I have always loved writing stories, even as a child. Most recently though, while put my toddler to bed we started talking about all the fun things we wanted to do together the next day. This became a nightly ritual we engaged in and also the basis for one of my books, Big Plans for Tomorrow. After having this nightly conversation with my son, I decided that I would love to be an author and write our own stories (based on family occurrences). Bedtime stories are something that my family has always enjoyed together.
How long did it take for you to complete your first book?
My first book took months to create. I worked very hard at it and at the time was unemployed so I was able to focus on finishing my book. It took a lot of editing and numerous rewrites. I rewrote quite a bit of the book dozens of times til I felt like it was just right.
My first book took months to create. I worked very hard at it and at the time was unemployed so I was able to focus on finishing my book. It took a lot of editing and numerous rewrites. I rewrote quite a bit of the book dozens of times til I felt like it was just right.
Are you active in any writing critique groups?
I am in a few different critique groups and have some amazing author friends that I am lucky to bounce ideas back and forth with.
I enjoy both writing and illustrating books. Usually though, I write the story first and illustrate it after. I do get ideas for stories after drawing and painting things sometimes too though.
What was the hardest part of putting together your books?
The hardest part is putting everything together and making it into an actual book. Editing and proofreading take a lot of time. Also, formatting everything and creating illustrations that I feel happy with is quite time consuming as well.
Since you are indie published, how much of the book did you do or hire out?
I typically do all of my own formatting and cover design with all my books. I do get advice from authors in cover design groups and have traded some marketing work for help in designing my covers a couple of times as well. I have some great author/illustrator friends that are willing to give me feedback on design choices when I need it and that has been a great help!
What’s the best encouragement you’ve had from readers?
Receiving a great review on a book that I have written is always such a gift. I wrote a book called “Extra Special Heart” that is geared to children/families with congenital heart defects. I have gotten the most heart warming emails in response to that book especially.
My best marketing source has been networking with other authors. We read and share one another’s books. Launch teams are also incredibly helpful and effective to build excitement upon release as well!
What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?
I wish I would have known that it was possible to be a self-published author. I would have started writing and publishing books a lot sooner than I did!
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
The best piece of advice I could give would be to hire good editors and proof-readers. One more piece of advice is to read TONS of books in whatever genre you write.
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
I would tell people to write the book! Don’t put off writing! There is always going to be someone that wants to hear your story! Write what you love and feel passionate about and share it with your readers!
I just released the first book in a series that I am working on. It is titled "Later,” Said Gator. The series is geared towards children with ADHD and/or executive dysfunction. I’m very excited to release more in this series.
Thanks for sharing your writing story with me. If you'd like to learn more about Carli's books, here are ways to do that.
https://www.carlivalentine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/carlivalentineauthor/
And here's a bonus for my readers... Leave a comment on this post with your name and we'll pick one winner next week who will get a free eBook of their choosing from Carli's books. So what are you waiting for? Write a comment now!
That’s a great interview, Carli!! I am loving your newest book, “Later Gator”!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this interview, Chris. I am always so impressed to find an author who can also illustrate their own writings. Who better would know what's in the authors mind when writing? It's so hard to find an illustrator (in budget) who can capture my thoughts. So that's where I get stuck.
ReplyDeleteCarli is very inspirational. Would love to win an ebook for my granddaughter.