Interview with Tasha Bonfanti Balsom

Author of “The Art of ABC: Chinese Brush Paintings for All Ages” and “The Art of 123: Chinese Brush Paintings for All Ages”

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was born in Vermont, and now I am living outside of Boston, MA

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I have lived in several places in the US but I always returned to New England

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I have enjoyed both teaching young children and painting. Publishing my books seemed like a natural way to share both interests.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

I have put together a collection of my paintings in a way that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

I think it is obvious that children will be drawn to the themes of counting and the alphabet, and the paintings can be enjoyed by all ages.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I have enjoyed the process of publishing more than I ever thought possible, and the idea of publishing a second book was truly a joy.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

The advise that I would give to my past self: “Enjoy every step of the process.”

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I love sharing my art with as many people as I can!

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

I have not found frustration in the process so far. The process has been the best and most interesting challenge in publishing the books.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I am an artist rather than an author. I have been painting for many years, and Chinese Brush Painting is strengthened with practice and time.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I am not fond of marketing myself, but the process of painting and sharing is a joy.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I imagine that I will be ready to publish my next book in another year or two.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am self-published.