One of the best things about writing is the people you meet and befriend along the journey. Today, I’m thrilled to welcome writerly friend and all-round dynamo, Jaquelyn Muller!!! 
When she isn’t doing booky stuff, Jaquelyn’s highly active imagination morphs into over ambitious Christmas decorations, that never quite look like the picture, grand plans for her small but rather barren vegetable garden, nerdy project ideas for her daughters’ homework and innovative cooking techniques for vegetarian food, (seriously mum, who puts lentils in bolognaise?).
What was your inspiration for ELIZABETH ROSE ON PARADE?
It was less about inspiration and more about demand. The first Elizabeth Rose book, ‘I Love You 5 Lollipops’, created a wave of love for the character. Parents, kids and teachers kept asking if I would do another one (they didn’t have to push too hard, I was dying to go back to the circus). As the first book had a numeracy thread to it, I thought it would be fun to look at phonics and discover words that rhymed with ‘Rose’.
How long did it take from spark of inspiration until you held your gorgeous book in your hand?
Fifteen months. I started drafting ideas during my daughter’s dance lesson which was the perfect place to get inspiration about a family who lives in a travelling circus!
What would you like to do in a circus? I’m guessing you don’t suffer from coulrophobia. I do, I’m terrified of clowns.
I speak sparkle, so I would have to say a showgirl! The idea of wearing sequins, a cape and a feathered headdress is just too irresistible. Sadly, it sounds like I am going to have to tell Bubbles his invite to the book launch has been lost in the mail if I expect you to turn up.
What were your three favourite books as a child?
Anne of Green Gables, so it makes sense that I ended up with a fiery red head with freckles for a daughter.
Where the Wild Thing Are. You can imagine my delight when I turned up at Malvern library for story time during book week to find the children’s specialist dressed up as Max!
Helen Keller’s Teacher. The commitment of Annie Sullivan to open up Helen Keller’s world to lead her to become one of the most revered women’s historical figures, was astounding. I think I read that book more than 50 times.
The illustrations are absolutely lovely. How did you find Kathryn Zammit your illustrator?
Literally a twist of fate. I met Kathryn via a business associate! I took one look at her portfolio of work and I knew that we would find Elizabeth Rose hiding or cartwheeling somewhere in there. What has developed is one of the loveliest working relationships I have had. Kathryn and I were almost sad when this last book finished as it brought an end to our regular production meetings. We are definitely keen to keep working together. When something brings you such enjoyment and satisfaction there seems to be little reason to stop. We feel that the books convey the joy of working together.
Did you do the design of your book yourself?
I did all the art direction, but handed the layout and design over to an actual designer. Even I can’t multi-skill to that degree!
Where were the books printed?
I had the books printed in China after I visited Shanghai last year for the Children’s Book Fair.
Why did you choose China, and was this easy to arrange?
Cost and book quality were the drivers. I have a very clear vision for the standards I have in production, but you need to factor in the cost. Luckily for me I have friends and associates who have printed in China, so I was able to seek out some sound advice. Having said that it was still a huge learning curve, but so long as your production schedule is realistic, particularly the first time you do it, then it can be quite straight forward. I think the hardest part was getting them from the dock in Melbourne to my house! I highly recommend using an import broker and do your homework on costs, tax and delivery charges when comparing printers.
How do you distribute your book?
Dennis Jones and Associates are a book distributor who sell my book into books stores and libraries across Australia. Ingram Content Group distribute my book internationally via a range of online bookstores like UK Book Depository and Amazon.
What do you find the best ways to promote your work?
It really is a combination of many things. Social media has allowed me to start conducting workshops in schools and libraries, write articles for blogs as well as my own, write book reviews for other authors on book review websites as well as work with childhood literacy projects and community groups. Ongoing activity in the areas that you are passionate about will always convey who you are and in turn the work you produce. It’s a marathon not a sprint so it’s lucky I am a runner!
When can we expect your next book? No resting in the writing world, Jaquelyn!
I would like to see another Elizabeth Rose picture book released next year, along with the first of her first reader chapter books. I also have two other picture books that are unrelated to Elizabeth Rose that I look forward to ripping out of bubble wrap. That feeling just doesn’t get old.
What is your advice for other aspiring writers?
Get a clear vision for what sort of author you want to be (which should be mostly driven by what you love to write). This helps to keep you focussed on what you need to be doing. It is very easy to get caught running in circles thinking you have to do everything. This will have you exhausted and frustrated within six months.
Who are the authors in your genre that you most admire? What sort of experience do you want to create when people interact with you?
Understanding your brand as an author will help you make decisions and direct your activity accordingly.
Without question join a relevant author association or writers group and go to some of their local gatherings that allow you to meet other authors. I have met some wonderful people that have become mentors and friends who have helped me better understand what I am trying to achieve in my writing career. Learning from other’s experiences and sharing stories is so important for what is quite an isolating career path.
Finally, celebrate the small achievements along the way, whether it is muddling through tricky text or receiving fan mail from a six year old! Thousands of people say how one day they will write a book but never pen a sentence. The fact that you start, finish, publish one book or 50, puts you ahead of the curve, so raise your glass for heaven’s sake and have a dance if you want to….no one’s looking remember, you’re a writer!
To buy a personally autographed copy of ELIZABETH ROSE ON PARADE go to
http://www.jmullerbooks.com/shop/
Blog: www.jmullerbooks.com
L: linkedin.com/in/jaquelynmuller
FB: www.facebook.com/jmullerbooks
Hi Julie, it is an adorable book!
Chris, it is a lovely, lovely book. Thank you for visiting!
intheirownwrite, Jaquelyn is indeed a generous person. Glad you liked the interview.
Melanie, I really appreciated how sharing Jaquelyn is of her knowledge.
Missie K, I thought the advice about celebrating the small achievements was great. So often I forget to do this. And doesn’t Jaquelyn sound a sneaky mum with those smuggled in lentils.:)
Karen, you’ll have to check out Elizabeth Rose. It is a lovely book.
Kaye, it is a gorgeous book. I really enjoyed reading Jaquelyn’s advice too.
Hello everyone, thank you for taking the time to read my interview with Alison and I am glad that some of my experiences have been helpful. If you have any further questions for me or you would like to get in touch about how to buy the book you can contact me at jaquelyn.muller@gmail.com
Wonderful interview with Jacquelyn and the book looks adorable, I can see my 3 year old loving it. We will have to check it out.
Congratulations, on this gorgeous new book, Jacquelyn. Thank you for sharing your journey and to Alison for her questions. I’ll look out for Elizabeth Rose.
Thanks, Jacquelyn, for sharing your writing and publishing journey so generously and to Alison, for asking such relevant questions.
A lovely interview and good advice. Thank you Alison and Jaquelyn.
It looks like a gorgeous book & thank you for this interview. I love the tip about celebrating the small achievements. Oh, and I put lentils in bolognaise sauce…
Thanks Alison for interviewing Jacquelyn.
Love the look of Elizabeth Rose -too cute,
AND I learned so much about her creative process, printing in China and distributing internationally,
Great practical advice. … Karen Tyrrell 🙂
Thanks Alison for interviewing Jacquelyn. Love the look of Elizabeth Rose -too cute,
AND I learned so much about her creative process, printing in China and distributing internationally, Great practical advice. … Karen 🙂
Thanks Alison and Jaquelyn for this interview. Lots of good advice and the book looks lovely. Look forward to reading about Elizabeth Rose (my daughter is Rose Elizabeth).