Today, THE STORYTELLER'S SCROLL welcomes Andrea Coke. award-winning author of the Molly Morningstar Collection. So happy to have you join us today, Andrea. I'm sure we'll all learn something new from you.
Can you tell us your latest news?
A year ago this month, I published my first book and now I’m launching the 3rd book in my Molly Morningstar series. It’s hard to believe how much has been packed into just one year.
What an exciting year.
What was your first published title and what was it about?
My debut book was Molly Morningstar, A Doll for Me. In this story, spunky Molly Morningstar creates her own doll that celebrates all who she is when she searches the toy aisle, and finds, doll after doll, they all look the same.
Interesting concept. I'm sure many children feel that way. Hope your book inspires them to create their own too.
What inspired you to write your first Molly Morningstar, A Doll for Me?
One day my daughter said to me “I wish I had a doll that looks like me.” and it broke my heart. Her comment echoed the desire of so many children - the need to feel they matter and that they belong. When children don’t see themselves represented in their toy room, in books or on TV, they start to believe the lie that they don’t matter. But they do. Creating this story was my way of honoring the voice of children who have been underrepresented in children’s literature.
Excellent motivation and what a great gift to all little girls.
How long did your journey take to publication and what were some significant events along the way?
Though the time span was short - from draft to published in one year - it was intense. Late nights, lots of tea, expensive mistakes and a steep learning curve. Every author will tell you that writing the story is the easy part. Getting people to know about your book, otherwise known as marketing, is the hardest part.
Oh, yes. All authors know that, that's why I invited you to The Storyteller's Scroll. Hopefully you'll get some exposure to help you with Molly Morningstar.
Who/what were your sources of inspiration along the way? How did it/ he/she/they help you the most?
Like many, I have a love/hate relationship with social media. It’s time consuming, saps your creativity and is a nuisance. But it’s also where I was able to connect with amazing mentors who helped me with every aspect of publishing my series. April Cox and her team of editors and graphic designers were instrumental in helping me get a polished book ready. Laurie Wright showed me how to stop wasting time searching ‘how to sell your book’ and instead develop a marketing strategy that makes my book brand stand out and attracts my perfect readers. No more ‘Google University’, as she calls it. Finding people who don’t just make promises but actually show you the steps to achieve what you want, is priceless. I’m grateful for them.
Good advice for all authors.
What was the best thing about getting your first book published?
The best thing was how my family rallied around me. It was my vision but it truly was the vision of my whole family. My husband, children, nieces and nephews, sisters and parents all played an important role in making my first book come together. Whether it was words of encouragement, sharing my book with their friends or helping me figure out all the tech pieces, they stepped up.
What was the hardest thing?
The technical part of publishing was difficult. Learning how to set up a website, uploading books to online platforms, and creating digital products to accompany my books, was a struggle. I’m still learning!
Aren't we all! I'm sure my readers will be inspired by your dedication and hard work.
What is your most recently released book about?
Molly on Ice is inspired by my niece who was a competitive skater. Molly Morningstar yearns to jump on ice during the skating show, but she’s frustrated by what she can't do... YET! After falling again and again, Molly learns that the fun begins when she gets back up.
It’s a fun story about developing a growth mindset.
How have you changed from your first published book to now?
I’ve learned to focus on my goals and on my readers. As an author, you don’t need to follow every publishing trend, gimmick or suggestion. I’m the only one who can tell my stories. My journey, my timelines and my achievements might look different than others but that’s okay. Social media makes it difficult not to compare yourself to others but the biggest gift you can give yourself is to stop doing it. It’s a hard lesson but one I’m getting better at putting into practice.
Sound advice. Only the creative can write their story, and no one else's will be the same, even if there are others out there on the same topic. Yours and mine, and any author's story will be different.
What are your current projects?
I’m currently working on the next three books in the Molly Morningstar series. My awesome illustrator, M. Fernanda Orozco, is doing her magic with the illustrations. We’ll release the remaining books over the next year.
Excellent. Wishing you the best of luck.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I can’t explain how in a year I’ve published three books. All I know is that being an award-winning author was impossible, until it wasn’t. Here’s the truth: we all have the potential to achieve what doesn’t seem possible.
Bit of wisdom to share:
Diverse and inclusive books are a great way to help all children learn that life is all about possibilities. Keep reading. And learning.
And for fun, something that not a lot of people know about you.
I have 4 children, 3 degrees and have traveled to 5 continents and more than 30 countries so yeah, family and travel are my inspiration.
Andrea has graciously offered to donate a $10.00 Amazon gift card to 3 lucky teachers.
For a chance to win:
1. Follow this blog. (winners will be posted on The Storyteller's Scroll in one week)
2. Comment below.
Andrea's links:
IG @abcbooknookinc
FB @abcbooknook
website www.abcbooknook.com
Molly on Ice, Amazon US https://amzn.to/3U2E5HK
Molly on Ice, Amazon Canada https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BG65LFWK
