Image source: www.tinaturbin.com A writer, researcher, humanitarian, and mother of three, Tina Turbin is also the author of 'Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy.'
Today, Hartford Books Examiner welcomes Tina Turbin.
Bio: Tina Turbin is a multi award-winning children's author, writer, researcher, humanitarian and mother of three talented and successful children. Working for many years in LA with children in the Entertainment Business, she remains an active supporter of children, families, schools, education and works diligently in the arena of Celiac Disease. Her Danny the Dragon children’s series fulfills a passion of hers to delight and entertain through her enchanting characters. Her style of writing conveys to the young and young at heart. Ms. Turbin resides in her East and West Coast studios.
Ms. Turbin’s first children’s book, Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy, has received critical acclaim from both parents and educators alike. Frank Riemer, father and author of Riding the Wave, said, “Danny the Dragon harks back to a safer, friendlier, more magical space and time—the world as seen through the eyes of inquisitive children.” Further, Sue Snow, mother and President of Parenteen Solutions, praised, “With its heart-warming and creative illustrations, Danny the Dragon communicates the character-building values of helping others, acceptance of the differences in each others’ beliefs, and treating others as one would want to be treated.” (You can read Hartford Books Examiner’s review here.)
Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy was a Nominee for Best Children’s Picture Book 2009, an International Books Award finalist for Children’s Novelty and Gift Book 2010, and a National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist for Children’s Picture Book 2010.
Now, Tina Turbin shares the inspiration behind her creative passion...
1) You wrote your first (unpublished) children's book at age 16. How did that story present itself to you in comparison to DANNY THE DRAGON "MEETS JIMMY"? Do you feel that you've come full-circle with the release of "MEETS JIMMY"?
To be honest the first book I wrote and completed at age 16 was fun but hard work. I had a bit of critiquing to help bring it along. Now, many years later, I more mature and able to see things from the child’s eye yet I know my public is the parents, teachers and librarians- this brought the whole aspect into a new light. I had to learn quickly to be true to my dreams and goals as an author yet at the same time understand the business side of things. In that respect, writing and being an author has come full circle.
2) You were born in Hawaii, have lived in both England and Puerto Rico, and are now bi-coastal. How have these experiences shaped your world-view and inspired your writing?
I also traveled a bit and by being around a variety of ethnics, cultures as well as my family exposed me to all walks of life. This all has broadened my view on Life and people. I love and appreciate people and life quite a lot and I am interested in others. I am always “looking” and acquiring plenty of ideas. Life inspires me constantly. My Blackberry gets overloaded in Notebook.
3) People often take for granted the complexities of writing a quality children's book. Can you tell us a bit about your creative process?
Oh boy, you are so right. Many consider that the fact there are pictures, the writing is SO easy, or the easy part. It takes many drafts, over and over revisions and just a lot of work.
I am fortunate that I had a vision to create these books from many years back and had a number of people who have influenced the characters. Danny’s personality was developed out of a few various “characters” in life and a few of my own ideas. I took many notes, I also text myself things I think of etc. One day was the START- I cleared a few days of absolutely no interruptions, I then made it known to everyone I needed time uninterrupted and then made myself sit down and get to it. It flowed like magic. I learned the importance of uninterrupted time and scheduling as far as an author’s time is concerned.
I do this often, clear the decks, disappear and just write! I love it.
4) What did you find to be the greatest challenge to bringing DANNY to life?.jpg)
He was alive in my heart for a long time and then his words on paper. I had firm visions of how he looked, walked and carried himself. I was stubborn and was fortunate enough to be able to get myself in a position that I was able to work closely with my illustrator and develop Danny through her medium as an illustrator. It was incredible working together. We both gained more than we ever anticipated out of the experience. The greatest challenge was the fact that she is about 5,900 miles away in Latvia, Europe. Second barrier was she speaks no English. We did this all through Skype and an interpreter. It was quite something.
5) The book incorporates a number of educational lessons in an organic way. Why did you choose the specific topics (politeness, responsibility, etc.) that you did?
My original intention was not at all on those aspects but as more drafts were written those qualities surfaced more and more in the first book. Originally, my attention was really on introducing Danny and his traveling companion, Skipper- living in their traveling shell in an amusing manner. I love how it turned out and love that those qualities are part of his character in such a subtle and natural way. Due to the reviews and nominations this book has received it seems to be very well appreciated, so this too makes me happy.
6) What do you find to be the key to balancing teaching with entertaining?
Through the mind of an author in writing children’s books this is a very good point and question. Thank you for asking.
Kids are VERY wise and aware, even more-so than many adults. They know very well when you are trying to pull a good one on them. To be able to write a story that imparts a little lesson or two as well as grabs the child’s attention over and over, so he or she will come back to that story- you have to be skillful or darn good. You have to have a story that will really appeal to a child and tucked behind those concepts is your little lesson or two. They don’t “see” it but they get it. The magic of books! This is of course applicable to a book that is not per-se, an “educational” book about manners for example.
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Coming Thursday: Part 2 of Hartford Books Examiner’s interview with author Tina Turbin…
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A related article from Hartford Books Examiner:
Danny The Dragon Meets Jimmy by Tina Turbin (A book/DVD review)
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