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You are now entering the world of my thoughts.

This blog is my diary of works in progress. The only way a writer can improve upon her skill is to practice, practice and practice some more. Here, in this place of quiet peace, I pen to paper my thoughts and creativity. Welcome to my world.

Copyright © 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 SN Taylor, All Rights Reserved

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Catch Fire Blog Party!!! Join the Fun!!!



Today is the Catch Fire Blog Party, celebrating the release of CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh! The goal is to help CassaFire “catch fire” on the best seller charts and achieve the success of the first book, CassaStar. 


There’s also a special package of prizes being given away at the author’s blog (copies of CassaFire, CassaStar, tote bag, mug, and bookmarks) as well as book giveaways during his two-week blog tour starting Feb 27th till Mar 9th. Twitterbugs can join in the fun on twitter using the hashtag #CatchFire. See Alex’s site for details. 

And now, Alex shares with us a few fun facts about himself and his book! :) 

So Alex, what inspired the titles of your book?

I really have no idea where the title for CassaStar originated! And yes, it is the original title. (My publisher selected the title for CassaFire, so that was no flash of brilliance on my part.) Cassa is Byron’s home world, but not sure why I placed the word star after it. Could be something as lame as copying Battlestar Galactica!

Who is your favorite character in the book? Why?

It would have to be Byron, or I wouldn’t continue to follow him in the stories. He was rough at first, but he grew on me. Although there will always something special about Bassa. The incidents surrounding that character were the hardest to write.

Who is your all-time sf hero? why?

Always liked John Sheppard from Stargate: Atlantis. He’s brave, looks after his people, and has a great sense of humor. Really like Mal Reynolds from Firefly as well.


CassaFire
by Alex J. Cavanaugh

CassaStar was just the beginning…

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities.

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

Barnes and Noble -
Amazon -
Amazon Kindle -

Check out the trailer for CassaFire:

Friday, February 24, 2012

Picture Book Friday: Around Our Way On Neighbors' Day



Title: Around Our Way on Neighbors’ Day
Author: Tameka Fryer Brown

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 08/01/2010

Suitable for: ages 4 – 8 years

Themes/Topics: neighborhood appreciation, neighbors, friendship, multicultural, diversity

Opening:
“Blue sky, no clouds,
Summer heat, side street,
Whirling, whizzing feet.
Everyone is out to play
Today, around our way…”

Synopsis:
Neighbors gather on a hot summer day for a joyful block party: Kids play double Dutch; men debate at the barber shop and play chess; mothers and aunts cook up oxtail stew, collard greens, and other delicious treats; and friends dance and sway as jazz floats through the streets.

A rhythmic tale that celebrates the diversity of a close-knit community, Around Our Way on Neighbors’ Day will excite readers and prompt them to discover the magic of their own special surroundings.

Links to resources:

Why I like this book:
It is so nice to see a book that shows a positive image of a diverse urban neighborhood. Ms Brown really did a wonderful job making this a fun and rhythmic story. The words danced and bounced on the page right along with the illustrations. I really liked how I was introduced to everyone on the block and allowed to partake in the different activities! I cracked up when all was fine and dandy until mama’s kitchen mishap! I guess the book reminded me of the good ole days when community was everything. Everyone came together to share in good times. Another great thing about this book is, it can be used in the classroom year round! Its applications are diverse. It can be used to study poetry, foster or enhance a discussion on diversity, encourage community both in and outside the classroom, types of art, and so much more.

For a complete list of books with resources that engage, educate and entertain, visit the blog of author Susanna L Hill.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Author Interview + Book Giveaway: Open Minds by Susan


Hey Everyone! Happy Thursday! Time for another great interview and introduction. I would love for you all to meet Susan Kaye Quinn!


