Emily Cadiz

Connect with Emily:

Founder and CEO of Finnegan the Dragon

Emily Cadiz is the author of Finnegan the Dragon, a delightful story that’s captured the hearts of children and adults alike.

But Finnegan is on a mission that is beyond entertainment for young readers. Listen to this wonderful episode to discover how Finnegan helps develop cognitive reading skills for young readers and how these same techniques can be used to stimulate and empower creativity for all ages with special references being helpful for authors.

Emily’s work is educational, imaginative and inspiring, and today, we’ll dive into her journey as a writer, her creative process, and the magical world of Finnegan.

by Emily Cadiz

After our radio talk Emily shared answers to more questions. Enjoy!

Question 1:

What are some of the surprising results you have experienced as a result of being a children's book author?

There are a lot of Children’s Books competing for the attention of kids, parents, teachers, librarians, etc… I wasn’t prepared for the “marketing” aspects of being an author, especially online.

This is why I prefer the direct face to face method of getting my books noticed, such as Book Fairs, Bazaars, Pop-up Markets, school visits, etc…

It’s a lot of work, but I truly enjoy the personal interaction with people.

Question 2:

Being a self-published author of a full color "quality" children's book is in many cases more expensive than some new authors might be aware of. Would you share some of your experiences about this and your feelings around it?

Self-publishing a quality children’s book will be a significant upfront investment.

My first children’s book cost approximately $4,000, including the first batch of printing.

About 75% of that cost was illustrations, cover design and book design.

Someone who can illustrate their own book or who wants to invest the time into learning to design and layout the book themselves could save a lot of money.

I, however, was willing to hire professionals to do this technical work for me.

Besides, I can’t even draw a decent Stick Figure.

Self-publishing is not a “get rich quick” endeavor, but I’m in it for the long haul and expect that some day I’ll break even, or better.

Question 3:

You shared that you are a long time volunteer in classrooms, share how you got started in this and do you recommend this for writers of children's books?

I started volunteering in an elementary school about 10 years ago, long before I ever considered writing a memoir or children’s books.

I retired from the workforce but still wanted to be involved in my community, so I started helping out at a school, just a little at first, but within a month I was hooked and started spending the entire day, 5 days a week, helping teachers and their students.

If someone is considering writing a children’s book volunteer in the grade level you’re considering writing for would be an excellent way to conduct some “field research”.

Question 4:

Do you belong to any Children's Writer clubs, associations, etc.?

I belong to the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA), which has some great resources for writing and marketing.

I also network with other children’s book authors around the country via Facebook Groups, Instragram and LinkedIn.

Much of this networking includes sharing ideas, asking questions and getting advice, and even collaborating on marketing and special events.

Question 5:

What is the next book you are currently working on?

My next children’s book, which is currently in the process of being illustrated, is not a part of my previous series.

It is still a story of a Coast Guard rescue by helicopter, but the protagonist is the person who is rescued, the survivor of a boating accident.

It’s a different type of helicopter with different characters, but the helicopter used in the rescue becomes a central part of the story.

I’m very excited to tell this story because I have a close personal connection, as I do with my previous stories.

And, the helicopter that is a key figure, is actually on display in the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field in Seattle, which I did fly before it was “retired” and given to the museum. So there is a local, and historical, connection.

Question 10:

How can educators or librarians connect with you for an author visit?

The best way is to visit my web page and fill out the form on my Contact Page.

LINKS MENTIONED IN INTERVIEW

Links mentioned in Interview

🌟 Darcy’s editor, Erica Ellis at InkDeepEditing.com

🌟 Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)

🌟 Ruby Hartson (2nd grader) book – Allie and the Mystery of the Doors

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Question 10: