Children's Book Author Interview with Ana Lim of A Gnome’s First day of School

Buy A Gnome’s First day of School

​When did you become a children’s book author?

Been writing short stories for kids for years, but officially I would say March of 2022. I’m a late bloomer.

Do you have a writing background?

Yes, wrote short stories, blogs, articles, and more during the 2010s for magazines and local newspapers.

How did you come up with the story?

Been a big lover of all things paranormal and would listen to a podcast called Mysterious Universe in the early 2000s about ghosts, Sasquatch, dogman, and gnomes. Heard some crazy stories through there.

How did you come up with the character?

Well, my former mother-in-law had seen a gnome as a child while walking with her sister in South America. I never believed her, but over the year she never swayed from her story. I slowly started to believe her. The idea fascinated me if true, what an amazing world we truly live in.

How do you select names for your characters?

Big fan of Star Trek, that is all I’m going to say.

Did you hire an illustrator or do the illustrations yourself?

Yes, the amazing artist Max Marin.

Are you self-published or published through a publishing company?

Self-published, I did reach out to some publishing companies and one major one had interest to move forward. But I had more flexibility as a self-publisher.

From the day you came up with the idea for the story until you were holding your published book in your hand, how long did it take you to complete this book?

Four to six months.

What made you want to publish a children's book?

My daughter.

Any tips for future children’s book authors?

Editing, editing, and more editing.

​What is the best reaction from a reader, so far?

DM from Katherine W. stating her 6-year-old wanted to read it again and again for a week straight. Made me laugh.

Where do you get ideas for your stories?

Movies and documentaries spark ideas.

What's your writing process like?

​Layers and layers of writing, like building up a painting. Simply said, I enjoy writing, the process is therapeutic.

Do you have any other books in the works?

Yes, I want to continue writing about Boilmer the Gnome, write about other mythical creatures and one day do a Christmas book. I love Christmas.

What does literary success look like to you?

​Honestly, this may sound untrue but I have none. I started this whole journey because of my daughter and that hopefully one day when she has a family she can read it to her children and so on.

Do you read all of the book reviews you receive?

Hahaha, yes I do.

What is your favorite children's book(s) of all time?

The Scarecrow of OZ