Please tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m a former rocket scientist and engineer, but now I write middle grade and young adult novels because I love writing even more than shiny tech gadgets. Which is saying something. I’m the author of Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy) and Life, Liberty, and Pursuit (a teen love story), as well as a couple short stories in anthologies.
What were your earliest memories of writing?
I remember writing a rather disturbing story about a soldier from the Vietnam War in 6th grade. Lucky for me, my teachers handed me more paper, rather than making an appointment with the school psychologist. J
Were you encouraged to write or was it something that came natural?
Writing stories was natural, and I’m sure my mom encouraged me, but my brother was really the writing talent in the family (I was the geek following in my father’s engineering footsteps).
What was the inspiration behind Open Minds?
The idea really came in a flash image of a girl sitting in a room filled with mindreaders, only she couldn’t read minds and was painfully isolated. Originally, I had no idea the story was about mindjackers! But that eventually grew out of that initial scene.
What was the most difficult part of writing this story?
The first draft was completely organic … which is to say that the structure of the story was very, well, saggy. It took many revisions (and some complete rewriting) to get it structurally sound.
Did you have a particular scene that you enjoyed writing the most?
I fall in love with the turning point scenes – where the tension and drama are highest. I literally have dreams about those scenes! In Open Minds, the warehouse scene was one of those. And that one scene in the desert (if you’ve read it, you know what I mean; if you haven’t, I won’t spoil it for you).
What has been your most rewarding experience since being published?
The best part, by far, is people telling me that they’ve enjoyed the story – that they’ve dreamed about the characters! Or created fan art! Or just written a really amazing, three-paragraph review. There’s a saying that the writing experience isn’t complete until someone reads the work. That’s very true for me, and it’s endlessly fascinating to me to hear all the different ways that the story resonates with people.
What do you do when you’re not writing or promoting your books?
Reading. Momming. Wife-ing. Yup, that’s about it.
How do you react to a bad review and have you ever suffered from writer’s block?
I strongly believe reviews are for readers, not writers, and help people find stories they will enjoy. Which isn’t to say that I don’t read them! J But I know that my story won’t be to everyone’s taste, and that’s fine with me. It’s part of all the different ways that people relate to the story. As for writer’s block, I don’t get it. The closest I come is when I’m wrestling with a plot point, but I usually just pound away at it until it surrenders. And then write on. J
What author inspires you the most and why?
I just finished Goliath (the third book in the Leviathan series by Scott Westerfeld). Westerfeld is some kind of writer genius. His descriptions are concise and gorgeous, his characters wildly compelling, his inventions and creativity are crazy awesome. Someday, when I grow up, I want to be him. Never mind that he’s an over-six-foot, slightly red-haired part-time Australian male (part-time Australian, not part-time male). Somehow, I’m going to make that happen.
What discipline do you impose on yourself regarding writing schedules, goals, etc.?
I write when my three boys are in school, and I’m very strict about that. I don’t get together with other stay-at-home moms for tea (during that time). I don’t shop. I don’t do chores. That’s my working time, and if I’m not focused on writing, I’m losing precious moments, because the rest of my day is very family focused.
What advice you would give to new writers?
Just write. Write every day. Write a LOT. Crank out words. Then study (hard!) the bestselling authors that you love. Tear those books apart into pieces and put them back together until you understand how they worked their magic. And never stop pushing your craft forward.
Thank you so much for doing this for me Susan!
Thank you for having me!

Would you like a chance to read this highly recommended book? Win an e-copy of Open Minds! Fill out the form below. Don't forget to visit Susan's website for more info about her and her books!!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

RAK Giveaway Winner!!!



And the winner of the giveaway hop is ................. 

Kayla Black and The Providence House!


Thank you Kayla.   will be donated to The Providence House. Providence House works to help homeless families with children shed the bonds of extreme poverty and homelessness. For more information about the organization check out their website here. I love the quote on their website:


"You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you." ~John Bunyan


I hope we all one day be able to say we have truly lived! :) Have a great week everyone!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Teaser Tuesday (12) Wonder Struck by Brian Selznick


This week's teaser will be from a book I am reading, Wonder Struck by Brian Selznick. I read his first book, The Invention of Hugo Caberet and loved it. A friend loaned me both books. the illustrations in the books are just amazing. I have never read a novel that was filled with illustrations that complimented the story the way his does and in the manner that it does!

