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SELF-PUBLISHING SUCCESS STORY: MONIQUE BOWMAN - WHEN TWO ARE ALIKE

1/1/2017

1 Comment

 
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
 



1 Comment
Rex Ford, Jr. link
1/7/2017 07:40:11 am

Yet another success story out of the Christopher J. Lynch camp. i.e. From Chris's famed self-publishing series. Congratulations to Monique, and may this series on Squirrels blossom into movies. Much like Chris's own writing/self-publishing successes. Super inspiring to read Monique's path, trail, and how she kept her dream alive since childhood. i.e. Getting into the minds of her characters, in this case squirrels. Monique can do anything from this point, turn her idea/vision into whatever she wants just as Chris has with the great "One-Eyed Jack" series (Amazon/You Tube).

Seeing Chris in person changed me. Attending one of Chris's seminars in Glendale CA. Following major knee surgery, which required a follow-up knee replacement. I'd been limping for a few years, on walkers and crutches, when walking into a packed Chris seminar at Glendale's main, historic library. They've had Chris back due to public demand. Each of Chris's seminars draw a crowd, so you really need and want to get there as early as possible.

What Monique refers to in her interview? Is the actual SYNERGY of a Christopher J. Lynch seminar on basically Amazon self-publishing. Chris breaks the entire seminar down into easy-to-digest steps. From step one to step fifty. Once you see this seminar, once you attend a CJL seminar? You understand it's all within your grasp. That it can be done. You see Chris's own success, which he goes into. Chris has a doctorate in the Amazon self-publishing arm, is the known go-to and Guru. Therefore Monique's exciting story, her enthusiasm and passion FOLLOWING a Chris seminar? Is the typical. I met many people at his seminar that follow Chris regularly around on the seminar circuit. i.e. Look to see where his seminars will next be - RSVP and attend. These are uplifting seminars where you're not sold just hope. You're sold on practical steps for achieving your publishing goals. Which makes the Hope gleaned from a Chris conference/seminar all that much greater. You leave thinking, wow, I can actually do this.

I've sent, referred dozens of people to Chris from my own writing groups and circle. Chris helped a woman over the age of 70 to not just begin writing and publishing - but to become an avid writer. You can't describe what Chris brings to the table. You have to see him in person, hear him, watch as he patiently breaks self-publishing down into steps anyone can wrap their head around.

It's hard to say how many people Chris has inspired what with his legendary voyages up 10,000 feet mountains (hikes).

The writing program Chris began on his own, and with those incarcerated for the rest of their lives.

He's an inspiration to me, to Monique - and to all of those lucky enough to have come in contact with Christopher J. Lynch.

Thanks, Monique, for sharing your powerful story/voyage with us - it'll surely lead another 100 writers to the water.

Thanks to Chris, to Christopher J. Lunch self-publishing seminars for all of the people you've led/inspired.

-Rex Ford, Jr. (former writer-script doctor for Cannon Films, i.e. my years with the famed "Barbarian Brothers" following a Madison Avenue producing gig - an MFA at the World's top film school, i.e. Columbia University in New York City).

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