Ask the Author: C.S. O'Kelly
Answered Questions (7)
C.S. O'Kelly
Hello Ellie,
I am targeting 5-7 as a "bridge-book," which means the book(s) are meant to be read with parents or an older reader. My goal was to create a platform for creative discussion between parents & children through the story-world.
Thank you for the question & I apologize for the delayed response as I have been traveling abroad.
Enjoy the day!
I am targeting 5-7 as a "bridge-book," which means the book(s) are meant to be read with parents or an older reader. My goal was to create a platform for creative discussion between parents & children through the story-world.
Thank you for the question & I apologize for the delayed response as I have been traveling abroad.
Enjoy the day!
C.S. O'Kelly
Thank you Clyde for sharing the book with your niece.
I am happy you found one of the advanced copies, as there were only a handful released. The idea behind the Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear originated while I watched my own niece (five years old at the time) playing with my Bernese Mountain dog Seamus (who I also call MonkeyBear). She had a cowboy hat on and Seamus was the ultimate 120 pounds of supper-furry-faced clown-dog and my niece loved him.
There was a moment while they were spastically running about when she stopped, put her hands on her hips and looked to the sky, Seamus sat next to her (his head even with hers) and looked up to see what was so interesting. The sun cast a shadow of the two on the lawn behind them and all I could think of was Albert Einstein (Seamus fluffy head) and Indiana Jones (niece with her hat)... & the characters of Gracie & MonkeyBear were born. Best part is creating an infinite storyworld built on "Gracie's" imagination for the two of them to explore. They share a partnership of equals – similar to superheroes with different skillsets and strengths.
You are correct, this is my first Children's Picture Book and luckily, I found the right illustrator (Jordy Farrell) and editing team to work with. Book 2: Winter is about halfway finished and hopefully will be out by Christmas 2016 (just in time for people to begin noticing Book 1). We are in the process of placing the books in the best independent bookstores we can find and you can always buy the book on Amazon or the website (www.gracieandmonkeybear.com).
There will be other books series to come, but the Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear will continue as long as there is interest by readers like yourself.
Appreciate your questions and I hope to hear more from you and your niece in the future! All the best and enjoy the day.
C. S. O'Kelly
**Make sure and enter the GoodReads Giveaway! Ends on May 22.
I am happy you found one of the advanced copies, as there were only a handful released. The idea behind the Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear originated while I watched my own niece (five years old at the time) playing with my Bernese Mountain dog Seamus (who I also call MonkeyBear). She had a cowboy hat on and Seamus was the ultimate 120 pounds of supper-furry-faced clown-dog and my niece loved him.
There was a moment while they were spastically running about when she stopped, put her hands on her hips and looked to the sky, Seamus sat next to her (his head even with hers) and looked up to see what was so interesting. The sun cast a shadow of the two on the lawn behind them and all I could think of was Albert Einstein (Seamus fluffy head) and Indiana Jones (niece with her hat)... & the characters of Gracie & MonkeyBear were born. Best part is creating an infinite storyworld built on "Gracie's" imagination for the two of them to explore. They share a partnership of equals – similar to superheroes with different skillsets and strengths.
You are correct, this is my first Children's Picture Book and luckily, I found the right illustrator (Jordy Farrell) and editing team to work with. Book 2: Winter is about halfway finished and hopefully will be out by Christmas 2016 (just in time for people to begin noticing Book 1). We are in the process of placing the books in the best independent bookstores we can find and you can always buy the book on Amazon or the website (www.gracieandmonkeybear.com).
There will be other books series to come, but the Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear will continue as long as there is interest by readers like yourself.
Appreciate your questions and I hope to hear more from you and your niece in the future! All the best and enjoy the day.
C. S. O'Kelly
**Make sure and enter the GoodReads Giveaway! Ends on May 22.
C.S. O'Kelly
Still my greatest challenge.
Personally, I use headphones and classical music played at a low level - more of a noise canceling effect. I allows begin my writing sessions with small pieces I can finish (Tweet, short article, etc.) and move on/up from there.
Personally, I use headphones and classical music played at a low level - more of a noise canceling effect. I allows begin my writing sessions with small pieces I can finish (Tweet, short article, etc.) and move on/up from there.
C.S. O'Kelly
Set aside two hours (for actual writing) everyday and protect it. A finished piece is the only thing that will move you from aspiring writer to Author.
C.S. O'Kelly
The Adventures of Gracie and MonkeyBear (Book 2: Winter).
C.S. O'Kelly
Day to day situations inspire me. Life is funny, scary, painful and the most wonderful of petri dishes. Writing helps me work through my own world in an attempt to understand it– if only on the most basic of levels.
C.S. O'Kelly
My Niece was playing with my Bernese Mountain Dog (MonkeyBear) in the backyard. She was only 5, but would 'put a bubble' over his head as if he were carrying on a conversation with her. She is very sweet, bright, kind and gentle and MonkeyBear adores her. I grabbed a notepad and sketched out the first few scenes of The Adventure of Gracie & MonkeyBear.
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