Ask the Author: Caroline Fernandez
Welcome to Ask the Author! In these series published authors will share their experiences with us, allow us a glimpse into their creative processes, and shed some light on the steps that helped them become a published writer. We do hope that emerging authors or writers-in-the-making will find these interviews useful.
About the Author: Caroline Fernandez, author of Stop Reading This Book and Grandmasaurus, published by Common Deer Press.
What do you write about?
What I write about depends upon who I am writing for…as a children’s book author…my audience is kids, teachers, parents and as such I write kid stuff. My first two books were non-fiction Boredom Busters about crafts and activities. I’ve moved into writing picture books for my follow-up books (and I LOVE writing picture books).
As a blogger/freelance writer…my audience is generally women/Moms…so I write lifestyle features.
Why do you write?
I have always loved writing. From being the editor of my school newspaper to getting a degree in literature…I love the written word.
What do you love about it?
As an introvert, I love how writing can take you anywhere from the comfort of your couch.
How long did it take you to write your first book?
My first book took about nine months… I remember because I was pregnant at the time.
What inspired it and what motivated you to finish the story?
An editor once told me I was gifted in writing kids’ activity features. This feedback gave me direction to write my book. Hearing positive feedback from someone I looked up to really inspired me to write.
What do you find most challenging about writing?
The getting a publisher to love your work as much as you do part. Lol.
What do you do besides writing?
Social media campaigns. Digital content writing. Lots of baking.
Writing Routine
Where do you write best? What is your preferred writing space?
My kitchen table.
Time of day?
School hours.
Inspiration or discipline?
Discipline…school bus pick up time approaching so type faster.
How do you overcome the writer’s block?
I walk away…like actually go for a walk. Or sweep the floor. Put in a load of laundry. Just get out of my head with something entirely different.
The First Publication
How did it feel when you got your first acceptance letter?
I was out with friends, saw my email, and couldn’t believe it.
Who was the first person you shared the news with?
Probably the friend sitting next to me (but we didn’t believe it so it didn’t seem real).
If you could talk to a writer, alive or dead, who would it be? What would you ask them?
I’m actually able to chat with a lot of Canadian kidlit authors in real life. Social media and writing groups have made authors very accessible. It’s funny but when we chat, we all have the same questions…what are you working on?