Thursday 19 September 2013

Interviewed by Richard S. Todd

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE BEING INTERVIEWED! :)
 http://raincloudbook.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/introducing-vanessa-canevaro/

Introducing…Vanessa Canevaro

There’s nothing like making a positive impact on a child’s life. Children’s authors do it all the time. But whether the author is conveying a lesson or simply providing entertainment to incent a child to read, this young audience is perhaps the most important to reach and encourage a lifelong love of the written word.
This week, “Introducing…” speaks to children’s author Vanessa Canevaro.mebooks
1)    How gratifying is it to write for children?
It is so gratifying being a children’s writer. Kids always want to know what is going happen next, so it keeps me on my toes as I write so I don’t drag out a storyline or focus too intesely on one particular thought. Also, a child’s imagination is endless; I think as we grow-up we start to lose that perspective, the idea that anything is possible.
2)    Tell us how your upcoming book Remembering Grampa came about.
Remembering Grandpa was written as a way of coping with my father’s death. So in a way it was used as an outlet for me to deal with the loss of my dad and an aid to help my boys understand death and life without their grandfather.
3)    When writing for children, what is the most important thing to keep in mind?
Kids don’t care what the plot of the story is or what message the writer is trying to convey. Kids just want to be entertained so they have the desire to read further. Stories need to be colorful, full of intersting characters and incredible places. I have a very short attentions span so I usually write what I would want to see in a story, keep me entertained when I read, that’s what I try to give the kids who read my books.
4)    Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
I am the mother of 3 boys. This has given me enough material to last a lifetime.
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“I Want a Dragon” by Vanessa Canevaro
5)    Do you market your books directly to children, or through their parents, or both? What is the most effective way to do so?
Both. I want my stories to be fun and crazy with a bit of the unepected thrown in for excitement, but also have a good moral or lesson within them.
I have found the most effecive way to market my books is by getting out there and promoting them myself. Book store signings have been the most effective for me. I have also sold my books as promos for different companies that they use as giveaways to their clients.
6)    Do you have an audience outside of Canada as well? Do you find children overseas can be entertained with the same books as children here?
My books have been sold in Canada and the US. My ebooks have gone overseas. I think kids are the same everywhere, they want to be intrigued and entertained by a story. A kid is a kid.
7)    Have you ever had a desire to write for adults, young or old?
My first historical/fiction novel, Of Lions and Lambs, is due for release in October, 2013. The sequal to this novel is already in the works.
8)    What’s next for Vanessa Canevaro?
Up next for me is the promotion of  Of  Lions and Lambs and book two of the series. I have a lot of children’s books on the go as well, so I will more than likely be releasing other Vanessa Canevaro stories in the next few years. Hoping to get a movie deal for my novel.
9)    On a personal note, what’s the most exciting thing you’ve ever done?
The most exciting thing I have ever done is taking my life and career into my own hands and actually living my dream as a writer. DREAM BIG!!  ‘Your life, your choice!! You are the creator of your own world and what and whom you let into it!’ Is my motto.
10)   Where can readers connect with you and your work?
My personal website is www.vanessacanevaro.com and www.vanessacanevaro.ca .You can email me at vanessa@vanessacanevaro.com or vanessa@vanessacanevaro.ca .
Thanks Vanessa for speaking with us and for helping to give children the joy of reading.
See you out there!
If you’re a writer, write. And if you’re a reader, keep reading. We need you!
Author Richard S. Todd
Author Richard S. Todd
Richard Todd is a novelist, screenplay writer, and Social Media guy. Plus a few other things that get lost in the clutter. Visit him online at www.richard-todd.com.

Wednesday 18 September 2013

No Sympathy for The Stars

This post is a bit of a rant, so please, bear with me.

Rarely do I watch the news or any of the entertainment shows. I'm a History Channel, Big Bang Theory, Superhero kind of girl. Sometimes I do flip through a magazine or catch a headline on FaceBook that talks about the struggles of a Star. Their drug/alcohol addiction, erratic behavior and the stresses they face with such fame and fortune and how they cope by self-medicating.

Believe me, I do have pity for your struggles:

I am sorry you are having a hard time dealing with people always wanting a piece of you.
I am sorry you feel like everyone has their hands in your pocket.
I am sorry you feel pulled in half, needing to be here or there at the same time.
I am sorry you never have any time for yourself.
I am sorry you never get one second alone.
I am sorry you are shelling out money to everyone for everything.
I am sorry you don't feel you are in control of your life.
I am sorry people are always screaming for your attention.
I am sorry you are dog tired and feel like you need to get away.
I am sorry you have NO privacy.
I am sorry people take your belongings.
I am sorry you feel used.
I am sorry you feel scared.
BUT...THE BIGGEST THING I AM SORRY FOR IS:

I AM SORRY YOUR LIFE SUCKS BECAUSE IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE PARENT.