Beatriz Maciá

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a first-time, self-published author. I have written books before that were not published. I have written 15 minute “road show” plays that were performed. I have ideas, outlines, or saved reference material for about 10 more books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
This book, “Good Night at the Zoo,” is my first and latest book. It was inspired by my five- and three-year-old grandsons’ love of animals and being at the zoo. One of my favorite photos is of us riding the train at the zoo on my visit to Utah. I live in Florida.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a super-insomniac and often stay up all night. I have a chronic illness and my bed is often “command central”. My laptop lives on the bed tray on my bed or gets carried from spot to spot.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love classic literature and fairy tales and believe that even today there are basically five types of stories that are told. They derive from those classic stories and fairy tales. Think about how many versions of “Romeo and Juliette,” “Pride and Prejudice”, “Cinderella”, and “Hansel and Gretel” you have read or seen.

What are you working on now?
My second book, “Alex’s First Foods Adventures,” will be out soon. I am also working on a coloring book version of “Good Night at the Zoo.” The illustrations are so darling and lend themselves perfectly to the line art needed for a coloring book. Besides, I would like to color them with my grandsons and granddaughter!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is my first time promoting a book, so it is an adventure. So far, I have gotten involved with Facebook, Twitter, my new author website, and now, book promotion sites. I was excited to learn about Awesomegang and am looking forward to seeing what happens with you all. I consider myself an Amazon writer, because they are so supportive of self-publishing authors. I am very grateful for Kindle and CreateSpace.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Being a new author myself, all I can say is just get in there and do it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and look for a good author group or two to join.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just do it. Don’t wait until you know everything. The best way to learn is to just get in there. You will make mistakes, but that is how you will learn.

What are you reading now?
I am reading about learning to draw and becoming an illustrator. I read all kinds of books by author friends, both fiction and non-fiction, and provide feedback. I teach Sunday School in Spanish so I read the scriptures, and when I need to just “veg-out” and relax I like to read regency romances.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Something interesting has happened as I have interacted with children reading “Good Night at the Zoo,” I have gained an appreciation for reaching “reluctant readers.” I am exploring writing chapter books for them. I just had a wonderful conversation with a third-grader. It seems she is interested in princesses, mermaids, and, oh yes, sharks! Making a series out of “Good Night at the Zoo” is also on my “to do” list.

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?
(1) A book on survival that included first aid; (2) a large blank pad of paper with pencils and colored pencils (and a razor); (3) a book compilation of classic literature (which includes romance and science fiction); and (4) my scriptures.

Author Websites and Profiles
Beatriz Maciá Website
Beatriz Maciá Amazon Profile

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