Today is the very first interview on my kid's and young adults only section. I welcome Robert McFarland author of SNUGG THE BUG IN A RUG, and Rama Dixit, the artist of the beautiful cover.
Robert, tell us what inspired you to write a children's story?
Dale, this story began 25 years ago. The words Snugg the bug in a rug, popped into my head. I thought this would make for a great children’s story. I wrote the words down and sent a registered letter to myself, as a copyright protection. I then spent a year looking for a writer to buy the idea from me. Having no success, the letter got put away and forgotten. About 5 years ago, I was going through some papers and came across the registered letter addressed to me. I realized that it was the words Snugg the bug in a rug.
I was cleaning theatres at night, and I told a co-worker my idea and she encouraged me to write a story around those words. I would sit in my car, at a local Mall, nearby, with a coffee and pen and pepper. Within two weeks the characters had been named and a storyline conceived. I have always written poetry, for as long as I can remember, so the rhyming was a natural fit for this book.
Any more SNUGG books on the agenda?
I would like to add another book around Snugg and his friends, however as I am self-publishing and promoting and selling book on my own as this aspect is all consuming at the moment. I am sure there is another Snugg story waiting to be told
Are you planning on writing more children books outside of SNUGG?
I actually have a few ideas around writing more children’s stories, outside of Snugg.
Thank you, Robert for being here!
Thank you Dale for the interest and support you have shown to Rama and I.
Rama, your work is amazing. What inspired you to get into children art?Thank you Dale ! I’m glad everyone liked my illustrations.
I don’t know where did this exactly start ! Maybe I’ve kept that child alive in me even today & that’s how it got me into illustrating children’s books. Children’s Art/books are like a world of fantasy belonging to the children. I guess I started specializing in children's illustration during the 90's.
Secondly…I think, reaching children's emotions was a big challenge for me.
One needs a certain temperament & most of all an urge to keep that child alive in you,
all through your life...! It’s a fantastic experience to create children’s art, within the parameters of the given manuscript. My constant effort is to bring a smile on every child’s face.
Any other projects on the horizon?
Right now, I’m doing a Cover-Art for the Thynks Publication to be precise. But yes, other than that, I’m in talks with a few authors and publishers too. And since I love the characters of Robert McFarland’s SNUGG book, I would like to see them continue with their adventures! I hope Robert gets the clue and maybe start writing a second book on SNUGG! Hahahaa….
It was great having you here.
Oh…Thank you so much for having me too!
It was great talking to you. Much love to you and the readers!
