Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a journalist who was writing stories even as a child. It took me some years to get the gumption to write a book, but I have my first children’s book, Isasnora Snores, under my belt with more to come. I have a BS in Psychology and MA in Communication. I also write screenplays and children’s plays. Recently I’ve taken ideas from Isasnora Snores to create a YouTube channel to bring the story to life and to people who might not like to read.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Isasnora Snores. I snore, so thought it would be funny to create a character who snores. I write short stories for family and friends and created Snoring Beauty for my youngest daughter, Monica. She asked me to get it published. I resisted, but then tried without success. An agent on Twitter tweeted once that if people were interested in writing children’s books they should join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). I did. That changed everything. I learned (and still learn) so much about children’s books. I went back to the drawing board with Snoring Beauty. I changed the title and made the short story into a 10 chapter book. I started pitching it again, and fortunately, Black Rose Writing picked it up.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to chew gum when I write – is that unusual? I do not yodel or stand on my head when I’m writing. I guess I do not have unusual writing habits.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Charles Dickens, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, John Grisham, Peggy Parish (Amelia Bedelia); E.B. White, Roald Dahl, J.K. Rowling, Eoin Colfer (Artemis Fowl), Richard Scary, Betty MacDonald (Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle). Parish and MacDonald strongly influenced the silliness found in Isasnora Snores.
What are you working on now?
I just sent off a young adult novel to an interested publisher. I have another young adult that I’m working on final edits before sending to a publisher. I am working on some picture books – The Doolie Sisters Series and Carl (the lost cat). I have some screenplays that I am also working on.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m trying to figure that out. Sorry I don’t have a great answer. I do think blogging and posting a YouTube episode monthly helps.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Once you figure out the genre you are interested in writing, join a professional group like I did when I joined the SCBWI. Also, there are great writing and critique groups on Facebook. Search them out. Finally, when you think your book is ready to send out to a publisher/agent, find a trusted editor (not your best friend) to read and edit. This is not cheap, but I believe it increases your chances of securing a publisher or agent.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The agent who told us to join SCBWI if we want to write children’s books.
What are you reading now?
I just finished Leo Buscaglia’s Seven Stories of Christmas.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue writing and try illustrating my picture books. I also like to create, produce, and direct children’s plays and create movies and television shows. I’m also excited about being part of Talkabook, an online platform connecting children to authors.
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?
A Tale of Two Cities; any Eoin Colfer – Artemis Fowl books; any John Grisham book; Bible
Author Websites and Profiles
Carol L Paur Website
Carol L Paur Amazon Profile
Carol L Paur’s Social Media Links
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