Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started drawing before I started writing, but I was drawn to words and books as passionately. At first I wrote and illustrated comics at my work place at the time – The National Museum of Science in Haifa, Israel.
I have written six books for children, one of them is now available in amazon.
I am a Feldenkrais practitioner, a method I studied after being a graphic designer for a couple of years.
Over the last years I got deeply involved with young children’s point of view and that has incorporated into my books. I am usually inspired by everyday experiences and for me it’s all about how children perceive the world – it is as if they are guests on our planet and we are the hosts.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, on which I am still working on, is called “Shoko and Luigi in the Playground”. The inspiration came from encountering with a very unusual dog while spending time with one of my grandchildren at a playground. It was a very big dog with long furry hair, with one blue eye and one brown eye. All kids were drawn to it. It had a majestic presence and I thought this calls for a story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually prefer to write in a place where I’m surrounded by people, such as a coffee shop, but basically I can really write anywhere on every piece of paper I have. Also, I have a lot of drafts and sometimes the finished product takes a total shift from the initial idea or story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I get inspired by any good book I’m exposed to. I am an obsessive reader; I always need to be surrounded by books. Some of the books which stand out for me are:
Tova Jansson children’s books
Among my favorite books are two graphic novels: one is “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi and the other is Rutu Modan’s “The Property”.
I’m also deeply impressed by Virginia Woolf’s book “Mrs Dallaway” – A brilliant book which turned to be part of my thesis in MFA degree.
Also, “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez is the book I would take with me anywhere.
What are you working on now?
These days I am writing a story about a crow. I believe kids are always curious of all living beings and animals around them and their various habits .The crow stands out as familiar on one hand and very aggressive individual on the other.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I presume for each one there is a different way and approach to be inspired. I always found that looking at my own life as if I’m visiting them from an outside world helped me to find a story to tell.
What are you reading now?
I always read more than one book at a time. These days I am reading “The Snow Queen” and “The Hours” by Michael Cunningham.
Author Websites and Profiles
Nili Ariely Website
Nili Ariely Amazon Profile
Nili Ariely’s Social Media Links
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