Welcome to Author Services Australia Stephanie Ward, and welcome to our author interviews! If you could start by introducing yourself to everyone, let them know where you’re from and some of your interests and hobbies.
Hello! Originally born in the United States, I moved to Australia in 2012 and became a citizen in 2017. After many years in international marketing, I now spend my time writing sweet, silly and side-splitting stories and poetry for children. I love to travel, read and write, garden and do anything related to food. Since I can’t seem to sit still for very long, I currently live in London with my husband and son.
What inspired you to start writing?
As a child I was always writing – poems, stories, articles, you name it. I even created a neighbourhood newspaper when I was about ten. Each page was hand-written and the layout was designed with markers and stickers. In my professional life, I wrote press releases and corporate documents but secretly wrote creatively whenever I could. About ten years ago, I switched gears to focus on writing for children because I had so many ideas swirling around my head. I decided to try to get those stories into the hands of children, and here I am today doing just that.
What is your preferred genre to write in?
I’m a picture book writer at heart. I adore the clever storylines, the interaction between words and illustrations and the creativity that can be sandwiched into such a short format.
What is your writing process?
I write when something inspires me or a story idea pops into my mind. I am firmly in the pantsers category, so I write the whole story down and then go back to edit. Revision is a huge and very fun part of the process. And yes, I admit, that I do almost all of this in pyjamas.
What is one thing you wish you knew now that you didn’t know when you started writing?
That being an author is more than just writing in said pyjamas. There’s a whole business/marketing side to writing that even I’m reluctant about and it was my job for decades!
Which book is your favorite and why?
Based on how many times I read it as a child, Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman was a clear favorite. Now, after reading it to my son repeatedly, I realise that it a classic because it tells an exciting, adventurous story for little ones with a comforting, heart-warming ending. Perfection!
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Heidi McKinnon and Jon Klassen write hilarious books that break the rules. They are brilliant storytellers who inspired me to try new things with picture books. Kids’ imaginations are boundless, so shouldn’t picture books be too?
What are you working on right now?
Currently, I’m revising a new picture book manuscript involving a flock of misguided birds. It’s a humorous story about what it means to be cool, inspired by a rock band from the 80s. Plus, it introduces kids to the topics of migration and seasons. Isn’t it amazing to be able to touch on all of those concepts in less than 500 words? That’s what I love about picture books!
What’s next for you as an author?
I recently completed my first middle-grade novel, The Aliens Are Coming! (I’m 99.36% sure this time.). I was thrilled to see it win first place in the Yeovil Literary Festival in the UK. The manuscript is currently out on submission, so fingers (and toes) are tightly crossed.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do an author interview, Stephanie. It was a lot of fun learning about your writing process. Best of luck with Allen the Alien and your future books.
Check out where you can buy Stephanie Ward’s books below and how to follow Stephanie Ward on social media. If you would like to do an author interview or have questions about our author features, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Author Name: Stephanie Ward
Genre/s: Children’s books
Author Website: http://www.stephaniemward.com
Social Media Links: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Amazon Author Central, and Goodreads.
Best Link to Where People Can Buy Your Book: Allen the Alien – Riveted Press
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At Author Services Australia, we support Australian, New Zealand, and International self-published authors and writers with a full range of affordable self-publishing services, including ghostwriting, copyediting, developmental editing, proofreading, ebook and paperback formatting, book cover design, children’s book illustrations, graphic design services, manuscript uploading assistance, and social media and marketing.
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