Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a children’s book author and non-fiction writer. After many years of working with children as educator and caregiver, I was able to bring my long-time dream of writing a children’s book to life. I debuted my first book ( a nursery rhyme) in June, followed by the second book in July. They are both part of the series Let’s Learn while Playing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Dinosaur Adventure: A Field Trip to Remember. This book, in particular, was inspired by field trips to museums and zoos I partook while being a teacher. Also, by observing children and learning how they interact with the world surrounding them, I was able to reflect on a variety of materials and get ideas to create.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to plan my writing routine for the morning hours when I feel more creative. That said, I don’t think I have an unusual habit, but certainly when I sit down to write, I need to have a big mug of coffee. Otherwise, I can’t focus.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading my mom’s romance novels and with that, I became a huge fan of Sidney Sheldon. Besides the enticing stories, I love the way he paces the plot and develops the characters. Later on, I got into the works of Danielle Steel; another one who once I start reading, I cannot put the book down. I’m thrilled with Jennifer Weiner’s books as well. Those are main ones, but for quite some time, I have been reading authors of a similar genre such as Stieg Larsson ( The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Gillian Flynn ( Gone Girl), Jodi Picoult ( My Sister’s Keeper) and having a blast.
What are you working on now?
Besides working on promotions for my second children’s book, I have been crafting another nursery rhyme. This one will talk about safety for children. And I’m also dedicating some time to a story about body shaming.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve been playing around and testing different strategies for book promotions, and so far the KDP free book promotion is serving me well. That allows me to access multiple free websites/services and have the book in front of a broader readership. That is priceless!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
This goes especially for indie authors. As much as we, as writers, want to spend our time writing, and I know, some of us are not comfortable with promotions, promotions will have to be part of your routine if you want to get any result. So, get used to it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Promote your book as much as you can. Don’t let it sit on Amazon or other retailers waiting for the readers to come.
What are you reading now?
Recently, I finished ROOM, a novel by Emma Donoghue. I wrote a review about it, which you can find on my website. But for the past two weeks, I have fallen behind on my readings. I have a pile of books to catch up with, and the next one on my list is A Good Marriage by Stephen King.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep bringing stories to life. I have tons of ideas flowing through my head right now. So, I’m already thinking of the next books.
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?
This is a tough one because I could get the whole collection of Sidney Sheldon and Danielle Steel. But since I have to settle for four, I’ll bring a mix of fiction and non-fiction. There it goes: Nothing Lasts Forever (Sidney Sheldon), Sisters ( Danielle Steel), On Writing (Stephen King), and The Art of Work (Jeff Goins).
Author Websites and Profiles
Kelly Santana-Banks Website
Kelly Santana-Banks Amazon Profile
Kelly Santana-Banks’s Social Media Links
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