It's always special to have a new author stop by to chat, but author/illustrator Monique Bowman is unique in the fact that she is the first self-published children's book author we have interviewed on our site.
She was inspired to write her book, "When Two are Alike" by a lively squirrel that regularly visited her childhood home. She created a world from her squirrelly mind to share with children. Her stories encourage others to never give up on dreams no matter how big or small they are. This enthusiastic author lives in the sunny state of California in her enchanged Spanish-style home. She has has a BA in language and cultures and loves all things Italian. Her passion for travel, indulging in coffee or gelato at cafés, and dancing are just a few of the things she loves… besides squirrels.
Hello and thanks for stopping by Monique. Your book, "When Two are Alike," seems to have been germinating in you for quite some time. Describe for us the event that finally propelled you into writing and illustrating it?
Since I was a kid I always loved drawing characters and making up stories. I saved and cherished the drawings of my characters. They have been with me since I was a kid. I loved making up stories about them which all took place in my head and finally, after high school, I decided to turn those stories into a children’s book.
After you committed to writing it, about how long did it take to get it completed?
It took me six years due to my travels and educational pursuits. Over the course of six years, mixed with traveling and schooling, I was able to develop my story into what it is today.
Many authors experience a “fear factor” when they embark on a writing project. Tell us about your own experience.
I had many moments along the way when I questioned myself, will I ever finish and, if I do finish, will I become a reputable author?
This sounds like a wonderful children's book. What age group or grade level is, "When Two are Alike," appropriate for?
The age range is 4-8 years, but my theory is that children’s books could be enjoyed by people of all ages. There's a kid in every one of us.
Did you know all along that you wanted to self-publish, or did you consider going the conventional route?
In the beginning I wanted to take the conventional route because, at that time, that is all that I knew. Out of the same curiosity that helped me write When Two Are Alike, I began to explore self-publishing which would, and did, give me total control over my finished work.
Were you intimidated at all about going the self-publishing route?
No because I knew that I would always be in total control of my characters and their stories.
How did Christopher J. Lynch’s self-publishing seminar help you?
Christopher's seminar opened my eyes to the potential in self-publishing, and helped me become more confident in taking the self-publishing route.
What are your plans for promoting the book?
So far I have promoted my book on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram and through word of mouth which started with my family and friends. My next steps for promoting my book includes sharing my story with local libraries, schools, and book events.
How do you feel now that you have a book published?
I am ecstatic! This is such a huge accomplishment and I couldn’t be happier with myself!
Any advice for aspiring writers, either in the children’s book category or otherwise?
To all aspiring writers, keep writing! Work on your story little by little, every chance you get, embracing it and always remembering to enjoy this wonderful journey called writing.
What’s next for you?
Continue writing and illustrating Milton’s adventures in a series called Squirrely Squirrel Books.
Well thanks again for sharing your amazing story with us Monique. You can order Monique Bowman's book, When Two are Alike, by clicking here
And you can follow her on her FB page
Or at her website: www.moniquebowman.com
She was inspired to write her book, "When Two are Alike" by a lively squirrel that regularly visited her childhood home. She created a world from her squirrelly mind to share with children. Her stories encourage others to never give up on dreams no matter how big or small they are. This enthusiastic author lives in the sunny state of California in her enchanged Spanish-style home. She has has a BA in language and cultures and loves all things Italian. Her passion for travel, indulging in coffee or gelato at cafés, and dancing are just a few of the things she loves… besides squirrels.
Hello and thanks for stopping by Monique. Your book, "When Two are Alike," seems to have been germinating in you for quite some time. Describe for us the event that finally propelled you into writing and illustrating it?
Since I was a kid I always loved drawing characters and making up stories. I saved and cherished the drawings of my characters. They have been with me since I was a kid. I loved making up stories about them which all took place in my head and finally, after high school, I decided to turn those stories into a children’s book.
After you committed to writing it, about how long did it take to get it completed?
It took me six years due to my travels and educational pursuits. Over the course of six years, mixed with traveling and schooling, I was able to develop my story into what it is today.
Many authors experience a “fear factor” when they embark on a writing project. Tell us about your own experience.
I had many moments along the way when I questioned myself, will I ever finish and, if I do finish, will I become a reputable author?
This sounds like a wonderful children's book. What age group or grade level is, "When Two are Alike," appropriate for?
The age range is 4-8 years, but my theory is that children’s books could be enjoyed by people of all ages. There's a kid in every one of us.
Did you know all along that you wanted to self-publish, or did you consider going the conventional route?
In the beginning I wanted to take the conventional route because, at that time, that is all that I knew. Out of the same curiosity that helped me write When Two Are Alike, I began to explore self-publishing which would, and did, give me total control over my finished work.
Were you intimidated at all about going the self-publishing route?
No because I knew that I would always be in total control of my characters and their stories.
How did Christopher J. Lynch’s self-publishing seminar help you?
Christopher's seminar opened my eyes to the potential in self-publishing, and helped me become more confident in taking the self-publishing route.
What are your plans for promoting the book?
So far I have promoted my book on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram and through word of mouth which started with my family and friends. My next steps for promoting my book includes sharing my story with local libraries, schools, and book events.
How do you feel now that you have a book published?
I am ecstatic! This is such a huge accomplishment and I couldn’t be happier with myself!
Any advice for aspiring writers, either in the children’s book category or otherwise?
To all aspiring writers, keep writing! Work on your story little by little, every chance you get, embracing it and always remembering to enjoy this wonderful journey called writing.
What’s next for you?
Continue writing and illustrating Milton’s adventures in a series called Squirrely Squirrel Books.
Well thanks again for sharing your amazing story with us Monique. You can order Monique Bowman's book, When Two are Alike, by clicking here
And you can follow her on her FB page
Or at her website: www.moniquebowman.com
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