ARH – We are pleased to welcome Kyrja as our Featured Author for this week.
K – Merriest of Meets to you too! Everybody sing! “I’m a Friend of Rupert, sing it loud and clear! If you’re a Friend of Rupert, then give a great big cheer!” Okay, okay! I can’t help myself. I am easily excited. And I love to sing. Oh – and this song (the whole thing) will be in the “Rupert’s Tales Wheel of the Year Activity Book” when it comes out this spring, so then you really CAN sing along! Or, maybe I should just go ahead and sing it on You Tube. What do you think?
ARH – Please tell us a little more about yourself.
K – I suppose the first thing you should know is that I tend to babble. Ramble. I even talk too much on occasion.
Seriously – I hate this question, because there’s so much to tell, and it’s nearly impossible to pick and choose what to say. I know what the question is really meant to do is to provide me with space to outline my professional qualifications and such, but I would rather tell you that I am one of the happiest people you will ever meet because I choose to be. Also, I could spend hours sharing stories of personal adventures which would be way more fun than telling you about my credentials. My husband, Randy, and I go to Disney World almost every month because we live so close by. I have a glitter wand (several of them actually) that we made to take with us everywhere in order to spread the magick of silliness and smiles as far and wide as possible.
I have painted our house in a most-colorful way, both inside and out, with vibrant colors and Disney characters. We call it the “Glitter Dome” and everyone who visits gets sprinkled. We literally have traffic stop outside our house because people can’t help but to stop, gawk, and smile. THEN they come inside for the tour! Everybody takes a smile with them when they go. I have thee best life imaginable, filled with color, glitter, creativity, peace, friendship and lots of reasons to giggle!
ARH – How did you get started as a writer?
K – I was born. No – really. I just have always been writing. Always. I have been writing fantasy-genre fiction for decades, but have not yet experienced the pinnacle of success – publication of said novels. I shall – trust me. Just not today.
As far as Rupert’s Tales are concerned though, they started because I first wrote “The Monster Got Mom.” My family was gathered for one holiday or another, and tales of old reared their collective head. My brothers were re-counting a tale of their adventures in seeking out a monster in the dead of the night because they heard spooky sounds. Everyone laughed at their recollections. One relative said “Someone should write a book about that!” Another said, “Kyrja, you’re the writer in the family ….” So that’s what I did. Like Rupert’s Tales, it rhymes all the way through and is delightfully ridiculous to read – with a surprise ending.
If you’re a writer, perhaps you know the feeling of the “pressure” you get when one of the voices in your head is wriggling more than the others. The story (or parts of it) pops up through the whirling chaos of creativity more and more often, until you simply have to stop what you’re doing to listen. That’s what happened with Rupert. I’d been getting glimpses of him off and on – and I still had all this rhyming stuff in my head. At the time, I was working as a laborer and heavy equipment operator in the construction industry. I had been at work for two hours one morning, when I knew I could stand no more. I told my foreman I had to go home to write. He was probably the best foreman anyone ever had anywhere, so he let me go. I wrote “Rupert’s First Beltane” that day. Then created a series of Rupert’s Tales by writing another story about our furry friend for each Sabbat that followed. It was impossible not to keep writing them.
ARH – Tell us more about Rupert’s Tales.
K – It continues to be impossible not to write more of Rupert’s adventures and Tales. I sincerely feel as though I am nothing more than the envelope in which the stories arrive. Yes, it’s important that I am the instrument through which they are created – my unique person adds something to the process – but these stories belong to the Universe at-large and certainly come from Goddess and God. It’s truly amazing to be a part of this process.
Rupert’s artist, Tonia Bennington Osborn, and I feel the same way about Rupert and how he came about through the two of us. Her brother is my best friend, so when I showed him the stories, saying I needed an artist, he called Tonia. The way the two of us work together is honestly – flabbergasting. From the very beginning she was completely respectful of everything that was important to me, asking insightful questions which made me have to think about what I really wanted, what was important to me, and how I wanted the stories to look – to include everything from hair color to the phase of the moon in her illustrations. Every author wishes they had Tonia as their artist. She is truly amazingly insightful and always – always – spot on. The only “difficulty” we have had in working together has been when she sends me an illustration that is what I need instead of what I want.
