I am honored to interview award-winning  children’s author, Carmen Swick. Carmen lives in  my hometown of Colorado. I met Carmen at a local author meet and greet. I am always very eager to learn  about  newly published authors and what inspired them to write their first book.

Do you consider yourself a born writer?

 Not sure if I consider myself a born writer. When my mother passed away from breast cancer, I was only 18 years old; I needed a vice from the pain. I soon realized that when I would sit down and write about her, my pain would transform to loving memories.

Tell us about your recent release. What was your inspiration for it?

I wrote a series of children’s books calledPatch Land Adventures. Book One, Fishing with Grandpa, is out in print. Book Two,Camping at Mimi’s Ranch, should be in print by Nov. 23rd, 2012. Book Three, Pirates Adventures, will be in print in a year. My inspiration for writing these books is my son Preston. He was born legally blind in one eye. The condition is called amblyopia. In order to strengthen his weaker eye, he needs to patch his stronger eye. His struggles of the everyday patching were not a great experience, needless to say. My heart was breaking for him.

I also noticed how children and adults alike would treat him when he would wear his eye patch. During a doctor’s visit he had a setback. We think he was peeking around the patch. Broke my heart to see him struggle during the eye exam. When we went to our vehicle after his eye appointment, I said to him, “Preston, mom is going to write a book and it’s going to be called Patch Land!” (Name changed to Patch Land Adventures later on). Preston looked at me with the biggest smile on his face and said, “you are?” That’s how my journey started as a book author.

 Where are your books available?

I have my own a website, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and several others on line stores. Tattered Cover Book Store, Bookies, several libraries. Available also in the U.K., Australia, Europe.

What advice would you offer aspiring writers?

Make sure you seek the help of an experienced editor who can help your ideas expand and flourish in your writings. If you need an illustrator, make sure that he or she is the right fit for you and your book. Do not try and compare your writings to other authors; we are all unique and special. If you write from your heart you can never go wrong.

Describe your working environment.

I would have to say most of the time you will find me in my office with my dog Beau at my feet. My favorite time to write is in winter, in some warm comfortable clothes, and a cup of hot decaffeinated coffee or tea. But of course I still write all throughout the year. Summertime is usually when I get my ideas for my writings. I love to be outdoors and will write from some of those experiences. I usually will have a notebook with me so I can write some things down so I don’t forget the events.

Thank you Carmen for taking the time to do this interview. I wish you lots of luck with your future books.