Monday 4 November 2013

In the Limelight with Children’s Author Talia Aikens-Nunez...


I want to thank and welcome author, Talia Aikens-Nunez for sharing her personal writing journey with us on my blog today. Her book, OMG…AM I A WITCH?! is now available for purchase from Pinwheel Books, Amazon, and other on-line bookstores.
How long have you been writing, Talia?

I have been writing since 2008. I started writing right after the birth of my daughter. I started writing books that I would want her to read.

Now that’s a good reason! Where did you get your idea and inspiration to write OMG…AM I A WITCH?!
 
Watching and playing with my kids always gets my creative juices flowing. I love how kids are so fun and free spirited. My daughter's imagination is endless and I wanted to write a book that would allow her and other children's imaginations to run free.
 
Ah, to be a kid again. What sets OMG…AM I A WITCH?! apart from other books in the same genre?
 
It combines imagination and spookiness in a playful way. It allows each child to release her inner sorceress. That is unlike anything in the 2nd to 4th grade level.
 
As an author, what is your writing process, Talia?
 
I only write when I feel inspired or when I feel there is something I need to write. Anytime I try to force it, I have to re-write it later. It does not flow when I have to force it.
 
I find when I force my writing, it’s more like work and not fun anymore. How long did it take for you to start and finish OMG…AM I A WITCH?!

Haha. Well I thought I was done after 6 months. But my editor (who was wonderful and patient) saw holes I missed. So, in total, it took about a year.

Do you have any advice for other writers, Talia?


Keep plugging away. When one publisher or agent says no, ask for feedback then edit, edit and edit again. Also, join a critique group. It is shocking what you miss that fresh eyes can catch.

Now that’s sage advice! What’s next for Talia Aikens-Nunez the author?
 
I am looking for a home for my next children's middle grade book called Dragon Guardians.

I wish you all the best in finding a home for your newest book, Talia. Okay, here’s one for me, since I’m writing a time travel series—If you could time travel anywhere into Earth’s past, where would you go and why?

 
That is a hard question. One part of me wants to say post World War II era because it seemed to be a wonderfully prosperous time. But, at the same time, there was racial segregation.
 
Another part of me wants to say the 1850s in America when there was a great migration west. There was a new frontier and places to explore.
 
But, in all honesty, I would rather travel 50-100 years in the future. I would love to see how far we have come as a society. How much has technology advanced? How well are we getting along within nations and between nations?
 
Talia Aikens-Nuñez wanted to be a meteorologist, a politician and a lawyer. She never thought she would be a writer. It was the birth of her daughter that caused her to start writing. Raising a bilingual child inspired Talia to write multicultural children’s books. Talia’s family loves nature so much that she and her husband vowed that they will always try to live close to water. She, her husband and daughter live on a river in Connecticut with their daughter Isabella.
 
BONUS: Enter Rafflecopter to WIN a copy of OMG…AM I A WITCH?!
 
OMG…AM I A WITCH?! Buy Links:


Learn more about Talia Aikens-Nunez on her WEBSITE. Stay connected on FACEBOOK.

4 comments:

  1. Glad to have you in my neck-of-the-woods, Talia! Wishing you all the best with your new MG book! Love that title! Cheers!

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  2. Hasn't every child imagined themselves as a witch at some point. This book should do well!

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    1. True that, Amaleen...or a genie! LOL! Cheers for stopping by!

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  3. Great interview and a great title for the book. Good luck with it, Talia.

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