Interview with fabulous children's author, Cindy Shirley!

Hi everyone, Today we're welcoming wonderful children's author, Cindy Shirley. It's a pleasure to chat with her today. We'll get on with the interview.

When did you realize you wanted to write children’s books?

I first began thinking about writing a children's book after our granddaughter was born. She is now four years old and she is the main character in my Christmas book, Doodle and the Magic Christmas Float. My husband and I have designed Christmas floats for the past three years to promote my business. Our family enjoys this tradition every year! 

Wait until she's a little older so she understands more about what happened. You already have much to celebrate together.

How do you get the ideas for your books?

Two years ago, our float won the best holiday float out of 83 participants. After the parade, we came home and had to take all of the decorations and lights off of the trailer. It almost made me cry LOL. I told my husband this poor little guy was the star in the Christmas parade and now will sit in the backyard all alone. The trailer actually belongs to a friend of ours and he leaves it out in the weather all year long until we borrow it again. So, that started the whole idea of writing a children's book. Doodle and the Magic Christmas Float was created. 

The other books that I have written or actually based on my family. The characters are illustrated from their photos. 

Tell us about each of the books you’ve written?

My personal childhood experiences of being bullied in school for having red hair and freckles, was the basis for Diesel the Body Guard: No Bullies Allowed!. The boy in the story really did call me those names and was very mean to me until I took a stand and fought back. Let's just say a handful of rocks makes a big difference when you deal with a bully. LOL. But the bullying ended as a result of me standing up to him.

Diesel is a real rooster and belongs to my sister. He is very protective and made a perfect body guard in the story. I mixed my story with a little bit of fiction and Diesel the Body Guard: No Bullies Allowed! was created.

Also, both of my books in the new series of The Fabulous Life of Minnie The Sassy Chick, are also based on a real chicken that belongs to my sister and my nieces. Minnie is their pet and actually takes a bath and has her feathers blown dry. It is hilarious! You can also find videos of Minnie on YouTube. When my sister shared one of these silly videos, my mind took off and the new series was created. I also own a business called Let's Pretend Spa Parties. We do in home spa parties for girls age 4 to 16. You will see elements of these sweet and sassy parties in the new Minnie book.    

Your books are all amazing. You should be proud of all your talent.

Do your books share messages?

 The story lines in each one of my books are filled with wonderful lessons for elementary school aged children. I try to include messages about friendship, compassion, responsibility, and respect for others.
You have lots to share with children.

Are you working on any projects now?

My new book, Go-Cart Gertie is about a young girl who wants to race go- carts. When her older brother makes the statement, "you're a girl and girls can't race!" The challenge is on! It’s about not backing down from a challenge and also about equal rights for girls. This story is hilarious when the girls versus the boys in the Gilbert family. This includes her grandmother who plays a very important part of encouraging Gertie to prove the boys wrong. 

Hopefully this book will be released in April. It's different than my other books and I'm excited to see how well it's received. 

Best wishes on your new venture.

What else would you like to share?

All four of my books have received five- star reviews from Readers Favorites and readers in general. So I guess I'm on the right track. Lol. 

My very first book that I self- published was Diesel the Body Guard. It won a silver medal in the 2017 Readers Favorite International Book Competition, and was the Gold certificate winner in the Human Relations Indie Book Awards. It also earned an Honorable Mention in the 2017 ATAI Awards. I am so proud of this wonderful book and hope it helps kids learn how to deal with bullying in school. 

Who is your favorite children’s author?

My favorite children's author is Beatrix Potter. I have a huge collection of Peter Rabbit memorabilia. I have collected these items for years. I think her characters are adorable and the illustrations are beautiful. She's definitely my favorite children's author. 

Thank you again for spending time with me today, Cindy.

My pleasure, Deanie

 Copyright 2018: Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

Virginia Wright's interview with Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

Today’s guest author is Reader’s Favorite Book Award-Winner, Deanie Humphrys-Dunne. Deanie is a winner in 2016, 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading Presented by The Author’s Show.com. She has received several other awards and nominations.

I met Deanie online a few years ago, and we have been author buddies ever since. I hope you have fun learning a little bit more about Deanie through the conversation we had below.  Her book My Life at Sweetbrier is being spotlighted in this interview as it is a true story that I loved.

My Life at Sweetbrier by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is a beautiful, touching true story about a little girl that was diagnosed with a condition Cerebral Palsy and was told by her doctor that she would never be able to walk. Her father would not accept that diagnosis and instills faith in his little girl, and he set out to teach her to ride horses and felt if she could do that, she would be okay. Her parents opened a riding school (Sweetbrier) so that her dad could keep his promise to her. Despite her diagnosis, the family sets out on quite a journey in life…I recommend this book for older aged children for a couple of reasons, because it is a touching story of determination and it teaches a lesson never to give up, and that dreams can come true.

Big Bear Hugs,

-Virginia

How long have you been writing?

I studied and graduated from 2 courses at the Institute of Children’s Literature before writing my first book, Tails of Sweetbrier. It was published in 2009 but republished in 2017 with a new title, My Life at Sweetbrier, a new cover, and five additional chapters.

Do you like silence or music when you are writing?

I prefer silence because I think it’s easier to concentrate on my writing without distractions.

Is there any one thing that helps the creative juices flow?

No, I’d like to discover one, though.  If I have trouble discovering an idea, I try taking a break from writing. It sometimes helps me gather ideas.

What is your next work in progress?

My sister, Holly Humphrys-Bajaj, is working on the illustrations for our next book. We’re excited about creating our first picture book, about a little tractor named Wilbur. We don’t have a timeframe for the release yet, but I’ll be sure to keep you updated on it.

What would you like readers to remember most about My Life at Sweetbrier?

I think every child deserves to be inspired to follow their dreams because all things are possible if you persevere. You can realize your dreams against the odds like I did.

Thank you so much for interviewing me today, Virginia. We had fun together, as always. -Deanie

You are welcome, Deanie. It was fun…you truly are an inspiration. Xo -Virginia

Amazon page:

https://www.amazon.com/Deanie-Humphrys-Dunne/e/B003FFS15S/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

Facebook: 

Memories of Sweetbrier:

https://www.facebook.com/Memories-of-Sweetbrier-Farm-Easton-CT-1736497933252082/

Children’s Author Deanie Humphrys-Dunne:

https://www.facebook.com/Childrens-author-Deanie-Humphrys-Dunne-574820065875628/

 Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/deaniedunne/

Interview by: Author and Illustrator, Virginia Wright 

Books by Virginia Wright can be found at Amazon.com and other online retail stores
Latest release: Who the Hell Are you? Alzheimer’s the Wrong Diagnosis