Interview With Author Linda R Mason

 

1. What inspired you to write this book?

Whilst raising my own children I was well aware just how crucial it is to give them the confidence and appreciation of who they are. I often observed their friends struggling with self-confidence and attempting to navigate their lives whilst in the process of growing up.  This motivated me to create a simple, easily understood story that would apply to all age groups in the hope that it may assist anyone searching for answers.  

2. What exactly is it about and who is it written for?
It's a story about Max the dragon who initially attempts to find out why his animal friends are happy. He tries to copy what each one of them does. That maybe being the same as them he will be happy too. He realises that he is not the same, and that they are also different from each other. He is confused and sad. The owl recommends that he takes the journey to the wizard for answers. This replicates the journey we all take in life. He then explores his own skills and returns to his animal friends to play an important part in rescuing a baby bird by simply being him. He is proud of his efforts and revels in the recognition and praise for his efforts. The story is for all of us. 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?
Even though this is a story for children, it applies to any age group as it is a story of Max recognizing his skills and appreciating who he is and how he finally finds his place in life.

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?
His magnificent tail is unique to Max so his tail had to be the focal point of the cover. His smiling face showing his contentment and happiness was also important.

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?
It's a lot of work, especially for the new writer. You need to be prepared for the long game. It takes a massive amount of changes, constantly. Read other books similar to the book you are writing. Learn from other authors by observing how they create the story. Question yourself why you like their story. I found that if I looked at one paragraph at a time, and to not move on until you are completely happy with it. Don't hesitate rewriting and rewriting all of it.  Also leave it for a week. On returning to it often you have renewed clarity and fresh ideas. 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?
Books I think have become more respected and valued. I believe that books will never leave us. To own the books that you love, you can re-read and love them endlessly. I think publishers need to improve their communication with new writers. Obviously, AI is now a complication. I'm not sure how publishers are handling this. 

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? 
Absolutely! My challenges as a child taught me so much. And of course, the big learning curve when you start your career. Working in various industries. Then being a sole parent and then grandparent. I've had a very interesting life that I could write a book about haha. 

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?
I guess it's down-to-earth. Hopefully it gives a clear picture of the message in the story. I think my writing is probably similar to many children's books that attempt to tell an entertaining story with a message.  

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?
Learning how to write! Getting the message in the story across. I think we know what we want to say but are we saying it clearly. Learning how to create interesting characters who all react differently in a situation. 

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?
Children and young adults are needing support more than ever before. Social media has eroded their self-image and confidence. My book can be read and discussed in the classroom. To be used as a personal development tool. Parents can read it to their children and talk about Max's journey. Anyone can read it and apply it to their own life. 

 

About The Author: Linda has a passion for the natural world, and whilst working amongst animals and observing all their different behaviors and specialties, she soon realized that all the answers we need are found in nature. She has also worked in industries in roles that were specifically people focused. In her work as a behavioral counsellor and personal development trainer, she was a keen observer of essential human needs. She is now a grandmother and continues her quest to assist young people in finding their way in life

See Instagram: LindyLou

See Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.mason.986?mibextid=LQQJ4d

 

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2024. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This award-winning blog has generated over 3.9 million pageviews. With 4,900+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and director of publicity positions at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.