Today I’ll be hosting author Lia Ginno in my blog. She is a seasoned author with 8 children’s books in credit. Her latest release, Turmeric and Magic is now available on Amazon.com.

Lia Ginno is a retired college lecturer in Child development and she has been writing for years, every time she has a moment.  At the beginning for children (pen name Lia Ginno).  Her published writing started with the first book in 2006 – The LEGENDS and the Inca Crystals the first of a trilogy of magical adventures. It was a semi-finalist in the Brit Awards. The publishing company amalgamated with another firm that stopped advertising it so she bought back the rights and self-published it. Then she followed up with the second book – The LEGENDS saving the Rainforest Orchid.  Then next, the third The LEGENDS and the Bible Code Quest. To date, she has published eight children’s books. Two of her books The Gallant Three, and the latest Turmeric and Magic are stories that show positive image escapades for children with disabilities. She wrote these because she never saw such books in her workplaces, years back!  And there are still very few books that show them being hero’s, not just as ‘token,’ characters in a story. However, she had a mountain of unfinished stories for adults fading away in note pads and in files on her laptop.  So, in 2012, she published her award-winning debut sexy novel Set my Soul on Fire (pen name Celia). Next, she wrote a romantic thriller, Flashback, that has not been as successful.  Her latest release, just launched, is a romantic mystery set in Spain, Spanish Roots, that is selling well so far.

It is my pleasure to welcome Ms Lia Ginno to this episode of the author interview.

  • When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

In school, I wanted to be a journalist.

  • How long have you been writing? 

Since childhood, however, I had my first book published in 2007 The LEGENDS and the INCA Crystals First of a trilogy.

  • What inspired you to write Turmeric and Magic?

I used to work with children who had disabilities and there were not, and still, there are very few stories that have them as the main character with dreams.

You can now purchase and kindle and paperback version of Turmeric and Magic from Amazon.com

  • What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

Finding the right illustrator that has the vision to go with my story. Tamsin has achieved this with beautiful interpretation.

  • Who is your favourite author and why?

Difficult. I like so many. Roald Dahl, I loved his humour. Jodi Picoult,  Khaled Hosseini.

  • What inspires you to get out of bed each day?

The sunshine peeps through the curtains.  I live in Spain for most of the year.

  • If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Creative, optimistic, nutty.

  • Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

As I do not find writing emotionally draining or stressful this is hard to answer.  I find to a certain extent that writing is calming and fun. I love my characters and they drive my story.  My tip would be to write what you like to read and enjoy. Don’t worry about what the latest ‘read’ might be just write what is in your imagination.

  • Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

I am considering writing a series of bilingual books for primary children. You can follow me on Instagram @liaginnobooks to keep up-to-date about my new projects.