 Anna actually lives in the woods Elias: Hello Anna, glad you could make it.
Anna: I would've flown 500 times around the world to have done this interview with you, Elias. Elias: In your book, My First Travel Book: Angelic Airline Adventures you visit many wonderful and exciting places and yet you don't seem to have mentioned my cabbage patch. My cabbage patch is a wonderful place to visit. Don't you think you should include that too? Anna: My First Travel Book” with “Captain Frankie” on Angelic Airline Adventures we will visit your wonderful cabbage patch and show the children how to grow them and care for their health, then we will visit the famous, wonderful and exciting places in the world. To take the young aspiring travelers around the world from the comfort of their own homes and bring families closer together to be educational, fun and entertaining for children. Elias: Will there be a sequel? If so, would you then consider including my cabbage patch? Anna: There are follow ups of more lovely books ready to be published soon, I will consider including your cabbage patch with its many healthy cabbages and then take the children to discover our beautiful earth and world, uniting children of the world showing them how to grow organic cabbages the right way. Elias: I used to live on a hill outside of Maputo and I've heard that you're from Zimbabwe. How much of Zimbabwe and my moustache influenced you and your writing? Anna: So we were actually country neighbors. Living in Zimbabwe, Africa with my lovely family all my life inspired me to write. I was inspired to author my children’s books where the children could visit beautiful destinations in the world. Your moustache of wisdom influenced these travels. Elias: Why a travel book? Do you see yourself as a Michael Palin for kids? Anna: This book is to educate and influence the youth to travel one day, it is educational, informative and fun with cute rhymes and questions, even adults can learn from reading our book. Inspired by our son “Captain Frankie” in our book who is presently studying and now teaching new international student pilots at Embry Riddle University, Daytona Beach, Florida. He completes his Masters Degree soon and will be flying into the deep blue skies, flying passengers, young and old to various world destinations. A land of great opportunity “USA” where dreams can and do come true and real. Another inspiration is to get my books to the rural children. A youth in the rural areas heard a load noise, looked up into the skies and thought it was a huge bird in flight. He sculptured a wooden airplane out of sticks and branches of what he saw, which was and airplane. Today this creation still stands in the Midlands Museum, Gweru, Zimbabwe. Michael Palin got around the world in 80 days, we go around with the kids in 7 days to 7 destinations. Elias: What did you do before becoming a novelist? Grow cabbages? Anna: Loved teaching children, especially in Zimbabwe, where they always thrived in wanting to be educated in farming and growing cabbages which were exported around the world arriving crisp and fresh on the market shelves. Elias: Would you ever consider writing a book about Elias Zapple or, if you strangely prefer, writing about your homeland? Anna: Yes I have considered and have written a few children’s books on my homeland, Zimbabwe in the process of publication. Not many children or adults for that matter have a clue on the outside world, it is not taught much here in the USA. I would also write a book about Elias Zapple and his wonderful mysteries in his lifes experiences. Elias: Have you ever tried cabbage stew? Anna: Yes my family and I have made homemade cabbage stew which is tasty and scrumptious, with added spices that give it that tasty tang. Elias: Would you say My First Travel Book: Angelic Airline Adventures is aimed at slugs or children? Anna: Yes I believe it is in a big way aimed at children, but slugs can join and travel as well. This is an amazing, great way of inspiring children to pursue their dreams and make them alive and real. Elias: Is your surname Greek? Are you partial to a bit of feta cheese? Anna: Yes my name is Greek, I am from Greek origin, my married surname Othitis originates from a small village namely “Othos” on the lovely island of Karpathos, Greece. The meaning of our surname originated from the very early years of pirates on the island. They chased the villagers from their village of residence Afiarti, situated by the sea. The villagers took flight to the highest mountain point “Othos”, this village name comes from the Greek word “Orthitai” - get up and flee. And so they fled to “Othos” hence my surname “Othitis” and to date we are the only “Othitis surname known in the village. How appropriate and coincidental is this ? I love Feta cheese homemade with goats milk from Greece. Elias: What's next for you, Anna? Would you like to write a biography of Steve the Slug? He died recently. :( Anna: Well next is the publication and release of our follow up books, ready to go and hopefully a short biography story on Steve the Slug and his wonderful adventures in the cabbage patch. Thank you, Anna. Enjoy your ten flights home. Anna' Facebook Anna's Goodreads My Travel Book: Angelic Airline Adventures: Are you ready to take to the skies? Then welcome to Angelic Airlines! Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and the Angelic Airlines flying angel as they travel across the world to some of the most popular, entertaining, and educational places in the world. Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in My First Travel Book. Amazon Barnes & Noble
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 Melinda hates travelling Elias: Welcome Melinda Kinsman! Thank you for the bribe to do this interview with you.
