An Interview with Anna Othitis
Where are you from?
I am from a lovely country Zimbabwe in Africa. My family
and I lived there all of our lives until the political situation took a toll
and got worse.
Having no other option but to relocate not knowing our
destiny and where our new adventures would take us, nervous and excited at the
same time, after our many travels far and wide we settled in USA, where our
sons had a future ahead of them.
Our youngest son Frankie, "Captain Frankie" in
our children's series "My First Travel Book" series had his dream
career and great opportunity to take up his career as a pilot which he loves
and enjoys so much, "Flying and soaring the skies like birds in flight"
just as we encourage and would like our young readers to live and take up their
dream careers.
What did you do before you became a writer?
Before I became a writer I lived in Zimbabwe where I
helped out in the family business, an accountant, a teacher and an ABA
Therapist. I loved being involved in Charitable, Non profit organizations where
I Chaired a few of the Organizations and helped raising funds for the less
fortunate African people especially in the rural areas, to assist them in
having a better life, education, food, a roof over their heads and more.
I enjoyed and loved teaching young children, more so the
Autistic children who I have a great passion for. They are special people who
deserve to be loved and taught the wonders of life tat they can enjoy. They are
no different to normal human being and ever so special and loving.
Presently I am an ABA Therapist in autism, love my work,
love my children, love teaching them and encourage these special children to
enjoy a fun filled normal life. Their talents are extremely amazing.
Did you know that famous and talented people such as
Einstein, Amadeus
Mozart- a composer and pianist -Susan Boyle, British
singer and Britain's Got Talent finalist , Tim Ellis, Australian magician and
author, Luke Jackson, author, Jerry
Newport, American author and mathematical savant, basis of the film Mozart and
the Whale, John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye - Donna Williams,
Australian author - and the list can go on, (Note the authors) had/have been diagnosed
with autism, Asperger syndrome (AS), or another condition on the autism
spectrum.
Have any of your careers or education inspired your
writing?
My career with children has inspired me but more so our
son Frankie inspired me with his career he took up. Teaching the children and
showing them the world we live in is my inspiration. Our wonderful, amazing and
inspiring earth with it's beautiful sites and creations of natural beauty that
our young generation should and taught to take care of our environment. an
important factor of our lives and their future lives and living.
"Do not spoil our beauty of the Earth and
World" is my plea to the People of the World.
What would you say is the hardest thing about writing?
For me the hardest thing about writing a children's book
is getting the illustrations done to the specifics of each destination that we
visit and show the children an illustration of the actual site and not a
cartoon type illustration. In this way one day when they do get the opportunity
to visit in their minds they will remember them as is. The rhymes and flow of
the information comes naturally.
How do you conduct research for your books?
I search the internet for the closest true information. I
have to ensure that this information is what the children will absorb when
reading "My First Travel Book" series, so they remember and be able
to give out to their teachers, friends and family.
Do you have any authors that inspire you?
I read many authors books. My favorite as a child and in
my children's youth were the Ladybird series - "Ladybird Children's
Classics"
We had loads of fun and learning with this collection of
children's books.
How did you get published?
I initially published my first book with a publisher
which cost me a lot of money. Through the Facebook groups I learnt that I could
self publish my books. This I enjoyed and learnt a lot on my own. LionheART
Publishing House a dear professional author friend went on to publish them for
me, edit my books and have my illustrations done in a professional manner. She
produced and produces wonderful work.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
That they should take pride in their work and always stay
focused, keep writing. Keep their dreams alive and never be disheartened.
Every author has a story to tell and a dream that comes
true.
Who is your greatest supporter?
My husband and sons together with a dear friend who
encourage me and support me through this wonderful venture.
Mostly Frankie "Captain Frankie" our pilot of
"Angelic Airlines" who takes the children to so many wonderful
destinations, teaching them and inspiring them through my books "My First
Travel Book" series.
Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans?
To my fans and wonderful special children, not forgetting
their parents and families - Thank you for your wonderful support and thank you
for flying with us and hope that you have enjoyed your travels from the comfort
of your own homes.
Keep reading, stay inspirational and keep learning and
education yourselves there is nothing more precious that knowledge in your
lives.
"Reading is Knowledge and Education" -
"Books are the keys to our future and our past"
“There are many little ways to enlarge your child's
world. Love of books is the best of all.”
- Jacqueline Kennedy “There is more treasure in books than in all the
pirate's loot on Treasure Island.” -
Walt Disney
What is next for you?
I have more books in this series that I am still working
on and hope to publish in the next few months. Now that I have a lovely grand
daughter, Annamaria in our family, a first time grand mother my aim, mission
and focus is to teach and educate her the best I can and to let her know that
these children's books will be a part of her life and many other children's
lives, especially our beautiful autistic children out there that always want to
learn more.
Children have curious little minds with amazing memories,
they are our little sponges who absorb and remember so much.
Purchase Links:
Connect with Anna Online!
- Amazon author page
- Booksamillion
- Pintrest
- Google + Page
- Webpage
- YouTube
- Goodreads
- About me
No comments:
Post a Comment