Recently, I had the opportunity to get to know Kim Groshek, she is a beautiful, creative and driven woman. I asked her a few questions about her book release Bug's Trip to The Store and I'm so glad she could share some time with me enabling my readers to get to know her somewhat too!
What prompted you to write the book?
I’ve always wanted to write a children’s book since i was little. I almost forgot about it for many years, it would come up in conversations during the past over 26 years, then two years ago, I set a goal to run a half marathon in 25 states. Through the journey accomplishing this goal (in 2 years) I attended a writing workshop in Colorado, which helped me realize that I could write creatively. I have 6 professional technical articles published, for my career but that is much different. So, during my travels, I journaled and an idea hit me on my way to Vermont. This is when I wrote my first draft of the first book in the series. From there I illustrated and refined the draft several times. I knew this was going to be good when, after my half marathon, eating my fresh soup in a restaurant overlooking Lake Champlain, I read my draft to an 8 year old and ask him to give me his honest opinion, if I read my manuscript to him. I watched as I read my book to him and he was very intent and listening, absorbing every word. After I was done reading it, he nodded profusely, saying he really liked it. So, then I followed the rest of the publishing process as other authors/illustrators do.
Were you able to have insight to illustrator or illustrations used?
Yes, I have an art background. It was something I went to school in college for a short while over 20 years ago. I basically put my art on the back burner since then, doing many craft type projects (selling things at craft shows and so on, but that was the extent). I brought my art out again this past year, because it was time. Yes, I illustrated my book, I used magic marker, then transferred into Photoshop and did the rest in Photoshop.
What is your favorite part of the book?
Favorite part of the book, really all of it, since the bug character, is really coming alive from my imagination. That is the neat part about it! I do have a picture that is really cool, I’ll see If I can attach it so you can see how that rings true in the picture.
Are you working on other projects involving writing?
Other projects, yes, I have 2 more books in the works, the 2nd book, called Bug meets his friend is going to be published in Feb and the 3rd book Bug goes through the maze is all illustrated, I am working on the manuscript as we speak. I also have a fire prevention series, called Floyd the Fire Truck series, which I am presenting to the insurance industry in January, which will include an online book and some games. I am also starting to kick off writing a Y/A novel, ideas are being kicked around, not sure if this will be a series or one book. I plan on working on the Y/A project during 2010. This will be my main focus besides traveling for promoting my book.
Kim's Message: I feel the message in my book is a good one and that is important to me to help readers learn perseverance, determination and resiliency will help them overcome any obstacle. Staying strong and being creative in the process.
Closing:I'd like to ask my readers to go to their local library and ask for Bug's Trip to the Store by K.M. Groshek, let's help her get the word out and her book in more libraries!
Please visit Kim's site's to get to know her further along with two new covers for upcoming books, which can also be pre-ordered!
http://www.kmgroshek.com
Blog: http://www.kgroshek.blogspot.com
Facebook author page: http://www.facebook.com/kmgroshek
