There are many great children’s book authors out there. Every reader enjoys different kinds of stories. Every month or two I will interview a children’s book author so readers can learn more about the kinds of books they write.
Today I’m going to introduce you to Nora G. Ho. Nora and I are in the same critique group since connecting via Children’s Book Mastery Author Coaching. She is the author of A Place Called Home where she showcases her rhyming talents. The story follows a black kitten roaming through the redwoods, looking for a place called home.
Nora, how did you get the idea for A Place Called Home?
A Place Called Home is a story based on my son’s cat, LaMarr, whom he adopted as a kitten. I wrote the story of LaMarr prior to his adoption into our family. I chose the majestic redwoods setting as we had visited the redwoods frequently while growing up.
Many writers get story ideas from their own life. Think of the people, places, or things you love. You can write about something that makes you happy, sad, or surprised. Many of my stories are inspired by an exciting or fun field trip with my students.
Why did you choose to write in rhyme?
As a student, I loved rhyming poetry, but lacked the time needed because of my demanding schedule of schoolwork, activities, work, and family events. Now, I’m pursuing my passion, writing in rhyme for the 5–8-year-olds.
Writers can write stories in prose or verse. Prose is the use of everyday language we use for writing and speaking. Sentences and paragraphs compose the stories. Verse refers to rhythmical writing, typically rhyming. The focus is on line breaks, stanzas, and often rhythmic patterns. Verse writing can use traditional forms with rhyme and meter or free verse. Writing in rhyme allows kids to naturally learn about word families.
Was it difficult to write in rhyme?
I don’t find it difficult writing in rhyme. However, I do find it challenging to keep the rhythm and meter consistent. Rhyme is fun for me. I find RhymeZone.com an invaluable resource.
Some people may find writing in rhyme more difficult. You can use a rhyming dictionary to help you. Sometimes it helps to read more books in rhyme so you can learn from the experts.
Have you ever had any pets? What were they and which one was your favorite?
Growing up, I’ve had many pets…goldfishes, white mice, white rats, guinea pig, sparrows, turtle, chicken, ducks, a “short-lived” turkey (and no, we didn’t eat him), cats, and dogs. They were all my favorites.
Wow! That is a lot of pets. I don’t think I’ve had quite as many. I remember fish, parakeets, chickens, tadpoles, turtle, a dog, and a cat. It is hard to choose a favorite, but I think I love the cat the most.
I love the ending. Do you plan on writing a sequel to your book?
My plan is to have a book written for each character in my debut book, A Place Called Home. At the end of each book, there will be a mention of a character which leads to the next book. My second manuscript is completed about a spiny mouse and a field mouse. I am looking for an illustrator and hope to publish one new book a year.
I love that you will make a series. Standalone books are okay, but I love being able to read more adventures about my favorite characters. In my upcoming book When Chicken and Duck Talk: Learning to Swim, I am also working on my second book.
What is a recent book you have read that you recommend?
There are so many great books on the market. One of my favorites is Redwoods by Jason Chin. I enjoy this book because it is a work of nonfiction depicting the redwoods. My fiction and nonfiction stories also take place in the redwoods, which brings back fond memories of childhood.
I also love Jason Chin’s books. My favorites are Redwoods and Coral Reefs.
What awards has your book won?
A Place Called Home achieved the 2024 Silver Winner in the category of Children’s Environment & Nature. This is a Global Book Award which recognizes talented authors in self-publishing.
Congratulations on winning. I hope you continue to write more award-winning books for us to share.
How did you come up with your imprint logo?
I wanted to incorporate my name into my logo. Gong is my middle name. I decided the symbol of a gong would be perfect. The historical significance of the phrase, Gung-Ho, originated from a Chinese term, gōng-he’ which means “work together in harmony”. A play on words led to Gong Ho for Books, my tag line.
I love the gong because it reminds me of the Chinese culture and lion dancing.
What is one writing tip you have for writers everywhere?
The one writing tip for writers everywhere is the importance of joining a writing/critique group. The craft of writing is a creative but solitary activity. It’s so important to connect with other writers for support in not only the craft of writing but also marketing and moral support. Who better to understand a writer, but another writer.
I agree with you on this. I felt more confident in my writing after joining a writing group. I only had the courage to self-publish my Chinese picture book after joining the Children’s Book Mastery Author Coaching program.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk to your readers.
Where can readers buy your book?
They can buy it at https://www.amazon.com/Place-Called-Home-Nora-Gong/dp/B0D6X5Y6CN
Readers can learn more about Nora Ho by visiting her website at https://www.noraghoauthor.com/