Author Interview with Helen Hipp
I’m interviewing Helen Hipp today, author of children’s book “A Different Kind of Safari”. Thanks to the author for answering my interview questions, and welcome to my blog.
Author Interview
1.When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I cannot say that becoming a writer was anything I felt destined to do nor have I thought about making a living by writing. However, I do enjoy writing and as with every project, I work very hard to create something that I am proud to share and put my name on.
2. Where did you get the inspiration for A Different Kind of Safari?
The inspiration began in Africa when my family spotted a pod of hippos and one was pink. My son fourteen at the time immediately named her “Rosie”. Curious and wanting to learn more about this hippo my family asked the guide many questions about hippos and hippo behavior. Specifically I wanted to know why she stood so far outside of her pod? The familiarity of the guides answer took me by surprise, he explained that “Rosie” was tolerated but not necessarily accepted by the herd because of her differences. As a parent of a child with special needs I immediately felt inspired to weave this experience into a children’s story that celebrates differences and helps children understand themselves and others.
3. What is your editing process like?
I like to start my projects by free writing as it allows me a gateway to keep my creative juices flowing. Only after that part of the process do I begin the editing process.
4. What was the most challenging part of writing this book?
For me there are two primary steps that are part of my writing process. First is the idea and second is putting the idea on paper. It is the very start of the second step that I find my difficult but I have to say it usually does not last to long.
5. Did you set any writing goals for 2014? Did you reach the goals?
During 2014 my focus has been on marketing my work and my writing continues without time constraints.
6. Are you working on something now? If so, can you tell us a little about it?
I am currently working on a writing project that is meant to assist adults with feelings of personal loss.
A Different Kind of Safari
Title: A Different Kind of Safari
Author: Helen Hipp
Genre: Children’s Books
Has a book ever changed your life? Not just inspired you but helped you to see you’re life differently? In a tale that celebrates differences “A Different Kind of Safari” addressing the many questions life asks by offering up lighthearted, ever-changing perspectives that transform personal challenges into opportunities. Engaging and fun young children begin to figure out how they are the same and different from other people, and how they feel about the differences. Full of fun and enjoyable teachable moments that move children and allow them to make personal connections with the characters handling of similar fears, interests, and concerns that they experience.
Author Bio
Helen Hipp’s experience raising a special needs child led her to an M.A. in clinical psychology and certification as a life coach. She began her career as a psychotherapist to help people find answers for their life problems. Her work eventually evolved into a coaching practice, WithinU Life Coaching, focusing on individuals with special needs and their families. Helen uses her 13+ years of counseling experience and 20+ years’ experience as a successful advocate for individuals with special needs by helping them reveal their innate ability to solve difficult situations. Her debut book ” A Different Kind of Safari” puts into words the essence of Helen’s teachings addressing the many questions life asks by offering up lighthearted, ever-changing perspectives that transform personal challenges into opportunities.
Links
For more information, visit the books official website and to see a picture of the real Rosie the real life pink hippo that inspired this story, go to www.adifferentkindofsafari.
Award Winning Book trailer: http://youtu.be/5vd_
Buy the Book:
A Different Kind Of Safari | Hardcover
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-different-kind-of-safari-helen-c-hipp/1115058594?ean=9780989013406
A Different Kind Of Safari | Hardcover
A Different Kind Of Safari | Audio Book
http://www.audible.com/pd/Kids/A-Different-Kind-of-Safari-Audiobook/B00FWXPS2U