Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I an an author/illustrator of children’s books. I have just published my second and third books, and have written my fourth, but haven’t begun the illustrations as yet.
You did post my first book, “It Stinks to be Pink!” Thank You.
My New Books are:
The Very Best You!
EZ As 1-2-3 Come Learn About Bugs A-Z
I felt compelled to write my first book to help children faced with some of the challenges I faced as a child. I especially wanted to reach children long before they hit puberty, which
can be painful for even the most perfect child. I wanted to give them the wisdom I did not have until I was in my early twenties. I believe if I had known then what I know now, I would have been a happier child. I wanted that opportunity for all children.
Writing my first book helped me to begin painting again, which has brought joy to my life, and inspired me to create other children’s books. My second book, The Very Best You! is also to help children. It is a rhyming picture book of positive affirmations, meant to boost children’s self-confidence and self-image.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
EZ As 1-2-3 Come Learn About Bugs A-Z
I was just finishing the covers on my second book, when I started thinking about a series of paintings I had created a few months before which were whimsical paintings of beautiful
insects on a simple image with a fabric patterned background. Everyone that saw those images thought they would be wonderful for children. Which made me think, “Wow, if I added a cute rhyme about each insect, and painted one for each letter of the alphabet what a beautiful little book that could be.
Believe it or not, I put down the book I was finishing, and began work on the third book. It was so much fun, I couldn’t put it down. Instead of just cute rhymes about each insect, I decided to add pertinent bug facts, including some that are not commonly known.
I couldn’t be happier with the result. It is an abc rhyming picture book about bugs, with bug facts in each rhyme. It exceeded my expectations.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only the crazy habit of starting the minute I wake in the morning, and working late into the evening. When I am focused on a book or painting, I can think of nothing else.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I create what I am compelled to create, I can’t say any one author influenced me. But that said we are all influenced to a certain degree from all the books, art, and life experiences we have been exposed to.
As for children’s books, I like most people, adored Dr. Seuss. But my favorite book as a child was the Borrowers by Author Mary Norton
What are you working on now?
I have just finished writing another rhyming picture book, The working title is, “I’m No Baby!” This book is written from the perspective of a 2 or 3 year old, boasting of all their accomplishments proving that they can do loads of things that “babies” can’t do.
The rhymes are very cute, but I have not started the illustrations yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
KathrynLNovak.com is my website which has all of my links, as well as pages from all my books, contact info, etc.
I am also on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Shelfari, and Pinterest
I can always be found by my full name: Kathryn L Novak
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I believe the key to success is focus. Make your book a priority in your life. The first thing I do every single day is work on my current book or paint. I believe persistence more than natural talent is the key to success.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I remember a quote from Henry Ford, which I take to heart to this very day.
“Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can’t, you’re right.”
What are you reading now?
I just finished (again) To Kill a Mockingbird. I just purchased the kindle version of, The Borrowers, and read the first few chapters a few days ago. I haven’t read it since I was very young, but at that time, I read it many times.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to finish my newest children’s book, I’m No Baby! But I have been painting in my spare time. So, for now my focus is on fine art abstract painting. I have no current plans to write a fifth book. But, you never know.
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?
That’s a tough one…
1. A book by Judy Bloom, to keep me laughing.
2. A boy scouts manual, to help me survive alone on the island. (ha-ha)
3. Something romantic… for cold lonely nights, like Out of Africa, or Gone with the Wind.
4. War & Peace, because I will need lots of reading material.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kathryn L Novak Website
Kathryn L Novak Amazon Profile
Kathryn L Novak’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account