Meet Nancy Carty Lepri, Author of Tiny Angels
What inspired you to become a children's author?
Since I was a toddler, my mom would read to me or encourage me to read. I was shy as a child and found that books were a great escape. I could be anyone I wanted to be through reading.
How did you come up with the idea for Tiny Angels?
Tiny Angel is the story of a shy ten-year-old girl, Macy, who has bad eyesight and is the target of teasing. Macy, is also a new girl in school, a bit overweight and smart. The class bully loves to torment her all the time, so her guardian angel arrives--scaring her and the bully at first--then helps her gain confidence in herself to make friends. Some of this story I have taken from my own childhood angst. I was shy, wore glasses and was bullied. I felt alone. It was a very painful time, so writing this book helped to purge those feelings. My main goal is to let other children who are being bullied for whatever reason know they are not alone and offer the message they can rise above their tormenters and feel good about themselves. They are not alone.
How long did it take to complete Tiny Angels, from writing to publication?
I basically started writing this in 1995, but I had to put it down for many reasons: moving to another state, working as a freelance reporter, teaching online classes, and just life. I went back to my manuscript many times, but something always kept me from finishing it. Then my mom had a stroke and was with me. She pushed me to finish the book and submit it for publication, so I owe the publishing credits to her. All together, it took more than 14 years from start to publication. FYI, when your manuscript is accepted for publication, it takes several months after acceptance until it is released.
Who was your favorite author as a child?
I loved Louisa May Alcott's books and the Trixie Beldon mystery series.
What do you hope children will learn from your book?
That they ARE important and they are not alone. Everyone is different, which is what makes them special, but still, bullying hurts. They need to realize the bully probably has an underlying problem, which makes them act the way they do. They are probably more insecure than the person they are bullying, so understanding this helps.
Are you currently working on anymore books?
I am re-editing my second book, which can be considered part of a sequel, though it stands alone. Tommy's Amigo tells the story of Tomas Hernandez, a Mexican boy, who like Macy, is bullied. He has many other problems, but learns to build his confidence and pride in his heritage through Diego, his guardian angel, and his faith.
Find out more about Nancy Carty Lepri and her book Tiny Angel by visiting www.nancycl.webs.com, www.authorsden.com and www.amazon.com.
Since I was a toddler, my mom would read to me or encourage me to read. I was shy as a child and found that books were a great escape. I could be anyone I wanted to be through reading.
How did you come up with the idea for Tiny Angels?
Tiny Angel is the story of a shy ten-year-old girl, Macy, who has bad eyesight and is the target of teasing. Macy, is also a new girl in school, a bit overweight and smart. The class bully loves to torment her all the time, so her guardian angel arrives--scaring her and the bully at first--then helps her gain confidence in herself to make friends. Some of this story I have taken from my own childhood angst. I was shy, wore glasses and was bullied. I felt alone. It was a very painful time, so writing this book helped to purge those feelings. My main goal is to let other children who are being bullied for whatever reason know they are not alone and offer the message they can rise above their tormenters and feel good about themselves. They are not alone.
How long did it take to complete Tiny Angels, from writing to publication?
I basically started writing this in 1995, but I had to put it down for many reasons: moving to another state, working as a freelance reporter, teaching online classes, and just life. I went back to my manuscript many times, but something always kept me from finishing it. Then my mom had a stroke and was with me. She pushed me to finish the book and submit it for publication, so I owe the publishing credits to her. All together, it took more than 14 years from start to publication. FYI, when your manuscript is accepted for publication, it takes several months after acceptance until it is released.
Who was your favorite author as a child?
I loved Louisa May Alcott's books and the Trixie Beldon mystery series.
What do you hope children will learn from your book?
That they ARE important and they are not alone. Everyone is different, which is what makes them special, but still, bullying hurts. They need to realize the bully probably has an underlying problem, which makes them act the way they do. They are probably more insecure than the person they are bullying, so understanding this helps.
Are you currently working on anymore books?
I am re-editing my second book, which can be considered part of a sequel, though it stands alone. Tommy's Amigo tells the story of Tomas Hernandez, a Mexican boy, who like Macy, is bullied. He has many other problems, but learns to build his confidence and pride in his heritage through Diego, his guardian angel, and his faith.
Find out more about Nancy Carty Lepri and her book Tiny Angel by visiting www.nancycl.webs.com, www.authorsden.com and www.amazon.com.
Stacie Theis / beachboundbooks@yahoo.com / copyright 2012