having me.

When did the writing bug ensnare you?

The short answer is that I have been writing all my life. The slightly longer version is that it all began when I lost my job in January.

I was looking for a creative outlet and a way to occupy my time. My wife told me to write the book that I had in my head for the longest time. So that is what I did.

Is writing your full-time profession?

Absolutely! Since writing the book I have spent nearly 8 hours per day marketing, promoting, reviewing, and connecting with other authors and illustrators.

As you know it is not something you can go into lightly if you want to succeed.

Isn’t that the truth!

How long have you been writing?

As a professional author I have been writing for about a year. But as I said earlier, I have been writing all my life. Short stories, poems, really whatever moved me in the moment.

How many published books have you written?

I just have my debut book, The Adventures of Monkey and Toad: Two Remarkable Friends, but I have illustrated 2 others for authors which are available as well. I do plan on making Monkey and Toad’s adventures into a series.

Which genre do you write?

I am a children’s book author/illustrator. I prefer this genre because I am a light-hearted person who enjoys making kids smile with fun rhyming schemes and illustrations.

What do you find most challenging writing for this genre?

The most challenging part for me is the message for the story. Sometimes I start writing and it just flows. Other times I need to take a break for a few days and the message becomes clear.  

What are you working on now?

I am working on illustrating books for 3 authors while simultaneously writing and illustrating book #2 for The Adventures of Monkey and Toad.

Photo courtesy of Donald Lloyd via Facebook

Where do you find inspiration for your characters?

All of my inspiration comes from my 2 boys (ages 12 and 7) and my wife. She is a former zookeeper with lots of stories and the boys are a never ending font of inspiration on life lessons, both good and bad.

What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?

That’s easy, getting to spend my days with my kids. Since this whole pandemic began I have spent more time with them than I could have ever hoped for in a lifetime.

It has been great watching them grow and to be able to share this experience with them and to see themselves as characters in a book has been wonderful.

Photo courtesy of Donald Lloyd via Facebook

What advice would you give to authors just starting out?

I have two pieces of advice:

1) If you want to know who your greatest competition is look in the mirror. So often we are afraid to take a chance on the unknown that we miss out. I was in that boat and believe me when I say that taking the leap was life altering and

2) The greatest enemy of creativity is self-doubt. There are so many creative people in the world that have beautiful talents. They doubt themselves because they are afraid, but I say to them let the world see you for who you are and you will never be disappointed. The people who are supposed to be in your lives and support you will find you!

Photo courtesy of Donald Lloyd via Facebook

Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?

This is a second career for me and one that I wish I had found or should say been brave enough to pursue when I was younger. Creativity should not be kept in but let loose on the world.

I am a huge supporter of the arts and cherish every artist I get the chance to meet. I think the world would be a much happier place if we all were a little more artistic!

What message are you sharing in your books?

My primary goal is to share multiple messages throughout the series. The debut book shows children that in a digital age where we are more likely to be friends on a screen that sometimes all you have to do is open up and give someone a chance.

You never know they may be the best friend you were looking for all along! There are so many things that our kids learn that I know I have taken for granted. So I try to observe and report, as it were, on the nuances of childhood.

What are your favorite books?

My favorite books are really any books that make me smile. I grew up loving The Berenstein Bears, Clifford, Charles Dickens, Sylvia Plath.

I have such diverse interests that it really does boil down to the fact of a book making me lose myself. Who doesn’t love getting lost in a book!

If you could create an author’s group with writers from any time period, who would you invite?

Wow, that is a tough question! I would have to say writer’s from the Renaissance. There is something about the rebirth that I find intriguing as if to say we were awakened to new possibilities.

Who has influenced your writing the most?

That’s easy, my kids. Everything I do is for them and to the end that I get to spend time with them every day!

When you’re not writing where can we find you?

I’m usually watching rugby or cricket. If not there then I am in the workshop working on my latest carpentry project.

And yet I’m at the computer working on illustrations too. Like I said I have diverse interests that allow me to be creative every day!

A movie producer wants to turn your book into a movie and you get to make a cameo. What would you do in the movie?

I would be the plucky zookeeper in the story. They have not made an appearance yet but…oops!  I just gave away a character in the upcoming book!

And we were the first to know about it! How exciting!!

An elf named 12-25 approaches you. He’s sneezing, wheezing, coughing, and there’s a strange tattoo of a snoring dog on his cheek. What do you do?

I love this question! 

Well if I already know his name then that’s not strange to me and I am sure I know the story behind the tattoo. 

