Interview with Children's Book Authors Rachel B. Evans & Cameron J. Alvarado of The Naughty Bunny: Finds his forever home

Take a look at The Naught Bunny Website

When did you become an author?

I have been writing since I was in the 9th grade. However, once I began my undergrad program and started working professionally that is when I began assisting others with content that ended up on websites, social media platforms and publications.

Do you have a writing background?

Yes. I have a personal, academic and professional background in writing.

How did you come up with the story?

This story is actually based on my son and my experience with our pet bunny. However, I did take creative license with Tiny's back story.

How did you come up with the character?

The main characters are based on ourselves. 

How do you select names for your characters?

We just simply named them. There wasn't any special significance to their names other than knowing a few people who might have shared the same names.  

Did you hire an illustrator or do the illustrations yourself?

Yes, I hired an illustrator.

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

I am self-published.

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?

The answer to this is a bit misleading because someone would get the impression that it literally took from summer of 2016 to January of 2021 to publish a book. When I first wrote the story, it was simply an example to show my students who were having trouble coming up with creative ideas on what to write about. Over time the story turned into a desire to have it published. 

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

​I was already in the middle of writing a novel when we wrote our children's book, so the desire to publish was always there. Additionally, I thought publishing the book would be a wonderful reminder of our mother and son moments and a forever gift for my son.

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

This is a tricky question because I wish I would have known all the things that could have saved me time and money. However, those things needed to happen to me so that I would learn. We often think about getting to the goal (publishing), but we forget that there is something to be said about experiencing the journey.

Any tips for future children’s book authors?

Know for yourselves why you are writing, what do you want to accomplish with your writing and what your values are. The world is loud and there is so much information out there and people with opinions and varying schools of thought, etc. If you don't know the answers to these questions you will drown in the noise and you will allow yourself to be led down paths you never intended going down.

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

When one young reader told me he liked my book so much that he recommended it to kids at his school. :) 

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

​I would like for people to feel encouraged to be more self-reflective, to see themselves, or relate to the story in some way they find helpful.

Where do you get ideas for your stories?

I take inspiration from personal and shared experiences.

What's your writing process like?

I write my ideas down when they come to me, then I think about what direction I want to go with it and begin writing a plot summary and so I keep going from there. 

Do you have any other books in the works?

​Yes. I am working on the next book for the series as well as writing their Spanish-language versions. 

What does literary success look like to you?

Having my literary goals come to fruition. My purpose on this earth is to be of service (teaching, encouraging, supporting) and my vehicle is through my writing. Therefore, I will feel successful if my books are visible enough for people to derive insight and enjoyment from them for years to come. 

Do you read all of the book reviews you receive?

Yes

What was the hardest thing about getting your book published?

The layout. Since I was determined to self-publish, I had to teach myself as I went along. The layout gave me fits but I was able to get some assistance to help me over that hump. 

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

​That is a hard question. I loved a lot of books but I don't think that I had a favorite book of all time. I enjoy many stories and I still do today, but perhaps I didn't have a favorite of all time because no one ever looked like me in the books that were given to me or that I saw when I was a kid.