by 
Interview – Fernanda Lazzaro
When did you start writing books, what moved you to start writing?
I have been writing since I was a teenager, but I had never completed any manuscript before “The Swarm that Swarmed”.
I became serious about writing in my 40s, after my bees swarmed. I hoped to send a message about the importance of these little creatures. I thought I would just write the one book, but I was having so much fun that I decided to create the Tillsonbugger Adventures series, featuring a different bug for each story.
In what genres do you write? Do you plan writing in other genres?
I write short stories for children. It is quite challenging because I feel a children’s book should include a few lessons outside the obvious — in my case the obvious would be the bug in question. The Tillsonbugger Adventures reader will also learn about friendship, cooperation, and that sometimes the answer is not so easy to find. I mean, I was not going to make it simple for the characters by giving them access to a computer. All their research is through books or by asking an adult. All these lessons are disguised under loads of fun, though. I do plan to write a few more books for the series.
Would I like to write anything else? Yes! I would like to publish mystery romance novels. I have actually written 9,000 words for one of the manuscripts – only 66,000 words to go!
Tell us about your short stories. Why should everyone buy them?
The Tillsonbugger Adventures stories are enjoyable for both children and adults. They’re fun, educational, and colourful. The kids could relate to the main characters and their adventures, while the parent/guardian (who reads to their little ones) could learn about the importance of bugs in our ecosystem.
What is your all-time favorite novel/book? What makes it special?
I love everything 1920s and F. Scott Fitzgerald is a brilliant writer who captures that era in “The Great Gatsby”. This book has it all: love, mystery, drama, murder. I always get lost in the story. I read this book in high school and I find myself going back to it every couple of years.
Tell us a bit about your writing process.
I try to write every day. Some days I write only a few paragraphs and other days I write 2,000 words or more. When I revisit my writing each day, I edit my previous work and continue writing from that point on. I guess I would consider it a two-step-back and one-step-forward approach.
In addition, I like to understand my characters inside out, this way they can direct the story. It makes for authentic characters, as authentic as you can get with fictional stories.
What author would you like to meet?
Rhys Bowen, The Royal Spyness Mystery series. I would love to talk over tea and scones about Lady Georgiana Rannoch. It seems so English (even though I’m Canadian).
Tell us about your hobbies and passions other than writing.
I love to swim. I used to road cycle when I lived in the country, but now that I am back in the city I go to spin classes instead. I also enjoy cross-country skiing. I usually walk my skis to the park, lay out a trail, and ski back and forth, enjoying the crisp, winter air.
And my boyfriend and I like shopping at second-hand stores, finding old pieces of anything (furniture, lamps, art…) and creating something new and unique with them; there’s something about getting my hands dirty. If you walk into our place, you would know immediately that Mike and Fern live there.
We have many followers who would like to start writing a book or are already writing their first novel, any advice for these brave people?
Read as much as you can, in your genre and beyond. And write, write, write some more. I find that the process of writing seems to ignite the imagination, so don’t worry about writing perfect copy. Just get those ideas on paper and then cut the fat.
Do you keep a notebook with ideas for your novels? If so, do you carry the notebook with you so you won’t forget any ideas?
Yes, I do keep a pen and small notebook in my purse. I look like a mad scientist when I get an idea.
How important is it to have your facts right?
Since it is a children’s book, I can get away with some ridiculous things, like how the kids get into their mischief. However, there is a point in the story(ies) where the kids research the bug in question, and what they find must be factual, in which case I have to do my research.
In the second book, “The Case of the Missing Moustache”, I had to research centipedes, of which I am fearful. For months they would pop up on my computer as “Google thought you’d be interested in this”. No, thank you! I will be sure not to write about spiders anytime soon.
What are you reading at the moment?
I am actually reading a textbook for one of my Corporate Communications courses. It is quite interesting, but I would not be lying if I say I would rather be reading a fiction novel.
Certainly you have had some interesting episodes as an author, fans related or others, share one of them with us.
I had the opportunity to visit an elementary school and present my bee equipment to the grade ones, and read from my book, “The Swarm that Swarmed”. One little girl asked what I put in my smoker and I said, “Dry leaves or dry grass. And if I can’t find them, I’ll just put chips in the smoker.”
One little boy asked all excited, “LAYS?” I should have said wood chips, but he thought they were potato chips! It was the most adorable thing.
Thank you Fernanda Lazzaro. We at circleofbooks.com wish you much success!
Click here to visit the author page here on circleofbooks.com
