Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Firstly, I’m a father of two boys – both toddlers and they are the main reason I’m writing children’s books.
I’ve currently got one book available to buy (“What’s My Instrument?”) and a second “Freddy the Bird” coming very soon!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“What’s My Instrument?” is a picturebook that inspires children to take an interest in music. I come from a very musical family and it only seemed natural that I write a story which conveys one of my main interests to my sons – in a humorous way of course!
It’s about Marilyn the Mongoose who is keen to join a band- but she can’t play an instrument! She tries many different options, with varying degrees of success before she finds where her talents lie.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not especially! I do most of it on the train or in my lunch hour at work, as I don’t get anything done when my boys are around!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In terms of children’s books I love Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton, and as my kids get older my stories will undoubtedly get weirder in kilter with my favourite authors!
What are you working on now?
I’m putting the finishing touches to “Freddy the Bird” the first in a new series. It’s short and silly, it’s almost a comic style of story.
So this – and starting “What’s My Job?” the next in the What’s My? series. Busy!!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning this side of things! I’ve found free days on KDP to be quite successful, supported by websites like AwesomeGang, and the Fussy Librarian is a website I’d recommend.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing regularly, even if it’s only ten minutes here and there. Just one page a day is a novel in a year.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself. Find your own natural style, it all comes easier if you are you.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Spot the Dog to my one year old, my two year old is obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine and I’ve been trying to find time to read the Time Machine by HG Wells for months!
What’s next for you as a writer?
To get the second books out in each of my series. They both have the text written, I need to get illustrating!
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?
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Hobbit and probably some Kurt Vonnegut or Philip K Dick.
Author Websites and Profiles
Johnny Oddsocks Website
Johnny Oddsocks Amazon Profile
Johnny Oddsocks’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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