Author Interview: Heather Jones

Heather Jones is the co-founder of the international award winning company, The Rhythm Child Network, an enterprise devoted to musical empowerment and education of children, teachers and families. After having the incredible opportunity of performing at The White House, Michelle Obama has said, “I greatly appreciate your helping to create so many lovely memories for families from across our Nation”. Heather is hoping her book will have the same impact! Her first children's book, "Unusual Animals A-Z", won an Academics Choice Award for Smart Book (2017).

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1. What authors did you dislike at first, but grew into?

Shakespeare and Milton

2. What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

I used to be mesmerized by libraries. My mom would take me at the beginning of every summer to pick out as many books as I thought I could read. It was almost as good as Christmas morning!

3. What's your favorite underappreciated novel?

Gift from the sea, by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

4. As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

I took a spirit animal quiz for fun and the result was a horse spirit! I am definitely an adventurer; keep on moving, strong, grounded type of mama! However, I am always drawn to water and feel the presence of dolphins every time I’m at the beach, so I feel very connected & pulled to the ocean and jumping dolphins!

5. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

3

6. What's the best way to market your books?

I am fortunate to have a company where my books flourish. Rhythm Child performs at family friendly concerts, festivals, museums, libraries, schools, conferences, etc.. & my book is available at all of these venues and sells well. I also think the world of blogging is a fantastic method….I’m just discovering this platform and am grateful for all the incredible writers out there that are willing to talk about others creativity!

7. Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?

Absolutely! In my ‘wear 5 hats all the time environment’, writing is a time for me. To be free, creative, to really slow down a bit and exist in Kairos time!!

8. How do you select the names of your characters?

For this book it was pure joy. I had my boys help me and because it was all based on alliteration, we had a blast coming up with names for 26 animals. We didn’t always agree and I got the final say in the end!! I’m happy with my animals names…they seem to suit them well and have sort of taken on a life of their own! Like Morris the Manatee & Zena the Zorilla.

9. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with good or bad ones?

I love to read the reviews, so far they’ve been good! I guess when I get a bad one, I’ll see how I feel about it.

10. What was your hardest scene to write?

The story of the xenopus was challenging as it wasn’t the easiest letter to eXagerate and eXpand on my ideas!

11. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?

Distractions.

12. What is your favorite childhood book?

The Little House on the Prairie Series

13. Does your family support your career as a writer?

100%. They know that being creative makes me a better person, and my sweet boys told me they are super proud to see my book ‘out there’. My husband reminds me to never give up on being creative, no matter how much life can take over, we have to make room for what makes us happier people!

14. How long on average does it take you to write a book?

This book took about 3 years from concept to a finished product, but the good news is there are 2 books that came from it. “Adventures of Unusual Animals” is coming soon….

15. Share one little known fact about yourself.

I’m very squeamish with blood and injuries…not the most convenient with 2 athletic boys!!

To learn more Heather's website, The Rhythm Child, click here: http://rhythmchild.net/

If you are interested in purchasing Unusual Animals A-Z then click here: http://amzn.to/2zEAU0F