I believe that this message is for the child in us all, and my greatest hope is for families to read the book together, so that they can learn how to flow the energy of love individually, with each other, and then out into the world.
Lisa White – 24 June 2020
The Back Flap
This children’s book is about the energy of love that lives inside each one of us, universal energy that is our true nature. Its amusing rhyme scheme and sweet illustrations introduce the reader to the idea that “we each have our own sparkle, no matter what shape or size,” and that we can learn how to move our energy to create an environment for that love to flow. Two simple exercises are provided. “love-light” is the first book in the Did You Know? series.
About the book
What is the book about?
This children’s book is about discovering and working with the energy of love that lives inside of us.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing it in January of 2019.
How long did it take you to write it?
I probably fleshed out this particular story within a couple of days, and then I tweaked it every so often until I felt it was “just right.”
Where did you get the idea from?
The idea for the story literally came to me in a flash. I was “told” that I was going to write a series of books for children about the energy of love, that it was going to be written in rhyme scheme, the title of the series, the first two lines of the first book, and who the illustrator was meant to be. Though this insight came to me very quickly, it was created from a lifetime of experiences.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The writing was a breeze for me compared to the publishing and marketing processes.
What came easily?
The rhymes came easily. Over the course of four or so months, I wrote 11 stories, some taking only a couple of hours to finish and others taking a couple of days.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
This is a picture book with many different illustrated children in it, but there are no true characters.
Do you have a target reader?
I believe that this message is for the child in us all, and my greatest hope is for families to read the book together, so that they can learn how to flow the energy of love individually, with each other, and then out into the world.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I am a total word nerd. I have always enjoyed reading, playing word games, singing silly songs, etc. I guess you could say that my process is in “catching” the rhymes that run amok in my head!
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I do not outline.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit as I write.
Did you hire a professional editor?
No, I did not.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I usually have peaceful instrumental music playing in the background.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I submitted it to one agent, who very politely turned it down.
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 knew right away that I didn’t want to go it completely alone, so I purchased a publishing package through a self-publishing company.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
As part of my package, the publishing company created the cover (using one of the book’s illustrations).
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I do not have professional marketing help, so I guess I’m winging it! (Thanks for your help with the winging!)
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
My advice is to research like crazy! Watch videos, join writing groups, read articles… Also, the more tech experience you already have, the easier it will be. Luckily my adult children were very helpful in this regard.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in California.
Where do you live now?
I live in California.
What would you like readers to know about you?
Let’s see… You already know my word nerd status. What else? I worked on a farm in Germany when I was nineteen, so I know a lot of German farm slang – from the 80’s, no less! My husband and I got engaged two weeks after we met and will be celebrating our 30th anniversary this December. My California alma mater’s mascot is a Gaucho. Which school? I know how to trace my meridians. I love to laugh, and right now Pluto (the dog of plutoliving.com) cracks me up. And I’m also very passionate about sharing my books with as many people as possible, so thank you for reading this!
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m focused on the marketing for this book, and I am considering turning it into an eBook. I am also trying to figure out what publishing route I would like to take with the next two books in the series, which are both ready to go!
End of Interview:
For more from Lisa like her page on Facebook.
Get your copy of Did Your Know? love-light from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
