Talking with 14-year-old Author Aliana K. Deveza

Aliana K. Deveza published the first book of her series - The Snake Prince of Montreal: The Witch’s Vengeance - at age 11. Her second book is The Snake Prince of Montreal: The Quest for the Magic Stone. Aliana is now 14 years old, and is currently working on the third in the series. Her hobbies are reading, writing, playing sports, and enjoying time with her friends and family.

When and why did you first start writing?
I began writing at the age of 6. During that time, there were so many things going on in my life and I couldn’t keep it all in my head so I put it into print. Writing helped me in so many ways such as developing my language and my skills in literature.

How did you come up with the idea to write the Snake Prince of Montreal books?
Writing fantasy stories was always one of my favorite topics, and the Snake Prince of Montreal books are based on the events of my life. So I decided to disguise them in the stories I write. The idea of writing the Snake Prince of Montreal came from my grandmother because, since I was a child, she always told me many folklores and legends. I was very interested in the stories she told me, so I decided that I wanted to write my own story.

How did you go about getting them published?
We contacted Author House and sent them my story and they agreed to publish it. Although it is a self-published book, I am looking forward to working with agents and editors for when I write my new stories.

You are now working on your third book in the series. In what ways were your experiences writing each book similar or different?
Although the Snake Prince of Montreal is a series, I tried very hard to give each book its own style instead of making all three books sound the same. In ways, they were somewhat similar because I had to connect each book to the other.

What’s next?
After I finish writing the Snake Prince of Montreal series, I plan to continue writing more stories in different genres. I also hope to write an autobiography in the future in hope of inspiring other kids who have a talent and are afraid to go after it.

Who are your favorite authors?
I have so many favorite authors to choose from, but I would consider saying that Sharon Creech, Rick Riordan, and Joan Lowery Nixon are my most favorite authors.

What’s your favorite part about writing? Greatest challenge?
My favorite part about writing is that you can put your thoughts and feelings into print instead of just saying it aloud. When I write my stories, I don’t just say it, I want to make it sound creative and as if it came from my imagination. Writing isn’t as easy as most people think because you have to know what you are going to put down.

Advice for young writers?
My advice for the young authors out there is to keep your mind open for possibilities and ideas, because each day you live through is like a new page in a story.

Talking with 12-Year-Old Author Jolie Vanier, Puwaii Adventures

Jolie Vanier, Puwaii Adventures with Joliea and Friends, is an author and film actress with a lot of energy and a ton of personality. What better way to put her talents to use than to create a series about “the world’s youngest fashion designer” who goes on adventures? Book #1 - Puwaii Adventures with Joliea & Friends - comes with an audiobook CD. Book #2 - Puwaii Adventures with Joliea & Friends ... the Adventures Continue - comes with an audiobook CD and a DVD for a read-along, where she offers art lessons. Jolie loves watching her character come to life. She talks about being a writer, offers advice and encouragement, and more!

What prompted you to start writing?
I’ve always loved writing stories in school; especially when we pretended to be authors and dressed up as the main characters. I never thought about a book until my mother introduced me to an artist friend of hers. He showed me books he had created, and encouraged me to create my own, and I thought, “I bet can write a book, too.” So, with help from family and friends, that's what I did.

How did you come up with the idea for Puwaii Adventures? And the concept for including a DVD?
I had to figure what the book would be about. That was the easy part, because I love fashion. My fascination with fashion started when my mother took me to a Pucci exhibit; I loved his designs and those wonderful, brilliant colors! (Color is fascinating to me - do you know that by combining red and yellow, you get orange?) I was trying to figure out how to start the story at the same time my family and I went on a vacation to Hawaii. That’s when I had the bright idea of “smooshing” Pucci and Hawaii together, and I came up with the Puwaii look!

Next, I decided my main character would be “Joliea”, the “youngest fashion designer in the world” who travels in a magical submarine. (Notice the similarity between Jolie and Joliea? Hahahaha!) I’ve read enough to know any exciting story needs a villain - so I came up with “Jack the Rat.” My other characters are taken from real life, like “Princess Issa,” is actually taken from my Maltese dog, Izzy.

I thought how nice it would be if I offered my books on CD, so my readers can hear me read my books! Then with my second book I included a DVD with a pictorial read-along. I also give children art lessons! Then I have a section where I tell you how to create your own book. I like the idea of “giving back, so that’s why I included both the CD’s and the DVD.

How do you find time to write with acting, homework, and other activities?
Thanks to the help I receive from my mother and grandmother, I am able to juggle everything. For instance, I can write and draw while waiting for auditions. When I’m working on the set, in between school lessons, my imagination just runs wild with creative ideas. Somehow I always find the time to make lots of things happen.

What is your favorite part about writing?
I think my favorite part is I get to actually get to see characters in my head come to life. I also like it when my characters interact with each other. All of a sudden they’re living their own lives and I'm "watching" and telling their stories.

What is the greatest challenge?
The greatest challenge is sitting down and getting started. Once I start creating the characters in my head, I'm on a roll. It's so much fun! Sometimes I even laugh out loud as I write.

How did you go about getting published?
My mother and grandmother are really in charge of that. Plus my mother's artist friend gave us a lot of tips.

What advice do you have for writers?
If you want to write a book for children, then I would recommend reading a lot of children's books. Then think about your favorite things; for instance, I love fashion. Then look around at your family members, friends, and pets. You can probably find your characters, because everyone has some sort of character inside of them. And don't forget many stories need a villain - like my character, “Jack Le Rat". Plus I think that children’s stories need action, so your characters have to be doing something active most of the time.

What are your favorite books/authors?
I'd definitely include Alice in Wonderland (the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp movie will be released next month in 3-D!) and also all of the Harry Potter books.

What's next?
In my 3rd book Joliea, the world's youngest fashion designer, will join her fun-loving friends and fabulous cast of characters for more globe-trotting adventures.

For more information on Jolie and her books, go to www.puwaiiadventures.com.