Melinda: I would've even given you my house! Elias: As of right now, all of your Top of the Wardrobe Gang series of books are available for free. Is this because you're secretly a communist and hope to take over the world? Melinda: No, it's because cuddly toys are just naturally kind and generous beings! Also, we want people to download our free books so they get to know us (and our poems) a bit before we start asking for any payment for future books. Elias: What was the inspiration behind such characters as Odd Sock, PD Monkey and Oscar Rabbit? Was it out of envy for my slugs that you desired to create even cuter characters? Melinda: As you will see from the second photo below, 4 of the gang are very much part of our real family. Our poor tiger had his name and appearance changed in the books, to avoid Disney knocking at our door complaining! (He wasn't too chuffed that I asked him to wear a paper bag for the photo. In fact I had planned on missing him out of the gang altogether, but my husband felt that would be unfair.) Our monkey is indeed a jet-setting little dude, and in a few weeks time, Buster really will be travelling to Norway crammed into my climbing helmet (as illustrated in Book 1!) Burton is the name of a pottery bear I own, and is really the sort of "ideal" bear I would have liked to own as a child. (My real bears always seemed much grumpier, with far less altruistic tendencies!) As for Odd Sock, well the idea for her came from seeing a joke on FB with socks marching in pairs into the washing machine, calling out "remember the buddy system" to each other! (And her character has more than a little bit of me in it!) I'm afraid the gang had all been formed long before I was aware of the enviable cuteness of your slugs... Elias: How did you come up with the ideas for these books? Were they a result of the cabbage that I threw which bounced off your noggin? Melinda: No, you'd not yet chucked any cabbages at me when I wrote the first books! I originally wrote a load of poems for my niece years ago, when she was 6. I illustrated them with clipart to make "one off" books just for the family. I am unable to sit to use a PC, due to neck issues, so the idea to do "proper" books for open distribution came when I found I could use an iPad lying down, and then found that apps existed to make books using them. I later also discovered drawing apps, so started playing around at illustrating. Elias: PD Monkey has travelled to many different places such as Yosemite National Park and Bali. May I have his air miles? Melinda: My husband and I travel a lot, but tend to travel on a tight budget - I don't think we travel with anyone "posh enough" to give us useable air miles (and as both Buster and (PD) Monkey stowaway in our hand luggage, they certainly haven't got any!) Elias: You completely wrote, illustrated and photographed all your books. Do you think you're more talented than me? Bear in mind that a cabbage is aimed at you. Melinda: I don't think I'm talented at all, so hold fire with those cabbages! I just have a daft brain that likes writing daft poems, and I hope that these poems, and my bright (but very basic!) drawings will make some kids out there smile! Elias: What rhymes with silver? Melinda: Mrs.Chilver Counted silver, Every afternoon! Counting Silver, Mrs.Chilver Liked to sing a tune... Elias: All your books are rhymes, ever thought of starting a new career as a rapper? Melinda: No, though I do wear hoodies a lot!😊 Elias: What's next for Melinda Kinsman besides trying to grow hair as good as mine? Melinda: I've already written my next poem book (all poems about monsters...), and I'm now busy slowly getting all the illustrations done. My hair is wayward, and generally a short scruffy mess, so it will sadly never attempt to match your own well-trained, slug-groomed locks! Elias: Complete this rhyme: There once was a slug from Bilbao... Melinda: There once was a slug from Bilbao... Who loved dunking chips in his mayo'; It was found, on this diet, He stayed very quiet; Though once, his mouth full, he said 'ey oh! Elias: You often go on about your iPad. Has Steve Job's spirit possessed you and you're now trying to carry on his work? Melinda: I wish! No, sadly, my iPad is my best friend simply because I have to lie down a lot each day, and I can use the thing lying down. I haven't got any "techie" computer know-how whatsoever! Show message history Thank you Melinda, for your insightful, slug-infested answers! My website has free links to all my books (so far): http://topofthewardrobegang.weebly.com Book 1 - Introducing the Gang https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/book-1-introducing-the-gang!/id754129659?mt=11&uo=4 Book 2 - Hello from the Gang! (For younger readers, 3-5yrs) https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/book-2-hello-from-the-gang!/id754155557?mt=11&uo=4 Book 3 - Our Poems for Kids https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/book-3-our-poems-for-kids/id754194716?mt=11&uo=4  She eats little children Elias: Hello Natalie. Thank you for doing this interview.
