Author Interview with Cynthia Fabian!
What does it feel like when you just can't do what the other kids, I mean stars, do? Can't kept trying, but he never seemed to shine as brightly as the other stars, and was always teased and bullied by others. Can't feels that he is less than the other stars and just cannot shine. It wasn't until Can't realized he Can, that everything changed for him. Find out how Can't became a hero and ultimately became Can. Able is the star who had it all. Able helps Can't to realize that he can really shine. Connect with Can't, Able, and all the stars that live in their neighborhood and beyond in the star-studded children's book Can't and Able: An Inspirational Story. The colorful artwork by Daniel Stevens creates beauty and fun throughout the universe. And as we all know, the star is the limit! Originally from New York City, Cynthia Fabian now enjoys meditation and the quiet life in Somerset, New Jersey. "I grew up with a disorder. I always felt like I could not shine, just like Can't. When I became a teacher, I saw many children that were experiencing the same difficulties. They were teased and often felt smaller. This book is for all of you, struggling and not knowing how to change your circumstances. If you simply believe, you can change your own circumstances. Believe in yourself and you will see the wonders of change are in your power." Publisher's website: http://sbpra.com/CynthiaFabian
I am honored to introduce the Author of Can't and Able, Cynthia Fabian! Thank you for being here Cynthia...
Cynthia Fabian, the author of "Those Sweet Nothings," a humorous look at dates gone haywire, a children's book, "Second Hand Art" about a community that survives a hurricane. A look at epilepsy. In "Orchestra in Our Brain," and just released, "Can't and Able" Cynthia hopes to convey a very important message; a message that reminds each one of us that no matter what life dishes out, it's all about perception and how we look at the world. We have the choice to create positive opportunities.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BOOK.
I have four books to date and three of them are children's books. My latest book, Can't and Able, an inspirational story, focuses on believing n yourself. It uses star metaphors to illustrate how everyone shines in their own beautiful way.
WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME A WRITER?
I started writing at the age of eleven, I was having difficulty dealing with my life after my mother's death. At the suggestion of my teacher, I started a diary and wrote my inner secrets to my new friend.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WRITING ACHIEVEMENT?
Helping children and people to overcome obstacles by speaking to audiences and also writing books that have a protagonist that is challenged.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A WRITER?
Always trust your gut, do your best to follow what you believe is best when you write or write for hire. At times I trusted someone else's advice and it did not work for me.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
I am working on a new children's story that illustrates a child in a wheelchair. The child has MD and her name is Erica. I am hoping to reach many more children with this new book. This book will be called Erica and Tripod, publication date March 2014.
WHAT GENRE(S) DO YOU WRITE?
I mostly write children's books that focus on difficult problems for children. But, I have also written a book for adults entitled, Those Sweet Nothings. It is a book about dates gone wrong. It is a fun, sometimes stark book of vignettes.
DO YOU EVR SUFFER FROM WRITER’S BLOCK? IF SO, HOW DO YOU GET PAST IT?
I believe the best way to get past writer's block is to meditate and write down all of your dreams. It is not only a sure fire way to have more ideas, but also get rid of a problem that keeps you from not creating.
My father, an artist, taught me to crumple up a tissue and write down what I see. Although it has been many years since his passing, I hold the childhood lesson dear to me and teach others to just write freely.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PLACE TO WRITE?
I have a parrot and I work with my parrot at home at my desk. I used to need to have to work in Starbucks or other location, but I felt that when you work in a public location, it is not as free as when you work in a comfortable location. Often times people come up to you and disturb you in thought and that can be problematic, as you may lose your train of thought.
WHAT’S THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED FROM A READER?
I recently got a review that was from a young boy. He wrote that he was in a similar situation, where he was bullied like Can't my protagonist and the book helped him to realize his potential.
WHAT WAS THE WORST COMMENT FROM A READER?
He did not realize why I did not make my epilepsy book more complex, however, my book was reviewed by several neurologists for its content. I also do work with the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group. I am present at all of their meetings and conventions.
OTHER THAN WRITING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?
Reading, yoga, animals, my parrot and husband...not necessarily in that order.
DID YOU HAVE YOUR BOOK(S) PROFESSIONALLY EDITED BEFORE PUBLICATION?
Yes, my books are edited several times, but in editing as in life glitches can get past even the most crackerjack editors.
HOW DID YOUR BOOK COVER COME TO FRUITION?
My publishing company usually has the cover illustrated, however, my artist, Daniel Stevens has worked with me as my artist for every book. He is an artist that can feel what the author writes, a real gift.
DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN ANY OF YOUR CHARACTERS?
Yes, when I was younger I was very much like Can't in Can't and Able as a child I never believed in myself. I also see myself in the character of Robert in Orchestra in Our Brain.
DOES THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY FRUSTRATE YOU?
Yes, but things have gotten so much easier since the Internet has helped so many to achieve the dream of publishing.
DID YOU EVER THINK OF QUITTING?
At some point I will leave publishing, but I don't see myself ever stopping the writing process.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE ‘SUCCESS’ AS A WRITER?
Helping so many to achieve a voice, when I was a teacher of English. Continuing to find children that need to feel inspired as a speaker.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR NEW WRITERS?
I realized early on I could write about anything and did not want to specialize so I was happy when I could coin the phrase, "I am a general writer."
Find yourself and your own voice.
Don't ever give up, keep finding your own voice.
Find a voice that speaks to others as well.
Cynthia's “BLONDE” BASICS:
FAVORITE FOOD? Popcorn
FAVORITE MOVIE? Soylent Green
FAVORITE BOOK? On Walden Pond
FAVORITE SUPERHERO? Spiderman
FAVORITE AUTHOR?
Thoreau, Chaucer
A HUGE heartfelt thank you to Cynthia for sharing some insights on herself and her books!
FAVORITE MOVIE? Soylent Green
FAVORITE BOOK? On Walden Pond
FAVORITE SUPERHERO? Spiderman
FAVORITE AUTHOR?
Thoreau, Chaucer
