Happy Tuesday, Bibliophiles!
I am so excited to share with you today an interview I had with Gina Lo Biondo, author of the children’s books Cinderella – A Love Story, Pegasus – A Dragon’s Tale, Button Nose – The Sad Little Bear, and the play Cinderella – A Play in Two Acts!
Gina is an extremely creative woman, and I love how her children’s stories speak to children and adults alike. Her stories are unique and accompanied by gorgeous illustrations that are sure to speak to the children in your life or your child at heart! I hope you enjoy the interview and take the time to check out Gina’s lovely work.
Peachy Keen Author Interview with Gina Lo Biondo
Why do you enjoy writing?
Wow, I’ve been doing it for so long that, for me, it’s like breathing! I love to write because I’ve always got ideas running around in my head. Sometimes all I’ll need is a word or a thought and, BAM! I have a new story in the works. Years ago, I used to get ideas while taking a bath! LOL 😊 It’s just a lot of fun and a way to vent some of my overactive ideas!
What made you want to write a retelling of Cinderella?
Well, Cinderella was always my favourite faerie tale when I was little. I had a lovely version illustrated by the late Catherine Barnes and was so sad when it got sold in a yard sale. I started collecting different editions while searching for it and eventually found it in Australia. When I was in my senior year of high school, I had a theatre class and got into stage plays. So, the following year I wrote my first stage play and picked a story I knew only too well – Cinderella. Only my version has a twist that no other version has which makes it unique and not just the story we all grew up with.
Which genres are your favorite to write?
Years ago, I tried my hand at science fiction, poetry and short stories, but my first two published books were children’s picture books. I guess you could categorize Cinderella – A Love Story as juvenile fiction.
Which genres do you like to read?
Oooh, that’s a hard one! LOL 😊 Well, let’s see, I love science fiction, I read the entire Twilight saga in about a month and then Stephenie’s book The Host, which I couldn’t put down. I also have a bunch I still have to read i.e. the Serafina series, the Fury series – that one is based on a 1950s TV series about a boy and his black stallion – another series I discovered about a ghost dog. So, it really kind of varies.
What is your advice for aspiring authors?
Read a lot, whatever you enjoy, and write as much and as often as you can. Keep writing and learn to develop your technique. At first, your writing will not be perfect but the more you keep at it, the better you’ll get.
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Peachy Keen Reviews & Bibliotheraphy 