Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello!
My name is Daniel Horvat and I am the Author and Publisher of New Stories. I was born in Germany in 1976. I was living in Croatia from 1977 to 2016. My nationality is Croatian. From 2016 I live in Ireland. Even as a teenager I loved to draw comic fantasy books following my own fiction. I would do it for hours! I would often look for a retreat in “My own fantasy world”! During education and “finding my place” stage as a young adult, I have to say I got pretty lost “in this world”. I wanted to adjust to the crowd and prove myself “in this world”, so I lost connection with My True World. After completed education I was feeling as something was missing for years. I wasn’t content with myself. I was looking for the answer and fulfilment on the outside, in my surroundings and outer sources. I haven’t found it.
Eventually, I met my present wife and I live with her and have two wonderful sons. Honestly, we haven’t been quite the experts in raising our firstborn, since we had felt that in reality the “raising” doesn’t work. So we started our education to become Experts for “Relations” with children in their early age from 0-6 at the Parenting and Early Development Centre in Croatia. Thanks to this, I see my children as little human beings in their developing process and not as mere objects “in my life”. Afterwards, we continued our education in direction of our own personal growth, where we nurtured the relationship inside, the relationship with oneself and fulfilment within, and not seeking in the environment. Finally, “My True World” reappeared. I was reading picture books from the library to my firstborn nearly every evening during his first four years and in that period my world
re-emerged completely. Once again, I was satisfied with myself and my own life that showed me a purpose. Soon enough, I realized that I truly live and enjoy only when writing! I want to use it to give as many new stories possible to children. I hope to bring joy and happiness with my stories to as many new generations possible on this wonderful planet!
I have two children picture books completed: “A Vegetable Garden Adventure” and “A Little Giant”.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest picture book is “A Little Giant” and it was inspired by a Salvador’s Dali picture “Woman with drawers”.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hm…It’s hard to tell. My inspiration comes from other channels. It’s hard to explain. I like fantasy genre very much but again I like some “ordinary life” stuff. I add some humor and make it adventurous and funny. Than I set it to be acceptable for children, to be wittily. Somehow I mix all those things together and create something completely new.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a picture book that is totally imaginary. Nothing is for real and again everything in it is real! It has great story line.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon ads, social media sites, blogs…and more. They are all the best. They must be!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Just do what you like the most and some day your going to make it. Don’t give up. When you’re having a hard time go through the wall. Don’t listen to that lazy voice in your head. Let him speak whatever he wants, you just go ahead like you’re on auto pilot. You know what are your goals!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Find what you want to do and who you want to be and just go with it!
What are you reading now?
Nothing at the moment. But last book that I read was J.R.R. Tolkiens “Silmarillion”.
Second time!
What’s next for you as a writer?
To become independent. Quit my current job and create more children picture books. I love that!
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. How to survive on a desert island. (Any Amazon edition)
2. Eckhart Tolle – The Power Of Now
3. Any meditation book
Author Websites and Profiles
Daniel D. Horvat Website
Daniel D. Horvat Amazon Profile