Today we are interviewing Laura St John about her children’s book, “Don’t Judge a Bug by Its Cover.”
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Wife and mother of two kids. Background in copywriting and also entertainment. Traveled all over the US and overseas either singing or for pleasure.
Describe your new book, “Don’t Judge a Bug By Its Cover,” in a few sentences.
Two bugs teach each other different things to accept about themselves and others. They have adventures that help build friendships and discover things about themselves along the way.
Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
I think parents and grandparents would love sharing this positive message to their children and grandchildren.
What inspired you to write a book about non-judgmental approaches to friends?
I have seen - and still see - people reacting differently to others based on looks and what people have. When we should all be kind hearted to all.
Tell us about the two protagonists, Ladybug Lace and Mr. Roach.
Lace is beautiful inside and out but is very lonely. Mr. Roach is also beautiful in his own way but doesn’t think he is lovable due to how he has been treated.
Was it challenging to write a fun, adventurous story yet also incorporate a very important theme?
Not really. It just came to me one day. I think authors or song writers do that. It just flows out of you.
Are there any children’s books authors who have influenced your writing style?
To be honest no. I write from my own heart. And my experiences are what drives the words.
The book includes beautiful illustrations by Melissa B. Snyder. What was it like working with Melissa?
She is very easy to work with. Illustrators have to really try to capture what the author is saying on paper and translate it to pictures. She does that well and puts a lot of soul into features of the characters and I think she really has a great visual aspect of each bug, flower, and scene.
How long have you been writing?
I started a small private poetry journal when I was little and I have always loved words. I have written songs as well. My deceased father was a very unique writer as well and I have a box filled with cards, notes, and poems that he gave to my mother. Maybe part of his soul is in my writings.
What do you hope readers will get from your book?
We all see so much turmoil in the news. We need to try and accept others just as we want to be accepted. And reach out to those that might be different than ourselves or lonely.
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| Author Laura St John. |
How do you think you've evolved as a writer since when you first started?
I definitely know the book production process better now. With a lot of hurdles to overcome, writing books can be very satisfying. It’s the message or the impact to the reader not just another book to sell.
What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?
I have written a third book and I hope to have it out in 2020. It is also a children’s book. I might write a series with Ladybug Lace and Mr. Roach in different situations focusing on varied topics that I feel need to be explored. I also may write an autobiography one day. I hope to be on the best-seller list many times over and would love to have a children’s 30-minute TV show be made out of my books.
How have your readers responded to the book so far?
Very well. Parents are saying that their kids won’t put the book down and want to keep reading it over and over. Teachers and libraries are having me come do their kid’s story time. Kids like the bugs!! And now, people aren’t so afraid of roaches ☺
The Christmas House is having a big impact on families reading it as a traditional holiday story like Twas the Night Before Christmas. People are placing it on the coffee table to have it out during the holiday season for continuous reading.
Is there any aspect of writing you don't like?
Not too fond of grammar. I am okay at grammar. My husband did the CLEP exam for grammar so he is one of my editors that previews my work.
I’m more of the creative type and to me grammar is not that creative. It’s more cut and dry – many rules.
What do you have in mind for your next project?
A book about a character that I created called The Alphabet Chef. “She” is like Mrs. Doubtfire on steroids…that is how I describe her. She teaches young minds about healthy eating. Fruits & vegetable mainly. My next book will be about her.
Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
When reading it, think about the people in your own life that may be a Ladybug Lace (lonely or too pretty or rich that people feel disconnected). Or maybe like Mr. Roach (feeling down about themselves or rejected because of looks or a handicap of some sort). After reading my book, make some kind of action. Reach out. Make the world a better place.
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