Natalie: I am honoured to be in your presence, Elias. Elias: Your first book, Hide Alex Hide features a dragon and a spider. Wouldn't a couple of army-trained slugs have been better? Natalie: I didn't feel there was as much scope in the books for army trained slugs - added to that the original Alex had an imaginary dragon as a friend, he's never had a slug as a friend, so far...although, in stories as in life, there is always room for expansion. Elias: Slugs often say you should write about what you know. Do you know many real-life dragons and spiders? If so, which world do you inhabit? Natalie: I inhabit a wonderful place called Colourland - where practically anything can happen - if only you can find the magic entrance. Elias: Elias is a superb name for a boy. Would you consider changing Alex's name to Elias? Natalie: No. Elias: In the 2nd book in the series the Dragon plays drums. If you were to compare his drumming style to any famous drummer, who would you compare him to? Natalie: I'm thrilled that you've read the second book - in which Spider plays the drums and Dragon plays a keyboard. Spider styles himself on Mark Maher (known as Kram) from Spiderbait and John Bonham from Zeppelin - I've had to pick 2 as Spider has 4 arms to play with. Elias: Ever tried making cabbage cake? Natalie: Yes - fed it to the slugs at the end of the garden - they didn't come back. Elias: Would you like to donate all the proceeds from your books, Hide Alex Hide and Louder Alex, Louder to my Slug Foundation? Natalie: Although they are currently not really significant - the answer is no. Elias: Is there a 3rd book in the series? Could you tell us about it? Could you then donate the proceeds from that one to me... I mean us, as well? Natalie: The third book is Run Alex, Run where Alex, Dragon and Spider decide to have a race to see who's the fastest, but Alex likes to run, Spider likes to climb and Dragon likes to fly - so they have to find a race they can all join in on. And, no. Elias: How did you get into writing? Were you inspired by me, Elias Zapple? Natalie: As inspiring as I find you, my inspiration is, and always will be, my son Alex. I got into writing by composing his Naming Day poem, then short stories about his adventures (not in rhyme) then the Alex, Dragon and Spider book and Colour Land (which is currently being illustrated). Elias: What's the best, most fun-tastic, amazingly awesome group on Facebook? Natalie: I've found this great group where slugs are welcome full on nice, helpful and slightly off-beat people that I really enjoy being part of. The full name of it escapes me at the moment, but it's fun-tastic and all about Children's Books. Elias: Your illustrations are very impressive and were done by Gina Rahman. How did you meet? Did you pay her in cabbages? Natalie: I met Gina through another (not as fun-tastic but useful) writing page. I asked for help of how to get my books illustrated and Gina contact me. I loved her stuff and we've never looked back. We've both had commissions for other books and get on fantastically well - considering we've never met in person - though hopefully one day. We just clicked brilliantly and tend to think along the same lines with the books. No cabbages were used as payment as Paypal wouldn't accept them. I don't understand why myself! Thank you, Natalie! Hide Alex, Hide: 'Alex is a very ordinary little boy, so why is he hiding under his bed and who are the creatures searching everywhere to find him? "Hide Alex, HIDE!!" is the first in a series of books following Alex and his friends in their adventures.' Amazon UK Amazon.com Louder Alex, Louder: 'Alex and Dragon start a band, Spider wants to join too, but with dreams of big crowds and fame, will Dragon let Spider play his drums. The latest from the Alex, Dragon & Spider series.' Amazon UK Amazon.com  Celia's a criminal mastermind Elias: Welcome Celia Carlile. I believe you have something you'd like to say.
