Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Ann Arbor in Michigan, the youngest of 5 kids and obtained my Nursing degree from the University of Michigan. Once I graduated I spent 10 years working in Pediatric Intensive Care in Texas and Virginia and then I married an Australian and we moved to Australia in 2005. I continued my career in Nursing looking after critically ill kids and special needs babies before taking a break to start a family. We now have 2 lovely young daughters, and I have moved into the world of writing children’s books – with a special focus on books for girls, hoping I can create books that provide strong role models for kids in general – but in particular for girls.
So far I have written 2 books – “Smiley Riley and the New Neighbor” and “Smiley Riley and the Mystery of the Lucky Bracelet” – and I am in the process of writing my third.
In addition to the reading books – each children’s book I have written is accompanied by a coloring book and a tracing book. These books are aimed at allowing children to engage with the stories in their own way – by coloring the pictures the way they’d like them to be and also to get some valuable fine motor practice (drawing, coloring, tracing).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Smiley Riley and the Mystery of the Lucky Bracelet”. This is the second book in the “Smiley Riley Adventure Series” and a continuation of the story about Smiley Riley, her lucky bracelet, her friends, her family and her adventurous nature.
The inspiration for my books is my eldest daughter – who I saw naturally develop into such a positive role model for her friends and those around her. It made me realize how important strong, positive, courageous, role models are for children – and I think especially for girls. There are more visible role models than there once were – but we need more and I think we need more in books. So it inspires me to create a role model in a book – that can help kids read, and inspire them to be great.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have been known write whilst breast feeding my youngest daughter!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Having a mother involved in education who was also an avid reader, I was exposed to a lot of books as a child. The books that I was most influenced by were 20,000 Leagues under the Sea, Mary Poppins, James and Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, any fairy tale, anything by Roald Dahl, Doctor Seuss and Shel Silverstein.
What are you working on now?
I am working the 3rd and 4th books in the Smiley Riley Adventure Series. I am also spending quite a bit of time promoting my books and blogging on the Smiley Riley website (as Smiley Riley). I have also been spending time working with my illustrator to create some new illustrations that we will be using on our website and other promotions.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try anything and everything to promote my books and the characters that I have developed. I have a website – www.smileyriley.com, a facebook page facebook.com/smileyrileyadventures – and I use bookgoodies, goodreads, twitter and pinterest. I am also tapping into my network of friends, family, schools and libraries. One of my books is being used in a local school’s “bounce back” program which is focused on the importance of values, manners, strong friendships and how to handle bullies.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you have an idea in your head for a book or a story, and it keeps coming back, even nagging at you – then it is probably telling you it needs to come out and be told.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Listen – and when you have listened enough, listen some more!
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading “A Games of Thrones – A Clash of Kings” by George RR Martin. I am about half way through and I am really enjoying it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing with the Smiley Riley Adventure Series and seeing where it takes me.
What is your favorite book of all time?
This is very hard to pick. I love the entire Harry Potter Series (I have read each book 2-3 times), I love The Inkheart Series, Innamorati by Midori Snyder, Lord of the Rings, The Princess Bride, Chocolat, The Da Vinci Code and Angelology.
Author Websites and Profiles
Katie McLaren Website
Katie McLaren Amazon Profile
Katie McLaren Author Profile on Smashwords
Katie McLaren’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account