By that, I mean that I have always said that Rupert will never talk to people. He will remain a creature of the forest. He and other animals speak to each other. And fairies. And God and Goddess. But people will never hear him, and he will never speak to people. Rupert and his friends are to remain less “cartoon-ish” than, say, Bugs Bunny – but less “realistic” than picture-perfect. An excellent example of this is just this week, Tonia sent me an illustration of Sharee the Snail – from the fourth story in book three, “Rupert’s Tales: Rupert Helps Clean Up.” I envisioned purples and pinks and green and orange. Instead, she sent me an illustration of Sharee which is beige and light blue. At first I was a bit disappointed, but only for a brief moment, because I knew she had – once again – done exactly what was needed and not what I thought I wanted. She helps me remain consistent and true to my vision, when I would otherwise meander through Skittle-colored realms of imagination. While that kind of imagery would, certainly, be fun, it is not what these stories call for.
ARH – What was your experience with Schiffer Books?
K – When I sent out the first three Tales, via email, I heard back from the president of Schiffer Publishing – Pete Schiffer – within the hour! He wanted to see more. I’m sure many of you can imagine the reaction I had from that email! I had been standing up when I went to check my email. I literally fell to my knees in delighted shock. As tears streamed down my face, I sobbed with gratitude. Then I screamed with delight!
Since then, it’s been an interesting process. There have been moments of anger, of total frustration, of wanting to wring collective necks. But there have been (many!) more moments of amazement and gratitude. The end products – the books themselves – are truly works of art. They are first-class books. The weight of the paper, the inks, the dust covers, the books themselves are utterly fabulous.
While I must acknowledge that my own perception of how things work in the publishing world is probably skewed with lack of experience, I will also say that I find myself less than pleased with the marketing process. Tonia and I are the ones who hunted down the (superb!) reviews we’ve received thus far. And, while our title is available online through all major booksellers, it is not carried in any brick and mortar store, except for the few independent stores which have agreed to carry them on consignment. This is a major source of frustration for us, especially since we are unable to effect the process in a meaningful way which would change this fact. I am aware that Schiffer is working on this, and perhaps I am simply impatient, but I remain less than pleased with this aspect of the publishing process.
Our editor, Dinah Roseberry, however, has been very supportive in leading us through the steps necessary in order to create a first-class series of books. She has been professional, cheerful, and patient in educating Tonia and me, and is a real Friend of Rupert.
ARH – What inspired you to write these books?
K – I’ve touched on that earlier in this interview, but what I didn’t tell you is that I never – ever – thought I would be writing a children’s book. Not a chance. For years I’ve been writing these epic fantasy-genre adventures, and loving every moment. Well – other than the moments when the rejection slips come back, of course. When my sister-in-law suggested I be the one to write the story of my brothers’ adventures in the middle of the night, I put my hands over my ears and sang out with a “La! La! La! La!” so I couldn’t hear her. But, of course, it was too late. The seed had already been planted.
Creativity is a funny thing. The more you create, the more you want to create. Not only was I writing “Monster” at that time, but I was also writing many Yule songs – the lyrics to which you will find in the “Pagan Writers Presents Yule” anthology. You can also find me on You Tube singing these songs through my “Kyrjarocks” channel.
Once you let one “voice” in your head be heard, others inevitably push forward. For me, there is no such thing as Writer’s Block. I must employ Writer’s Plug. I have to keep the stories, voices, and images contained in small spaces in the labyrinth of my mind until I am able to provide them with my undivided attention. That’s the plan anyway. Every so often, they come rushing out of their own accord. More often, they sneak out!
Rupert, though, was a purposeful prod. I could feel the difference right from the very beginning. There was a meaning. A direction. A need. When I came home from the construction site that day, I sat down, still in my boots and dirty work clothes and wrote the whole thing. Immediately. I was amazed at the result. I cried. I was delighted. To this day, when I read any of his Tales, I tear up, thrilled and awed to play a part in bringing Rupert to the world.
ARH – Do you have more writing ideas for the future?
K – Oh yes! Book Two of “The Wheel of the Year” stories will be released in Spring 2012, with stories where Rupert learns about Samhain, Yule, Imbolc and Ostara. And, I am delighted to tell you, “The Wheel of the Year Activity Book” will be released on or about the same time! There are more than 30 images from the two hardcover titles to color, along with several activity pages, and even two songs I wrote! Schiffer has done a terrific job in bringing this project to fruition. Not to mention Tonia’s efforts in creating images everyone can actually color!
And, we just finished submitting our work for Book Three, “Rupert’s Tales: Rupert Helps Clean Up.” There are four stories where our furry friend will learn about reducing, reusing and recycling. He meets lots of new friends along the way, including a cloud of dragonflies, a silly frog, a friendly cat, and a clever crow.
I’ve talked to Pete Schiffer about creating a “Huggable” Rupert, so one day everyone will be able to hug him! I know I am really, really looking forward to the day when I can actually hold him in my arms. Plus, we just submitted a mockup of a “Wheel of the Year” board game. We are hoping this project will go forward quickly, but its creation may very well depend on whether or not enough books sell to support the expense of producing it.
As for additional books – you can be sure Tonia and I are always working on more adventures for Rupert and his friends. I have two of the four stories for Book Four written, which will be about the Tools of the Craft. Book Five will contain four stories about the Elements, and there are more tales in the works too!
ARH – Will you use Schiffer Books again, or will you self-publish?
K – Tonia and I hope to enjoy a very long, prosperous association with Schiffer Publishing. We applaud both those who self-publish and those who are able to secure a contract through a publishing house.
ARH – As an author, what do you think is the most important piece of advice that you would give an unpublished writer?
K – I am often asked to review work for friends and friends of friends. I always tell them the same thing – I will be honest with you. If I don’t like something you’ve written, I’ll tell you so, and I will tell you why. I think the most-important thing for a writer to have is someone who will be utterly – brutally – honest with them. In the end, the work belongs to the writer and they must make the determination whether to accept the suggestions of their First Reader, but telling someone that their work is nice or good is counterproductive. Your First Reader must tell you what is good, why it’s good, why it works or doesn’t work. This is a much harder to do than it sounds like. Many people find it hard to be honest because they don’t want to hurt other peoples’ feelings. But by failing to be honest, you actually hurt the writer by not helping them with their growth. The writer must be willing to accept this help. No matter how good your story or your writing style, you must be certain your audience understands the story. Listen to your First Reader.
The second most-important thing is to write correctly. Spell correctly. Punctuate. Capitalize. Do it all the time, or you will get lazy. Texting and Facebook have made people lazy in their everyday writing. That’s fine, I suppose, but if you always write correctly, then it won’t be a burden to do so when you are attempting to write professionally.
One last piece of advice (I did warn you that I babble!): practice. Write. Write. And write some more. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Practice does not make perfect. Practice makes habit. If you do it wrong each and every time, the only thing you have perfected is doing it wrong. Musicians practice their music all the time, as do singers. Practice by writing. And writing. And writing some more.
ARH – Where can we go to learn more about you and purchase your books?
K – http://www.schifferbooks.com/newschiffer/book_template.php?isbn=9780764336898
Schiffer Publishing offers free shipping if you order online. Alternatively, you can find our title online at all major bookseller websites, as well as on our own website at: www.friends-of-rupert.webs.com
ARH – Would Tonia Bennington Osborn, the illustrator of Rupert’s Tales care to add anything to the interview?
TO – I am an artist of images, where Kyrja is an artist with words. I can only say that it is an honor to work with her and I am proud to be part of this whole experience. Inspiration comes to us in many ways, whether in song, verse, or image. It is up to each individual to express that inspiration, and bring it to its true beauty. I feel that Kyrja has shared her gift with me, and it is a privilege to be part of Rupert’s Tales.
We both have commented on how this whole process has been brought about for a reason and I believe Rupert knew me long before I ever painted him. When you read Rupert’s Tales, I think you will understand. Catch you on the next Tale 
ARH – We appreciate you spending some time with us today Kyrja! We wish you continued luck with your future writing endeavors.
Thank you for your sentiments and for allowing us a space with you. Before I leave you though, let me tell you one more thing which I think is an important part of what we do. Tonia and I are both advocates of “giving” and “giving back.” One of the ways we have done this is that we have taken Rupert out of the pages and illustrations of the stories and have created an official Pasco County “Friends of Rupert” Adopt-A-Road where I live. Each quarter, a group of us gathers to clean our assigned roadway – Rowan Road. We gather to clean and serve and enjoy the day together, and have been doing so for nearly two years. We have a wide variety of tasks to be accomplished, so even those who are not necessarily so “able-bodied” can participate in our efforts. In return for their service, the Friends of Rupert road crew is always the first to hear new Tales as I write them. I am delighted to be a part of such an active community of volunteers and encourage every one of your readers to give to the whole of the global community in some way which helps to create a better “now” AND future for all.
My thanks, too, to my swashbuckling prince of a husband, Randy, for his celebration of all things Kyrja. Without him, the world wouldn’t be quite so colorful.
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