So, in this instance I would offer him some cough and cold relief or take him to the doctor’s office.

On the other hand, I may not know his name and simply have seen his name tag. I would probably then cover my face so as not to get sick too. And as far as the tattoo I would probably ask what the dog’s name is and if it was his only pet!

What are your most effective marketing strategies?

Honestly, it has been word of mouth advertising. My family has been fabulous at getting the word out and generating support for the book.

I have friends all over that have supported me through purchases, social media, and telling folks they meet.

Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc?

I am currently working on a website so stay tuned for that in the coming months.

As for Facebook the link is: https://www.facebook.com/DonaldLl0yd.

I can also be followed on Instagram (@donaldlloyd_author) and Twitter (@DonaldLl0yd) and Amazon Author Central (https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B08DDB5TS5).

Where can we find your books?

Amazon   https://amzn.to/2YI7A7D

Barnes and Noble  https://bit.ly/32AARmG

Halo Publishing  https://bit.ly/32BYRWr

Or you can order one directly through me by sending me a message on social media.  Once the website is up and running customers will be able to order one through it as well.

Thank you, Donald, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck!

Donald’s Featured Book

Available on Amazon

Ever wanted to make a new friend but were not sure how? Have you ever met someone and instantly knew that you would be friends?

The Adventures of Monkey and Toad: Two Remarkable Friends is a story about finding a friend, learning how to be a friend, and realizing that a true friend can be anyone from anywhere!

I’m A Messterpiece By Lauren Eresman

Available on Amazon

Have you ever heard a child say something negative about themselves, such as “I can’t do it!” “I’m not good at this!” or “I’m a mess!”?

Confidence is like a muscle that needs exercise throughout our lives. Helping children develop a supportive, resilient, and compassionate inner voice is a great place to start.

FOLLOW ALONG on a frustrating week that emphasizes how children can view mistakes as a part of learning and see themselves as a work in progress — a perfectly imperfect MESSterpiece!

GRAB a copy of this book for all the kids in your life that could use an extra BOOST of self-love.

About The Author

Lauren Eresman is one of those crazy over-committed moms that rarely says “NO.”

Following a journey to find herself and build boundaries, she recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a children’s book author.

Her desire to encourage young girls to feel empowered in their own skin has ignited a fire.

Lauren is passionate about telling stories that encourage girls to shatter the glass slippers, choose their own footwear, AND pick the path their feet will take. Making mistakes, being imperfect, or stumbling while they chase their dream is perfectly fine too.

Giving up is the only thing that’s not allowed.

You can find Lauren online at www.laureneresman.com.

Lauren’s Books:
The Cherry on Top (2019)
The Treehouse Trio (2020)

Interview With Author Deborah Kalb

By way of introduction, here is Deborah Kalb’s bio.

Deborah Kalb is a freelance writer and editor. She spent about two decades working as a journalist in Washington, D.C., for news organizations including Gannett News Service, Congressional Quarterly, U.S. News & World Report, and The Hill, mostly covering Congress and politics.

Her book blog, Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb, which she started in 2012, features hundreds of interviews she has conducted with a wide variety of authors.

Hello, Deborah, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications! Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.

Thank you for having me.

When did the writing bug ensnare you?

I’ve always been interested in writing. I grew up in a family of writers and journalists, so I guess it was just something in the air. I remember writing a “novel” in third grade in a series of black-and-white notebooks.

Is writing your full-time profession?

At this point, more or less. I was a journalist for many years but have been focusing more lately on writing books, plus freelance writing and editing.

How long have you been writing?

Most of my life. But specifically, in terms of published books, for more than a decade now.

How many published books have you written?

I’ve written a nonfiction book for adults (with my father, Marvin Kalb)–Haunting Legacy: Vietnam and the American Presidency from Ford to Obama.

I’ve written three children’s books, George Washington and the Magic Hat, John Adams and the Magic Bobblehead, and Thomas Jefferson and the Return of the Magic Hat.

They’re a series of middle grade novels focusing on a group of fifth graders in Bethesda, Maryland, who go on time travel adventures and meet the early presidents. I’ve also edited/written some reference books about U.S. history and government.

Which genres do you write?

It’s eclectic nonfiction for adults and fiction for kids. Plus, I have some other manuscripts I’m working on that are fiction for adults.

What do you find most challenging writing for these genres?

In terms of the children’s books, probably getting the right balance between the historical time travel events and the everyday 21st century events happening in the kids’ lives.

