WELCOME AUTHOR
SUSAN DAY
Author bio:
Susan Day is passionate about children's literature and
wants to inspire children to follow their dreams. She created the Astro’s
Adventures series and has written other titles too. Each book Susan creates
encourages and promotes the wonderful art of story-telling with organic
illustrations and characters that portray similar character traits that the
readers’ pets share. Susan shares her country home with four dogs from the
Astro’s Adventures series, Rocky, Stella, Alfie and Digger, as well as, two
rescue guinea pigs, three bossy cats, a blue budgie and a very patient husband.
Brief synopsis of
your book:
This fun and entertaining book,
Astro is Down in the Dumps, was created to give children the skills they need
to build resilience and cope with depression and anxiety.
Astro is feeling so sad and
blue he can’t get out of bed. Then there’s a knock at the door… who could that
be?
He is visited by his friends
and each one tells him what they do when they are feeling sad. Rocky writes in
his journal, Indy runs and plays outside, Stella talks to a friend, Digger eats
fresh food, Dotty dances and Alfie paints. They convince Astro that there are
ways of coping when you're sad and skills you can learn to help.
This book was written after
personally losing a loved one and dealing with that tragic loss. It was also
driven after hearing of so many youth suicides. What if these kids could became
more resilient? What if they learnt coping strategies? What if they learnt
these things before they became teenagers and had a skill base they could draw
from when their lives seemed to be getting out of control.
There are worksheets at the
back of the book for further ideas and ways of extending the skills presented
in this book.
Written in verse and with
stunning full-color illustrations, this book is designed so that it can be
shared in the classroom and at home.
All monies raised from the sale
of this book go to sending a free copy to each school and library in the
country.
Book title:
Astro is Down in the Dumps
What was your
favorite part of writing this book?
I had a lot of fun doing the illustrations. I hope they
convey the fun aspect of this book so that children remember the message in it.
What inspired
your latest picture book?
This is the first book of this kind I have written. My
other books are middle grade chapter books so it was a bit of a step away from
them. My husband works in the field of mental health and encouraged me to do
something to help children. The book’s aim is to give children simple skills
they can do themselves to help them build their resilience against negative
events. I chose six different things they could do and, using the fun
illustrations, presented them in such a way the children could identify and
understand.
What is the most
difficult part of writing a picture book?
One of the most difficult parts of creating a book like
this is marrying the illustrations, the content and the layout so that the book
flows effortlessly. It is important that the children understand the message of
the book as quickly and easily as possible.
Do you learn
anything about yourself when writing for children?
I have learnt that I have a pretty zany imagination and
that I love to make people laugh. I’ve also improved my typing, drawing and
formatting skills, but to be honest, I don’t think they are as important as the
first two point ;-)
What inspires you
to write for children?
I think I have a pretty whacky imagination and children’s
books allow me to explore and extend it. I love writing about dogs who can do
what humans can do. It makes them seem funnier and more exciting. When the idea
for Astro is Down in the Dumps was first mooted I didn’t think I could pull it
off but it was such an important goal – to help children with depression – I
really had to apply myself. After consultation with mental health experts, I am
pleased with what I’ve produced.
What age group do
you write for and which age group do you recommend this book to?
I write for children aged 6 to 12 generally but my main
focus is middle grade readers of early chapter books. When I was teaching this
was my favourite age group because they were young enough to still believe in
Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny and old enough to enjoy a good joke.
What is the first
book you remember reading that affected how you thought or felt about something?
At a young age my teacher read JRR Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”
to us. I was hooked from the start. It was our reward at the end of the day if
we’d done our schoolwork and behaved. She had a lovely reading voice and
created voices for each of the characters.
Which three children
books that were made into movies are your favorites?
1) Wind in the Willows
2) The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings
3) Astro’s Adventures – hopefully one day!
Have you ever read
a book that was written for children or young adults that inspired you to do
research?
As a young mother, I read my children the Beatrix Potter
books. I was fascinated about her life and what inspired her to write so I read
and read about her. I was very excited when the movie about her was released.
Not only was she a talented author and illustrator, she was a great
entrepreneur too. I think she would have relished in the Indie publishing
movement today.
What helps you
tell a story through rhyme?
I like to read the manuscript out loud over and over
again! I also ask other people to read it too to make sure it flows well.
How old were you
when you first began reading and writing?
I remember reading from a very early age. I started school
in England when I was five and was well advanced by the time my family moved to
Australia. However, I wrote my first book at six years of age. It was about a
holiday to Ireland. I mentioned the things we saw and what we did. I must have
got tired towards the end because the writing literally falls off the side of
the page. Luckily for me I still have the book and it is 45 years old!
