Today, Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest Tiffany M. Brown author of the children's picture book, Gallery Eleven Twenty-Two.

Good day Tiffany and thanks for participating in our interview

Norm:

Please tell our readers a little bit about your personal and professional background.

Tiffany:

I am mom to an energetic and ever curious seven year old daughter who keeps me laughing and smiling, we live in Ohio with our three-pound Yorkie, Charlie.

I hold two graduate degrees to include a Master of Business Administration from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. In addition to capturing roles with global responsibility in corporate America, I also have K-12 experience, as both an administrator and teacher (working in a long term substitute capacity). Of all positions held, hands down, I’ve enjoyed teaching the most.

Norm:

How did you get started in writing and why have you been attracted to writing a children's picture book?

Tiffany:

I got started writing in the business world. I wrote press releases, speeches and articles for publications. For me, as is the case with many, becoming a parent was transformative. To personalize the coveted and daily story time routine in our household, not only did I read fabulous books of shelf, I began to dream up characters and story lines to introduce to my daughter. This was a turning point. I began writing, not only to fulfill requirements from my “day” job; now I was writing for fun. Before long, I had a collection of stories I’d authored, along with sketches and colored illustrations (which more often than not, took every bit of our imagination to decipher, as my drawing skills are limited to non-existent) to share with my built in audience of one.

I love writing picture books because of the power of illustration. In particular, the ability of a drawing to give life and dimension to words.

Norm:

What purpose do you believe Gallery Eleven Twenty-Two serves and what matters to you about the story?

Tiffany:

It serves the purpose of teaching children [that] one small idea can impact a community or beyond in a profound way. What matters most about the story is the underlying theme of being of service to others and the notion that adversity and tough times builds character and fuels passion. Passion, a critical precursor to great ideas and dreams realized.

Norm:

Who is your intended audience?

Tiffany:

Children ages five (5) through nine (9).

Norm:

What served as the primary inspiration for the book?

Tiffany:

Simply knowing there are countless children in need (whether it be economic-based and/or another challenge) and carrying with that knowledge, a deep seeded compassion for their plight.

Norm:

How were you able to co-ordinate your writing of the story with Wendy Sefcik's illustrations?

Tiffany:

The publisher encouraged a collaborative process. Together, we discussed and agreed to detailed storyboards for each sketch before getting started then executed against a formal project plan/roadmap. In fact, Wendy says “you drew through me”. She did not work in a silo to render sketches; it was very much a partnership.

Norm:

Are you a character or plot writer?

Tiffany:

I am a character writer. I believe my strength as a writer lies in my ability to conceive multifaceted, memorable characters that are unique.

Norm:

What helps you focus when you write?

Tiffany:

Some writers need a quiet atmosphere. That’s not me. I’m not a writer who executes well in silence. Music bouncing off walls in my office, more often than not, orchestral instrumentals, usually does the trick.

Norm:

Do you find it easy reading back your own work?

Tiffany:

Yes. I believe however, it matters more, whether or not others find ease with reading and connecting to the characters and story lines I write.

Norm:

What would you like to say to writers who are reading this interview and wondering if they can keep creating, if they are good enough to write a children's book, if their voices and visions matter enough to share with children?

Tiffany:

Children are best positioned to let an author know whether or not their voice will resonate with and matter to them.

I would encourage writers who wish to write for children to read the work of other authors who are successful in the genre and also test their intended manuscript on the market prior to release. In other words, read what they believe to be their final draft to young people representative of their target market before finalizing the document. Does the story line excite them? Do they connect with the characters? What changes would they recommend and why?

It is important to understand how your target market views the world and your story.

Norm:

Where can our readers find out more about you and Gallery Eleven Twenty-Two?

Tiffany:

Readers should visit the following to learn more about Gallery Eleven Twenty-Two:

1. Our WEBSITE: ,

2. YouTube (book trailer): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-diHLjZ854, and

3. FACEBOOK (content frequently updated): Gallery Eleven Twenty-Two

Norm:

What is next for Tiffany M. Brown?

Tiffany

I have several manuscripts in progress, one of which will soon enter the illustration phase, with an anticipated release date next year.

Norm:

Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors

Follow Here To Read Norm's Review of Gallery Twenty-Two

Follow Here To Purchase Gallery Eleven Twenty-Two