What are you working on now?

I’ve handed in book four in the series, James Madison and the Magic Book, to my publisher and am working on book five, about James Monroe.

Where do you find inspiration for your characters?

It’s all a matter of combining bits and pieces of things I see, hear, and experience. Somehow the characters emerge. And for the historical characters, I do a lot of research to make sure the details are right.

What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?

Talking to kids in school groups or elsewhere about the books and answering their questions, which often make me look at things in a completely new way!

What advice would you give to authors just starting out?

Don’t give up! Keep trying. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you run into writer’s block.

Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?

I live in the Washington, D.C. area and I have a blog, Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb, where I interview a wide range of authors about their books.

What message are you sharing in your books?

The importance of understanding history.

What are your favorite books?

Some of my favorite kids’ books are the Half Magic Series by Edward Eager. I loved them as a kid. There are so many others. For adults, again, there are so many it’s hard to say. Some authors whose work I admire include Elinor Lipman, Nick Hornby, Stephen McCauley, and Tracy Chevalier.

If you could create an author’s group with writers from any time period, who would you invite?

I’d invite Jane Austen, definitely. Maybe Louisa May Alcott and E.L. Konigsburg.

Who has influenced your writing the most?

My family. My parents are both authors, and so are my uncle and aunt and sister and cousins.

When you’re not writing where can we find you?

Reading, taking walks, and—pre-pandemic—sometimes traveling.

A movie producer wants to turn your book into a movie and you get to make a cameo. What would you do in the movie?

I would probably play a 18th/19th century journalist covering the events I’m writing about in my children’s book series.

An elf named 12-25 approaches you. He’s sneezing, wheezing, coughing, and there’s a strange tattoo of a snoring dog on his cheek. What do you do?

Get six feet away from him and ask him why he’s not wearing his face mask.

What are your most effective marketing strategies?

Social media, word of mouth through friends, and family.

Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc?

Yes! I have several websites, but the one that links to my other pages is www.deborahkalb.com.

You can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/deborahkalbauthor/

Twitter at https://twitter.com/deborahkalb,

Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/deborahskalb/?hl=en.

Where can we find your books?

Amazon, Indiebound, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop, and (I hope) some local bookstores and libraries.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Jefferson-Return-Magic-President/dp/0764360191/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=deborah+kalb&qid=1597764263&sr=8-1

Indiebound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780764360190

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thomas-jefferson-and-the-return-of-the-magic-hat-deborah-kalb/1136295992?ean=9780764360190

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/books/thomas-jefferson-and-the-return-of-the-magic-hat/9780764360190

Schiffer Books: https://www.schifferbooks.com/thomas-jefferson-and-the-return-of-the-magic-hat-6908.html

Thank you, Deborah, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lost of luck!

Deborah Kalb’s Featured Book: Available September 28, 202o

For ages 8-12

After almost six months in Maryland, fifth-grader Oliver still misses his friends back in New Jersey. But things start to change one day, when his neighbor—and possible new friend—Sam lends Oliver a magic hat that takes him back to the 18th- and 19th-century world of Thomas Jefferson.

Oliver and his sisters—Cassie, the nice one, and Ruby, the annoying one—end up learning more about Jefferson than they’d expected. And Oliver finds that his new neighborhood might not be so terrible after all. 

Thomas Jefferson and the Return of the Magic Hat is the third in The President and Me series that began with George Washington and the Magic Hat and John Adams and the Magic Bobblehead.

This new adventure brings back previous characters Sam, Ava, J.P. (blink and you might miss them, though!), and of course the cantankerous talking hat itself.

Please Help Spread The Word

Hello Readers!

When I started The Kamyla Chung Series I drew on my experiences as a public school teacher. During my tenure I witnessed the difficult situations many children live in and the violent outbursts that brought into my classroom.

I hope that Kamyla Chung and the Classroom Bully will be a stimulus for heartfelt, meaningful conversations between parents and their children and teachers and their students.

To cure school violence, we must address the mental health of students and offer consistent and viable support to those who are struggling. Books that approach the subject gently are one tool educators and counselors can use to accomplish this.

Awards are a great way to earn the recognition required to spread a book’s message. Will you please help me get my message to those who need it by voting for Kamyla Chung and the Classroom Bully in The Author Academy Awards.

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If you’re interested in a community that shares resources on bullying and mental health please join my Facebook group Kamyla Chung’s Bully Free Zone.

Click here to join. If we work together on solutions for our children, we’ll be one step closer to curing this social disease.

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