Ask the Author: R.G. de Rouen
Answered Questions (10)
R.G. de Rouen
I loved getting lost in books as a kid, especially books with dinosaurs and mysteries. I especially loved the Encyclopedia Brown series, by Donald Sobol and the humor of Roald Dahl with his books. I believe these authors had a lot to do with my wish to be a writer of children's books as well.
I like to be around people and love to hang out in cafes. That’s where I get the most inspiration and work done. Often, when I write a draft, I like to come up with the beginning and ending first. It’s the pesky middles that I sometimes struggle with. I bounce ideas off my two daughters and my wife a lot.
The idea for Books For Benjamin came about while visiting the Library of Congress. I thought it would be great to have a character that loves books so much that he or she has to go on a quest to find them.
I like to be around people and love to hang out in cafes. That’s where I get the most inspiration and work done. Often, when I write a draft, I like to come up with the beginning and ending first. It’s the pesky middles that I sometimes struggle with. I bounce ideas off my two daughters and my wife a lot.
The idea for Books For Benjamin came about while visiting the Library of Congress. I thought it would be great to have a character that loves books so much that he or she has to go on a quest to find them.
R.G. de Rouen
Yes, I do. As a former teacher, I always appreciated authors who provided teacher guides with activities that I could use with my class, and so I like to provide the same with my books. Books For Benjamin (Book 1) already has a teacher's guide for FREE download at this link: https://www.rgderouen.com/books.
The teacher's guide for No Books For Benjamin? (Book 2) will be out shortly.
The teacher's guide for No Books For Benjamin? (Book 2) will be out shortly.
R.G. de Rouen
Thanks for that, but I really owe a lot of credit to my great illustrator, Uliana Barabash. She came up with the idea to make him purple. I hadn't initially intended to make Benjamin into a series. Going to schools and talking to kids convinced me otherwise. Now I know Benjamin has more adventures in store, I'm just not sure about a given number.
R.G. de Rouen
The idea for Books For Benjamin came about while visiting the Library of Congress. I thought it would be great to have a character that loves books so much that he or she has to go on a quest to find them. I thought the LOC as a housing for the world's greatest depository of items (not only books) would be an ideal setting. During the visit, I learned about Thomas Jefferson's contribution to the library and his famous quote, "I cannot live without books." This inspired me to create Benjamin, a bookworm (only the name stems from Benjamin Franklin, another great man who cherished learning and reading). Benjamin and books go well together. I also like the alliteration in Books and Benjamin and used that in the title.
R.G. de Rouen
By taking walks in nature or, my favorite, sitting in coffee houses.
R.G. de Rouen
My wife and I were attacked in our tent by a hippo once while living in Kenya. We survived, but still remember the sound of an enormous bellow he made in front to our faces.
R.G. de Rouen
A picture book biography about a lady who rescued orphan elephants. Sadly, she passed away around three years back , but her daughters and grandchildren are continuing her mission.
R.G. de Rouen
First of all, to never give up on your dreams! When I started the manuscript I just published, the internet was just taking off and there was no Amazon to help Indie authors. Life got in the way, and manuscripts were put aside, but the hope remained that one day I could call myself a writer.
Secondly, put your personality into your work as much as possible. This will show your very own style and your passion for the project.
Secondly, put your personality into your work as much as possible. This will show your very own style and your passion for the project.
R.G. de Rouen
I like to be around people and love to hang out in cafes. That’s where I get the most inspiration and work done.
R.G. de Rouen
I am a big fan of historical fiction and loved Ken Follett's ,Pillars of the Earth series. I love the Middle Ages period and would welcome being a part of a guild involved with planning the cathedrals. Also, I enjoy magical worlds like in HarryPotter or in Narnia. Having any form of magical powers would be great.
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