Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am trained as an economist and social scientist, with the most recent graduate degree from the University of Cambridge. As I grew up in a family of an astrophysicist, I have also been very much into natural science. “The Germbusters” (The Incredible Adventures of a Wayward Boy Book Series) is my début as a children’s author following a twenty-year career in social science, editing, and advising governments on different matters of state institution-building and development.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
As I mentioned, “The Germbusters” is my first book. It is pretty much a product of or even a counteraction to COVID-19 crisis. I had a lot of free time during the lockdown and started to draw, even before the idea of the book came. Then I realized that it would be great to come up with a book that can inspire kids while giving them a few tips for the post-pandemic period.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Drawing is one of my hobbies. I illustrated the book personally – from cover to cover. All the pictures were first coming together in my mind while I was writing the book.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In the context of the children’s book there are two people:
1) Lewis Carroll – who was a mathematician, Oxford/Oxbridge alumnus, and also an illustrator, and
2) Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author and illustrator of The Little Prince.
What are you working on now?
“The Germbusters” is the first book in the series of “The Incredible Adventures of a Wayward Boy”. Currently, I am outlining the second book which will focus on return to normal – back to school in case of children. I will try to use this opportunity to spice up the story with my Cambridge experience, just like I reflected on some of my personal experiences and observations in the first book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As I am a new author I am still on my learning curve. I have been trying social media and Amazon ads. I am still looking for additional options for bringing the book to the attention of the reader. I really appreciate the opportunity given by Awesomegang, hoping it will help to reach out to more people.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The advice from experienced people is always valuable, but the best advice is what your own heart prompts to do.
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?
Robinson Crusoe, a hunting book (or maybe one of the books authored by Mayne Reid) and the Bible.
Author Websites and Profiles
David Newman King Amazon Profile