Ben hadn't realized how tightly he'd been gripping the seashell turtle until he felt it digging into his skin. He almost cried out, but he caught himself, not wanting to wake up Robby again.
That's when Ben noticed something very strange. In the black silhouette of his house, eighty-three steps away, a light had come on. The curtains in his mom's room glowed a bright yellow.
Ben stared in disbelief.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Monday Muse: hate falling behind!!

Hi everyone!! How are you this fine Monday morning? I love having the day off :) There is so much I need to get done today that I have to carry around a to-do list with me just to stay on track! Needless to say, I am way behind on checking of all the things that need to get done today! :( I hate being behind on schedules! :/

So, first things first! I would like to announce the winner of the Rukhsana Khan author + book giveaway!

............................. and the winner is .............................

!!!!!! Marybelle !!!!!

Congratulations Marybelle. I will be contacting you soon for your mailing address so I can get your book to you :)


Next on the agenda. It's a book party!!! On Feb 28th, we are going to Catch Fire!!! Alex J Cavanaugh is celebrating the release of his newest book CassaFire with a blog party.  Starting on the 22nd join the blog tour as CassaFire makes its way through the blogosphere! Be sure to stop by and learn some fun facts about Alex's book title, his favorite character in his book and his favorite sf hero!  






Lastly, I can seriously use some insight on how to keep my writing on time!!! What do you do stick to writing schedules and deadline?

Friday, February 17, 2012

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Moon Watchers by Reza Jalali



Title: Moon Watchers: Shirin’s Ramadan Miracle

Author: Reza Jalali

Publisher: Tilbury House, May 11. 2010

Suitable for: 6 and up

Themes/Topics: Cultures, Family traditions, Religious holidays, Sibling rivalry, Fasting, Ramadan, Making ethical decisions.

Opening: I lean up against my father as the sky gets darker around us. Way above our heads, tiny stars start to appear. We search for the  new moon.

Synopsis: Looking through the tall trees in their backyard in Maine, Shirin and her dad search for a glimpse of the new moon, the sign that the month of Ramadan has begun. Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world pray, fast, and pay special attention to doing good deeds. Shirin is nine and thinks she should be able to fast like her older brother Ali, but her parents feel she is still too young to go without food and water all day. When Shirin catches Ali sneaking food after school, she wonders: Should she tattle or is this an opportunity for a good deed? Shirin feels left out when the others break their fasts to have their own meals after dark and in the early morning, before it is light again. But then her grandmother tells a story that shows her a way she can feel more a part of Ramadan and the traditions and closeness her family enjoys during this special month of the year. Her good deeds result in a surprise for everyone!

Links to resources:
The publisher offers a wonderful lesson plan with resources to go along with Moon Watchers. Some activities include: How to make one of Shirin’s favorite dish, Persian rice, Make  a Ramadan Mosaic Sun Catcher, Moon watching, lots of discussion related topics and more.

Why I like this book:
 Muslims around the globe observe Ramadan, from Africa, Asia, the Americas and across Europe and Australia. Moon Watchers is the story of an Iranian family and how they observe the month in their home in the US. It reflects Iranian culture beautifully and accurately. Growing up I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a couple of Ramadans with an Iranian family during their stay here. The family had children the same ages as my two younger sisters and me. This story brought back quite of few good memories of sleepovers and Iftars (the dinner meal) and grand Eids (End of Ramadan festival) and gifts.

Shirin is your average Muslim child in every Muslim household during the month of Ramadan. She wants to partake in the holiday and fast with the rest of the family. Her problem? She is too young. Most families restrict their young children from fasting until they are old enough to understand what fasting is. But like every little Muslim child I know, Shirin doesn’t think that is hardly any ‘real’ reason why she can’t fast like all the big people, including her older brother, Ali. The story touches on something EVERY child goes through, wanting to partake in family traditions and rituals. It doesn’t matter whether its Ramadan, Christmas, Deepavali or Hanukah, children want to be a part of the festivities. Another universal theme of the book is sibling rivalry. What child has NOT had to deal with that! I have two younger sisters and two older brothers!! :D I love that the story ends with Ali, Shirin’s older brother being nice to her and that she keeps his secret. The story begins with sighting the moon, which is very important to Muslims. The new moon signals the beginning and end of the month. I love that the moon remains a part of the story. The illustrations beautifully capture the feel and warmth of the family and their traditions. From their prayer rugs, traditional dishes and religious artifacts and my favorite, the picture of the “hundreds of tiny silvery pieces.” There aren’t hundreds of pieces but the illustration is beautiful!!! J

