Amanda Greenslade talks about Myra and the Magic Motorcycle

Today at Promote Me Please we welcome Amanda Greenslade to answer five questions about Myra and the Magic Motorcycle, the first book in her new Myra series.

Myra and the Magic Motorcycle

Amanda Greenslade

Q.1. This is the first in the Myra series. Apart from a fast-paced adventure, what else will Myra deliver to readers?

A.1. The Myra books are about getting to know the world around you, diversity and the betterment of society. They are designed to tell a fun story while at the same time open some doors for discussion with children. Discussion topics that can spin off from Myra books include things like geography, science and problem-solving, as well as more specific social issues. The first book touches upon financial hardship, for example.

Q.2. Myra’s method of transport is unusual. Where did you get the idea for it?

A.2. My husband is an avid motorcycle enthusiast, and I endorse the use of fun things that appeal to kids to get them interested in reading. For boys especially I think motorcycles are a draw-card. I was inspired by The Magic Schoolbus series, but I wanted a 21st century Australian setting and a heroine who is not the usual Anglo-girl-with-pigtails stereotype we see in most mass market children's books.

Q.3.  Will you tell us something about Myra’s feathered sidekick?

A.3. Myra is very brave and curious. Diver the kingfisher is sort of like Myra's voice of caution in her subconscious. He is a fun gimmick for children to find on almost every page, a comic relief sidekick and a character Myra will be able to rely on and talk to and share all her secrets. 

Q.4. What was the most challenging part of bringing Myra to publication?

A.4. Finding the time while I am rearing two young children and running a business full time has been difficult, but it's the promotion part now which will be the greatest challenge, as I have limited time and resources to put behind it. I frequently sacrifice on housework, sleep, lunch and other personal matters to get through my day. Apart from this I have not found it difficult to publish Myra because I have ten years experience in editing and book design, and publishing books and ebooks is what we do here at Australian eBook Publisher. We have expert editors, illustrators, designers, publishers and marketers all under one roof here in Brisbane and we've published or helped people to self-publish over 300 books. 

Q.5. What advice do you have for writers launching series?

A.5. It's a bit early for me to have advice on this, as it is still early days for me. Certainly I think we've done the right thing designing a brand for the series and numbering the books clearly. Subsequent books for us now will be easier and faster to produce as we will utilise the same formula and the same design files over and over. Now I need to find time to write the next book! :)

You can buy Myra and the Magic Motorcycle and find out lots more about the series at Myra Books

Thanks for visiting Promote Me Please, Amanda.

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