It's my pleasure to feature my friend and fellow Clear Fork Publishing author Rosie J. Pova on today's blog. Rosie has two children's books out this year so far and another releasing in the fall:
If I Weren't With You (PB)
Hailey Queen Pranking Makes Perfect: The Alien Encounter (MG)
Sarah's Song (PB) Fall 2017
Here's what Rosie thinks about STORIES, CREATIVITY, and CONNECTION:
QUESTION 1 -- STORIES -- Discuss what inspires your ideas and stories, and share the process about your latest projects.
Any little thing could spark an idea--my story inspirations come from everywhere. Sometimes a title would pop into my head or I would hear a word--or come up with made up word--that I'd want to include in a story and brainstorm from there. Oftentimes, I get inspired about a topic or a theme from reading books or watching the news, from something my kids said, a dream . . . pretty much anything.
In the case of my newly released book, Hailey Queen Pranking Makes Perfect: The Alien Encounter, which is my first novel length work, the idea came as a rhyming refrain. It was supposed to be a picture book. But I soon realized that the plot and the character are too "big" and complicated to be comprised in a 500-or-so-word story. So I started drafting chapters. Then I . . . had to stop and learn how to write a novel. It took a while, in fact, as I had no idea what I got myself into :).
This process started in the fall of 2011. Finally, as of April 18th, the book is out into the world and I'm excited to share it with readers!
QUESTION 2 -- CREATIVITY -- How do you showcase your creative side through writing/illustrating and other pursuits?
I wish I were an illustrator, too, but my creative focus is on writing. I also enjoy creating crafts for my picture books and designing my promotional materials. I've been fond of photography as well. I am yet to find a creative approach to washing the dishes and that's been presenting a real challenge for me, preventing me from keeping up with that daily task, for the most part . . .
So those are the things on my mind and on my creative plate. There's simply never enough time in the day to tackle all of the creative projects I'd like to pursue so I have to set priorities.
QUESTION 3 -- CONNECTION -- How do you connect to your young readers through your writing/illustrating, and how do you stay connected to the kidlit community?
Connecting with young readers is, of course, very important and I try to stay active in my pursuit of meeting my audience. I do that through school and library visits, by participating in book fairs and festivals, store signings and also by offering workshops for the students.
As far as connecting with peers, I am a member of many awesome online writers groups who have become extended family to me. I love being part of the kidlit community--the support and energy are incredible! Sharing our experiences, exchanging knowledge, asking and giving advice are all very important to me and help me grow as a writer. I appreciate all the connections I've made over the years and continue to make more. It's such a joy to have writing in common and be able to discuss "writing stuff" with people who get it! It's amazing!
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Thanks, Rosie! I look forward to reading more of your work!
Rosie J. Pova is a children's author, poet, wife and a mother of three. She's originally from Bulgaria, now living in Texas with her family.
Ever since childhood, Rosie has been fascinated with the power of words. Her passion for writing took her on a long journey of discoveries, learning and growth through the ups and downs, but she is grateful for all experiences.
With her books, Rosie dreams of inviting many readers into her make-believe worlds, hoping to touch them with her words.
Find Rosie's latest book at: https://www.amazon.com/Hailey-Queen-Pranking-Makes-Perfect/dp/1946101087/
Connect with Rosie at:
Twitter @RosiePOV