The story also highlights the many aspects of Ramadan, fasting and doing good deeds, something I feel is lacking in many religious holidays where consumerism is pushed rather than the more spiritual aspect of the holiday like being and doing good for others, family and community. Shirin learns that doing good things for others is just as important and apart of Ramadan as is the fasting. I also found that it accurately reflected the physical state of most people who fast, tiredness, the caffeine withdrawal for the coffee and tea drinkers, jitters for smokers, and more. Personally, I am a habitual snacker. If it is in the house, I snack. During the first week of Ramadan I almost always have to catch myself from just popping something in my mouth because it is there!

For kids just starting out fasting, cheating is natural. They are not used to the hunger. I don’t know of any person who fasted as a kid and did not grab something while no one was looking!!! LOL! I love that Ali is not scolded in the story. Not even by his little sister gets on him about cheating during the fast. I remember once when I was around eleven or twelve, we were at a park and I told my mom I was hot and wanted to put some water on my face! Ha, water on my face indeed! (In my defense, it WAS a hot day :D) but I know my mom knew better as I went many, many times to that water fountain. But you know, that is how kids learn, over the years, I fought that urge and at age 15 fasting was no longer hard for me. So, don’t worry Ali, you will get there one day!! ;) 


Thursday, February 16, 2012

Random Acts of Kindness Day Giveaway


Friday, February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day.

Thanks to I am a reader, not a writer and Read for you Future for hosting this wonderful blog hop. Here on Of Thoughts and Words we will donate one book of your choice to any children's organization that promotes education, reading and a safe haven for children in need. We will also send a monetary donation of $10 dollars to the organization on your behalf. Please fill out the form below.

Be sure to hop along to all of the participating blogs. :) Happy Hopping!!! :)

Monday, February 13, 2012

Monday Muse: Cavalia!!!



Cavalia was AMAZING!!!!! I was floored by the performance.

I loved horses. And I love the fact that the horses really were the stars of the show. They were beautiful and majestic. I am so sad we could not take pics during the performance. :(

I loved the music. The music was awesome, they had a live band to perform to :)

I loved performances. There were horse tricks and fancy horse riding like roman riding. There were acrobatics that were really nice, cute, and very talented. However, the performances I loved the most were the ones where the horses got to be free on the stage performing along side their human partners. I learned quite a few facts about the show and horses. For one, they only use male horses in their shows. The horses are well cared for and treated like rock stars. They get vacations between shows, massages, and so much more.

I loved that after the show, I got to go see the horses in their stables. :D Most of them were pretty busy eating to care for all their fans but it was fun watching them and their trainers care for them.
This here is one of two of the newest and youngest horses they have added to the show. At the beginning and end of the show, they let this young colt and his playmate out to play and entertain us for a little bit.
This is the only mini horse they had. He had all of one minute in the end of the show when all the horse came out riding pass us at lightning speed.
Poor horse, he was sleeping as his fans gathered around to look at him. The show must have worn him out.
 These horses did not let a few spectators disturb their meal time!!! :D
 FOOD!!! But look at the braiding on this horse :)
 Another one with great hair. I think the trainers braid their hair at night because it was not like this during the show.
 Horse getting his hair done. I'm so jealous!
 FINALLY!!! I got one to notice me and look at my camera! Another thing I was sad about, they would let us touch the horses :( I so wanted to pet him.
 Yay, another horse noticed me and looked at my camera. :D
 Horse and trainer.
 Some photo canvases they had on display
 More photos of the horses.
 One of the stable tents.
 Stable tents. I could not get the big top because of all the bright lights.


will try to upload the video later :(

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Wangari's Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter




Title: Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa

Author: Jeanette Winter

Publisher: Harcourt, Inc, September 21, 2008

Suitable for: (ages) 3 and up

Themes/Topics:  Nature, Environmentalism, Women History, Women Empowerment

Opening:
Wangari lives under an umbrella of green trees in the shadow of Mount Kenya Africa.

