IndieView with A. Mon, author of The Little Book of Magical Tales

I loved the idea that anything was possible in these worlds. Animals could talk, children could fly and inanimate objects could have feelings. 

A Mon – 13 April 2019

The Back Flap

The Little Book of Magical Tales is about adventure, friendship and compassion. It unravels a magical world where good things happen to the brave, loyal and kind. The five compelling stories in this book are filled with endearing characters like the two little fishes – Tuton and Futon, Ronnie and his friend Thomas, Santa, the princess and the moon. Life happens to them all just the way it happens to all of us. When Tuton and Futon play pranks on each other something goes terribly wrong. Ronnie is sad because it is raining outside and there is nothing good on TV. The princess is having an unhappy birthday. The moon is in trouble for making fun of the old lady. And Santa has lost his sleigh right before Christmas!

With its primary focus on teaching children basics of problem solving, everyone in the book finds a way out of the mess in their own way. It encourages children to never give up, no matter what life throws at them — an essential lesson to live by today. With picturesque narrative, life-like illustrations and life-lessons, this book is packed with fantastic adventure and learning for any child who loves to read.

About the book

What is the book about?

The Little Book of Magical Tales is a compilation of 5 short stories for children. The stories happen in a magical world which is much like ours.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing the book about two years back.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took a while (almost a year) to figure out the best stories to put in this book. Then I decided to illustrate the stories myself. This needed some further research and practice.

Where did you get the idea from?

As a children’s writer I am heavily influenced by the kind of books I read as a child. They were mostly fantasy stories of imaginary worlds. They fueled my imagination. I loved the idea that anything was possible in these worlds. Animals could talk, children could fly and inanimate objects could have feelings. I wanted to write a book that brings more children to experience this magic.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I wanted to write a book that is entertaining as well as rich with life lessons. Children today face a much more competitive environment. They are exposed to more knowledge thanks to the internet. They are way smarter than what we used to be when we were their age. They need education that is relevant. While writing this book I was constantly struggling with how I could best combine thrill with valuable lesson that addresses the challenges that kids face today.

What came easily?

Thanks to all the magical tales I read as a child I have a very fertile imagination. What came easy were the characters. It was almost like they were just there, waiting to be written about.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Some of my characters are fictitious. Some were borrowed. Ronnie is based on my four-year-old nephew who loves to draw.

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?

There are several authors I admire, and they have influenced my thought and writing a lot. L Frank Baum and his The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was among the first books I read as a child. Alexander Raskin’s When Daddy Was a Little Boy was amongst my absolute favorites as a child. I love the way these authors portray their characters realistically, even though they are writing for children. I have tried to do the same in my book. I mean, there is no point in talking down to children.

Do you have a target reader?

Children between 5-8 years of age will enjoy the book. It’s a great book to enjoy before bedtime or as a summer vacation reading project.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I think of the characters first. Then I let them play out the story. My characters are like real people in my head even though they might look like a fish on the paper.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I always have a story outline planned before I start typing. Sometimes the stories may not be fully formed. They take shape as I write but I always have an idea before I start the project.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I have an internal editor that is extremely critical of my writing. If I don’t switch it off it keeps nagging me. This is a hindrance to the work. I used to have massive writer’s blocks before but now I just type. Once I am done with the manuscript, I let it out and start editing.

Did you hire a professional editor?

No. I have been a professional editor for the past seven years. I just used those skills to edit my book. I did get a friend to proof-read the manuscript though.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Not music exactly but I do use nature sounds to boost my concentration. There are a few websites that can play sounds of waves or rain in a loop. That really helps to calm the nerves and focus.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No, I used Amazon’s self-publishing platform to publish my book. It provides great quality paperbacks on demand. My book is also available on Kindle. However, marketing the book is proving to be a major challenge. So, submitting to an Agent might be a good idea, I don’t know.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

This is my first book and I had little idea of what it’s like to publish a book. Self-publishing has given me a good learning base.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I designed the cover myself. I use a free online tool to put it together.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Marketing the book is the biggest roadblock I am facing as a self-publisher. As of now, I am just winging it. There are thousands of blogs out there on best ways to market a book. Some of their tips and tricks work. Others don’t. I would love some honest reviews on my Amazon page as well as on Goodreads.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

The biggest challenge an author faces is successfully putting together a manuscript. If you are over that, everything else will fall in place. Have faith in your work.

About You

Where did you grow up?

India

Where do you live now?

Seattle, Washington

What would you like readers to know about you?

I believe in magic.

What are you working on now?

A picture book, about a little orca and his journey to get reunited with his mother.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of The Little Book of Magical Tales from Amazon US or Amazon UK.