Interview with Cindi Goodeaux

Author of Mama’s Map – Jellibean Adventures Book 2

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

I was born in Alabama but now live in Florida.

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

My father moved our family here due to his job when I was 8 years old. My parents and sister moved back to Alabama in 2006, but I stayed here with my husband and son.

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

When my nieces were six years old, they lived in two different states, hundreds of miles away. Born six months apart, one was from my husband’s side of the family and the other on my side. Since I could not be the cool aunt there to hang out with, I used my poetic skills to create another connection. I called my character, Princess Jellibean, a colorful, adventure-loving cat that would write to them both about her exciting travels. I sent a copy of the first poem to each of them, along with a plush cat toy. Life got in the way of me continuing this new tradition, but the character stayed locked in my mind. I came across a children’s story contest, and since I already had a character, I wrote a short adventure around her. I am also a disability advocate, serving on the board of an affinity group at my employer. I found a way to incorporate this into the story to help children understand disability as a normal part of life. I did not place in this contest, but it opened my mind to a new avenue for my love of writing.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

The Jellibean Adventures Book Series follows Princess Jellibean, a curious rainbow-hued cat who, through her many adventures, demonstrates how if you approach the matters in life that might not always be the happiest with a sense of wonder and positivity, there is normalcy and beauty in everything and everyone.

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

The series is targeted for children ages 5 – 9 years, but I find that older and younger enjoy it as well. Girls that love cats especially connect with the main character.

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

Sometimes non-linear storytelling works best for me. You don’t have to write a story from beginning to end. You READ a book that way but a story can be built in pieces and assembled later into a coherent story that has a beginning, middle, and end.

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

Educate yourself about the publishing process and don’t believe everything you read. Believe in your work, hold the vision, and trust the process.

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

I would love for my books to be read by thousands of people. I love when I hear that someone has shared my stories with others, who then become readers of my work.

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

Initially, I paid what I now know to be a predatory publisher. I have since been signed with a traditional publisher after being discovered by then on Twitter. The most challenging and frustrating thing for me was starting over from the beginning. Because the first publisher shut down, I had to revise my story to republish it as a second edition under my new publisher. Ultimately I tripled the word count and ended up with a much better story.

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

I feel like I am a natural marketer and really enjoy the process of sharing my work.

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

I am terrible about sitting down and finishing a story. I have tons of what I refer to as story starters where I have written down a story idea or half of an unfinished story. I want to develop the habit of writing.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I plan on finishing another Jellibean Adventures story before the end of the year.

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

I am published through a traditional publisher