The Storyteller's Scroll: February 2023

Hi Nadia. Welcome to The Storyteller's Scroll.

Can you tell us your latest news?

My latest news is that my new book will be released in Spring 2023. ‘Humphrey the Egg-splorer’ is written by me and illustrated Valenti Gubianas. I signed a book deal a year ago with Yeehoo Press via my superstar agent Joyce Sweeney. Today, we are in the preorder stage of the book and looking forward to the upcoming book launch.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

At this very moment in time, I would choose Dan Santat. His picture book ‘After the Fall’ inspired me to write ‘Humphrey the Egg-splorer.’ I loved his story and sat down and began thinking about ‘Humpty Dumpty.’ What if he had a grandson to continue in his footsteps as an egg-splorer and that’s how ‘Humphrey’ came to life.

What was your first published title and what was it about?

My first published title was ‘Pirates in the Library.’ It was published in 2016 by Star Bright Books based in Massachusetts. The story is essentially about Captain Jake who went in search of treasure in the library, only to find out it’s in the wealth of knowledge provided by books. It was an un-agented book deal.

What inspired you to write your first book?

That’s easy – the movie ‘Pirates of the Caribbean.’ Having loved the movie, I just wanted to write a picture book story about pirates and treasure. Arggh matey!

How long did your journey take to publication and what were some significant events along the way?

I wrote ‘Pirates in the Library’ and in 2012 Star Bright Books were interested and we signed a book deal. The story changed a fair bit from the original. The significant event was that it took four years for the book to be released!

What was the best thing about getting your first book published?

Initially, it was seeing my name on the cover of a book! Until, I saw the book online at Amazon! And then, I saw it available worldwide! But the best overall thing was the day a package arrived from the publisher, and I held the physical published book in my hands. Simply the best!

What is your most recently released book about?

My upcoming release is ‘Humphrey the Egg-splorer.’ Humphrey is an egg who is determined to become a great egg-splorer like his grandad Humpty, but he doesn’t want to suffer the same fate and discovers how to become stronger. It is due out in Spring 2023 and is published by Yeehoo Press with a simultaneous release in the US and China.

How have you changed from your first published book to now?

Since the release of my first book back in 2016, I would definitely say I grew older and wiser. I have networked, joined online writing groups and now have a superstar agent, Joyce Sweeney who seals the deals for me.

What are your current projects?

I am about to get my launch team ready in preparation for release day of ‘Humphrey. I always have a work-in-progress and my agent is about to go on sub with a picture book story.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I am really looking forward to introducing ‘Humphrey the Egg-splorer’ to the world. May Humphrey inspire young readers to swish Samurai spoons, box with the Forked Crusader, and strive to become a stronger egg.

Bit of wisdom to share:

My editor at Yeehoo Press asked me to think of a general quote of a life lesson that ties in with Humphrey. So, my bit of wisdom is... Be strong. Be positive. Let your adventure begin.

And for fun, something that not a lot of people know about you.

At school, I always loved art and English. I always believed that if I continued learning art I would someday work for Disney as an illustrator. And, if I continued learning English, I would someday be a famous writer of children’s books. Hopefully, one of these things will come true!

Links to social media and website:

Twitter: @NadiaAwriter

Webpage: https://nadia-ali.weebly.com

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XQNVz3

IG: https://www.instagram.com/nadiaawriter/

Book Sale Links:

PRE-ORDER LINKS

Yeehoo Media: https://yeehoomedia.com/product/humphrey-the-egg-splorer/

Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/1953458572

Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/39wjuydr

Book Shop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/humphrey-the-egg-splorer-nadia-ali/18729681?ean=9781953458575

Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Humphrey-the-Egg-Splorer-Nadia-Ali-Valenti-Gubianas/9781953458575