Celia: Yes, my slimy slug is no match for your amazing slugs. Elias: Celia, you were featured on the London Art College website. How many cabbages did you bribe them with? Celia: A Brussels sprout sufficed. Elias: Your book, The Christmas Song, has an Easter theme. Is that not confusing? Celia: I wanted to corner the Jewish market. Elias: Besides my flowing locks, what inspires you as an author? Celia: Queen Elizabeth of England, King Philippe of Belgium and Princess Caroline of Monaco --------- i.e. royalties. Elias: You have another book that I'm loathe to mention, The Slimy Slug. What compelled you to steal my slug idea/character/obsession? Celia: I was following your trail. Elias: The Slimy Slug is obviously no match for my crack killer slug unit, what would your slimy slug bring to the battle if we were to pit them against each other, bearing in mind that I have thousands? Celia: His speed, agility and disarming smile. Elias: Have you ever tried grilled slug? Celia: I find grilling unnecessary as they are very chatty. Elias: Is there another non-slug related book in the pipeline? Could you tell us about it? Celia: There's another book in the pipeline but the plumber hopes to release it soon. Elias: Do you plan on writing other holiday-themed books in the future or does it depend on the success of The Christmas Song? May I recommend writing one based on the Cabbage Festival? Celia: Yes, I have an idea for the family history of a carrot. I'm thinking of calling it 'Roots'. Elias: Do you really think Europe is large enough for the two of us to reside? Celia: No but there are several other countries seeking accession. Elias: You are part of a husband and wife team. You do the illustrations so does that mean your husband, Orison, writes the books? Celia: He was absent from school the day they did writing so he just talks. Elias: How do you collaborate? Celia: What we do in the privacy of our own home is our own affair. Elias: Would you prefer your husband to have a more sensible first name like Elias? Celia: I'd like him to be called 'Millionseller'. Thank you, Celia Carlile. The Christmas Song: 'It's Christmas Eve. Emily is far too excited to sleep. But Santa only comes when children are asleep. What is Emily to do? This story about a sweet, good-natured little girl will warm the hearts of children and parents. The book combines delightful illustrations with a link to Santa singing online. Words and music are included in the book.' Amazon UK Amazon.com The Slimy Slug: 'An amusing tale about a little boy who befriends a slug at nursery and secretly takes it home. Beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist, Celia Carlile.' Amazon UK Amazon.com  Tony morphing into a lizard Elias: Hello, Author Tony. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
Author Tony: I would've walked over hot coals and given my left kidney to do this interview. Elias: You have a very interesting and appropriate first name. Were your parents psychic when they decided to name you 'Author'? Author Tony: No, actually they were hippies. Elias: Your books have been described as two covers with words in-between. How else would you describe them? Author Tony: There are pages in there too. Not many in ‘The Cloud Diary’ though, which is a short story full of hope and love – a tale that delves in to the mind of a child who has lost someone so close to them. ‘Hugo – A Quest for King Borin’, on the other hand is a full length children’s novel based in a fantasy world full of dragons and elves and goblins; plenty of adventure, fun and fighting. Elias: One of your current books, Hugo - A Quest for King Borin (The Hooded One) has quite a long title. Was the title once shorter and just called 'Hugo' until you were threatened by Martin Scorsese? Author Tony: Well, ‘The Hooded One’ is just in reference to the series. The next book will be ‘The Hooded One 2”. Scorsese is actually a nice chap but I was a bit peaved when he made me change the title of my recent short