Though it is a picture book, I wrote it with young adults in mind. Since the book focuses on appreciating your unique personality, I think it would make a good read for anyone.
P Wish – 7 June 2015
The Back Flap
Ella has always been different. She loves blue and not pink. She loves Broccoli. And of course, she doesn’t like going to school.
However, one English lesson changes Ella.
Follow Ella as she learns the importance of dreams, being unique and most of all, being yourself.
About the book
What is the book about?
My Life in 3 Colours is a children’s picture book that is about valuing your unique identity.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing around mid-April.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took me around one week to complete the writing and illustrations.
Where did you get the idea from?
The idea came to me out of the blue one night. I have always been interested in painting but have thought of myself primarily as a writer. I suddenly thought I should write a picture book. I thought it was a great way to incorporate storytelling and images and reach a wider audience.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I struggled with the technical bits like scanning, layout and things like that. I had never written a picture book so I had no idea how to do those things. Publishing and distribution was also a challenging experience.
What came easily?
The story. I wrote it within an hour or two.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Like I said, the main character Ella is not based on any particular individual but is inspired by my own childhood experiences. I also drew from the experiences of my young cousin.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
This is a tricky question to ask a writer. The kind of books I read are very different from the kind of books that influence me. I don’t read fiction anymore but that’s all I write!
As far as influences go, I think Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s Little Prince was the biggest influence. It is one of my all time favourite books. The story telling and illustrations are so simple yet so impactful.
Besides that, I am heavily influenced by Japanese manga (comic books) which I read throughout my childhood. In fact, I think Japanese manga have had a very profound impact on my writing style as my narrative tends to read more like a movie script than a novel. Gosho Aoyama, Yoko Kamio and Osamu Akimoto are some of my favourite authors.
My writing is influenced more by what I see and experience than what I read.
Do you have a target reader?
Though it is a picture book, I wrote it with young adults in mind. Since the book focuses on appreciating your unique personality, I think it would make a good read for anyone. I chose the format only because it is accessible and easy to read for busy individuals.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I write spontaneously. Ideas just come to me and I immediately get them down on paper. Of course, this doesn’t work very well for thrillers, mystery or longer novels. But, generally, I like to write when I’m inspired. The downside to this is that I have to re-write the book at least two or three times. The first draft is like an outline that contains the essence of the work but it’s nowhere near the final work.
For this one, I used the same process. I had to edit the sentences a few times and re-do the illustrations but that’s the joy of the process. It’s a process of constant evolution and discovery.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I don’t outline. I try to write out the chapter headings and a few sentences but it changes even before I finish the first chapter. I’m a spontaneous writer. I don’t plan. I’m trying to get better at it though.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I wait until I’ve finished. There’s a line in the movie An Affair to Remember’that I really like, “What the artist creates, the critic destroys.”. That’s why I try to keep them separate. Also, you’re in a much better position to find narrative flaws once you’ve finished the whole thing because you can see how each part fits into the big picture.
Did you hire a professional editor?
No.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I love to listen to different kinds of music. I usually prefer music without words as words can be distracting. I tend to prefer sad and melancholic music as it tends to bring out emotions better. However, upbeat music is better for starting projects or writing climaxes. I tend to write at night so, I prefer slower music.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I think it was a gradual process. I’ve been sending out manuscripts for a long time. At some point, I thought that maybe all those rejections mean something. I had no doubt that I wanted to self publish this one. Having done it now, I can’t believe I ever wanted to start with a major publisher. Self publishing offers a lot of freedom. There are books (like this one) which don’t particularly fit an existing market or category. For such books, self publishing is a good route. We’re fortunate to live in an era where self publishing is so accessible.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I did it myself.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
A bit of both. I have a broad outline but the finer elements are spontaneous.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Go for it. Honestly, the sooner, the better. As I said, we’re part of a fortunate generation that has access to so many modes of self publication at very low cost. Now is the best time to share your ideas with the world.
About You
Where do you live now?
I live in Manchester, UK currently.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a thriller/crime/mystery novel with elements of supernatural that will most likely release towards the end of July this year. It’s tentatively titled The Shadow’ I’m currently in the process of editing the final draft. I been writing and re-writing it for two years. It is completely different from this book. I can’t wait to share it with the world. It will be a part of a five book series. I’ll announce more information in June.
End of Interview:
For more, visit P. Wish’s website or follow her on Twitter.
Get your copy of My Life in 3 Colours from Amazon US, Amazon UK, or in print from Lulu.
