Virtual Book Tour: Interview with Children's Book Author Lisa McDonald
Writing
has been a long-time passion for Lisa. “I have
been writing since the age of five. I always wrote poetry, short stories,
anthologies, essays. My maternal grandmother foresaw me being a writer/author
from a very young age and encouraged me to pursue it. As a result of
reinventing myself due to a change in personal/familial circumstances, it
became clear to me that writing was not meant to be a hobby but rather my
vocation.”
Lisa’s third and fourth books, PLANET POME-GRANITE and KISMET
TALES FROM HAPPY TRAILS, are forthcoming in late 2015 and early 2016.
For More Information
Q: Welcome
to The Writer's Life! Now that your book
has been published, we’d love to find out more about the process. Can we begin by having you take us at the
beginning? Where did you come up with
the idea to write your book?
I have been
writing since the age of five, and have continually written throughout my
entire life. It was due to a change in personal circumstances, that I
reinvented myself and my career. I got very clear as to what it is I am most
passionate about and decided to then turn my hobby into a vocation - a labour
of love. My idea to write children’s books (soon changing my genre to adult
material) was primarily motivated by my children, and my choice and necessity
to always make them my number one priority as the result of being a single
parent.
Q: How hard
was it to write a book like this and do you have any tips that you could pass
on which would make the journey easier for other writers?
Truthfully,
writing the book is the easiest part of the process (in my humble opinion). The
hard and necessary work comes from what follows after the book has been written
- particularly if you are self-published. In order to gain exposure, build
momentum, and market your product(s), one must be fierce and consistent with
wearing many hats and juggling many balls. One often times has to learn to
become comfortable with being uncomfortable - meaning - you have to self-promote
diligently as well as regularly interface with the public, store managers,
anyone for that matter who is classified as your demographic audience. One must
consistently expand their business so as to enable their product/work to become
as far-reaching, accessible, and widespread as possible. My advice is to
implement these vital strategies every day, and to anticipate delays, setbacks,
and challenges while all the while, remaining committed to the process and both
your short-term and long-term goals.
Q: Who is
your publisher and how did you find them or did you self-publish?
I have been
self-published up until just recently. I am now partnered with FriesenPress
Publishing. As a result of also making videos for the Internet, I had not long
ago made a video speaking to the subject of kindly asking listeners,
supporters, and fans, to graciously provide me with any referrals they may have
of publishers, and/or publishing companies. One such individual, kindly offered
FriesenPress as a suggestion in the comments section of my video. It has
resulted in a flourishing and beautiful partnership.
Q: Is there
anything that surprised you about getting your first book published?
The timing
in which my journey has exponentially ramped up and gained momentum, is probably
the most surprising - top of what this list entails, would be my very recent
telephone conversation with my ongoing contact person at FriesenPress, whom
only days ago, confirmed for me over the telephone that the partnership is now
a green-light. The contract will soon be officially signed.
Q: What
other books (if any) are you working on and when will they be published?
I currently
have two children’s books out in print and on actual book shelves. My third and
fourth children’s books are currently being illustrated. The third book, Planet
Pome-Granite, is on target to go to print and released in the fall of this
year (2015). My fourth children’s book, Kismet Tales from Happy Trails,
is expected to be available for purchase by spring of 2016.
Q: What’s your favorite place to hang out
online?
Given that
I generally have regular updates and announcements pertaining to my work and
other related endeavours; I am a radio show host as well on The Contact Talk
radio Network – go LIVE every Friday at 11:04am EDT - I am on social media a
considerable amount of my time. Specific websites I derive much daily
inspiration from would be inclusive of, The Writer’s Circle, The
Master Shift, and Purple Clover.
Q: Finally,
what message (if any) are you trying to get across with your book?
Although
each book is unique with its own individual message, the underlying premise to
all of my work, speaks to human connectedness, kindness, love, passion,
compassion, humility, and paying-it-forward. I am extremely grateful that my
work is resonating with all demographics regardless of whether or not people
have children and grandchildren, or not. Teachers, and schools have been
purchasing my books as well as inviting me to classroom book-readings, and
annual book-fairs. Mothers have been reading my books to their unborn children.
People have kindly been purchasing my books and have graciously donated them to
school/public libraries, women shelters, and hospitals for children. The reception has been incredibly lovely.
Q: Thank
you again for this interview! Do you
have any final words?
I always
take full-advantage of any and all opportunities to properly extend my
wholehearted gratitude to anyone and everyone who has played a role in my
journey. I could not be here without the immense support I have graciously
received from my friends, family, community, mentors, partners and
collaborators. From the centre of my heart, thank-you!
About
the Books:
Title: Little Boy Gan From Passion-Filled
Everland
Author: Lisa McDonald
Publisher: Lisa McDonald
Pages: 36
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Author: Lisa McDonald
Publisher: Lisa McDonald
Pages: 36
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
McDonald’s
first book, LITTLE BOY GAN FROM
PASSION-FILLED EVERLAND, tells the story of ten-year-old Gan. Gan is humble
and wise with a loving spirit that he shares with the animals he meets in the
magical forest where the story takes place. The curious animals watch Gan and
observe his kindness and humility. Soon they seek the boy out to learn the
secret of his happiness. The old soul gives his new friends advice on humility,
passion, compassion, and paying it forward. The impact Gan has on the animals
is life changing. The lessons they learn lead to expressions of gratitude for
their individual gifts and embolden them to share their passions with the
world.
For More Information
- Little Boy Gan From Passion-Filled Everland is available at Amazon.
Title: Reimburse the Universe
Author: Lisa McDonald
Publisher: Lisa McDonald
Pages: 36
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Author: Lisa McDonald
Publisher: Lisa McDonald
Pages: 36
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
In
REIMBURSE THE UNIVERSE, a diverse
cast of characters continue the theme of people sharing their best selves with
the world. The message of this book focuses on giving back to the universe by
honoring and respecting ourselves and others and understanding that all human
beings are part of a collective whole. Each page in the book offers examples of
how individuals can give back to the collective out of appreciation for the
many gifts that the universe has provided all of us.
For More Information
- Reimburse the Universe is available at Amazon.
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