Charline Profiri interview with David Alan Binder A short portion of her bio from her website: Since beginning my new career as a children's author, I've written stories and poems for children of all ages--everything from board books to novels. My stories, articles and poems have appeared in Highlights for Children, High Five, Pockets and My Friend among others. See much, much more on her website. Charline Profiri’s website: www.cprofiri.com Charline’s books: COUNTING LITTLE GECKOS (57,000+ copies sold to date) The RGU Group 2005> Bobolink Media 2009 Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on97re8Wyn0 GUESS WHO’S IN THE DESERT Rio Chico Books for Children, 2013 (5,700+ sold to date) Both books are available from independent bookstores, B&N, and Amazon.
1. How do you pronounce your name? Shar LEAN Pro FEAR e
2. Where are you currently living? Phoenix, AZ area
3. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far? It’s difficult to pin down one thing. However, the first thing that popped into my mind was PERSISTENCE. It is almost impossible to become a traditionally published author unless you are persistent about learning the craft, writing, and submitting your writing.
4. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk? I love to write rhyme. The text of both of my books rhyme, I have published rhyming poetry, and my rhyming contest entry won $500.
5. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher? I have never self-published. It is a rare self-published book that sells 100 or more copies. Publishers enable my work to reach a much larger audience. Also, they do the book-keeping, distributing, etc. jobs that I don’t care to do.
a. Who is the name of your publishers and in what city are they? Bobolink Media is in Fallbrook, CA Rio Chico/ Rio Nuevo is in Tucson, AZ
6. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing? No. My preference is conventionally published print books.
7. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published? I wish there were secrets! The closest I can come to a secret is the word I discussed in #3— PERSISTENCE. To quote Richard Bach: "A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit." 8. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one? I have never had an agent, so I have no tips for getting one.
9. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)? The Writing Tips page on my website www.cprofiri.com lists 20 tips primarily for those writing for children. The Quotes page is also loaded with tips from well-known authors. 10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating? I was surprised to learn that I had no input on the choice of an illustrator for my books or for my first book, no input on the illustrations. Happily, I love the illustrators chosen for my books and their wonderful illustrations. Not all new picture book authors are as fortunate. 11. How many books have you written? Probably + or – 100. Unfortunately publishers don’t pour though my filing cabinet or Word program looking for a book to publish. Although I enjoy writing for children, I don’t enjoy researching publishers, writing query letters, and submitting.
12. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer (please be as specific and information as you possibly can)? See #9 and my website www.cprofiri.com 13. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story? Children and publishers love twist endings. Brainstorm until you come up with one. 14. What makes your book stand out from the crowd? I think my books stand out first because of the covers. The illustrations prompt buyers to initially pick up the book. My books are short and fun to read, those are important considerations for parents who as one told me, “We read it every night. It’s his favorite book.”
15. What are some ways in which you promote your work? I’m a former Kindergarten-3 teacher, so I love doing school visits. I created Teaching Guides for both books that are free to download on my website. I also enjoy presenting at conferences, store and event book signings and readings, and talking about my books (Even to strangers while in line at the grocery).
16. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why? I need to take my own advice and be persistent in submitting my writing.
17. What saying or mantra do you live by? The closest thing I have to a mantra I just made up: Positive thinking gets positive results. If you think you can, you can!
Warm wishes to all for your publishing success.
Please contact me at dalanbinder at gmail dot com or ab3ring at juno dot com If you a published author or in a band with or without a book or an up and coming celebrity and want to garner following or get your message out there then I’d like to interview you and feature you and your book(s) or message on this web site in one of my blogs. Of course, I’m always looking for authors to interview. If you know of one, send them to me, please. Write Coach service (Donations accepted) - Contact me at dalanbinder at gmail dot com or ab3ring at juno dot com Ghost Writing service - Contact me at dalanbinder at gmail dot com or ab3ring at juno dot com Do the social thing and like this blog to your friends and family; recommend it often, I’d appreciate it. See the social tab. Even further feedback and tips are appreciated, see the Tip Jar tab. Tips from $1 to $110 are definitely appreciated. Now I've been told by professionals that this old website requires an upgrade. In order for this to happen a benefactor will be required. Benefactors please contact me before your donations of $1000 to $10,000 or more. |