|
|
|
Interview: William Ash, Author of the 'Camilions' Personalized Children's Book Series
Published: Mon, 6 Dec 2004, 02:59 EDT
|
By Beverly West
Staff Writer, Publishers Newswire
|
|
An interview with the author of an innovative line of books which combine an original story, with a personalized child's photo, and with whimsical artwork by Richard Kinsey.
Q: Can you give us a brief description of your book?
Ash: "Camilions" is a children's fantasy that was created to bring photo-personalization to life. In a Camilions book, children are actually a part of the story, and join with the characters, and participate in an adventure, during which they'll face conflict, resolution, but mostly fun. Plus, Camilions wear disguises and share these disguises with the child that's featured in the book.
Q: Is there an underlying message that you're trying to share with children?
Ash: The main message to kids I think is about the importance of friendship. Friendship is one of life's gifts that grows in accordance with the strength of our commitment to it, and a Camilion book nurtures that understanding.
Q: Why did you want to write this book?
Ash: I visualized how fun would it be to have a book where the child can see himself/herself as the hero of the story. My greatest satisfaction is seeing children enjoying their own books.
Q: What is your background with books for kids?
Ash: I've worked on children products for nine years. And my experienced has taught me that any good children's product has to engage the imagination. Most of my experience is with fun food products. Through designed food products that capture kid's imaginations, I've gained a good working knowledge of what is or isn't fun for children.
Q: Why do you think it is important for this book to be read at this time?
Ash: We live in a time of immediate gratification. Children's books today try to compete with videos and other electronic products. I believe that a book is much more powerful in its ability to engage and nurture a child's mind.
Q: What are your hopes for this book?
Ash: I hope that this book sets the foundation for a series of Camilions stories as well as other personalized titles. Mostly I hope that kids and their parents enjoy it.
Q: What are you working on now?
Ash: I'm working on the follow up to "The Discovery at the Zoo," and a few other fun stories.
Q: Where can we buy your book?
At our online store at www.camilions.com
Q: Has self-publishing been a positive experience for you?
Ash: I've had a positive learning experience. I feel that I and others in this field are really breaking new ground. The biggest challenge is marketing and distribution.
Q: Do you have any advice for other authors?
Ash: Start small, learn and grow one sure footed step at a time. This business is not for the impatient.
* * *
William Ash has many years of experience working with consumer and media children products. Mr. Ash has spent many hours with parents and children researching the role of fantasy characters. He is the co-founder (with Marie K. Lind) of Camilions Publishing, which was created with the goal of providing young children with a unique and enriching book reading experience.
|
|
|
|
|
