Thursday, March 26, 2015

Blog Tour: Lexi Goes on Vacation to the Outer Banks by @janicekingsbury #interview



Children's Book
Date Published: October 2014


Ms. Janice and Mr. Rob have vacationed in the seashore town of Duck in North Carolina for 10 years. Duck is a friendly place with sandy beaches where children and dogs romp to their hearts content. This year Lexi, a new addition to their dog family, will come too. But the vacation will be like no other and as the sun sets on the beach it promises to be a long night, one the family will never forget!

Full color illustrations appeal to children and make the book come alive. The action and adventure encourage children to read to the end and learn new vocabulary. Even reluctant readers will want to finish the story.

Interview

Is There a Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp?

I hope readers will understand that rescue/adoptive dogs are wonderful.  Some have baggage through no fault of their own, but with patience and training they can become a wonderful family addition.  Dogs have needs too and the more the dogs needs are addressed, such as space for exercise and socialization, the better the dog will be adjusted.  Community and values all play a part in a well-adjusted family.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I tend to get wordy.  My college professors used to bring extra paper for me for essays.  It was a standing joke.  I also want to avoid being preachy or suggest that I know all the answers.  Everyone does the best they can with dogs, children and family.  It’s a growing and learning process.  If you take your dogs to a dog park, you will meet people with a great deal of experience who are very relaxed with their animals.  Others who are new to having dogs will get upset when the dogs try to play with each other.   

How many books have you written and which is your favorite?

I’ve written 5 books.  Lexi Goes on Vacation to the Outer Banks was my favorite and the only one I wanted to publish until recently.  I’m about to publish another one that I like also.  After that, I’ll decide if I want to publish the others or write something new. 


If you had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?

Lexi is called Lassie more than he’s called by his actual name, so I think Lassie could play him.  They do look alike.  Julianne Moore is the name I get the most, probably because of the red hair.  I would love it if she played Ms. Janice.  A couple of people have commented that the book would be an awesome movie. Maybe Lexi could be the next Lassie.  We can hope!

When did you begin writing?

When I was young, I loved to write.  I think I loved books so much as a child that I wanted to write my own stories. Later I was so involved in graduate school and my job as a School Psychologist I didn’t have much time to write.   I mostly wrote poems or short articles for myself.  The last year I worked at school, 3 years ago, I made a video and wrote lyrics for it.  It was supposed to win second prize with one of the big animal rescues.  Then two years ago I began to write and be creative again.  It’s best when I’m in a quiet environment and relaxed.  Then the ideas come.  I’m especially grateful for my time in the Outer Banks.  It’s here I feel most creative.

How long did it take to complete your first book?

Lexi Goes on Vacation to the Outer Banks took 5 or 6 months to write and publish.  The book before that sat for a year and when I finished it, I wasn’t happy with it.


Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
I think my first “coming of age” book, “Little Women,” inspired me the most.  I loved the book and read it 5 times when I was a preteen.  I truly loved books from the time I could read. 


What is your favorite part of the writing process?

It’s difficult to pick just one.  It’s very exciting when I first get an idea and begin to write.  Then when the manuscript is finished or almost finished, I love coming up with illustrations that I’ve been thinking about.  I have to admit, however, getting the book in my hand to proof was one of the most inspiring days of my life.  Seeing the finished project and knowing you had a big part in creating it is magic! 

Describe your latest book in 4 words.

Will make you smile! 

Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the future for your writing?

 I am currently putting together a children’s book.  It is nearly finished and I ‘m waiting on final drawings.  I am arranging promotions for the book.  After that I have a book in mind about a little girl who gets bullied and tries to win the bullies over and be their friend.  But one day she discovers the real meaning of friendship.

Another book is an adult novel about life with dogs.  A challenging and fast-paced, edgy life sometimes becomes too much for an ambitious over-achiever and she begins to question herself and the people she has chosen to be part of her life. Controlling parents, two failed marriages, backstabbing coworkers, and narcissist bosses lead her to lose faith in people and wonder if she can ever trust again.  But through it all, there is one constant, her rescue dogs, and she begins to wonder who saved whom.




Janice Wills Kingsbury grew up in New Jersey.  She worked as a teacher and later as a School Psychologist for 18 years.  Janice also taught reading and has a love of children's literature.  Janice is also involved in animal rescue. Her children's books are written from the heart and portray her love of and knowledge about children and animals. The stories will capture children's interest and imagination.  Age 6-12, but suitable for all ages, even adults.


1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thank you for hosting me on your lovely blog today.

Post a Comment