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Meet the Toy Troll a.k.a. Josh Hawkins

11/17/2013

26 Comments

 
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Have you heard of the Toy Troll? I have, and I wish he'd visit my home. 

"If you leave your toys out, the Toy Troll will take them to his troll hole and keep them for himself."--excerpt

The Toy Troll is a debut e-book by a former critique group member of mine, Joshua Hawkins. I just had to interview him on his fabulous new book. Enjoy!

1. How did you get the idea for The Toy Troll? 

The idea came to me when my youngest son was only a few years old. I got a little frustrated when I found myself picking up the same toys I had picked up umpteen times already that day, and my imagination started rolling...How nice would it be if someone other than Mom or Dad could help remind him not to leave his toys lying around? A mischievous little troll popped into my head, and voila! The Toy Troll was born.

2. Can you explain why you decided to self-publish? (Had you submitted The Toy Troll traditionally?) How hard was it to self-publish? How long did it take?

I fought the decision to self-publish for a long time. I've always imagined The Toy Troll in hardcover with the name of a well-known publisher emblazoned on its cover, and I felt that self publishing would be selling myself and the story short (I no longer feel that way, though I'm still hopeful to see the book the way I've always imagined it). After piles of query letters and submissions to traditional publishers proved fruitless, I shelved the story for a few years. I still believed in it, but frankly I was frustrated with the publishing process. Thankfully my wife, in her thoughtful wisdom, asked an artistic friend to illustrate the story as a birthday gift to me. When she showed me the first few finished pages, I knew I had to get it published. Another friend had recently published through Amazon.com, so I looked into it. The process is quite simple, and after a few days of getting to know the system and using a free software program I found online to format the book it was ready to go.

3. You said you're going to self-publish other picture books. Why this route?

I have gobs of good stories like The Toy Troll that are finished and have been through the rounds with traditional publishers but for one reason or another didn't make it into print. After seeing how well The Toy Troll came out, I wanted to give my other works the same opportunity to get out into the world and (insert lame pun here) tell their stories.

4. Do you have a marketing plan?
 
Not really. I mean, I created a website and let all my family and Facebook friends know when the story was released, and I've been telling other people through word of mouth, but beyond that I don't have any specific plan. I know I should, and I plan to get there.

5. What advice do you give writers who want to self-publish?

Go for it! Don't give up on the dream of traditional publishing if you have it, but don't rule out other methods in the mean time. There is something extremely satisfying and motivating in seeing your work "out there," even if only in digital format.

6. What are you currently working on?

A fantastically gripping, certain-to-be-award-winning middle grade novel (my first ever) currently consumes nearly all of my writing time. But I'm also starting negotiations with a great illustrator I know to bring one or two of my other picture book stories to life. 

Thanks, Josh! If you'd like to read The Toy Troll, it's only $.99 on Amazon. My son really enjoyed it.

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Josh discovered the joy of turning daydreams into stories in grade school, and he hasn't stopped since. When he's not busy cooking up books in his troll hole, he enjoys spending time with his Wonder Girl and their three Wonder Children, who provide a never-ending supply of inspiration for his stories. They live near Salt Lake City, Utah. 
joshua-hawkins.com

26 Comments
Mirka Breen link
11/18/2013 12:32:01 am

I'm not surprised at the delightful story Josh Hawkins came up with, because I remember him from our shared critique-group days as a gifted writer. I hope to see a lot more fun stories, and no doubt will, from the author of The Toy Troll!

Reply
Tina Cho link
11/18/2013 09:21:50 pm

I second that, Mirka!

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Josh link
11/19/2013 12:24:45 pm

Thanks Mirka! I always think of you this time of year when I read our Thanksgiving books to the kids. Long live the turkey at the door!

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Robin link
11/18/2013 01:47:29 am

Tina and Joshua, Terrific interview! I could use a toy troll around my house to pick all of the Rainbow Loom rubber bands that seem to be on creeping onto every surface of my apartment! Joshua, The Toy Troll sounds adorable. Please keep us posted on your other projects. It's nice to know that there are options besides the traditional routes.

