Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In my career, I wrote many technical reports and publications on topics related to renewable energy and sustainable design. I have written 2 books for kids on environmental topics, first a book about plastic in the ocean called Saving the Purple and Green and currently Mia and the Hummingbird.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Mia and the Hummingbird. The main character is a young girl, an immigrant, who is learning to speak english. She is resilient and perseveres. I have been a volunteer teacher for immigrants in and English as a Second Language (ESL) and I mentor first generation students in college, many whose families immigrated to the US when they were young. All these students inspire me every day. They are passionate and resilient.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing too unusual. I like to illustrate a bit more than write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors who write about the environment for kids such as Lynn Cherry, specifically her book, the Mangrove Tangle. Also I love the colorful illustrations of Eric Carle and strive to someday be that colorful.
What are you working on now?
I am in the process of re-writing my first book to republish it. The story is about a young girl who found plastic in her favorite tide pool and learned to become an advocate against plastic waste. I want to add more stories about other young people who have really made a difference and what they did and what they studied in college in order to inspire other young people. There are many very positive examples.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t discovered the best yet, I’m still trying many options. I think Amazon reviews help so I’m working on encouraging them.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You will never know if you can succeed until you try.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Sometimes a person just has a story to tell and if so, just give it a try.
What are you reading now?
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to do more reading to kids in classrooms.
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?
4 books that I haven’t read yet, all historical fiction plus I’d bring my field sketch notebook because I’d like to draw all the plants on the island.
Author Websites and Profiles
Nancy Carlisle Website
Nancy Carlisle Amazon Profile