Indie Author Interview with S. Moo - Author of the Children's Activity Book Series Fassa Tails.
S. Moo left Corporate America a few months after she told her beloved stepkids to “go out and play,” and they came back inside 5 minutes later, not knowing what to do. :(
After extensive research, she discovered kids everywhere do not “know” how to play – too much pressure to be perfect, too much technology streaming at them, too much on their plates. They are not enjoying the benefits of childhood!
That’s when Planet Fassa came to be - a Children’s Book and Activity Company that offers a line of books and fun characters connected to www.planetfassa.com The site features hundreds of off-line activity ideas and a points system where adults and children can find awesome play ideas and then get rewarded for reading, playing, and just simply having FUN! (FASSA = Fun, Activities, Stories, Service, Awards)
Interview with S. Moo
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| Author S. Moo |
S. Moo: I was a Communications Consultant for 10 years, winning over 20 awards for written campaigns that helped adults make positive health changes. I left Corporate America in 2009 to use my writing skills and campaign knowledge to give the gift of reading, relaxation, and play back to our kids (and us!) :-D
Who are your favorite writers, your favorite books, and who or what are your writing influences?
Although I write children’s books, I am a huge fan of murder mysteries and action books. In terms of authors, I do not have a favorite. I am a fan of anyone willing to put his or her art in the hands of others! HOWEVER…I am currently a tad “obsessed” with Lee Child's "Jack Reacher" As a small woman, it is fabulous to imagine I am out there, stopping bad guys and taking names...heee. (Note: My obsession came WAY before the new Tom Cruise movie. I am not going to see it because I like the “Jack Reacher” I’ve created in my head!)
When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
I have loved to write since I was a small child. I was a Communications Major at Vanderbilt University where I learned all different ways to write. I then became a Communications Consultant, which brought many other forms of writing into my life. The day, however, I decided to write children’s book about animals was when I was spending time with one of the loves of my life, my cat “Mufasa.” He was by far one of the most interesting characters I’ve ever encountered. I looked at him that day and said, “Fas, someday I’m going to write books about you!” And so came to be “The Fassa Tails”!
Tell us about your writing process. Do you have a writing routine?
My characters are all animals I’ve loved throughout my life, and my books are based in the beautiful neighborhood I spent my childhood. Before I began writing my books, I spent weeks developing complete bios of each of the characters – down to their biggest fears, favorite music, and secret crushes. ;-) Because I wanted to introduce one character per book, I then outlined a storyline in which each book leads to the next, adding a new character, adventure, and valuable lesson per book. Once this was outlined, I just sat down and let my fingers do the walking.
"I absolutely enjoy storytelling [...]"
What do you find easiest about writing? What the hardest?
Quite honestly, the easiest thing about writing is that I simply love it, and always have. I absolutely enjoy storytelling, and writing is the way I get to capture my stories on paper, and share them with others.
The hardest thing is to let myself write things that I don't think are "perfect." I often try to write a story without errors the first time, so belabor over the words. This is not the way to write. One must just get the story out of your head. It is funny; once you learn that your first draft may look nothing like the final (after all the rewriting and editing is done), you really free yourself to create!
S. Moo, please tell us a little about your Book-Series 'Fassa Tails'.
The Fassa Tails are a line of kids’ books, where we follow Fassa as he uses his incredible imagination to make every situation an adventure, meet his new best friends, and learn positive lessons. Each story in the series includes Fassa and stars a new character. Even better? Each story comes with hours of free activities on www.planetfassa.com and ends in a cliffhanger, encouraging kids to play and then move on to the next book in the series.
.jpg "Fassa Tails Series (S. Moo)") |
| Click to see all Books of the Series and Read Excerpts |
What inspired you to write/publish the book-series?
I left Corporate America a few months after I told my beloved stepkids to “go out and play,” and they came back inside 5 minutes later, not knowing what to do.
After extensive research, I discovered kids everywhere do not “know” how to play – too much pressure to be perfect, too much technology streaming at them, and too much on their plates. They are not enjoying the benefits of childhood!
That’s when Planet Fassa came to be - a Children’s Book and Activity Company that offers a line of books and fun characters connected to www.planetfassa.com. The site features hundreds of off-line activity ideas and a points system where adults and children get rewarded for reading, playing, and just simply having FUN! (FASSA = Fun, Activities, Stories, Service, Awards)
Who do you see as your target audience and where can we buy the book?
• Kids age 4 - 12
• Anyone who kids to read a wholesome series with meaning & value
Link to all eBooks in the series on Kindle: Fassa Tails Series
We also have a paperback version of Book 1, which includes “Fassa’s 52 Weeks of Fun” – 52 weeks of jokes, quotes, vocab words from the book, and a hilarious prompted journal that gets kids to share something about themselves each week for a year!
"Parents are very happy that the stories teach valuable lessons, all while being fun [...]"
How would you describe the success of your book so far?
We are extremely pleased with the positive reviews we are getting on our series. Parents are very happy that the stories teach valuable lessons, all while being fun, and having cute characters and great illustrations. We’ve even had a few reviewers say our books should be available in Children’s Hospitals and Libraries, which is the most wonderful compliment. We hope one day to publish them all in paperback format so we can do just that!
