STEPHANIE FARIS - CUTE CHILDREN'S AUTHOR - PART 2

Ironically, the last time we met the very funny Stephanie Faris was on my birthday in August 2015,

and that's the same month she'll be releasing two brand new books this year in 2016. In addition, she'll release Piper Morgan to the Rescue in November. I met Stephanie via someone else's blog and we've been hanging out on the blogosphere ever since.  When visiting Stephanie's blog, you're going to get a really hilarious view on everyday things that happen in life, and some of the things she discusses have me laughing out loud. AND, she writes children's novels! Yay - let's get to this juicy interview and blurb!

Piper helps some four-legged friends find the perfect home in the third book of the brand-new Piper Morgan series.

Piper is super excited to help out at Bark Street, a local animal shelter in town. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by adorable puppies and dogs all day? And when Piper sees Taffy, the cutest dog she has ever seen, Piper is determined to find a way to bring Taffy home. But it won’t be easy—especially when she finds out someone else wants to make Taffy a part of their family, too!

1.  In August, the best month of the year because that's when I was born (lol), you'll be releasing two new children's novels.  Piper Morgan in Charge and Piper Morgan Joins the Circus.  Did you plan to do that, and is it difficult to release two books on the same date?

The publisher handles all of that, but I believe the logic is that many kids will buy both books at once. I think marketing will be tricky in some ways, but easier in many others. If I have an event, for instance, I can promote both books and maybe even sell both at the same time. I’m currently trying to figure out how to do a postcard that includes both books without confusing schools and libraries.

2.  Do you actually know someone like Piper?

She reminds me quite a bit of my niece, who everyone says is very much like I was at that age. It’s hard not to think back to how you were as a child and try to get back into that mindset.

3.  You live in Nashville, so have you ever tried any of their super famous and extra spicy fried chicken?

I don’t like anything spicy, but I have heard we’re known for that! I don’t like sweet tea or grits, either, so I may have my “Southerner” card revoked!

4.  What guilty treat do you like to eat all the time?

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! It’s definitely my weakness.

5.  Is it true that you actually have NO print novels at home?  Say it isn't so! (lol)

I think I have some packed away in storage somewhere. I have hundreds of books on my Kindle. It’s so hard for me to read print novels on my treadmill because turning pages is a nightmare, so I switched to Kindle several years ago. I love the fact that I can download a novel and start reading it immediately. Plus, how fun is it to pre-order a book and have it magically show up on your Kindle on release day? It’s like the gift you forgot you were getting.

6.  How do you handle writer's block?

I’ve personally found if I’m stuck, there are two great ways to get the wheels turning: take a shower or go for a walk. I think walking helps get oxygen flowing, which improves blood flow to the brain. I’ve yet to figure out the scientific reason behind getting great ideas in the shower.

7.  You maintain your own blog, write in other places, and still have time to write books.  How do you keep everything so balanced?

I have no idea! Honestly, I think being able to switch between writing my books, writing fun stuff for my blog, and writing about technology and business for my clients keeps it all fresh. Otherwise, I’d probably get burned out.

8.  What are you watching on television these days?

At this very moment I’m watching a series on Netflix called Forensic Files. Crime and murder. It doesn’t fit very well with children’s writing, does it? If you checked back with me tomorrow, I’d probably be watching something like The Wonder Years, though. I think my interest in crime ties into my interest in human nature and what makes people tick.

9.  What 3 items would you take on a deserted island?

My Kindle (of course), my MacBook, and a big bag of chocolate! Without electricity or Wi-Fi, those first two things wouldn’t work very well for long, though. Maybe I do need print books, after all.

10.  LOL! Can we expect more children's novels in the next five years?

I sure hope so! I’m writing, writing, writing, so fingers crossed!

Thanks so much for taking time out of such a busy schedule to chat with us.  We love you, your books and your view on stuff.  'Til next time!.  Be sure to visit Stephanie here:

Website

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Now, in celebration of hanging out with Stephanie, here's a chocolate treat from Real Simple Magazine!

CHOCOLATE TOPPED CRISPY BARS

INGREDIENTS

1. 2tablespoons unsalted butter
2. 110-ounce bag marshmallows
3. 6cups rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
4. 12ounces chocolate

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large saucepan, over medium-low heat, melt the butter and marshmallows, stirring until smooth, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the cereal and stir until coated and combined. Press into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
2. Roughly chop the chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl set over (but not in) a saucepan of gently simmering water. Spread the chocolate evenly over the rice mixture.
3. Cover and refrigerate 45 minutes. Cut into 24 squares.

It seems hard to imagine but the novel Frankenstein written in 1818, was based on a competition between  21 year-old Mary Shelley, her hubby and a family friend to see who could come up with the scariest story.