In 2001, Anne P. Roda thought of a story. Now, 21 years later, she is a published author. It was such a pleasure working with Anne to publish her children’s book. Today, we celebrate the new release.
MIRIAM LAUNDRY: Hi Anne! Congratulations on your first children’s book, The Mysterious Gift. Can you tell us who this book is for and what inspired you to write it?
ANNE RODA: The Mysterious Gift is for children four to eight years old or older. The original story came to me in 2001. I wasn’t thinking of writing a children’s book, but the story just flowed out of my pen. However, it’s been through quite a few iterations since then.
I think playing the card game “Authors” made me curious about writing, and I remember as a child thinking that if you weren’t as well known as Shakespeare, you weren’t really an author. When I read Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, I remember feeling that it was wonderful how she made the story so real.
The inspiration came during a very challenging period in my life when I was experiencing a lot of changes in my life and in my identity. The story that flowed out of me seemed like a gift to me about my true identity.
ML: Why was it important to you to share this story?
AR: It felt like this gift could help others as well, and I especially thought that it was important for children.
ML: Did you face any challenges as you wrote it?
AR: One of the biggest challenges was to have faith that it would eventually be published.
ML: Yes, lots of authors find themselves facing the same challenge. But you joined Publishing Mastermind to publish your book. What made you decide to join?
AR: Publishing Mastermind was exactly what I was hoping to find! A program that helped first time children’s book authors find their way in a supportive manner.
Our monthly meetings along with being in a supportive group of authors and having expert team support when needed was my favourite part.
The biggest value was knowing I had a team I could turn to when I wasn’t sure of something and having expert help!
ML: Being part of a supportive community like that is so important. I’m glad you found us. It was so much fun working with you. Speaking of community, do you have any fun or memorable moments to share from the publishing process?
AR: When I first read my story to my four-year old granddaughter, she said, “That’s the best story I have ever heard in my life!” That felt like the best review I could ever get!
ML: That’s wonderful! Sharing your book with family is always so special. What do you hope parents and children take away from the book?
AR: I hope both parents and kids will reflect upon their unique gifts and share them!
ML: Lastly, if you could share one piece of advice with an aspiring author, what would you say?
AR: Trust in your own intuition and have faith that if you want to publish, it will happen.
ML: Thank you, Anne, and congratulations again on your first children’s book.
Watch the Full Interview:
Pick up your eBook, paperback or hardcover copy of The Mysterious Gift on Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, or your local Amazon Marketplace.
You can connect with Anne on Instagram (@annerodaauthor).
Anne P. Roda
Anne Roda lives in Seattle, Washington where she enjoys gardening and writing. Before becoming a gardener, she taught Cultural Anthropology and lived and travelled in Asia and Europe. Once she started gardening, however, she connected with the magic and healing powers of nature, which inspired her to write children’s stories. She hopes her stories empower young children to believe in themselves and their unique gifts.