I want to thank and welcome good friend and
wonderful children’s author, David Chuka for sharing his personal writing
journey with us on my blog today. David’s series The Fartastic Adventures of Billy and Monster and his other non-fiction
books can be purchased from Amazon.
So
let’s get this interview rolling! How long have you been writing, David?
As a children’s book author, I’ve been actively
writing for the last two years. I’ve been writing non-fiction stuff longer than
that.
Only
two years? Quite prolific, I might say! Where did you get your idea and
inspiration to write The Fartastic
Adventures of Billy and Monster series?
The idea for the first book in the series came early
one morning on Boxing Day 2012. The entire house was quiet and instead of lying
in bed counting imaginary sheep, I crawled out of bed, grabbed my pen and pad
and went to the kitchen. With an empty page staring at me, I began to imagine
this little boy who’s an only child and creates this Monster character to serve
as a brother and friend. They do everything together and have loads of fun.
There’s just one problem. Monster farts a lot and everyone blames Billy for it.
I completed the first draft in about 90 minutes. With the good reviews that
accompanied the book’s publication and a nudge from a friend, I’ve gone on to
write three more books in the series. Book Five is coming out this summer and
it’s titled ‘Billy and Monster Meet the President.’
I
want to know was in your coffee that morning for you to produce a draft in 90
minutes! What sets The Fartastic
Adventures of Billy and Monsterseries apart from other books in the same
genre?
I believe the books in this series are different
from most books because in spite of the shenanigans Billy and Monster get up to
in each episode, there is always a lesson with good moral values weaved into
the story. Parents and grandparents have informed me that they enjoy reading
the Billy and Monster books with their loved ones.
It’s
certainly good to have parents and grandparents on your side! As a children’s
author, what is your writing process?
I think for me, there has to be a big ‘What
If’ What if someone couldn’t
exercise self-control and it led them
to over-indulge? This ‘what if’ led to me
writing ‘
Billy and the Monster who Ate
All the Easter Eggs.’ What if a child disobeyed their parent because they
didn’t want to be teased by their friends? This ‘what if’ led to me writing ‘
Kojo the Sea Dragon Gets Lost.’ A ‘
What If’ scenario is always the
springboard for me to write a story.
Asking
‘what if’ is a very powerful question for a storyteller. How long does it
usually take for you to start and finish each book in The Fartastic Adventures of Billy and Monster series?
Hmmmm… that is a very interesting question.
Sometimes, like with the first book in the series, it can take me less than two
hours to have a first draft in place. Other times, like with the fourth book in
the series, it took me about a month to get the story done.
Do
you have any advice for other writers striving to write in your genre, David?
I would say to read a lot of children’s book to
familiarize yourself with what’s out there. Then I would implore them to either
innovate on what’s currently out there or perhaps take a fresh approach on a
popular theme. I see a lot of me-too books in kidlit and it’s always refreshing
to discover a new voice.
Sage
advice, David! So, what’s next for David Chuka the author?
That is a very loaded question Sharon JIn the short
term, I’ll be working with my illustrator to get the fifth Billy and Monster
book ready before July 4th. In the medium term, I’m working on
writing my first Middle Grade book. And in the long term, I have aspirations to
write a mystery thriller. Maybe things will pan out in that exact order…maybe
not.
Hopefully
your plans will all take root, David. Okay, here’s one for me, since I’m
writing a time travel series—If you could time travel anywhere into Earth’s
past, where would you go and why?
I would love to go to Egypt during biblical times. Whenever
I read the Bible or watch the Ten Commandments, I’m always fascinated by the drama
that surrounded the ten plagues that beset the Egyptians as well as the parting
of the Red Sea. I sometimes imagine closing my eyes and waking up to here and
see Moses telling Pharaoh ‘Let My People Go!’
It’s been an absolute pleasure being on your blog today
Sharon. I value and appreciate your friendship and the way you go out of your
way to make other
authors SHINE! Your blog readers can
connect with me at one of the links below. I’d love to hear from each and every
one of them!
David Chuka lives in London with his lovely wife and two
adorable children. His family are usually the first people to hear his funny
and quirky tales. He was inspired to write his first book, 'If You See a Doctor'
after he struggled to find a book for his daughter who was a beginner reader.
He's gone on to write more books including the popular
'Billy and Monster' series, a funny set of books about a little boy and his
Monster who get into all sorts of funny situations and learn about moderation,
friendship, self control, bravery etc. Young children can relate to Billy and
you'll love sharing his adventures with your children, grandchildren and loved
ones.
As a father himself, he has parents at heart when he writes.
He recognizes that bedtime has to be one of the best parts of the day for
parents and grandparents as it gives them the opportunity to bond with their
little ones. He believes you'll enjoy sharing his stories with your loved ones
at bedtime.
In David Chuka's books, you can stay rest assured that
quality and captivating images will always complement the story to ensure your
loved ones are spell-bound as you read to them. Beginner readers will also
enjoy discovering new words as they read his books.
He would like to keep you updated on what he's working on
and any giveaways he currently has on offer. Please subscribe to his newsletter
at www.davidchuka.com and you'll get a
FREE Coloring and Activity book for your loved ones.
Make sure to watch the video trailers for his most popular
books on his Amazon
Page and you'll get a little taste of why his books have garnered more than
300 glowing reviews.
He has so many stories to tell and can't wait to share them
with you and your loved ones.
S. J. Henderson is the author of the children’s book DANIEL THE DRAW-ER, as
well as several not-yet-published Young Adult novels.
