Now that school is back session, our top priority this year, as we have decided to homeschool, is having Savannah learn to read. Both of my girls love to be read to, but Savannah has been itching to read for a few months now. She grabs books from the shelf and tells her own stories based on what she remembers me reading to her, as well as what the illustrations are showing. I know that once she learns to read, that this will be a lifelong love...I know, as I love to read and see the same excitement in my girls' eyes when I read a story to them.
Until then, I have been busy reading fun new summer and fall releases to them, as well as their all-time favorites including Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life.
Recently, I was asked if I wanted to interview Carole P. Roman, author of the popular kid's picture book series, "Captain No Beard". I jumped at the opportunity, not just because my girls are fans of her books, but I love her writing style too.
If you are unfamiliar with Carole's "Captain No Beard" books, here is a little background on her series, followed by my interview with the author herself. Enjoy!
About the Captain No Beard Series...
Captain No Beard sets sail on 9 separate voyages of the imagination with his fearless crew aboard his pirate ship The Flying Dragon. When a young boy named Alexander, his cousin Hallie, and some stuffed animals, board his bed their world is transformed into a magical vessel, sailing the seven seas on dangerous and exciting adventures! Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life was named to Kirkus Reviews' BEST OF 2012 for Children's Indie Books, and garnered the Kirkus Star of Exceptional Merit, as was Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis. In addition to many other merits awarded to the series, The Foreword review gave "Five Star" reviews to Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience: A Captain No Beard Story and A Flag for the Flying Dragon: A Captain No Beard Story. The Captain No Beard books are available on Amazon.
Named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best of 2012 for her first book, award-winning author Carole P. Roman started writing as a dare from one of her sons. Using an imaginary game she played with her grandson as a base, Captain No Beard was born. She lives on Long Island with her husband and very near her children and grandchildren- the inspiration for her books.
And, now for my interview with Carole P. Roman, author of Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life....
Interview with Award-Winning Author Carole P. Roman
Tell me about your books. How did you come up with the stories? The stories are inspired by events that happen in everyday life. Children fight, they don't always get along, they forget to share, and sometimes they are afraid to say what they are feeling. Every story is based on situations that affect someone in my life, from my own kids, grandkids, and other members of the family.How did you get interested in writing this particular genre? I was suffering with a severe case of the blues when I lost my mother. Both my sons dared me to write a book to pull me out of it. I felt empty, couldn't come up with an idea, so they said write about what you know. Well, the one bright spot in my life was playing with my grandchildren. I always play pretend, and we did have adventures on both a pirate ship and spaceship. I chose to write about the pirate ship, because, at heart, I am a serious swashbuckler.
Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books? I love to read. Shogun and Gone With the Wind are my all-time favorite books. I read them once a year. I also love Bernard Cornwell, Tracey Chevalier, Jojo Moynes, Liane Moriarity, and a host of others.
What's a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal? I get up at five and check book business things. I manage both my and my son’s books, so it involves writing to people, checking sales, doing the ads. I go to our office by seven. We have a breakfast meeting with the managing staff. I usually do my day job at that point. I run the payables part of our business, but I play a role in every part of what we do. I leave work sometime after two. Twice a week I have yoga. I eat lunch with each of my daughter-in-laws once a week. See the babies and scour the high seas with them on The Flying Dragon. Food shop, cook, intermediate when someone feels slighted by another family member and am in bed by eleven. Oh, I squeeze in the writing during the breaks in my day. I can do it at work, while the TV is on, while I cook—it won't matter. Everyone in our family is well versed in multi-tasking. I don't have a goal. I write until the characters tell me they are finished.
What is the hardest part of writing for you? The editing. I never see my own mistakes. My eyes read what I wanted to say.
What’s the best thing about being an author? It's like being five and playing with Barbie. The characters can do or say anything you want. There are no restrictions on reality. If you want to have purple rivers and mermaids, you can.
What are you working on now? I am working on another culture book in my If You Were Me and Lived In ... series: If You Were Me and Lived in ... Italy. I am ruminating that Captain No Beard may have to do some time travel … perhaps to ancient Greece.
What advice would you give aspiring writers? Just write. Don't be afraid. Put it out there and you can edit it later. Don't be offended by the critics, embrace and learn from them.
What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question? What would you like Captain No Beard's legacy to be? If Captain No Beard helps one child through a struggle, gives someone peace or hope, shares their problems and helps with a solution, then I am the happiest person in the world. Captain No Beard and his crew gave me light at the end of the tunnel, provided comfort when I needed it and if a child benefited from it, then that is a great and wonderful thing.
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Follow the Blog Tour Stops...
Tuesday September 1 2015 The Children’s Book Review Captain No Beard Series GiveawayThursday September 3 2015 Swiss Cheese Adventures Author Interview with Carole P. Roman
Sunday September 6 2015 The Adventures of Supermom Author Interview with Carole P. Roman
Wednesday September 9 2015 The Adventures of Supermom Captain No Beard Book Review
Wednesday September 9 2015 Crafty Moms Share Captain No Beard Book Review
Friday September 11 2015 Inspired by Savannah Author Interview with Carole P. Roman
Friday September 15 2015 Just Another Mom Author Interview with Carole P. Roman
Sunday September 17 2015 It’s Fundamental Pirate Books Galore: What Makes Captain No Beard Stand Out?
Thursday September 24 2015 Boy Mama Teacher Mama Captain No Beard Book Review
Monday September 28 2015 Avery and Augustine Author Interview with Carole P. Roman
My first mate on my ship would be my best friend.
ReplyDeleteheather [email protected]
My son would be my first mate . Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com