Book Description:
Author's Bio:
Interview:
Jessica Tudos is an Olympian turned
educator, motivational speaker, author and creative Toronto-based mother whose
mission is to empower upside-down ninjas everywhere to be more confident and
resilient so they can lead active, healthy & creative lives. JessicaTudos.com
- When did you first realize
you wanted to be a writer?
As an Olympic gymnast who spent 10,000+ hours upside
down, I felt I had a story to tell that could be a platform from which to
engage, inspire, and entertain kids as they explore what it means to really
love something – even when it’s a bit upside down and hard for others to
understand. Kika the Upside-Down Girl a story about adventure, persistence and
courage, and for anyone who has ever jumped on their bed, bounced on a
trampoline or swung on some bars, this story is handstanding! Deciding to create the story and publish it brought
me into the world of children’s writing, a new world for me, and I am so
excited to be continuing on the journey.
- How long does it take you to
write a book?
I had the idea for this story about ten years ago –
while talking to a friend about my Olympic experience when I was a teenager. It
was a good chat and for the next 8 years nothing happened, Once I started
reading picture books to my son, I was looking for gymnastics-themed books and
realized there wasn’t one out there so I figured I better do something about
that. For the next year I thought about it and then decided that crowdfunding
was the tool I could use to self-publish. It took 4 months to plan my campaign
and I launched my 30-day campaign in Oct 2014.
On my website I
share the steps I took to raise over $11K. The key is to commit completely to
your project – live it, breathe it and love it before, during and after. It’s
not easy to ask for funding, and what I found most helpful was building a
community around Kika’s inspiring story through my upside-down photo gallery,
story swaps, live events and readings. I’m so grateful for all the support
we’ve had
- What is your work schedule
like when you're writing?
Never the same! Publishing
my book was a full process that involved my writing, working with an
illustrator on sketches and final images, picking a cover image, finding a book
designer, preparing and delivering my crowdfunding campaign, building my online
social network, etc. So all of that had to fit into my other roles of being a
mom, partner and part-time educator and speaker. Schedules are like puzzles, you work with the
pieces and make them fit!
- What would you say is your
interesting writing quirk?
I like to think, write and edit while listening to classical music
and snacking on red licorice. My work area is in the basement, where it is dark
and quiet, which I like - only my papers and computer are around me and I can
focus on my work for a few hours before taking a break.
- How do books get published?
After running a successful 10K crowdfunding campaign
to initially self-publish the book, I started sharing Kika’s message at many
events, including Toronto’s annual Reading for the Love of It Conference. After Domnizelles Publishing CEO Genevieve
Rossignol read my story at the event, she acquired Kika the Upside-Down Girl and we are now
working together to extend Kika’s message far and wide.
- Where do you get your
information or ideas for your books?
The real “get off my bum and do this” came when I
started reading to my son. I realized that there were no picture books with a
strong gymnast character in them, so I figured I could actually do something
about it – if not me, then who? I considered writing a book about a little boy
upside down, but as they say, “write what you know,” so moving forward I
decided that Kika (my nickname growing up), was going to be the main character!
7.
When did you write
your first book and how old were you?
I was 43, and my son was 2, when my first book, Kika
the Upside-Down Girl, was published
- What do you like to do when
you're not writing?
As an experiential educator, motivational speaker, mom
and partner, I do a balancing act everyday to keep everything organized and
moving forward. I love my lists and flexible work schedule which allows me to
focus more on certain tasks when need be. When I’m working on Kika the
Upside-Down Girl, I work at night after my son is asleep and in the pauses of
the day. As long as things engaging and
moving forward, I feel successful and satisfied.
- What does your family think
of your writing?
My family are my biggest fans! My son was the initial inspiration
and he loves Kika – shows me his upside-Down moves all the time. My parents are
proud and can see the connection on the bookjand my life. I am so grateful for
their support!
- What was one of the most
surprising things you learned in creating your books?
An interesting thing happened with the release of
this, my first, kids story. As I shared Kika’s empowering story with many kids
and adults, my work shifted too. I realized Kika was an inspirational force for
everyone, affecting how I teach college, motivate audiences through speaking
gigs and parenting my son. Like Kika, we all need to feel confident in who we
are and what we love to do, no matter what others think.
- How many books have you
written? Which is your favorite?
This is my first book and has to be my favourite!!! There is
something about sharing your message with the world in the form of a picture
book that is so satisfying!
