Interview With Author Guy Schwirtz
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Alec Addison, author of Phil and Ruby’s Big Backyard Adventures. Born and raised in Calgary, Alec brings imagination to life in his enchanting stories. Fueled by his passion for storytelling from the inquisitive minds of his grandchildren. Alec’s debut book aims to instill positive values and important life skills in young readers. Each story is thoughtfully written to be both enjoyable and educational, helping children learn and grow through the power of narrative. His ability to balance moral lessons with fun and engaging plots sets him apart as a unique voice in children’s literature, Alec Addison is excited to embark on this new journey, sharing his love of storytelling and his wisdom with a wider audience of eager young readers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The inspiration behind writing “Phil and Ruby Big Backyard Adventure” stems from my delightful experiences with my three-year-old yellow Labrador named Phil. Phil is the epitome of a happy-go-lucky dog, always brimming with joy and enthusiasm. His unwavering zest for life and affectionate nature are truly infectious. Whether he’s joining in on family activities or happily greeting everyone as a friend, Phil’s energetic and friendly demeanor never fails to brighten up our days.
I wanted to capture the essence of Phil’s adventurous spirit and loving personality in a way that could be shared with others, especially children. The character of Phil in the book embodies the same qualities that my real-life pet exudes – curiosity, excitement, and a heart full of love. Phil’s adventures in our backyard often feel magical and I find great joy in watching his playful antics and interactions.
Through “Phil and Ruby Big Backyard Adventure,” I aim to bring a bit of Phil’s magic to young readers, encouraging them to explore, be kind, and cherish the simple joys of life just as Phil does. Writing this book is my way of sharing the happiness he brings to my life with the world.
What are you working on now?
Building on the inspiration derived from my cheerful and adventurous yellow Labrador, Phil, I am excited to announce that “Phil and Ruby Big Backyard Adventure” will be the first in a series of ten books. Each book in the series will focus on a valuable life skill, conveyed through the delightful tales of Phil, Ruby, and their exciting escapades. Here’s a glimpse into what each book will offer:
**Series Book 2 – We Saved the Day:** Phil and Ruby discover the power of responsibility and bravery as they help their friends in a tricky situation, showcasing how everyone can be a hero in their own way.
**Series Book 3 – The Courage to Change:** This story follows Phil and Ruby as they navigate through the challenges of adapting to new circumstances, highlighting the importance of embracing change with courage and an open heart.
**Series Book 4 – The Haunted Castle:** Amidst the spooky fun, Phil and Ruby learn to confront their fears and the importance of not judging too quickly, revealing that sometimes what we fear turns out to be nothing at all.
**Series Book 5 – The Magic of Teamwork:** With teamwork at its core, this book illustrates how Phil and Ruby achieve greater success and fun when they collaborate with friends, emphasizing trust and cooperation.
**Series Book 6 – The Path to Make it Right:** Phil and Ruby realize the value of admitting their mistakes and making amends, teaching children the importance of responsibility and forgiveness.
**Series Book 7 – Find a Solution as Friends:** In this adventure, the duo exemplifies how brainstorming and working together can solve problems, promoting the strength of collective effort and friendship.
**Series Book 8 – The Colors of Friendship:** Through their interactions with diverse new friends, Phil and Ruby learn to appreciate and celebrate differences, underlining the beauty and richness of diversity.
**Series Book 9 – We Learn to Help:** This tale showcases Phil and Ruby’s acts of kindness, instilling the values of empathy, compassion, and the joys of lending a helping hand to those in need.
**Series Book 10 – The Lost Treasure Mystery:** In their final adventure, Phil and Ruby combine all their learned skills to solve a thrilling mystery, reinforcing the invaluable lessons of perseverance, curiosity, and friendship.
Each book in this series is crafted to not only entertain but also impart essential life skills. Through the whimsical and heartwarming adventures of Phil and Ruby, children will receive gentle and engaging lessons that will stay with them throughout their lives.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Embarking on the journey of writing a book can be both thrilling and overwhelming. Here are some valuable tips to guide you through the process and set you on the path to success:
1. Do Your Research:
– Before you start writing, immerse yourself in research. Understand your genre, target audience, and market trends. Read extensively within your chosen genre to gain insights into successful storytelling techniques and common themes.
2. Use Kindlepreneur:
– Kindlepreneur is a fantastic resource for authors. It offers tools and strategies to help you improve your book marketing, get more reviews, and increase your book’s visibility on Amazon. Take advantage of their articles, podcasts, and tools like Publisher Rocket to find profitable keywords and categories for your book.
3. Watch YouTube Videos:
– YouTube is a treasure trove of information for new authors. Search for videos on writing tips, book marketing strategies, self-publishing advice, and author success stories. Channels like “Self-Publishing with Dale” and “The Creative Penn” can provide invaluable guidance and inspiration.
4. Take Notes:
– As you consume content from various sources, keep a dedicated notebook or digital document to jot down important points, ideas, and strategies. This will help you consolidate your knowledge and refer back to it as needed. Organized notes can serve as a handy reference throughout your writing and publishing journey.
5. Utilize Free Book Training on Amazon:
– Amazon offers free training resources for authors, including webinars, guides, and articles. These resources cover a wide range of topics, from writing and editing to marketing and self-publishing. Take advantage of these free resources to enhance your understanding of the publishing process and industry best practices.
Additional Tips:
– Join Writing Communities: Engage with other writers through forums, social media groups, or local writing clubs. Sharing experiences, seeking advice, and receiving feedback can be incredibly beneficial.
– Create a Writing Schedule: Develop a routine that allows you to write consistently. Whether it’s daily or weekly, having a set schedule helps build momentum and keeps you on track.
– Edit and Revise: Your first draft is just the beginning. Invest time in editing and revising to polish your manuscript. Consider seeking feedback from beta readers or hiring a professional editor.
– Focus on Book Cover and Blurb: A compelling cover and engaging blurb are crucial for attracting readers. Invest in a professional cover design and craft a blurb that piques readers’ interest.
– Stay Persistent: Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay committed, be patient, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Perseverance is key to finishing your manuscript and successfully publishing your book.
By following these tips and making use of the available resources, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the world of writing and publishing, bringing your literary dreams to life.
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