Interview With Author Allyson Jannotta
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My greatest joy when my son was little was to snuggle up at the end of a long day and read picture books. Now that he is grown, in college and I am an empty nester, I have written over 12 picture books of my own.
My stories are inspired by things that annoy me like the loud bird outside my window and my misbehaved dog; things that make me curious, like what’s up with that inflated whoopie cushion in the middle of the road and sentimental memories like the days my son and I would go on adventures in our hometown.
Cosmo’s Flying Funnel Cakes is my first to publish, but will definitely not be my last. I plan to find talented illustrators and eventually publish all of my stories!
I am a former journalist, a certified life coach and a substitute teacher. When my son was little, I started a school garden and served on a board to start a children’s museum in Tulsa, OK. I am a member of SCBWI and a Chicago area moth style storytelling writer’s group and I tell personal stories on stage with First Person Live. I also own a funnel cake booth at The State Fair of Texas. YUMMERS!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Cosmo’s Flying Funnel Cakes – Was inspired by my family business of over 36 years, a funnel cake booth at the State Fair of Texas. I had a picture of my son at the booth hanging up and with the way he is holding it, it looks like the funnel cake is flying, so much so that a customer asked me how did he make the funnel cake float.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think of ideas very late at night. Sometimes wakes me up at 4 am.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I LOVE picture books that have a message to them and teaches kids in a very clever way.
What are you working on now?
Publishing my next picture book and marketing Cosmo’s Flying Funnel Cakes.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am working on discovering this. I will get back to you.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it and get a great editor!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Even a small win is a win and gets you closer to your goal. Celebrate every win along the way.
What are you reading now?
How to books about marketing my book!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing more books. I already wrote 13 picture books and have worked with editors on all of them. I will either self publish or eventually find an agent or publisher that loves my books as much as I do.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
How to books: How to get off a desert island, How to Build a Boat, How to Survive Alone etc.
Author Websites and Profiles
Allyson Jannotta Amazon Profile
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