Reply
Tina Cho link
11/18/2013 09:23:47 pm

May your Toy Troll wish come true. hehe

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Josh link
11/19/2013 12:26:53 pm

Hmm Robin, Rainbow Loom rubber bands...sounds like a possible route for a sequel!

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Laura S. link
11/18/2013 01:58:21 am

Oh my goodness, we sure could use a Toy Troll around here. This sounds like a great and fun story. Thanks for sharing your journey, Josh, into self-publishing. And thanks for a great interview, Tina!

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Tina Cho link
11/18/2013 09:24:30 pm

I think every family could use a toy troll! Thanks, Laura.

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Josh link
11/19/2013 12:32:01 pm

The Toy Troll at my house has a full-time job...in addition to his other full-time job! It's never a dull moment.

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Sandy Perlic
11/18/2013 05:15:15 am

I love the title and the cover of this book! The cover is worth the price of the e-book all by itself. Thanks for the peek at Josh's work, Tina.

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Tina Cho link
11/18/2013 09:24:56 pm

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Sandy!

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Josh link
11/19/2013 12:35:19 pm

I couldn't agree more, Sandy. I had an image of the Toy Troll in mind when I wrote the story, but my illustrator killed it. And I couldn't be happier.

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Genevieve link
11/18/2013 07:31:07 am

Courageous choice, Josh! I love hearing success stories like this. Best of luck with Toy Troll and your future endeavors.

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Tina Cho link
11/18/2013 09:25:28 pm

Thanks for sharing in Josh's celebration!

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Josh link
11/21/2013 09:41:08 am

Thanks Genevieve! You too!

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Tracy Campbell link
11/18/2013 08:09:04 am

Hi Tina and Josh,
I loved your inspiring story. I'm trying to decide if I should also self-publish. Here's agent Rachelle Gardner's spin on things. I hope you don't mind that I attached the link, Tina.
http://www.rachellegardner.com/
And I'll check out your book, Josh.
May all your writing dreams come true!
Tracy

Reply
Tina Cho link
11/18/2013 09:26:10 pm

Not a problem, Tracy, to include the link. I've visited her blog before.

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Josh link
11/21/2013 09:46:34 am

Interesting words from Rachelle. Gives one a lot to think about. Thanks Tracy, and best of luck to you as well!

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Pam Brunskill
11/18/2013 09:45:45 am

The Toy Troll sounds great! Thanks for the interview. It's interesting to hear why and how people are choosing to self-publish nowadays.

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Tina Cho link
11/18/2013 09:26:59 pm

You're right, Pam. It is good to learn about all different venues of publishing and why people choose their routes.

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Josh link
11/21/2013 09:47:47 am

The Toy Troll IS great, you should check it out! Thanks Pam.

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Evelyn Christensen link
11/19/2013 09:26:33 am

So delighted to get to read this interview with Josh! Thanks for sharing it, Tina. Having enjoyed lots of Josh's fun stories when he was in our critique group, I'm looking forward to reading The Toy Troll. Wishing you the very best on this publishing adventure, Josh!

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Josh link
11/21/2013 09:49:37 am

Ev! So good to hear from you! I have so many fond memories of our critique group. I hope you are well!

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Barbara Bockman link
11/23/2013 02:01:41 pm

Thanks for introducing us to this cute book, Tina.
And Thanks, Josh, for the interesting interview. I'm now with P and B, and I'm sorry I never got to meet you when you were here. Best of luck with your self-publishing; I'm planning to do the same.

Reply
Tina Cho link
11/23/2013 03:09:22 pm

Thanks for stopping by, Barbara! Which story will you self-publish?

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Josh link
11/24/2013 11:22:44 am

Thank you Barbara! P&B was so great and such a positive influence in my progression as a writer. Best of luck to you as well!

Reply



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    Tina M. Cho, children's author

    I'm a children's author and freelance writer for the educational market. Welcome!

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