Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a freelance designer specializing in whimsical character art and started publishing my designs through the creative and decorative arts industry. My first instructional decorative arts project book was published by Easl Publications in 1995 and was then followed by 28 book titles through 2003 . When self publishing via internet websites began to take off and Easl Publications closed their doors, I decided to publish line art pattern and activity craft books through the CreateSpace independent publishing platform (now known as KDP). To date, I have 14 papercraft activity books and 40 line art pattern book titles.
However, it wasn’t until my first granddaughter arrived that I turned to publishing the first of my 10 children’s books based on character art I originally created for my pattern books. Writing and illustrating for children has been and amazing journey which I hope to continue in the years ahead.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Guess What I Heard in the Garden Today” was inspired by recent conversations in a Kindergarten classroom, reading some bizarre social media posts and my own experience as a member of a very large family! I remembered back to my own elementary school classoom days where the teacher told a secret to one student and the story took some pretty drastic twists and turns by the time the tale was told to the last remaining student. It still amazes me as to how simple comments are interpreted differently from one person to another. I thought this story would be a fun way to demonstrate the need to make sure we do our best not to misinterpret what we hear.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I get an idea inspired my one of my characters and then build a story around them, but most of the time it is visa versa!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Beatrix Potter, Laura Ingalls Wilder and Mercer Mayer are my favorite authors who’s storytelling work inspires me as much today as it did when I read their books for the very first time.
What are you working on now?
I’ve just published “Guess What I Heard in the Garden Today” so I’m going to take a short break before beginning my next book title. I have three great ideas written down in my journal, so I’ll continue to develop the stories over the next month or so.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Along with my own website, my Goodreads, Library Thing and Amazon Author Page have proven useful in getting the word out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Books do not just happen. You have to MAKE them happen!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You should write a children’s book.”
What are you reading now?
“Photoshop Down and Dirty Tricks” by Corey Baker
What’s next for you as a writer?
More children’s books and maybe a few more line art coloring pattern books.
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?
I’d probably cheat and load my fully charged Kindle with as many classic titles as it could hold because one can never get enough of the classics!
Author Websites and Profiles
Annie Lang Website
Annie Lang Amazon Profile
Annie Lang’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account