Interview With Author Barbara Banks
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Barbara was raised in a western Pennsylvania town with a population of 5,000. Her access to books was limited to the school library until she was 12 years old when she worked in the new town library. From then on, she developed a curiosity about browsing book shelves and scanning book titles to find interesting stories to read. Barbara discovered that reading gives everyone an opportunity to explore and venture into many different topics that are never talked about or taught in school.
From these years of being inquisitive, Barbara traveled, attended college, earned her private pilot’s license during college, joined the Air Force, married a fighter pilot, co-built an experimental aircraft, lived in England for three years, and moved to Virginia with her family to work.
I have written 4 books in my Children’s Chapter Book Series entitled The Critter Family. The 5th book is in production for published by September 1st, 2023
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Critter Family: Circle of Friends My first 3 books in the series introduced the critters one-by-one. Now the family is heading back to school and work. Family friends from FL and WY are staying for an extended visit and Granddad comes in from NY to visit. Instead of focusing on critters that join the family, one-by-one, the focus is on individual’s activities with selective critter involvement. Thie series is giving me an opportunity to pull strings through the series and bring out connections between books and provides children with an interesting running story that naturally develops into a new book. Book 5 is turning out to be quite an adventure whose main actor is Granddad Martin.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am using Granddad Martin as a key player in the children’s lives. He is always around to help but gives real life lessons to the children that children should hear as they grow up. Brings back memories!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Diane Gabaldon “Outlanders”
Bernard Cornwall “The Last Kingdom”
What are you working on now?
The 5th book in my Children’s Chapter Book Series entitled The Critter Family: Time For Ventures!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Advertising on websites like Amazon or BookBub. Collaborating with other self-publishing authors through the Self-Publishing School and other methods.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing because you grow from the experience.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your books will outlive you and can be a great help to many people.
What are you reading now?
The Power of Gold: A History of an Obsession
What’s next for you as a writer?
Focusing on our exceptional nation and the history behind what has made out nation prosper. The foundation is our opportunities and freedom.
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?
The Bible
The Political Theory of the American Founding
The Origins of the Anglo-Saxon Race
Introduction to the Devout Life
Author Websites and Profiles
Barbara Banks’s Social Media Links