We recently just started submitting the books for awards, and are excited to hear the results!
How long did it take it to write the book?
Because my books are tied to my company, Planet Fassa, I wrote all six in one year to keep in line with the launching of the company! It was crazy, but as many people know, when a deadline is chasing you, you are often VERY productive!
Please, tell us where you self-published the book.
Planet Fassa, the company behind this book and its activities, is also the publisher.
“You live, you learn…and learn…and learn…and learn.”
How smooth went the self-publishing process? Any issues? What are things to look for when self-publishing a book?
I have a saying I often chant, “You live, you learn…and learn…and learn…and learn.” Truly, there is a LOT to look for, so it can be very overwhelming and frustrating. My biggest recommendation to anyone entering the self-publishing arena is to get into a group of other Indie Writers who can guide you and answer your questions. The great thing about so many Indie Writers is that we truly want each other to be successful. I am grateful that so many have gone before me and could offer invaluable advice. I am now excited to offer my advice and learnings to others!
Did you hire an editor and/or Cover Designer for your book?
By trade, I am an editor myself, which was very helpful in my writing. HOWEVER, you cannot catch everything in your own book – and you often think things make perfect sense when they don’t! I was fortunate to have a connection with a wonderful woman who is trained in editing, and she edited the books for me. I also gave them to a few friends and family members and asked them not only to read for mistakes, but also for flow, understanding, entertainment, etc. I read the books out loud to others to see how they flowed. Let’s not joke around: editing is exhausting, but it is 100% essential to writing a book that flows, make sense, is enjoyable, and doesn’t contain mistakes!
For the cover design and illustrations, I found connections to several amazing artists who knew each other. I met with them, gave them my ideas, and they came up with magical illustrations. There are many wonderful artists out there, so I highly suggest searching them out.
"My biggest tip is: JUST DO IT! "
Can you give some tips for other Indie Authors regarding the writing and self-publishing process?
My biggest tip is: JUST DO IT!
BUT, know this:
You must have your work edited. Do not ruin your beautiful story with grammar issues and silly mistakes. Your work is your baby, so you must have it properly dressed before you present it to the public!
Know things can go very slowly. Without a publishing company behind you to market, you will need to find your own avenues. Don’t get down on yourself. Persistence is key!
Do NOT hold back because of fear of rejection. Unfortunately, rejection will come, but so will acceptance! Think of it this way, if you’re making everyone happy, you probably didn’t take a big enough risk. There are so many people out there; someone will love your book just as much as you do!
Are you working on another book project? Can you tell us a little about it?
I am currently working on Book 7, which is the final book in the first series. Once enough kids have our first 6 books in hand, we will hold a contest where kids tell me what they think should happen at the conclusion, send in pictures, etc. We will choose winners, and I will ask them to help me with the final book. Imagination and creativity at its best!
Are you planning to move forward as an Indie author or are you looking forward to have one of your next books to be traditionally published?
I plan to remind independent. I left Corporate America for many reasons, but one of them is because, well, I don’t like working for other people. I like working WITH others, but as a creative, I like to be in control of my stories, illustrations, and characters. It is harder as an independent, but the balance of freedom, flexibility, and fun is well worth it!
Where do you see the book market in 5 or 10 years? Will there be only eBooks and will book stores disappear like record stores disappeared?
I sure hope we will always have book stores and hard copy books. There is something so wonderful about the smell of a new book, and holding a book in your hands. I personally do not read on eReaders. I spend so much time on screens all day for work that the last thing my brain or eyes want to do is look at another screen when I’m relaxing with a book. I also think it is more beneficial for our kids – especially the lil’ ones – to be able to touch, feel, and interact with a real book. I believe there are a lot of people like me out there, so here’s to hoping!
Do you write full-time or do you have a day job?
My “day job” is Planet Fassa, the company that inspired me to write these books. Simply put, I spend my days coming up with stories, fun ideas, and advice to share with parents, so we can work together to make sure our kids have a happy, play-filled childhood.
How can readers connect with you?
I’m an open book ;-) [See Contact Links below]
Thank you very much for the Interview, S, Moo
About the Fassa Tails Series
The Fassa Tails are a line of kids’ books, where we follow Fassa as he uses his incredible imagination to make every situation an adventure, meet his new best friends, and learn positive lessons. Each story in the series includes Fassa and stars a new character. Even better? Each story comes with hours of free activities on www.planetfassa.com and ends in a cliffhanger, encouraging kids to play and then move on to the next book in the series.
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| Click to see all Books of the Series and Read Excerpts |
Links to the Author and the Book
Link to the Author's website
Connect with the Author via Twitter: @S_Moooo
Connect with the Author via Facebook: S.Moo.Author
Link to the Paperback Where on Earth Am I? (Fassa Tails 1) at B&N for Nook
Link to the Paperback Where on Earth Am I? (Fassa Tails 1) on Amazon with Excerpt
Link to the eBook Where on Earth Am I? (Fassa Tails 1) on Amazon with Excerpt
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