story ‘Casino’. Elias: The character names from Hugo - A Quest for King Borin are a little quirky. At the time you thought of them were you drinking strangely-coloured tea? Author Tony: No, normal coloured tea, the sugar was very powdery though. Elias: Would you like some tips on growing cabbages? Author Tony: No, but thank you. If you have any ideas on how to kill a holly bush I would be most appreciative though Elias: What else do you do besides writing children's literature and plotting the demise of various tyrannical leaders? Author Tony: I am currently writing a historical fiction novel for adults. There will definitely be some tyrannical leaders in there. Elias: Have you ever considered growing a moustache and, if not, is it because you know you'd never grow one as good as mine? Author Tony: I have a moustache and if you want to compete with me, I am up for the challenge!!! Elias: Which children's book do you wish you'd have written? I would quite understand if it was one of mine. Author Tony: My favourite book as a child was ‘Matilda’ by Roald Dahl. I read it more times than I can remember. To tell you the truth, if I had written any of Dahl’s stories I would be amazingly happy and proud. Elias: The Cloud Diary is a very touching and tender story about how a child deals with the loss of a parent. I can completely empathise with the child as I recently lost a very dear friend, my pet slug Steve. Steve was accidentally mowed down by a lawn mower that I happened to be operating. His death wasn't intentional. Would you have any words of comfort for me and any others out there? Author Tony: I can understand your pain but unfortunately slug-therapy is something with which I have no experience. Now if you’d have said a snail… Elias: Apart from a book about cabbage throwing you and I might collaborate on, any other books in the pipeline? Author Tony: My new kiddies picture book, ‘Super Fred’ will be out shortly before Christmas. The paperback version of ‘The Cloud Diary’ should be on sale in the next few days. I also have an adult noir novella, ‘Dick’, which will be released as an eBook early in the new year. Thank you, Author Tony. And if I ever need a kidney, I shall be sure to give you a call. Hugo - A Quest for King Borin (The Hooded One) The castle of Queen Ennet is under attack by a mysterious enemy known only as The Hooded One. The Queen hears of a spell which will protect her lands against the incoming army of trolls, goblins and ogres. She sends word to the realm of King Borin, only to find that he is allied to The Hooded One. Who is The Hooded One? Why has King Borin sided with him and declared war on Queen Ennet? Who is the young knight who has been sent alone towards the Queens realm and how will he get across The Wasteland’s? This story, aimed at children between 7 and 13, follows Hugo, the young knight as he makes his way across many miles, meeting fantastic creatures and facing treacherous challenges towards the realms of Queen Ennet. What will he find when he arrives and how will he survive his final and most dangerous challenge? Amazon UK Amazon.com The Cloud Diary The Cloud Diary - a short story dealing with a small child's loss of a parent. 50% of all profits made will be going to Winston's Wish. Winston’s Wish now in its 20th anniversary year helps children rebuild their lives after the death of a parent or sibling, enabling them to face the future with confidence and hope. We are the largest provider of childhood bereavement services in the UK and offer the widest range of practical support and guidance to children, families, professionals and anyone concerned about a bereaved child. We know from experience that the right support offered at the right time can have a life-changing impact on bereaved children and young people. For more information please visit www.winstonswish.org.uk Helpline number 08452 03 04 05 Amazon UK Amazon.com  She believes she's Tinker Bell Elias: Hello, Mary. Thank you for doing this interview.
