Author's Interview with Kathleen J. Shields.

First, before we move forward with our Author's Interview, I would like to start with an introduction. 

1. Could you please introduce yourself to us? 

Hello! My name is Kathleen J. Shields and I am a multi-award-winning author of multiple genres. I write educational children's rhyming stories, inspirational children's stories, tween adventure books, educational and informative how to books and have even written young adult in the past. I am a graphic designer, website creator, author services supplier, book publisher and Christian. I stay busy and I love it!

2. Congratulations on your book. So what inspired you to write this book?

I've been working on my latest book for a great amount of time. I've been acquiring information and knowledge about the industry for over 24 yours and I decided to combine all of it into one 460-page comprehensive guide to help aspiring children's book author. "How to Write, Market and Sell Children's Books" was penned every time I met a new author in my travels who asked me about my setup, book displays, who my publisher was and how I won my awards. It was imagined every time a would-be writer came up to me inquiring how I come up with my story ideas, how I found a publisher and tells me how much they want to do this. I wrote it for everyone who doesn't know what comes with completing a story. 

3. What is the book all about? 

"How to Write, Market and Sell Children's Books" is your comprehensive companion through every stage of the publishing journey. Packed with 460 pages of invaluable insights accumulated over 24 years in the industry, this book leaves no stone unturned. Inside, you'll uncover expert editing techniques, strategies for choosing the right publisher or navigating the indie path, and tips for finding talented illustrators to bring your stories to life. Learn the art of effective marketing, securing reviews, and gaining visibility in a competitive market. Plus, delve into the realities of publishing that few books dare to explore. Unlike basic guides that merely scratch the surface, this book is designed to empower you with everything you need in one comprehensive volume. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, "How to Write, Market and Sell Children's Books" is your definitive roadmap to becoming a successful children's book author. 

4. Why did you choose this genre for your book? 

I prefer to write for children, I truly do - but I also wish to educate others. I felt the knowledge gained through my extensive experience needed to be shared. While I had only intended on writing a few key points, the book continued to grow and morph into this giant. When I started the book, I always knew it would be a How to book, and I worried I would lose interest in it as it wasn't as magical and adventurous as writing for children, but I thoroughly enjoyed the process. It felt good sharing and I pray the readers will be impressed with my diligence in informing them of everything I could. 

5. How much time did it take to complete this book?

Writing this book was fairly quick. I used a talk to text app to record my verbal thoughts as I navigated through a table of contents outline that was 15 pages long. When I thought I was done writing and entering the editing phase, I thought of more content to add. When all was said and done, I'd say about a year of work went into it but 24 years of research. 

6. What makes your Book Special? 

Over the years I discovered writers’ workshops charge hopeful authors hundreds of dollars with the promise of turning their book into a bestseller but the information they provide is so generic it doesn’t really help. Maybe if you are as green a clover you will learn something, but once you get your toes wet in this industry you need a lot more than any of them are willing to give.

 I also learned that the information they provide does not contain the details necessary for children’s books to find success. There is an entirely different mindset in marketing when you are pushing a children's book, just like various review sites are not designed or geared to promote a kids book. But my book covers it all! From every stage or writing, to writer's block. Editing, choosing a publisher, marketing, writing a series, getting a movie deal and most importantly, the dark side of publishing, what other authors won’t tell you or prepare you for. 

I try to inspire and encourage throughout while being realistic as to expectations. It is me, in a very large nutshell, and I hope it becomes a go-to for new authors. 

7. When is your second book coming?

My next book will go back to children's genres. I am bouncing between an inspirational doggy picture book, a middle school fantasy adventure trilogy and a relaxing turtle devotional. Yes, I am all over the place, but that is the curse of a writer with a highly active imagination. "The Only Limitation is your Own Imagination!"

8. While writing did you get any writer's block? What is the Tip that you will give others who are facing writer's block?

Writer's block is only a block if you make it one. Bounce around. If you can't finish the current section but know what happens later, write that! If tween isn't flowing, change genres. If the rhyme for your story in verse isn't melding, work on something else. There is always something to do when you are an author. Maybe, like me, you can only write when you are inspired. That is fine. Don't push it. Forced writing can be felt within the written word. If you aren't feeling it, your reader will feel it. So jump around. 

9. What are your other hobbies besides being a talented author?

My day job is graphics, websites, and publishing. My hobbies include attending any public event I can find each weekend and selling my books. If I am home, I am mowing the yard, feeding my turtles and playing with my dogs. I stay very active. 

10. Last but not the least, How did you feel, while giving this interview? 

Comfortable. After all of this time in the industry, I found this part easy. I can talk about myself anytime. It's because public sales have pulled me out of my shell. You can't be a shy recluse if you are selling your goods to the world. Practice your pitch. Get comfortable talking and have fun with it.

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