Interview with Vivienne K. Munn

Author of I Have a Pet

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

From NAI ancestry of Canada and Montana – currently residing on the East Coast near Pennsylvania.

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

I have always delighted in writing as a hoppy, and getting a book published – was part of my bucket list of things to do when I retired at fifty!

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Fun, and an easy read for ages: 3 – 7 and
Ages 8 -10, inspirational and empower children to be a trailblazer in learning, and reading.
Children get direct exposure to vocabulary through reading which helps a child’s intelligence, and helps develop strong early reading skills in school.
My books touch on life lessons, to engage parents and children in a discussion on some topics: Buddee Needs Glasses, sharing, having a friend with a disability, etc. Children learn to read in different ways and at his or her own pace.
As a parent, guardian, teacher, coach, cheerleader and your child’s biggest
fan, he or she learns much from watching you.
Books are the beginning phase of a child’s learning – how to use the alphabet.

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

Parents and children,
Ages 3-7 and 8 10 years–old
For ages: 3 – 7, parents would read the story or listen as the child reads the story and open up a conversation about sharing, being helpful, kind toward others, and bullies, to name a few.

This note. I receive from one of my loyal fans.
It’s so touching.
“The right books will help children develop a love for reading that will last throughout their life. As a parent, I have always reinforced what my children learned in school at home. I was into ordering “series” to peak their interest in reading before they even started school. This gave both me and my children an advantage per their education.
My child – I knew early on she had comprehension struggles and I worked diligently to combat them per the school chose to overlook this issue. As a result, she lacked confidence in school. By 6th grade she was comfortable with the techniques I “drilled” in her. NOW she is attending The top school in our county.
I say this to let you know I appreciate Authors like yourself! You help so many parents prepare their children for success at home!! It starts at HOME.”

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

I learned a new level of patience, and that a rejection letter does not always mean your work isn’t good, it’s just not a good fit for that agent. Timing is a factor in the text or stories an agent is seeking to publish.
Many years ago, I sent a manuscript to several agents. The story was about a little girl with a disability. Nothing happened, about six years later, disabilities became written stories.
A similar occurrence happened with the ‘Words and Games Activity Workbooks’ for Pre-K.
Now the market is inundated with children’s workbooks. Its timing and the markets desire during that season.

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

Just read more, I was fortunate to have had a few awesome people in my circle of published authors that selflessly shared their knowledge with me.
In, addition to several books that inspired and helped to shape my writing for the young adult/YA book I plan to embark on soon.
Mary Higgins Clark, Queen of Suspense, Donald Dahl Classic children’s books, Maya Angelou poetry, Stephen King On Writing, The Old Man and The Sea by Hemingway, showcased at the time before my writing debate how elegant, simple, austere language can be.
The Lord of The Rings, by J. R. R. Tolkien, The attention to, the use of parallel storytelling and strength of characters played a role in helping to shape me as a writer.

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

One million sold!

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

Marketing – Getting the word out is the biggest hurdle!

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

A. Writing

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

C. Marketing

When do you think you will write your next book?

Mid-winter 2020
It will be part of the ‘My Pal Buddee’ series.

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

I am a hybrid publisher.