Mary: I would've given both legs to do this interview as I am in such awe of you. Elias: Your children's book is called ZiyZo, which is quite a strange name. Are you also quite strange? Mary: It's not me that's strange. It's everyone else. I have no idea why I'm trapped in this heavy material world and not flying about in fairy land. I make huge efforts to pass as normal which are (obviously) not always successful. Elias: What inspired you to enter into the financially lucrative world of children's fiction? Mary: I've never left the world of children's fiction. My earliest friends lived in the pages of Hans Christian Anderson's stories, my best friend being the Little Mermaid. As I grew older, I bonded with Frodo and Sam and journeyed to Mount Doom on countless occasions. I wouldn't call my own work fiction. It's all real to me. Regarding money, I get a fail on that. The word lucrative is in a foreign language. Elias: If you weren't a struggling author, what else would you be struggling in? Mary: I'd like to make films. Thought films that would transmit images straight from my mind to the screen without having to waste time writing scripts and raising huge amounts of money. Every day is a struggle when you'd rather fly than walk. In the meantime I'm taking photographs and dreaming. Elias: Are you a sprout person or a cabbage person? Mary: Give me sprouts, give me cabbage, love them both. Chomp, chomp, crunch. I'm a happy vegetarian. P.S. I am not a caterpillar. Elias: You seem to be quite obsessed with magic, dragons and other such things. Are you a dangerous person and, if so, should we burn you at the stake? Mary: Magic is the air I breathe. When young I studied the magical skills required by the dictator type of wizard. Luckily I changed direction or I'd be like the Thief in ZiyZo. Although I don't blame him as he suffered traumatic events in his childhood (yet to be revealed). I'm hoping he'll undergo a transformation by the end of the series. At the moment he's very very dangerous. I, on the other hand, am a harmless grandmother, so keep the stake for vampire hunting. Elias: What's the name of your favourite author who's first name begins with an E and surname starts with the letter Z? Mary: That's an easy one. Esyllt Zaira. Her writing is only available in parchment form so not mainstream at the moment. I cannot reveal the subject of her work. Elias: Butter or jam on your toast? Mary: Neither. Olive oil. And tomatoes. Plus I never say no to cabbage. Chomp, chomp, crunch etc. Elias: Your middle name, Josefina, suggests some Spanish heritage. Are you a spy working for the Spanish government? Mary: I was born into a Catholic family on St Joseph's day, but after an unfortunate experience in the baptismal font I failed to bond with priests and nuns. My allegiance lies elsewhere, with Arthur, the once and future king, my hero. And with his greatest warrior, Prince Bedwyr. So I'm a true Brit. Elias: What other projects do you have in the pipeline aside from your project of creating a real-life, fire-breathing dragon that you hope will do your bidding? Mary: I've always been obsessed with ancient history and Elizabethan England, so time travel is my top priority. I need to confer with the original druids. In my book for adults, The Bermondsey Grail, Adelaide actually gets to do this. SO jealous. Christopher Marlowe and Will Shakespeare are top of my 'have to meet' wish list. I'd like to find out if Shakespeare did write his plays. Or not. Dragons don't make good domestic pets. I keep mine hidden in the Egyptian sculpture galleries of the British Museum. Elias: If you become a successful author, do you promise to donate all your royalties to Elias Zapple? Mary: Even if I earned as much as the great J.K. there'd be nothing left for you. The bill from the British Museum is growing daily. Dragon fire is incredibly destructive and ancient Egyptian sculptures cost zillions to replace. Thank you, Mary. I'm glad you were able to manage not to faint whilst in my presence. For Mary's website click here ZiyZo http://www.magiciansfire.com/ziyzo.html ZiyZo is a London fairy tale for pre teens, teenagers and anyone who is interested in the latest magical upgrades and developments. 'Online dragon chasing, with a great prize. Twelve year old Ben and Tayo can't resist the new game, ZiyZo. Only...... ZiyZo is a cyber trap, laid by a magically talented young thief, the inventor of mobile/cell phone magic and text spells. The Thief has stolen the Magician's Fire, a small crystal ball that contains the power to control all electrical energy. In order to open the Magician's Fire the Thief needs to use traditional magic, cruel and terrifying traditional magic. In a very short time the two boys and their friends Jess, Kate and Arthur are placed in a situation of extreme danger.' Amazon UK Amazon.com The Bermondsey Grail http://www.magiciansfire.com/the-bermondsey-grail.html A ghost in the office, drowned lovers trapped in a supernatural river & magical druid music. Adelaide needs help! 'Adelaide hates her job as a postal/mail room clerk, but how else is a dream centred musician to earn a living? Then...... One dark winter morning she is swept up by a supernatural river and dropped on the floor of her office beside the ghost of a drowned young man. So begins the mysterious adventure of the Bermondsey Grail, a London fairy tale. Adelaide and her two young companions, Joe and Imogen, race to outwit rival Grail seekers, their actions interweaving with past events, creating a new and dangerous reality. Legend, love, magic and twenty first century office procedures combine to bring the story to a thrilling conclusion.' Amazon UK Amazon.com  She hurts puppies, allegedly Elias: Hello, Ann. Thank you so much for coming.
