Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I wrote my first song at age seven and started writing poetry at age eleven. But, I didn’t write my first children’s story until the mid-90s. It took a long time (I was in my 50s) to publish my first children’s book, “Mort the Fly.” Since then, I’ve published nearly 20 books with many more in production.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’m publishing a series of “greeting books” based on a poem I wrote for my first grandson titled “In Nana’s Arms.” It’s a 6×9 picture book (the size of a large greeting card) with activity pages that the family fills in to create a unique gift for Grandma. The series is called “Book of Love.” There are two versions available now. Just search Amazon.com for “Aviva Gittle” to find them.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write in streaks. In 2013 I wrote seven stories over a period of about 2 months that were inspired by an illustration of a kitten and butterfly I saw in an artist’s portfolio. it’s been over 5 years and I’m still publishing the stories. The series is called “Kitten and Friends” and can be found by searching for “Aviva Gittle” on Amazon.com. (The stories were translated into Spanish. That series is titled “Gatito y amigos.”)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My “Kitten and Friends” picture book series was greatly influenced by the tone and pace of Winnie the Pooh books. I love the calmness of the setting, the subtlety of the words, and the interaction between the very different personalities. I tried to capture that in the Kitten books.
What are you working on now?
I am backlogged with books that I need to publish. Most are edited and illustrated, but need to be uploaded. This publishing thing is harder than most folks think it is. I also have a few partially-completed projects. Recently, I had an epiphany about writing a story based on a friend’s daughter, who passed nearly 10 years ago.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There is no one way, in my experience. Using sites like Awesome Gang, Facebook ads, social media posts, etc. I think you have to do a little marketing every day. (I don’t follow my own advice, but I’m working on that.)
Do you have any advice for new authors?
HIRE AN EDITOR. Notice I used annoying ALL CAPS. I used to run a contest called “The Gittle List.” I have read hundreds of self-published children’s picture books. In 5 years, I found a total of 59 books that I felt proud to recommend. That represents a small percentage of all the books I have reviewed. I can’t tell you how many books (well, hundreds) that needed to be edited. The greatest authors in the world have professional editors.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.
What are you reading now?
“Stuff Matters: Exploring the Marvelous Materials That Shaped Our Man-Made World” by Mark Miodownik. It was a free download with Amazon Prime and it’s fascinating.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I never know. I have many ideas, a backlog of books as I mentioned above, and great difficulty focusing.
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?
“To Kill A Mockingbird” which I’ve yet to read. One of Barak Obama’s books, an unabridged dictionary, and some sort of survival on a desert island primer.
Author Websites and Profiles
Aviva Gittle Website
Aviva Gittle Amazon Profile
Aviva Gittle’s Social Media Links
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