Do you have any
helpful hints to inspire children to read?
I often go to schools and libraries and talk about
encouraging children to read to their pet dogs. Dogs make great listeners
because they don’t correct or interrupt. Often if a child is nervous or if
their parents are busy, the dog makes a great reading partner.
Do you need to be
anywhere special to get in the mood to write?
I’m very lucky. I can write almost anywhere and anytime. I
never suffer from writer’s block either.
What are three
challenges you face when writing for children?
1) Keeping concepts simple.
2) Introducing new and challenging words but knowing when
to limit them too.
3) Coming up with fresh ideas that are funny – after
fourteen books, believe me, this is a challenge.
Out of the books
you have written which is your favorite and why?
My most favourite book is my latest one. I suppose it’s
because it’s new and I’m excited about sharing it with the world. But to be
honest, I love them all because in some unique way they all have something
special to offer.
How have other
authors helped you?
I’m a great fan of many indie authors. I know that
children need to read every day and I can’t possible provide enough books
myself to meet their needs so I blog, review and post children’s authors on my
blog. I also love to share their work on my social networks too. I have learnt
about the publishing industry and how to create quality children’s literature
this way.
If you were to
suggest anything to a writer who is new to writing children’s books, what would
that be?
Try to step outside the box and do something different and
quirky. Too many authors want to emulate their favourite work and seem to be
stuck in formulas.
Do you take part
in creating your book cover and other artwork? If so, what do you find the most
difficult part of the process?
I illustrate all of my books and I design the book covers
too. I also learnt how to format the books, add illustrations and images to
enhance the overall feel. I quite like this process because it gives me more
control. I’m very picky so my books are of a high standard.
What part of the writing
process becomes the most critical for you?
I think editing is so important. Nothing spoils a great
story than typos and errors in the plot. I really value my beta readers and
friends who pour over my manuscripts picking up things here and there. It can
hurt sometimes but I know they are doing me a great favour each time they find
a small mistake.
If you could tell
parents why you write for children what would you say?
My books cover a lot of themes about working in teams,
friendships and even responsible pet ownership but to be honest the most
important facet of my book is humour. If you can make someone laugh and
brighten their day then you have really achieved something positive for the
world.
What is the most
common interview question that you dread answering and why?
I really can’t think of one. All questions seem equally
valid and I enjoy responding to them.
Are there any
special methods you use to teach a lesson but without preaching in your stories?
I think humor is very important and also the illustrations
play an important part in teaching. I also like my readers to be able to step
back and reflect on the actions of the characters, good and bad. I think even
young children have a pretty good moral compass and they should be encouraged
to develop it.
What is the most
gratifying part of being an author of children’s books?
When you see young faces light up with the knowing that
they can be authors or illustrators too.
What inspires
your ideas for stories?
I am driven to create new and interesting adventures for
my characters in each book.
Personal favorite
info:
Color – Yellow
– the brighter the better!
Snack – Chocolate
Place to visit in
nature – My backyard- we live in the country, Victoria, Australia
Song – some
from the Classical Baroque period
Dessert – Carmel
ice cream with macadamia nuts
Charity – The
Australian Animal Protection Society. I donate a percentage of my sales to this
great charity.
Comedy movie – Hot
fuzz but it’s not really for children
Book – Women
Who Run with the Wolves
Animal – Dogs,
cats, parrots – pretty much them all.
Comfort – Snuggled
up in bed with a book, the dogs and the cats (for extra warmth).
How can people
connect with you?
Website/Blog:
Twitter:
Facebook:
Goodreads:
Where can readers
find your books?
Hanging out on Facebook, Twitter and my blog. I create
free children’s activities which I send out in a newsletter each week. If
anyone is interested please go to my blog – www.susandayauthor.com
Check out Susan Day's blog and
Amazon for a wider selection of her many wonderful books!
Astro is Down in the Dumps. A Teaching Resource Book: Astro is Down in the Dumps
Astro's Adventures Illustrated Box Set Books 1 to 5
The Haunted Circus: The Astro's Adventures Series
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DOG TRAINING: A COLLECTION: Everything You Need for a Nice Well Mannered Dog!
http://www.amazon.com/ULTIMATE-GUIDE-DOG-TRAINING-COLLECTION-ebook/dp/B00MLY8IZM/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
What a groovy blog post! I love your background image. It cheers me up just looking at it! Astro and I really appreciate you having us on your blog. We live all the way away in Australia and it's lovely to meet new people from all over the world.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan, I enjoyed reading your responses to the interview questions. Best wishes and much success your way!
ReplyDeleteLoved reeading this thank you
ReplyDelete