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.
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.
“I Want a Dragon” by Vanessa Canevaro
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
