Hi everyone, thanks for stopping by my blog! It is my pleasure to introduce to you my friend, and an awesome Author, Illustrator, and Educator,  Jodi Desautels. Jodi is giving away her newest book, Clarinda Cloud, to (1) commenter. Please enjoy this interview and don’t forget to comment for your chance to win Jodi’s book.

Judy is an educator, when you comment, enrich her brain! Enjoy the challenge. :-)

And on with the interview…

-Virginia Wright, Author, Illustrator, & Queen of Recipe Adaptation

 

Jodi Desautels is a wife and mother.  She is a life-long learner who has two rules to live by:  “The Golden Rule” and “Live. Laugh. Love.”  She loves family, friends, and nature.  Passions include caring for people, education, writing, illustrating, and photography.

Jodi’s latest release on eBook, Clarinda Cloud, can be found at Amazon.com.

Clarinda Cloud, Paperback. at Amazon.com. 

 

Please tell us the title of your latest release and give us a brief synopsis?

My newest title is a concept book of feelings and colors for young children called, “Clarinda Cloud.”

Clarinda Cloud sounds like a wonderful concept book!

With that said, please tell us where the inspiration comes from when writing and illustrating.

I usually get my inspiration for writing from childhood experiences; either mine or those of someone I know.  I like to write stories that are relatable, fun, and often educational.  However, with “Clarinda Cloud,” it was a little different.  That inspiration came from the desire to try illustrating.  I have had difficulty getting illustrations for my other stories and I used to enjoy drawing as a child, so I started creating simple drawings and posting them on Facebook.  That is when a friend, you actually, suggested that I try writing a story that would fit my drawing skills.  So, I created “Clarinda Cloud.”  (Thank you for that by the way.  LOL!)

Awww! You are welcome. I remember when you started posting your illustrations on Facebook…and we discussed your desire to illustrate your own books—yes, I did suggest you write a story for early learners, as I felt your illustrations would be perfect for that age range.

How long have you been writing books? I have been writing them for quite some time–20 years maybe.  Although, it wasn’t until 6 or 7 months ago that I was first published.  It was right before then, that I found out Angie Harris was first published.  She and I became great friends and she encouraged me to get published.  We have sort of learned and progressed together since then… along with two other wonderful authors in our original group.

It is always wonderful to have other author friends to encourage us.

What makes writing and illustrating so enjoyable for you? Well… not only do I enjoy writing, illustrating, and creating… I also like that the writing and illustrating community seems so friendly.   Most authors and illustrators are happy to take a minute to share writing/illustrating tips, ideas, and resources… or to read over a quick piece and give some feedback.  Many authors and illustrators have shared ideas with me, helped me, asked me for help, encouraged me, and inspired me.

I am a huge believer in authors helping authors.

Tell us about your next book. I haven’t decided yet.  I have a few stories written that I may try to illustrate.  I also have a couple of activity book ideas in the works.  I hope you don’t mind if I elaborate for a minute.

No, I do not mind at all. Go ahead and elaborate on your book ideas.

One idea is an activity book based on “Clarinda Cloud.”  I already have some of the activity pages created.  The other is an informational word search book about authors and illustrators.  Each author/illustrator would have a page which includes… maybe a short bio, list of book/works, their websites/blogs, etc. and a word search.  I am hoping to get enough participants.  They would send me the info.  I would create the word search based upon the search words they send me and format the page with their information.  I think it would be a fun and unique way for us all to get more publicity for our work!  (Anyone interested can contact me through my Facebook page or my website.)

Sounds like a great idea! I would love to have an author page in your book.

When writing do you prefer silence or listening to music? I don’t think I have a preference.  I have done both.  It depends on the mood.

That is exactly how I feel!

Do you have a favorite time of day to write? No, I don’t think so.  I am not a morning person, so it isn’t morning.  But… other than that, I don’t think I have a favorite time.  LOL!

I am more alert in the morning, however I write whenever the mood strikes me.

Where can people purchase your books? I have two books out at the moment…. “Johnny’s Adventure Makes Reading Fun” and my newest one, “Clarinda Cloud.”  They are both available at Amazon.com and other online retailers.  They are also available in Kindle version.

That is wonderful!

Please let everyone know where they can find you online. I am on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest under Jodi Desautels.  You can be sure it is me from this author picture or a picture of me sitting on my husband’s Harley.  You can also find me at my websites/blogs at www.duolearning.weebly.com and www.smallreadsbookcorner.weebly.com.  Give me a little time and I will be elsewhere as well.  For example, I am setting up an Author Page at Amazon.com and creating a lens on Squidoo.com.  There will probably be more to come.

It is definitely important to be out there– to reach potential followers/readers of your blog. I might have to check out Squidoo.com, myself.

Is there anything else you would like to say about your writing and illustrating experience? I have found that writing/illustrating is a great release for me.  It has also helped me to grow and gain more self-confidence.  So many people have been so supportive… always starting and ending with my husband.  I have tried new things… pushed myself out of my comfort zone.  Even this interview is something that is usually out of my comfort zone.  (I don’t like to talk about myself publicly.)  Sometimes it still surprises me that I am a published author… I have written books, illustrated and formatted a book, created book trailers, and learned all kinds of other related skills!  I want to thank everyone who has encouraged me and helped me along the way!  I also want to thank you for this interview!

From what I have seen, you are doing wonderful thus far!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jodi’s other book, Johnny’s Adventure Makes Reading Fun