Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Florida with my husband and muse. I am a proud mom, graphic designer wannabe, and sometime poet. I am also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and have dreamed of becoming a published author since the age of twelve. I have written seven books (1 collection of poetry, 6 children’s books), six currently under contract with Crimson Cloak Publishing. My first book with them comes out on 11/11/18.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Adventures of Princess Jellibean. I have two nieces that live hundreds of miles from me so I created the character of an adventure and travel loving cat as a way to stay in contact with them. It started as a poem, which I mailed to both of them with a stuffed cat.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write sporadically. I have a long list of ideas which strike me at any point and anywhere. I love to write on my laptop from my couch while fighting with my dog for the keyboard.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors: Shel Silverstein, Lord Byron, and Ralph Waldo Emerson
Books: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and Act Like a Success Think Like a Success by Steve Harvey
What are you working on now?
The Adventures of Princess Jellibean is a series that I will continue writing, plus I am working on a STEM story about a little girl who wants to be a Marine Biologist.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media is an amazing tool for book promotions! I have three Instagram, two Twitter, and Two Facebook fan pages that I utilize. I also have the website my publisher created http://crimsoncloakpublishing.com/cindi-handley-goodeaux.html and my personal site http://ch.goodeaux.com/
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write! Don’t worry about getting an agent or a publishing contract. If you have a story, tell it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
What helped me most was learning that while readers read a story from beginning to end, writers can write and piece a story together. If you know the ending, write it, then go back and build around that. I found that advice liberating!
What are you reading now?
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy plus I reread Big Magic once a year
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing until I drop! This is a my passion and my purpose so I plan to continue to write and have plans for a middle grade story and several self-help books based on my life experiences.
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?
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
The Bible
Roget’s Thesaurus
Author Websites and Profiles
Cindi Handley Goodeaux Website
Cindi Handley Goodeaux Amazon Profile
Cindi Handley Goodeaux’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account