Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Interview with children's author Kelsey Lee


Children’s author Kelsey Lee joins me today to chat about The Tiger Like Me. 

During her virtual book tour, Kelsey will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:
Kelsey Lee is a Canadian author with a diverse background from business owner to yoga teacher. Most often, you can find her writing or with children.

She witnesses daily inspiration to explore child-like curiosity through her two kids and her work with special needs children. She also enjoys regular hikes, dog walks, and climbing adventures.

Kelsey has always believed that anyone can achieve their wildest dreams, no matter how far-reaching. She passionately reinforces the value of self-empowerment as she aims to encourage confidence and self-discovery in children.

What do you enjoy most about writing short stories?
I enjoy writing poems and short stories because one line or one misplaced word has the ability to break the flow of the whole project. I appreciate the pressure of writing short pieces for this reason.

What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?
I love writing material geared toward children, and I value hidden messages within storytelling. In children's books, a powerful life lesson can be discreetly hidden amongst the fun and imagination of the story yet still have a profound impact on the reader's subconscious mind.


Excerpt from The Tiger Like Me:
Day by day we use our voice, not only for noise but for speaking our choice.

Night by night, we move through fear; we know this is how to pioneer. Beyond our worry, the way shines clear, and the thoughts that limit us, soon disappear.

We are all diverse, yet one and the same. No matter the challenge, break the chain. Shine like a star to be who you are.

Raise your voice with vigour, to see your potential grow bigger. This is your gift, so be as you are. If you forget your way, then look to the stars.

In the darkness of night, shoot for the moon. Always remember, the light returns soon.


What exciting story are you working on next?
I have had a lot of interest and encouragement to continue the main character from The Tiger Like Me, Abhi. There may be more adventures of Abhi on the horizon.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
The first time I published a piece of my writing, I was nervous about how others would receive my work. As time went on, my personal and professional growth continued, and I realized that others do not define my worth and identity. Whenever you share your creativity with the public, you are bound to receive a blend of approval, disapproval, or indifference, that is the reality of creative expression. I believe taking that emotional leap from seeking external validation to honoring internal acceptance moves one from amateur status to professionalism. I think once I finally accepted peace with releasing my work regardless of feedback is when I truly felt that I am a writer.

How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?
I think great writing starts with great inspiration. My poems and stories are often based on life lessons I have witnessed and experienced. I have spent a significant amount of my life traveling and studying different cultures and religions; it’s through this outlet that I find tremendous inspiration and ideas. I believe magic happens when you stray from your comfort zone, so I intentionally seek ways to expand my limits.  

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
When it comes to writing I have a hard time not rhyming. Even when I intentionally don’t want to create a rhyming poem it often begins to flow in that direction.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I was a curious child, and I wanted to explore nearly every career path from marine biology to astronaut and engineer. I have always enjoyed learning and creating; as long as the job had both, I was interested.

Links:

Thanks for being here today, Kelsey.



5 comments:

James Robert said...

Great post and I appreciate getting to find out about another great book. Thanks for all you do and for the hard work you put into this. Greatly appreciated!

Rita Wray said...

I liked the excerpt, sounds good.

Victoria Alexander said...

Great excerpt and interview, I enjoyed reading them!

Bernie Wallace said...

Do you have any ideas for a follow up?

marisela zuniga said...

the cover looks really cute