Book: Earth Allies

Earth Allies by V.A Farria

vafarriawritings.com

email – vafarria@gmail.com

wolfke74.cleanfolio.com/

Email – liesbeth.swenne@gmail.com

I had the pleasure to make the front and back cover for this book, also a little treat inside. It has been a journey to make all these drawings and under the guidance by my good friend Vanessa, I made these drawings with guided colors. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did. I think it is a story for the family.

I am also creating this page to ask you to sponsor this incredible gifted writer, so that her dream can come true. Publishing this story in hardcover. You can buy this e-book on: Amazon.com

Book description: While walking through the forest one day, Ethan encounters two fairy creatures. This encounter turns his life upside down. Ethan joins with the fairies in a race against time to change the course of a global pending doom.

Fantasy, middle-grade short story for ages 9-12.

Upcoming: Interview with the Author

What are your ambitions for your writing career?

Vanessa: I see myself writing more books. I can’t say how many or how often but, I plan to write when I’m compelled to spread a message. I have a few ideas and a message for future writings. In fact, I have already started on another book. It’s a slow process because I want it to evolve into the story that needs to be told.

Which writers inspire you?

Vanessa: I can’t say that any one writer inspires me. I enjoy reading a variety of works by various authors with their own unique writing styles.

In response to your question – my esoteric beliefs and my need to spread a message of love inspired me to write Earth Allies.

So, what have you written?

Vanessa: I haven’t written much. I’m a novice. Through the years I’ve written a few poems. One of my poems, Lonely Heart, is published in the Silent Journey, a compilation by the International Library of Poetry. I wrote a short story for my youngest daughter, Lacee’s Back Yard Adventure. I may reinvent it and publish it as an e-book.

Presently I’m preparing my e-book, Earth Allies for publication. It’s a short story for kids ages 9 to 13. Earth Allies is about a young boy who joins with fairies to prevent a worldwide disaster. If all goes according to plan Earth Allies will be published this year. I am going to independently publish and the process from beginning to end could take up to three months, which is great. If I were to traditionally publish my book it could take as long as eighteen months before it is actually published.
Where can we buy or see them?

Vanessa:

Earth Allies is available as an e-book on Amazon.com/US; Amazon.com/UK; Amazon.com/CA; and Amazon.com/AU.

My poem, Lonely Heart, is published in the The Silent Journey, a compilation by the International Library of Poetry. It’s also on Amazon.

Give us insight into your main character.

Vanessa: Eleven year old Ethan is the main character. He is somewhat of a loner. Ethan is very loving and compassionate. He helps is mother with his litter sister and chores around the house. He is also a good friend. Because of his loving nature and pure heart he possesses the ability to facilitate a remarkable event.

What genre is your book and what draws you to it?

Vanessa: My book is fiction. I’m drawn to fiction because I can really let my imagination rule the pen. I find when I’m in that zone, my imagination takes over and writing comes easy.

Tell us about the book cover and who designed it?

Vanessa: Well, I actually have two different book covers. Initially, I asked you Lisa to create my book cover. Lisa’s art is beautiful and I knew she could capture what I wanted to convey on the cover. When I asked Lisa to do the cover, she accepted and offered her service as a gift. I was very touched by her loving, generous nature. It’s not often that I am the recipient of such a kind gesture and I am very grateful.

I had set a deadline for myself to publish my story as an e-book. As I got closer to the deadline the cover wasn’t ready. Lisa was ill and couldn’t work on the book cover. I told her to take care of herself and that I would get someone else to do the cover. I didn’t want Lisa to feel pressured to get the book cover done when she was dealing with a health issue. So, I found Digital Donna. Her work was good but it was not exactly what I wanted.

I launched the e-book last year on Amazon and soon realized I needed to change the book cover. After seeing some of the other books and the book cover design, I knew I had to replace the book cover on Earth Allies.

I don’t remember the sequence of events but Lisa and I talked after she was on the road to recovery. It was then that I realized I had hurt my sweet friend’s feelings when I decided to get another illustrator for my book. I felt really bad. My intention was to release Lisa from feeling obligated to do the book cover since she was ill. I was only concerned for her well-being. We cleared up the misunderstanding and Lisa still wanted to do the illustration. She asked questions about the story to get a feel for what I wanted. Lisa created the book cover, interior boarder and the back cover. I am so happy with her illustrations. Lisa’s drawings depict what my imagination gave me for the illustrations. This venture is a first for both of us. Lisa’s beautiful work is getting more exposure and I believe the book cover will catch the eye of kids 9 – 13 years old, drawing them to read my book.

I’m very fortunate to have Lisa as my friend. She is a talented artist.

Do you think the cover plays an important part in the buying process?

Vanessa: Yes, absolutely. The cover has to be eye catching. Especially when writing children’s books. The cover has to grasp their attention to get them to read the book. It has to stimulate their imagination.

How are you publishing your book and why?

Vanessa: I wanted to take the traditional route but after researching and comparing the pros and cons of traditional publishing and independent publishing, I decided to independently publish my book. It’s not easy to get a book traditionally published. It involves quite a process.

When did you decide to become a writer?

Vanessa: I didn’t set out in life wanting to become a writer. I’ve written stories and poems as a hobby, and as a way to release emotions. But, three years ago I felt a need to write and spread a message of love, unity and compassion. That’s why I wrote Earth Allies.

Where do your ideas come from?

Vanessa: My ideas come from my spiritual beliefs and my personal esoteric experiences.

For your own reading, do you prefer e-books or traditional paper/hard back books?

Vanessa: There’s nothing like holding a hard-back book in your hands. I also like the smell of it as it begins to age. Mostly, I own paper-backs and a few hard-back books. I do however, own a Kindle and I love it. It is very portable and I can take it with me anywhere and read my favorite book(s).

What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?

Vanessa: If I understand your question, you’re asking what are the advantages and disadvantages of traditional publishing and independent publishing.

Well, when I researched traditional publishing, I learned the benefits of traditional publishing is wide distribution, an advance, they do the editing, formatting, and cover design. There are no out of pocket expenses. The disadvantages are, in some instances it can take eighteen months before publication. They have power over the title and cover of the book. The royalty payments aren’t that great and you need an agent to break into traditional publishing.

When an author self-publish (Independent Publishing) all rights to the book is retained. Full control of the cover design, layout, and title is under the control of the author. The author chooses the editors, proofreaders, layout, and cover design. Publication takes about three months from the time the book is submitted for publication. The disadvantages are out of pocket expense for editing, proofreaders, cover design, copyright number. Marketing resources are limited, and the book may not sell well.

If I could retain all rights to my book and be involved in the marketing process and creative alterations of my book I would prefer to go traditional. As an independent publisher I have to do all the work. But, it is a good learning experience and I embrace it.

Where do you see publishing going in the future?

Vanessa: I see more and more indie authors getting their work out there. I’m not saying traditional publishing is a dying art but it is very difficult to go that route. Independent publishing will continue to grow. It affords anyone the opportunity to publish a book.

How can readers discover more about you and your work?

Vanessa: Readers may visit my website: http://www.vafarriawritings.com where I write about spiritual things, and post poems by various poets. You will find information about my book there. I’m also planning to advertise on the social networks. It’s a lot of work but I’m enjoying the process.