Interview of Amanda Gray Author of Dave is Brave

Dave is Brave

Copyright: Amanda Gray 2009
ISBN: 978-0-646-51763-6
Price: AUD $14.95 (RRP)
Format ebook, paperback, hardback, CD: Paperback
Genre/age group/type of publication: Children’s picture book, ages 3-7 years.

Dave is Brave is the first book in the Learn to be Buddies series. This is a series of picture books written like social stories for children of all abilities aged between 3 and 7 years. The series will use realistic pictures and true-to-life storylines to demonstrate specific values or social skills in a fun and engaging way. Dave is Brave tells the story of Dave as he stands up to Golly, who is being a rough.

“Golly was a bully when he didn’t act like a friend.”

Dave stands up tall and says, “Stop!” showing children how to be assertive without being aggressive. When Golly realizes how his behavior has affected others, he says, “Sorry.” demonstrating the reparation of friendships. The story ends with everyone playing happily together.

Amanda Gray

www.learn2bebuddies.blogspot.com
www.learn2bebuddiesDOTcom.au

amandagATlearn2bebuddies.com.au

Amanda Gray is a Special Education teacher. She currently works at the University of Newcastle (Australia) educating undergraduate teachers about inclusive practice. Before coming to the University, Amanda worked in schools and early learning centers, where she developed a passion for supporting children experiencing emotional or social difficulties. The Learn to be Buddies series was born out of this passion. To date, Amanda has had a number of articles and a play published in Explore, a Pearson Education children’s magazine. Dave is Brave is her first children’s book.

AMANDA GRAY INTERVIEW

Aday: How have you promoted your book?

Amanda: I first began by setting up a website – which was a big learning curve for me. But it has been a good platform to disseminate information. To let people know about the website, I started by sending out paper newsletters to schools, preschools, early intervention services and therapists for children with disabilities. I also began blogging and connecting with other bloggers. This led to connections on social networking sites, with most interest coming from my many Twitter and Facebook friends and fans. But I have also used more traditional methods, with several appearances on local radio and an editorial in a local paper (all free). I also pop a mail order form and professionally printed postcard into each book I sell as I find that word of mouth recommendations are the most effective sales tool.

Aday: How did you identify your audience?

Amanda: In writing the book I had a general sense that the book could be used for all young children, but especially for those children who needed explicit instruction in social skills. It quickly became evident as I publicized the book that those most interested in the Learn to be Buddies series were families and services supporting children with Autism. Though regular schools and preschools are purchasing the book to support anti-bullying education, it is from people connected with Autism that I have received the most feedback about Dave is Brave.

Aday: Your background lends credibility to your book. How can someone attain trust when they lack a formal education?

Amanda: I think that credibility comes with personal experience as well as a formal education. For example, if you write about your experiences you have as much credibility as a person with a degree on the subject. But in both cases we need to avoid “preaching” or talking as though we have all the answers, as both personal experience and formal education has its limits.*smile*

Aday: What market do you want to penetrate most? How are you attempting to do it?

Amanda: I would love Dave is Brave to go where it is needed most. I have always been passionate about helping families support their children in learning social skills, so I would love to spread the word to parents. I began with schools. Now a number of playgroups have heard about the book. In the near future, I am hoping to juggle my commitments at University with visiting schools, playgroups and libraries to read to children and/or their parents. I would then send information about Dave is Brave home with them. This information could be in something as simple as a bookmark. I am also hoping to develop a fundraising scheme for schools, playgroups and preschools, whereby they receive a percentage of the profit from sales.

Aday: How did you determine the activities and lessons in your teacher’s guide?

Amanda: When working with my illustrator, each picture was carefully designed to reflect a particular skill that I wanted children to learn from the book. So the facial expressions, body language and positioning of the characters all contributed to shaping the activities and lesson guides. The two games were designed based on the growing audience for the book. The Feelings Game was designed based on the importance of helping children with Autism understand and interpret facial expressions and emotions. The How are You Feeling?! Board Game focuses on the development of coping skills, a key element of helping children to be resilient in the face of difficulties such as bullying.

Aday: What piece of advice would you give a writer about promoting their book(s)?

Amanda:

1. Start small – friends and family, work networks and small newsletter runs can start people buzzing about the book.
2. Only do it if you are passionate about the subject – if you believe in what you are doing it is much easier to get others to believe in it, too.
3. Be humble and not too pushy - listen and take on board feedback, but don’t take it personally. Not everyone will love your book.
4. Focus on your target audience – don’t try to please everyone and establish your credibility with those who will like your book.
5. Be prepared to give away a few books. *smile*

BE SURE & COME BACK ON 11-12-2009 TO LEARN OF THE WAYS AMANDA GRAY HAS PROMOTED HER BOOK & SUGGEST A FEW NEW AVENUES FOR HER TO EXPLORE & TO READ A REVIEW.