- Do you have any suggestions
to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
My advice relates to getting a book project off the
ground and out into the world. Often people ask me how I did it, and I will say
this; If you have a story idea there is a way to do it! I think what really
helped me was to imagine reading my book to actual kids and parents, educators,
coaches, etc, - real people in real time. Imagining my son’s reaction was a big
motivator, I want him to know that his mom did it, and you can do it too. Stay
the course when the going gets tough; people are waiting for your story!
- Do you hear from your
readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
As the author of Kika the Upside-Down
Girl, my first kids
book about an adventurous girl who loves living upside down while the rest of
the word is pressuring her to stay right side up, one of the greatest joys has
been the discovery of so many other upside-down people all over the world! I
mean that metaphorically, as well as literally, as demonstrated by the
collection of photos sent to me at JessicaTudos,com/gallery.
As an author, you spend a lot of
time wondering whether readers will understand your story, and so when you can
communicate ideas through a visual medium like photos, you feel like there is a
universal appreciation for your story and intent, and that feels great. Photos powerfully
represent who we are and how we relate to the world.
When I asked for photos of “anyone
enjoying their upside-down life” certain pictures were to be expected - lots of
gymnasts, kids in backyards hanging from trees, moms with kids holding them up
– and then there were the surprises. The upside-down cat, the stuffed animal
who had previously been “pressured to be right side up” and the father who had
not been upside-down since he was 8!
When a grandfather from Alberta
sent in his photo of his granddaughter Abby, explaining how much she loved
gymnastics and being upside–down, I felt so proud knowing my book was making a
difference. Or when Sam from Belgium sent a picture of himself with his girls
upside-down on the couch, explaining how their love for gymnastics got him into
shape, out of an unsatisfying job and on the road to becoming a gymnastics
judge – so inspring!
The pictures not
only evoke memories and emotions in you, they also capture a moment in time, a
moment you don’t want to forget and want to share with others. On a public
website, people can view your images in a non-judgmental, safe and fun way as
well as participate in the evolution of your bok. There are also no barriers to enter - just
take a photo and send it! What started out as a way to share and
promote Kika’s story, turned into an amazing exchange between myself and an
amazing group of diverse Kika fans from all over the world!
- Do you like to create books
for adults?
I have been thinking about creating a book for adults that has a
similar message to Kika’s - finding the courage and confidence to stay the
course and do what you love - and I really want to create a unique book that is
beautiful to look at, inspiring to read and impactful for all readers. I am in the “collecting good ideas” phase
right now.
- What do you think makes a
good story?
I think a character that captivates our attention and our hearts
is the start if a great story! From
there, the colourful environments and unique adventures make us follow along
and care about what happens next – this makes a compelling read for all ages.
- As a child, what did you
want to do when you grew up?
I remember wanting to be an astronaut – I loved the idea of
floating in space and fixing things. It was mesmerizing. Little did I know that
you had to be good in physics and science, not my best subjects, so my dreams
changed in high school!
- What Would you like my
readers to know?
I’d like people to remember how hard it is to really
be yourself and stick to your guns. Kika loves living upside down despite the
pressure she feels to be right side up, like everyone else. We all feel a
version of this in life, and I’d like people who meet Kika to feel empowered to
stay the course and be confident and courageous in the face of the pressure to
conform. When one follows their true path, it is so worth it!
Tour Schedule for KIKA THE UPSIDE-DOWN GIRL
For those scheduled to do a giveaway (or who now wish to host one)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Where to buy the book:
Giveaway:
For those scheduled to do a giveaway (or who now wish to host one)
I have created a Rafflecopter giveaway.
Prizes:
Win a copy of Kika the Upside-down Girl and a $20 Amazon Gift Card (Open to USA & Canada) Ends June 20
My review;
I just finished reading the adorable book by Jessica Tudos called "Kika the Upside-Down Girl" and I really liked it's message. The author sends a much needed message to children, that they should be who they want to be. It is written directly to the child and is very easy to understand. I give this book a 5/5 and I believe this book should be in school libraries for children to read. I was given this book for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.
I just finished reading the adorable book by Jessica Tudos called "Kika the Upside-Down Girl" and I really liked it's message. The author sends a much needed message to children, that they should be who they want to be. It is written directly to the child and is very easy to understand. I give this book a 5/5 and I believe this book should be in school libraries for children to read. I was given this book for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.
I want to win because this is a motivational book.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book.People don't have to conform. They can be unique individuals.
ReplyDeleteI want to win because im a book junkie and it looks like a gread read
ReplyDeleteI would like to win because it sounds like it is a great book and I would like read it
ReplyDelete