Talking with Authors had the privilege to Interview Children’s Author Jeremy C Gredone
1. What inspired you to write this book? This question (or its relative, “Why did you write this book?”) is one of your best opportunities to sell your book.
Well, I never had any intention of writing a children’s book, but then I had an experience that was just incredible, and when I thought about writing it as it happened, I thought to myself – “No one will ever believe this!” and that’s when I had the idea of turning it into a children’s book.
2. Can you tell me about the book? This open-ended question is a wonderful gift that offers you an easy opportunity to enthrall your audience. Don’t squander it by reciting the copy on the back of your book jacket—infuse your answer with life by describing not only the “what” of your book, but the “why” that places it into a larger context.
“Maxwell” is a children’s book that has at its heart the power of imagination and wonder. It is a gentle reminder to adults that we should never stop looking at the world through the wonderful lens of a child’s eyes and for children it is a grand encouragement to let their imaginations run wild and to dream big and believe in themselves!
3. What did you learn when writing the book?
I learned that writing a children’s book was an incredible challenge. To tell the “big story” I wanted to tell in such a small number of pages was very difficult and took a great deal of time to work out.
4. What surprised you the most?
How long the detailed and vibrant illustrations would actually take to produce. Sherene is a super-talented artist, but all the layers we wanted worked in were very time-consuming and exhaustive. It’s amazing all the work that Sherene put into each and every illustration!
5. What does the title mean? Some titles are self-explanatory.
“Maxwell” is the hero of the story – the product of a family’s journey of imagination.
NON-FICTION
6. What did the subject(s) of the book think of it? Audiences love “behind-the-scenes” details that didn’t make it into your book.
7. What are the subject(s) doing now? Or, for certain types of books (such as history titles), “What ended up happening?”
8. Did the book make you like the subject(s) more or less?
8a.Did you find yourself more or less sympathetic toward the subject(s)?
8b. Do you understand the subject(s) better now?
FICTION
9. Was the character inspired by a real person? If so, who?
Maxwell – the spider hero of my children’s book was based on a real wild spider that I formed what can only be called a “relationship/friendship” with. I know that sounds incredible, but that’s why I turned it into a children’s book.
10. What do you think happened to the characters after the book ended?
They continued to grow and learn from life experience, but never forgot the amazing adventures they shared together.
11. Do you miss the characters?
No, because they are a part of me forever now.
