Children's Book Author Interview with Steven Joseph of Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles, and Lots and Lots of Noodles

Author of:
The Last Surviving Dinosaur: The TyrantoCrankaTsuris
A Grownup Guide to Effective Crankiness: The CrankaTsuris Method
Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles, and Lots and Lots of Nooodles

Coming in 2023:
- A Snoodle, The Zoodle Kidoodles, and One Happy Shmoodle: A Wackadoodle Tale
from Outer Space
- Cranky Superpowers: Life Lessons Learned from the Common CrankaTsuris
Chronicles

Website: stevenjosephauthor.com

When did you become a children’s book author?

2019 with the release of The Last Surviving Dinosaur

Do you have a writing background?

I am an attorney during the day, and have written articles on negotiation and various legal issues.

How did you come up with the story?

With the Snoodles book, I just finished writing a blog “Cooking Class CrankaTsuris”, and had both noodles in my head, and somebody brought over homemade kimchi which was rather stinky, and made me cranky. I then came up with the idea of cars running on stinky sauerkraut being replaced by a car that ran on noodles which brought joy to everyone!

How did you come up with the character?

I was thinking of some white coat professor as one main character, and another character that was more of a Used Car Salesperson type.

How do you select names for your characters?

Just has to rhyme with “noodles”. There is so much to choose from!

Did you hire an illustrator or do the illustrations yourself?

I have the brilliant Andy Case from Nottingham, England! The most fun collaboration ever!

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

Hybrid. I have used Archway and Mascot Books to help me along the journey.

​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?

About 9 months.

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

I had a story that I wrote. People thought it was funny and thought it would be a great children’s book.

What is one thing you wish you knew before beginning your book publishing journey?

I like to say how to market and sell books. But if I knew everything about that, I may have decided not to write one.

Any tips for future children’s book authors?

Get your own illustrator that you love, and create the best relationship you will ever have. Also, remember that it is not about making money. It is about making you.

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

The Doctor Seuss comparisons. A most recent review said I was Dr. Seuss on steroids!

What is something you’d like people to take away from your book(s)?

​You should never be afraid to move your world. That is what I sign in my books.

Where do you get ideas for your stories?

Everyday life. Thoughts popping up in my long distance runs. Thinking of a character or characters, and allow them to talk.

What's your writing process like?

I will run for two hours in the morning. Things get written in my head when I run. I come back home, and copy what was written inside my head.

Do you have any other books in the works?

I am very excited about my next two. “A Snoodle, the Zoodle Kidoodles, and One Happy
Schmoodle: A Wackadoodle Tale from Outer Space” and “Cranky Superpowers: Life Lessons Learned from the Common CrankaTsuris Chronicles”

What does literary success look like to you?

My books are rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. The Complete Works of Shakespeare is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars. So, I am ahead of Shakespeare, and I am Dr. Seuss on steroids. I guess I am doing ok!

Do you read all of the book reviews you receive?

Yes. I actually like it when there may be some criticism I agree with. It helps me in my process.

What was the hardest thing about getting your book published?

Getting really close to completion, and then you have to wait for the release date.

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

Lynn Messinger’s Tacky the Penguin series is on the top of the list.