What made you decide to write Christmas themed books? Could you give a short synopsis on the books for my readers?
I wrote Christmas Best to share a great holiday message left to us by Mother Teresa: ”Do small things with great love.” Also, as an illustrator, I found the visual setting of the Christmas holiday season irresistible! In Christmas Best, beginner readers watch chaos and confusion sweep through Santa's Workshop when five elves walk off their jobs in search of "greatness." Their misadventure with new holiday careers leads them to learn that not only are they each special in their own way, but that even the littlest things done with care can change the world.
What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Coming from a traditional Lithuanian and Christian background, my family and I celebrate the season with a very festive Christmas Eve supper known as “Kucios.” We begin with an exchange of Christmas wafers, wherein each family member or guest wishes the other some special blessing for the New Year. The spread consists of 12 meatless entrees, salads, breads, and ethnic sweets. We include a candle-lit cake and rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday, Jesus!” We close out the evening with gifts.
What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)
I am currently working on a prequel /sequel to my first book LETTUCE! So far, the working title is THE TRIP: Rabbit Looks for God.
What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Revise, revise, and revise some more!! This is especially true when writing in verse. Never stretch for a rhyme. Make sure that the grammar and wording flow naturally.
What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
Though I have been illustrating professionally for over 30 years and know how competitive the field is, I’ve learned that the world of indie books is even more so. Doing your best work, perseverance, and networking are keys to success.
Any last words or tips?
I think that the basic steps of creativity —preparation, incubation, illumination, evaluation, and implementation —are very important to recognize. They don’t always happen in order or even consciously, but being aware of them helps to stay on track with a project. Allowing time for “incubation” and waiting patiently for “illumination” is a challenge, but well worth doing.
That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Diana's books, here are the links to get you started.
Coming from a traditional Lithuanian and Christian background, my family and I celebrate the season with a very festive Christmas Eve supper known as “Kucios.” We begin with an exchange of Christmas wafers, wherein each family member or guest wishes the other some special blessing for the New Year. The spread consists of 12 meatless entrees, salads, breads, and ethnic sweets. We include a candle-lit cake and rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday, Jesus!” We close out the evening with gifts.
What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)
I am currently working on a prequel /sequel to my first book LETTUCE! So far, the working title is THE TRIP: Rabbit Looks for God.
What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Revise, revise, and revise some more!! This is especially true when writing in verse. Never stretch for a rhyme. Make sure that the grammar and wording flow naturally.
Though I have been illustrating professionally for over 30 years and know how competitive the field is, I’ve learned that the world of indie books is even more so. Doing your best work, perseverance, and networking are keys to success.
Any last words or tips?
I think that the basic steps of creativity —preparation, incubation, illumination, evaluation, and implementation —are very important to recognize. They don’t always happen in order or even consciously, but being aware of them helps to stay on track with a project. Allowing time for “incubation” and waiting patiently for “illumination” is a challenge, but well worth doing.
That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Diana's books, here are the links to get you started.
(It shows her lovely illustrations portfolio with more of her work)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DKIllustration/
Publishing Company: https://brightbearbooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DKIllustration/
Publishing Company: https://brightbearbooks.com/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Diana-Kizlauskas/author/B00IGW8CZY
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