Ann: It's a real privilege and honour to be here. I'm truly not worthy. Elias: Your book, Surprise in Auntie's Garden, is in both English and Spanish. Are you discriminating against other languages? Ann: Actually I am completely fluent in English and Spanish, so I write the books in the languages I know. I could make up others, or I could have them translated, but I prefer to know what is written. No discrimination involved. Elias: Recently, you were in a poetry contest against me, Elias Zapple, in which you were quite soundly beaten. Have you considered writing a book of poems? (You would naturally be hoping that I do not also release a book of poems). Ann: Actually, Your Zappleness, I believe you are delusional. I was judged to have won that poetry contest, but you changed the rules. Aside from that, yes. I have written a great deal of poetry and have considered releasing an anthology in the future. Elias: Your book, Surprise in Auntie's Garden, is about Erin finding a funny-looking worm. Wouldn't it have been better if she had found a violent-looking slug? Would you consider changing this bearing in mind my cabbages are aimed at you? Ann: Remember, I am not afraid of your cabbages. They could not hurt me, since I am in the USA. If Erin had found a violent-looking slug, the rest of the story could not have not unfolded realistically. I'm glad I chose the worm (caterpillar). Elias: Do you prefer green cabbages or purple cabbages? Ann: I prefer purple cabbages because you grow green cabbages. I am somewhat contrary in nature at times. Especially with specialists such as you. Elias Are you prouder of being an author or a morris dancer? Ann: Since I do not know the morris dances yet, I am prouder of being an author. Elias: When not writing children's books and cowering in a corner in fear of a barrage of cabbages raining down upon you, what do you do? Ann: I do not cower in a corner in fear of a barrage of cabbages...I am a brave sort. I must be to participate in your FaceBook page interactions. I love humour, I love my family, I am active in the community and very interested in world cultures and languages. I am always learning. Elias: What inspires you to write, besides my moustache? Ann: My first 2 books were based on actual events with young family members. My third is in progress and takes place in the UK, where I actually visited, thankfully before I met you. It will deal with understanding why "different" does not need to be threatening, and it says nothing about cabbages. Elias: You claim to have Viking ancestry. How would a Viking solve the Korea problem? Ann: Actually, Vikings had nothing to do with the Korea problem, so that was an easy question. Elias: What gave you the greater satisfaction: Having your book published or meeting Elias Zapple? Ann: That one is difficult, but I will have to opt for the greater satisfaction of having my book(s) published. Elias: Aside from attempting to make the whole world learn how to morris dance, what's next for Ann Morris? Ann: Thank you for asking! I mentioned earlier that I am currently working on my 3rd book pair. I have many others in various stages of development. I have begun to print each book with the characters in a different race or ethnicity, and later even mix them. My global concerns are a passion of mine, and my writing is essential to my being. I write to teach children of all ages to love learning and to continue to explore knowledge. Deep inside, I believe that everyone has something to contribute to global understanding and peace. We deal with people, not groups. I believe in the individual. Thank you, Ann. I'm sure it was a pleasure for you to be interviewed by me. www.authorannmorris.com Surprise in Auntie's Garden: 'Auntie and her niece, Erin, both love flowers. Auntie is proud of her flower garden, and Erin likes to be with her among the flowers. One day Erin finds a funny kind of “worm” in the garden and calls Auntie over to see it. While learning about what this "worm" was, Erin learns a valuable lesson in nature.' Amazon UK Amazon.com |
Elias Zapple!My moustache is great, my slugs are great, my cabbages are great and Elias Zapple is meh. Archives
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