Brief synopsis:
As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something. She starts with nine seedlings in her backyard. As her trees grow, so do her plans……

Links to resources:

Discussion Questions can be found here

Interview of Wangari of why trees are important: 

This is a very simple Smart Board lesson on parts of a tree.  Go to the site, then scroll
down to K-2 Templates, Parts of a Tree.

Trees are Terrific....Travels with Pierre
This site is presented in animated format and designed to help young children (5–8 years of age) gain an appreciation of trees, observe trees in their everyday lives and develop an interest in learning more about trees. 

National Geographic Kids
Colorful site with facts and photos of Kenya

Teach Using Wangari's Trees of Peace
Look here for lesson ideas and links to use with this book.

Activities for all ages that explore issues related to environmental preservation and sustainability. 
  
Why I like this book: This is a true story about Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She inspired great change in her native country by bringing back the native trees to Kenya. She is an excellent example of inspiration for children today. They will learn that with hard work, dedication and strong will, even one person can inspire change, they can make a difference. The illustrations are very simple but reflect well the text and story as they follow Wangari from her childhood living “under an umbrella of green trees,” and observing her environment as she helps her mother harvest their crop. When she gets older, she goes to study in America. When she returns, the green land she left was no more. No more trees, birds, or green remained due to deforestation. Wangari decides to replace the trees that were cut down. She faced great opposition from the government and was even jailed for her attempts to bring change. She enlisted the help of other village women to plant the seedlings she grew telling them, “We are planting the seeds of hope.” Through her Green Belt Movement, Wangari brought environmental change not just to Kenya but to thirty other countries in Africa. Her story and life is truly an inspiration and this book is great to help children understand her great efforts and success. It saddens me to learn she recently passed away. Her dedication and love for the environment and women’s empowerment will be remembered.

For a complete list of recommended picture books and resources that engage, educate, and entertain go to Perfect Picture Books at Susanna Leonard Hill's blog. 

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Author Interview + Book Giveaway: The Roses in My Carpet by Rukhsana Khan


Hello everyone. Happy Thursday!!! I would love to introduce you to another amazing writer today. Meet Rukhsana Khan. She is an award-winning author and storyteller. Mrs. Khan has authored 11 books so far with more contracted. She has appeared on television and radio numerous times, has been featured at international conferences in Denmark, Mexico, Singapore, Italy, and South Africa, and has presented all across Canada and the U.S. Rukhsana Khan is also a member of SCBWI, The Writers Union of Canada, CANSCAIP, and Storytelling Toronto. Without further ado....... Mrs Khan.



Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born in Lahore, Pakistan and my father decided to come to Canada to give me and his other children better educational opportunities.

We arrived in 1965 and moved to a very white town in Southern Ontario. Growing up was very difficult and books turned out to be my lifeline.

Stories provided me an escape from the difficulties of my life. I never dreamed of becoming an author till my grade eight teacher said I should pursue it. He said I was a poet, and I should grow up to be a writer. He was the first person in my life who ever opened that possibility up to me. I wrote a couple of rough works in my teens and then gave up, thinking that being an author wasn’t possible for someone like me, from an ethnic minority. It wasn’t till fourteen years later, when I was twenty-seven that I decided to seriously go for my dreams. It took eight years for my first book to get published. Now I have eleven books published. The Roses in My Carpets is my second book and the book of mine that has been in print the longest.
 
What are some themes and topics that are addressed in The Roses in My Carpet?

