Carole P. Roman – Famous Children’s Author – Interview 3

Today my guest is a children’s author. Carole P. Roman – fearless grandmother, writer, optimist, craps player, book genre jumper. I have seen books by Carole P. Roman in the bestseller section. To a conversation with this most interesting person.

1.   Tell us a little about yourself, where were you born, what kind of education?

I was born in Brooklyn, New York. I graduated from Queens, College with a degree in secondary education, many years ago. I taught for a short time before ‘retiring’ to join my husband in his business. We subsequently built the business into a worldwide transportation company that employs many people. I work there now with both my sons.

2.   Do you remember your first book? What book was it? 

Captain No Beard An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life was my first book. It was the first book in a series of ten and was named to Kirkus‘ Best 2012. The success of it inspired and motivated me to write additional books. My second series was If You Were Me and Lived in… an exploration of culture and customs around the world took off with mommy bloggers and homeschool groups.

3.   What is the difference in writing a book for children from a book for an adult?

Content! I changed my name to Brit Lunden because I didn’t want children to think the new series was related to my children’s books. It was a lot of fun.

4.   How can we know that a children’s book is good?

If a child enjoys it and it encourages discussions, I think that’s a good barometer. Sometimes a children’s book is so boring, we don’t understand why our child is asking it to be read over and over again. It might strike a chord or feed that child in a way we don’t see. When they say, read it again and you are okay with the content, then I consider it successful.

5.   Is it given to everyone to write books? A children’s book?

Anyone can write a book. Self-publishing has enabled millions of people to put thought on ‘paper’ and share plots, ideas, philosophies. That doesn’t mean the book will be successful. Do we always have to measure success with financial reward? If the book speaks to one person, then I consider it successful.

6.   Where to start writing a book, advice for beginners?

Get on an author’s thread of Goodreads and research the idea of writing a book. It’s a process and can be a very expensive enterprise. There is a lot to consider if you want to do a good job. There’s beta-readers, different kinds of editors, the right illustrator, formatters, cover art. Tons of aspects that can be overwhelming. Get a book on publishing and see if it’s the right move. You have to decide if you are doing it without expecting to make a lot of money, or if you just want to record and share your thoughts. YOu also need to determine if there is a viable market for your subject.

Goodreads is an American social cataloging website and a subsidiary of Amazon that allows individuals to search its database of books, annotations, quotes, and reviews. Users can sign up and register books to generate library catalogs and reading lists. They can also create their own groups of book suggestions, surveys, polls, blogs, and discussions. The website’s offices are located in San Francisco.

7.   Does book cover have a big impact on book sales?

Book covers make the first impression and can sink the success of a book. I would say they are VERY important.

8.   What is the future of children’s books in your opinion?

Millions of people are publishing yearly. KDP, Ingram Sparks, Book Baby, and others have enabled many people to pursue this dream. I think there will be a lot of choices out there.

9.   What advice would you give on the promotion of your book in 2022, what is relevant. What works?

An author, whether they are independent or traditionally published must spend many hours a week promoting your book. I write guest blogs, I promote on TikTok and other social media platforms. I advertise to many of the magazines that are geared toward my genre. 

10.                    Top 3 books, in your opinion, that parents must read to their children?

Eric Carle’s books. Llama Mama books, Bad Apple

11.                    What is your favorite book?

Sho Gun

12.                    What inspired you before? What’s inspiring now? Has something changed?

I am constantly inspired by everything from sunsets, stars, to my grandchildren. Nothing changed. I get inspired all the time during any activities.

13.                    What kind of people / blogs / websites do you read? I read constantly and watch multiple blogs.

I love watching my son’s podcast Okon Bros. I enjoy the Critical Drinker. I watch historical podcasts all the time. 

14.                    What’s your favorite movie?

That changes all the time. Don’t have a favorite.

15.                    Would you like to make your own film? He would be talking about what?

I’d love to see Captain No Beard or Oh Susannah turned into an animated series. 

16.                    How do you plan your day?

I am up at six and in the office by seven AM. I work with the family running our transportation company. I leave the office by one, twice a week I do yoga and I have meetings all afternoon from my home. Three or four days a week I write. I do promotion and marketing on and off all day for over 100 books. I run my son’s social media. he writes under three different names and I promote his books as well as my own. I have studied to be a medium and got my certification this month.  I do readings on appointments only several times per week. I tap dance or walk 2 miles at least an hour a day. I speak to each of my children for an hour in the evening and relax with television or read for a couple of hours before bed. 

17.                    Do you have a hobby? Which? 

Reading, yoga, tape dance. 

18.                    If you had $ 250 million, where would you spend, what would you do?

That’s a decision I would make with my kids. We would set up foundations to spread the wealth as much as we could.

19.                    Do you believe in purpose, in the fact that each person is born with his own mission?

Yes. I think we pick a reason to come here and live our plan.

20.                    Do you like traveling, where have you been, what do you recommend to visit?

I have been all over Europe and the Middle East. I would love to go back.

21.                    What are your plans for the future, opening a new project or something else?

I am constantly working on new projects, either expanding our business or promoting books. I have three books out right now with my agent and I am hoping to make a sale soon.

Thanks for the interview, and I wish Carole P. Roman the embodiment of everything that was conceived!