Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In 1995, I wrote my first children’s book. Back then there was no notion of self-publishing. No Kindles; no iPads. I wrote another story in 2005 and stuck it in a drawer. Last year, I decided I would self-publish both stories. Truth was, one story was not fit for publication. A truth revealed to me by two honest editors. Lol! The other story, “Mort the Fly” was the first book I had illustrated. I did not plan to be a publisher. But, in a fit of inspiration I wrote several stories for a series called “Kitten and Friends.” Then I started collaborating on other books. Since my grandson is being raised bilingual, I decided to offer all the books in English, Spanish and bilingual versions. Which is funny because I can barely speak Spanish. To date, I have completed 12 stories with several more in development. Four are for sale in Amazon’s Kindle library: amazon.com/author/avivagittle.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“In Nana’s Arms” was written for my first grandchild, Louis. I fell in love with the work of two different artists and ended up publishing two versions of the book. One features the soft watercolors of Seattle artist Karissa Hunter. The other features the bold and colorful art of Brazilian illustrator Carlos Brito. The poem was written while my grandson was sleeping on my chest. I held him with my left arm and wrote a rough draft of the poem holding my iPhone with my right hand. Babies always look like angels while they’re sleeping. Lol! The poem was re-written several times, but one line remained the same: “Nana believes I’m her moon and her stars, wrapped in the energy of the universe, and held tightly in her arms.”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing habits are probably not unusual to other writers. We tend to be an interesting bunch; driven by often inexplicable things. Yet, we’re writers and we’re supposed to figure out a way to explain these things. Children’s stories, so far, have been the most natural way for me to communicate my feelings and views to the world. My writing tends to be in fits and starts. I tend to have multiple projects going on at once. Deadlines work well in some instances to force me to get it done. Partnering with other writers has really helped me to be much more productive and creative. I always thought of myself as a loner; it turns out I’m a collaborator.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
“The Sneetches” and “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss. “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster. Of course, “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. All are stories that have a moral and a message, but tell it in a way that is entertaining to both children and adults. I hate preachy books. I understand that there are tough things that kids have to deal with today and it’s important that there are books out there to help them. But, kids can hear lectures at home and in school. My goal is to find imaginative and entertaining ways to be a messenger.
What are you working on now?
I have three projects going on now. A tween novel I’m writing with Mark Megson (we’ve written 3 stories together). An animation project with Colombian animator/artist Jean Paul Iragorri. Finally, I’m developing a book series with one of my key editors, Sara Dean.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still pretty new at this marketing thing, since I just published my first book at the end of July. I think a multi-pronged approach is best. There’s no magic bullet. Tweet, post on your official FB page, build and maintain a website with good content, connect with others in the publishing business (authors, editors, illustrators, book reviewers, bloggers, etc.) The key thing is to do a little marketing every day. Sometimes that’s just reaching out to people you know to tell them what you’re doing, ask them to let others know about your work, etc. I think Amazon’s KDP program is probably the most efficient way to sell your books. And use your darn author site; they give it to you for free, for goodness sakes!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advice for new authors is to find great editors. Find beta readers. You don’t have to follow every bit of advice, but listen. Some of the best lines in my stories came from my editor, Sara Dean. The first time she basically rewrote one of my scenes, I was pretty teed off. But then I realized that I was letting pride get in the way of a better story. Does it still hurt sometimes when someone doesn’t like my work? Yup. Get over it (I tell myself regularly). It’s getting easier. 🙂
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard came from Christine Messier of Your Voice, Inc., a great marketer here in San Diego. She said my social media interactions should be 70% valuable content for my audience and 30% promotion of my own stuff. All you have to do is think about how you feel when every tweet is trying to sell you something.
What are you reading now?
Mostly I read other people’s children’s books. But, I’m slowly getting through an excellent book, “Nine Lives of A Marriage” by Mickey Goodman about the amazing life of a 92-year-old holocaust victim. You can buy it in digital or print on Amazon.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me is to really get serious about my website (www.AvivaGittleEbooks.com or www.GoToGittle.com). I hired a web designer and my revamped site should be up in mid-September. I’m lining up great interviews with authors and illustrators. There will be children’s book reviews, product reviews, children’s video reviews and much more. I’ve been working on my content calendar. Everyone should have one. Email me at GoToGittle@gmail.com and I’ll share the Excel workbook I’m developing to manage my website content.
What is your favorite book of all time?
George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” is my favorite book of all time. It speaks the terribly sad truth about humans and power. Probably why I write children’s stories. Far less depressing.
Author Websites and Profiles
Aviva Gittle Website
Aviva Gittle Amazon Profile
Aviva Gittle’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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