Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have stepped over the line from class room primary teacher and musician, replacing frantic and hectic, to having fun farming sheep, competing in working dog trials with my four German Shepherd dogs, and writing books for children’s music education. Old fashioned story telling that sneaks a musical education in the background.
Music is such a rich experience and everyone should know as much about music as they can.
But music theory can be so complicated, and the ideas for these books came from teaching children about the joys of music.
When I told them fun stories about animals learning music theory and how to play orchestral instruments, they thought this was ‘cool!’
At this stage, I have finished two books in the series – “The Musical Adventures of Professor Anacrusis” for ages 4 -11 years. And two storybooks for younger children. Ages 3 – 6 years.
I would like to write two more books to complete the Professor Anacrusis series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Wombat’s Musical Adventure”
I was inspired by the need for children to be able to recognise a selection of classical/orchestral music instruments. By sound, by shape, by characteristics.
This story is also available as an audio book for children in MP3 format and CD to accompany the print book.
The audio book gives children the opportunity to listen to the sounds different instruments can make, along with the beautifully narrated story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really!
I tend to enjoy writing in the evenings.
When the farm animals have gone to bed.
Dinner is over and the dogs are lying peacefully under the desk.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
To be honest, I love the writings of Enid Blyton for children. All those adventures both magical or mysterious.
And in regard to adult reading, I enjoy anything that has suspense and intrigue.
Or is in the genre of romantic, historical writing, as in the books of Georgette Heyer.
What are you working on now?
I am busy working on the audio book for “Tales of Rhythm & Music Notes”. Book Two in The Musical Adventures of Professor Anacrusis.
This has a big component of music to support the narration and I’m enjoying the task of selecting music from an EMI Playlist.
The story is available now as an EBook or Print Book. And is a great tool for teaching children about rhythm and music notes. For parents and teachers.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still deciding this! So I am still not sure of a best method.
In the meantime – I am learning how to market on social media – sort of trial and error!
I do have a good working website and I am able to blog on this when I have the time.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am still a new author myself. But perhaps – ‘believe in yourself and your product.’
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
‘ Believe in yourself and never give up.’
What are you reading now?
“The Shifting Fog” by Kate Morton.
It’s a brilliant story.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish the series of four books in ‘The Musical Adventures of Professor Anacrusis.”
I have two more to write yet.
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?
“Dead Cert” by Dick Francis
“The Unknown Ajax” by Georgette Heyer
“These Old Shades” by Georgette Heyer
“The Forgotten Garden” by Kate Morton.
Author Websites and Profiles
chrissy tetley Website
chrissy tetley Amazon Profile
chrissy tetley’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account