Interview With Author Yevhen Kalenichenko
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As an author, I am deeply passionate about creating captivating stories for children. To date, I have written one delightful book titled “The Secret Map of the Fairy Kingdom.” This enchanting tale is specifically crafted for kids, aiming to ignite their imagination and take them on a magical journey through a world filled with wonder and adventure. It is my belief that children’s literature has the power to inspire, educate, and entertain young readers, and I pour my heart and creativity into every word I write.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Secret Map of the Fairy Kingdom” remains my latest book, and it holds a special place in my heart. This enchanting tale was inspired by a combination of my own childhood imagination and a deep fascination with the world of folklore and fantasy.
The story revolves around a young protagonist who stumbles upon a hidden map that leads to a magical realm known as the Fairy Kingdom. Motivated by curiosity and a sense of adventure, the main character embarks on a quest filled with unexpected twists and turns, encountering whimsical creatures, captivating landscapes, and valuable life lessons along the way.
The inspiration for this book came from my desire to create a story that not only entertains young readers but also sparks their imagination and encourages them to embrace their sense of wonder. I wanted to transport children to a world where anything is possible, where fairies exist, and where bravery and friendship triumph over challenges.
“The Secret Map of the Fairy Kingdom” is a celebration of the power of imagination, the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness, and the magic that can be found in even the smallest of adventures. It is my hope that through this book, children will discover the joy of reading and explore the limitless possibilities that lie within their own imaginations.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
One of these habits is that I prefer to write in the early morning hours, when the world is still quiet and my mind feels fresh. This time of day allows me to tap into a sense of tranquility and focus, which I find conducive to unlocking my imagination.
Additionally, I have a peculiar habit of collecting various trinkets and objects that serve as inspiration for my writing. These can range from seashells to old keys, and each item holds a special meaning or evokes a particular emotion that I want to infuse into my stories. Surrounding myself with these objects creates an atmosphere of inspiration and sparks my creativity.
Another unconventional habit I have is acting out certain scenes or dialogues from my stories. I find that physically embodying the characters helps me delve deeper into their emotions and motivations, allowing me to craft more authentic and relatable interactions on the page.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.K. Rowling: The “Harry Potter” series had a profound impact on me. Rowling’s ability to create a richly detailed and immersive magical world, along with her compelling storytelling and well-rounded characters, inspired me to strive for excellence in my own writing.
Roald Dahl: Dahl’s whimsical and imaginative storytelling in books like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Matilda” showed me the power of embracing one’s creativity and the importance of maintaining a childlike wonder in storytelling.
Dr. Seuss: The timeless rhymes and imaginative stories of Dr. Seuss, such as “The Cat in the Hat” and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” taught me the beauty of language, playfulness, and the importance of embracing imagination in children’s literature.
What are you working on now?
Currently, my focus is on promoting my book, “The Secret Map of the Fairy Kingdom,” to readers. I firmly believe in the power of this enchanting tale to captivate young imaginations and inspire a love for reading. I am actively engaging with readers through various platforms, participating in book signings, collaborating with local libraries and schools, and connecting with parents and educators to share the magic of the story.
My goal is to reach as many young readers as possible, spreading the word about “The Secret Map of the Fairy Kingdom” and its ability to transport children to a world of wonder and adventure. Through targeted marketing campaigns, social media engagement, and collaborations with fellow authors and influencers, I am dedicated to creating a buzz around the book and connecting with its intended audience.
Additionally, I am exploring opportunities for translations, audiobook adaptations, and interactive reading experiences to make the book accessible to a wider audience and provide a truly immersive storytelling experience.
Promoting my book is an exciting and rewarding endeavor, as it allows me to connect with readers, hear their feedback, and witness firsthand the impact the story has on their lives. I am committed to sharing “The Secret Map of the Fairy Kingdom” with as many children as possible, nurturing their love for reading and igniting their imaginations along the way.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Author Website: Creating a dedicated website allows you to showcase your books, share your author bio, provide updates on events and releases, and engage with your readers through blog posts or newsletters. It serves as a central hub for your online presence and can help build your author brand.
Social Media Platforms: Utilizing social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn can be highly effective for reaching a wide audience. You can share updates, post engaging content related to your book, interact with readers, and collaborate with fellow authors or influencers in your genre.
Goodreads: Goodreads is a popular platform specifically designed for book lovers and readers. Creating an author profile, connecting with readers, participating in discussions, hosting giveaways, and receiving book reviews can help generate buzz and attract a dedicated community of readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write regularly and make it a habit.
Read widely to expand your knowledge and inspiration.
Embrace the editing process and seek feedback.
Connect with a supportive writing community.
Don’t fear rejection; persevere and keep moving forward.
Continuously learn and improve your writing skills.
Build your author platform to connect with readers.
Understand the business side of publishing and marketing.
Believe in yourself and your story.
Enjoy the journey and stay passionate about writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard is: “Believe in yourself and your abilities.” Self-belief is a powerful force that can propel us forward, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. It encourages us to take risks, pursue our passions, and persist in the pursuit of our goals. When we have faith in ourselves, we can overcome self-doubt and tap into our full potential. This advice serves as a reminder that our greatest limitations often lie within our own minds and that by embracing self-belief, we can unlock endless possibilities for growth and success.
What are you reading now?
Currently, I am engrossed in a gripping detective novel titled “The Shadow of Deception.” Set in the bustling city of New York, it follows the brilliant yet enigmatic detective, Detective Adrian Blackwood, as he unravels a web of lies and deceit surrounding a high-profile murder case.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As a children’s book author, my next steps involve crafting enchanting stories that ignite young imaginations. I’m excited to work on my upcoming book, filled with captivating characters and valuable life lessons. Collaborating with talented illustrators and engaging with young readers through events and festivals are also priorities. I’m open to exploring digital platforms and multimedia adaptations to reach more children. My ultimate goal is to inspire a love for reading and leave a lasting impact on the next generation.
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?
“Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe: This classic tale of survival and resilience would be fitting for a desert island setting. It would provide me with inspiration and a sense of companionship as I navigate my own solitary adventure.
“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien: With its richly imagined world, epic quest, and enduring themes of friendship and courage, this trilogy would transport me to a fantastical realm and keep me engrossed for a long time.
“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare”: This comprehensive collection would provide endless entertainment and intellectual stimulation. The diverse range of plays and sonnets would keep me captivated and offer ample material for contemplation and reflection.
“The Joy of Cooking” by Irma S. Rombauer: Practicality comes into play on a desert island, and having a comprehensive cookbook like this would not only provide me with a variety of recipes but also tips on foraging and preparing food in a resource-limited environment.
Author Websites and Profiles
Yevhen Kalenichenko Amazon Profile
Yevhen Kalenichenko’s Social Media Links