Are You Ready for a Story?

Interview With Children’s Book Author Laura Yirak

It’s that time of the week again. I really look forward to Thursdays…Author Interview Thursdays.Laura Yirak Pic Today in the hot seat we have a lady who in my opinion has the most unique artwork that is replicated in all her children’s books. After downloading ‘Poppy Come Home,’ I was intrigued to discover other books by Laura Yirak. She writes in a way that engages the attention of little children. Her one-of-a-kind illustrations complement the poetry and story in her books. Please join me in welcoming Laura Yirak.

 

What 3 ingredients make up a Laura Yirak book?

Fun, bright, and easy!

 

Tell us about your last published book and where we can get it.

My Silly Kitty is now on Amazon. A little girl opens her long awaited birthday present to find something lively, something silly—a cute kitty, but she runs off! Oh no! This birthday party is full of surprises!

 

Did you consciously set out to brand your books as they are so recognizable on the Amazon Store?

Yes, it’s the illustrator’s style.

 

How closely do you work with your illustrator to produce those amazing pictures we see in each and every one of your books?

We talk everyday about the books and closely collaborate.My Silly kitty

 

What do you find the hardest about the writing and publishing process?

Time. I would like more time to work on books. I only have a couple hours a day.

 

What has worked the best for you in promoting your books?

Publishing on Amazon has really worked the best. They are a wonderful company to sell books with.

 

Have your Scottish roots influenced your writing?

More so in my adult titles that I publish. I write under other pen names. I do have a Scottish scene with Nessy in our little owl book.

 

Which of your books have you enjoyed writing the most?

I really enjoyed writing the Ladybug Series as I love the little things. If one happens to land on me, I always send it away with a wish.

 

What mistake(s) did you make when you started out as a children’s book author?

I would say not having the stories fully illustrated. Children are very visual.Bumble Babees

 

Do you believe in writer’s block and what do you do to overcome it?

I get writers block. To overcome it I take a break, and watch movies, think about other things.

 

What is the process from when you get an idea for a book to the point it gets published?

I usually pick things that I like out in nature, experiences that I have had. I play with words for titles and once I pick the title, I write up a poem. I go through many drafts till it’s just right and then I have it professionally edited. I send the story over to the illustrator next with the page specs. He whirls it up.

 

Which children’s authors do you admire and why do you like their work?

I like Dr. Seuss. He is such a tongue twister. His style is fun and quirky.

 

What would you cook if you were invited to the show Come Dine with Me(Come Dine with me is a UK TV show where 4-5 strangers meet up during the course of a week and have to do a 3 course meal for each other on each day of the week)

Steak, roast chicken, and pastas. I really like pesto, and gorgonzola.

 

 If you were abandoned on a deserted island, what 3 things would you like to have with you?

Just one thing—a genie’s lamp!crosby the crab

 

Toy Story or Shrek?

Shrek

 

Which are scarier, dragons or monsters?

Monsters! I like dragons.

 

Which are cuter, cats or dogs?

I am actually allergic to both. Haha. I like birds 😉 I don’t mind writing about them though.

 

What is the best thing about being a writer?

I get to use my creative mind!

 

What can we expect from Laura Yirak in 2013?

We have a Zoo book in the works and I haven’t scheduled the rest out yet. I go with the flow.

 

Any advice for budding writers out there?

It’s all about the idea. Formulate that and you can run with it if you set your mind to it. And be patient—sometimes book world is slow, but sometimes it’s not. Keep Going!!!

 

Thanks Laura for giving us a glimpse into your world and how you work. I think your passion for what you do and your attention to detail really comes through on every page on your book. I have to concur that there are up days and down days but the secret to true and long lasting success is to keep going!

You can discover more about Laura and what project she’s currently working on by visiting her blog at

http://laurayirak.blogspot.co.uk/

You can also discover and get one of Laura’s books on the Amazon store by visiting her Author Page.

http://www.amazon.com/Laura-Yirak/e/B004RWDO64

10 Responses to Interview With Children’s Book Author Laura Yirak

  1. Colin Smith says:

    Another interesting interview. Some great questions in there!

  2. Janet says:

    These interviews are so helpful David, I just love reading about other people’s stories and their attitude’s to their writing. It always manages to inspire me to keep going and find my own voice.

    • David Chuka says:

      Thanks for visiting again Janet. I have to say it is inspiring to hear how other authors tackle disapointment and the whole writing process. Quite a few gems in this interview.

  3. I just LOVE your book covers Laura!

    • David Chuka says:

      I love Laura’s book covers too Cathleen. I can just see little children reaching out for one of her books in a bookstore without know what the book is about simply because of the captivating covers.

  4. Paulie Merioux says:

    Thank you, David, for another interesting interview with an author! I love reading about fun children’s books almost as much as I do writing them. Laura has much more experience than I do and I thought her comments were very useful. I liked the Bee books and look forward to reading the Kitty book. And I get a kick out of your books, too, David!

  5. David,

    You do the nicest interviews! I think your own children’s books are very well done, too. Thank you for doing a great job. 🙂

    Kathryn

Leave a Reply to David Chuka Cancel reply