Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After getting my degree in Illustration, I did what a lot of ‘Arty’ types do when they leave University and proceeded to meander my way through the next 15 years of my eventful life trying my hand at numerous jobs, as well as travelling and living abroad.
Well, after working as a Diamond Technician, as a Toy Tester, as a Medical Engineer, an Art Teacher in New Zealand, an Avocado Packer, a member of Royal Security, (I could go on and on) I finally awoke from the happy whirlwind I had been riding. I found myself living back in the UK, with my beautiful wife Heidi and my two perfect little girls Connie and Bettie, wandering what I should do with my life.
‘In order to be happy you must finally do a job that makes you happy,’ I kept saying, ‘in order to support the ones you love financially, you must do what you’re best at’ I kept thinking!
Only one answer presented itself to me: As I had always dreamed of doing, I set out to Write and Illustrate my own Children’s Books, So, here I am, biting the bullet, waving ‘goodbye’ to procrastination, realising the dream!
My first book is out now on Amazon, ‘The Rhino that I Know.’ I hope you like it!
Stef
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Rhino that I Know – Well I’m not sure what inspired it really, but you might be interested it was completely written on the train! I used to have a hard, long hours laboratory job that required me to take two 45 minute trains a day, and I knew that if I was going to follow my dream and illustrate and write my own books, I better start being creative! I wrote the whole thing on my phone!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I start with a hook, a line, a phrase, some jumble of words which sounds good together, something kids will learn quickly – and go from there!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In terms of Writing and Illustration together – ‘The Gruffalo’ Donaldson/Scheffler
What are you working on now?
I’m illustrating my next book at the moment called ‘I’m a Guillemot – SO WHAT!’
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to this so, I’m trying everything I can, I don’t think i really know what works yet!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, as a new author myself I hope this doesn’t sound a bit big headed but, I believe you have to act as if you have already made it as an Author. Make the moves you would make if you are the best in the business, confidently and calmly!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t forget to tell your friends and family! Don’t be one of those secret authors, who have written hundreds of books but never lets anyone read them!
What are you reading now?
An inspirational self help book – ‘The Success Principals’ by Jack Canfield
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have an urge to write a more serious book, still for children, possibly about the Blitz over London in the Second World War.
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?
Fantastic Mr Fox – Roald Dahl – My fav book growing up.
Think and Grow rich – Napolean Hill
Chicken Soup for the Soul – Jack Canfield
Journey’s End – R.C Sheriff (It’s actually a play)
Author Websites and Profiles
Stef Rzysko Website
Stef Rzysko Amazon Profile
Stef Rzysko’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile