Interview With Author Maria Votto
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The Night the Reindeer Came to Play is my first book – one I wrote for my daughter when she was a toddler. I finally got thecourage to try to bring it to life while being home during 2020 and cleaning out and organizingthings (like I’m sure many people were doing). I came across the scribbled verses and thought“why not!” “By day” I am an HR Director with a company that I love and have been with forover 20 years and my love in life, besides my family, is being a musician.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My daughter Alyssa inspired The Night the Reindeer Came to Play! It actually started as a little song I wrote for her and we would sing it all during the holiday season – it was teaching her to count and rhyme and it was silly and she loved that!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
As far as writing children’s books, I love rhyming. I try to think of a theme or perhaps something kids would love and come up with rhymes around that!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As far as children’s books – Dr. Seuss and A.A. Milne
What are you working on now?
I am working on, and just about finished with, my second book about the arrival of a sibling for a little girl! Another rhyming and fun story for kids who are about to become a big brother or sister!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Anyone can visit our website at www.karmakidzbooks.com and we usually are easily accessible on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Walmart
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I feel like in the past few years there have been so many new authors making their debuts! There’s a lot of research and hard work and determination but there is NOTHING like seeing your name out there as a published author and getting your books in the hands of others! To know that my little story has been read worldwide, has been read by educators on YouTube with thousands of views, and even read by the former Duchess of York on her own channel is so amazing. Do not give up! Believe in yourself!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think one of the best pieces of advice I have ever heard is to not dwell on the past – keep looking forward and don’t beat yourself up so much for something that happened yesterday or 10 years ago! Every day, find something that you’re grateful for and make the most of every day that you have!
What are you reading now?
I’m actually reading The Storyteller by David Grohl. I love him!
What’s next for you as a writer?
To get this next book out there and start working on the next (I
have some ideas scribbled on paper!)
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?
Oh boy… this is a tough one… There’s so many good ones! I
adored The Thornbirds, probably To Kill a Mockingbird and maybe a thriller by Gillian Flynn?
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