Author Interview with Rocio Monroy

This Week’s Featured Author Interview

is with Rocio Monroy

Hi, Rocio Monroy, welcome to the Indie Publishing Group website. Introduce yourself to us. Tell everyone who you are, where you’re from, what do you enjoy doing, hobbies and interests.

Hello, my name is Rocio and I am a children’s author. I am from Mexico, but I live in Missouri, USA. I spend a lot of time reading, visiting libraries, and writing stories to help make this world a better place. When I am not writing, I like to swim. I’ve been swimming ever since I was five years old. It helps me relax and think about new projects.

When did you start writing and why?

After I had my first child, I found myself depressed and with nothing to do but to care for him. I have always been an active person, so it was really hard for me to just stay at home. One day, I decided to write about how I was feeling at the moment, and I liked how it made me feel. It helped me cope with postpartum depression. Not so long after that, I started writing stories for my son.

Which is your favorite book you have written and what gave you the idea for it?

I would definitely say Paisley The Goat. This story actually started with a dog as the main character. My dog Rex gave me the idea for this story because he is always tossing and turning at night. When my first draft was ready, I was told that there were already many stories about dogs and that I should write the same story but with another kind of animal. So, after a lot of thinking, I decided that a goat would make a very special character since they are so funny and peculiar.

How did you come up with the title for your book?

I like the name, Paisley. It was a name that was stuck in my head. It all came together at the end. A goat + the name Paisley and then BOOM! Paisley The Goat was born.

Who helped you with the cover? Or did you design it yourself? What was your inspiration for your cover design?

Eugene Ruble who has illustrated numerous children’s books for Guardian Angel Publishing, was the one who illustrated my book and designed the cover. He has more than 40 years of experience, so I let the master work his magic.

I think he did an amazing job with Paisley the goat.

What are some of the themes of your story?

Paisley the goat is a counting book. Throughout the story, Paisley finds items that she counts and by the time she reaches ten, she is relaxed enough to fall asleep. This book is perfect as a wind down time read, that reinforces numbers one to ten.

What’s your process when you sit down and decide to start writing a book? What is your process, and do you have a system?

First of all, I collect ideas. I write down every idea in a notebook, then when I feel that I have enough, I start writing on my computer. At first nothing makes sense, but eventually it starts looking like a story. It takes time and dedication, but when you see that something that was part of your imagination has turned into a manuscript ready to get published, then it is all worth it.

Who are some of your favorite characters and why?

Jo March from Little Women. She sets her mind on becoming a writer. She never gives up and at the end she gets her first book published. To me, she is a very inspirational character. Sara Crewe from A little princess is also one of my favorite characters. She never lets people see how hurt she is, on the contrary, she always carries herself with dignity and never forgets that she is a little princess.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

J.K. Rowling, definitely. J.R.R Tolkien. Louisa May Alcott. Carolyn Meyer, and Leo Leonni.

Have you got anything you’re working on now?

I’ve been working on folktales. There are so many folktales and legends from Mexico that I would like to write about them all and show them to the world.

If you could have any super powers what would they be?

Flying. I would fly high up in the air and sit on a cloud to have a peaceful place to write.

If you could travel to any location in the world where would you go?

I would travel to London. I love its history. I would like to know more about Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I, and Mary Stuart. So, I would go to every museum and Castle. And I would also go to King Cross Station, of course.

Where do you hope to be in 5 years’ time?

I hope to be in a big bookstore making a presentation and signing books for kids.

Thanks so much for taking the time to do an author interview, Rocio Monroy! Take a minute and check Rocio Monroy out on the links below. Rocio Monroy’s book, Paisley The Goat, is available now on Amazon!