There are so many themes addressed in The Roses in My Carpets. While workshopping the story with some teens we counted no less than three problems the protagonist faces. It’s very unusual for a short story to have three problems in it! The first problem the protagonist faces is that he’s haunted by dreams of the war, of jets flying and bombing him and his family. The second problem deals with his resentment towards his mother and sister for holding him back, weighing him down. At the beginning of the story you can tell he feels this way because in his dream they’re pulling at him, and he feels he could run faster and get to safety if they weren’t holding him back. By the end of the story he has realized how much he needs them too and they’re all running together. And the third problem in the story is the boy’s attitude towards being sponsored. He feels that he has disappointed his father by accepting help. This story really is about a boy who needs help but is too proud at first, to accept it.

What inspired you to write this story?

.............. My husband and I decided to sponsor a child refugee. When I got the picture of Kareem (my foster child) I was astonished to see that he had blonde hair, blue eyes and freckles--he was white. How ironic. Here I was sending money across the world to help him and his family, yet he had the one thing that would have made my growing up easier--white skin.

I wanted to meet him. See what kind of boy he was. In January 1992 I got a chance to go to Pakistan. I was born there but had never been back. I travelled up to Peshawar, where the refugee camps were, and stayed with a friend of mine, Maha, and her husband Ahmad. They were working for the relief organization, Human Concern International, through which I’d sponsored Kareem....  Please click the link to read the rest of Mrs Khan's touching story here:
The presentation on what inspired me to write the story takes me an hour and is my most popular presentation for students from grade 3-12.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? How did you deal with it?

The worst thing anyone can say about my writing is that it’s didactic. Preachy, teachy. Yes, I always try to have a message in my stories. Something the reader can get from them, but the story is supposed to come first. If there’s no good story then any message will be lost. When people have said a piece was didactic, I either threw the story out, or I went back over it and fixed it. A story is usually didactic because I got carried away with the message and forced the characters into behavior that wasn’t consistent and believable. That’s a great no-no. So what I’ll do is go back and see what the character would really do in those circumstances. That really helps!

As a writer, who are your main influences?

Do you mean other writers?

I don’t really work like that. I have a LOT of favourite books and authors but I wouldn’t exactly say they’ve ‘influenced’ me. When I write I try to stay true to the voice that’s expressing itself in the characters. I often literally hear a voice in my head relaying a story, and I try to transcribe the story as authentically as I can.

Where do you do most of your writing?

In bed. First thing, when I wake up.
When I’m working on a project, I’ll write two pages before I brush my teeth, have my breakfast or do anything other work.

Who is your favorite author?

I have many! You can find lists of some of my favourite books here
  
What is one book every writer, new or seasoned, should read?

Lord of the Rings.

Let’s talk multiculturalism. What is it and why is it important in children’s literature?

‘Multicultural’ basically refers to books that are set in ‘foreign’ cultures. Books that take readers into a different cultural experience. But more often than not, they’re books that showcase another culture. Multiculturalism is the process that promotes such books in the hopes that these types of books expand the horizon of the readers and enables them to understand other cultures and think ‘outside their box’.

Multiculturalism is important because of the idea that it does help children understand other cultures and different ways of thinking in the hopes that they can question their own thinking and improve themselves. It also gives children a foundation from which to approach people of other cultures.

In this increasingly globalized world, our children are bound to meet and work with people from other cultures. If they can learn to understand them and appreciate their differences and focus on the similarities they share with them, the world can become a more tolerant and peaceful place.

Can you share with us a list of some really fabulous multicultural children’s books?

Some of the books on my list of favourite reads are multicultural books I’d highly recommend: Shadow of a Bull is set in Spanish culture. Monster is set in African American culture, Watership Down is set in a mythical rabbit culture. But to be perfectly honest, I never look at whether a book is multicultural to see if I like it. I always look at whether it’s a good story!

And for our final question, what advice do you have for new and aspiring authors?

Read, read, read then write, write, write!  And the best way to know if you’ve written something worthwhile is asking yourself the question (honestly) ‘If I hadn’t written this, would I want to read it?’

Thank you so much Mrs. Khan for doing this interview with us today. Find our more about Mrs. Khan at her website.  For those of you who are interested in reading this remarkable book, leave a comment below with a way I can contact you if you are the winner of the book giveaway. Winner will be chosen using Random.org.


Member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators