Emi Zako Interview Published on: 19, Jan 2021
What were you like as a child? Who was your role model growing up?
I was a child who was shy and loved books. I really didn't have a role model growing up but I wanted to do the right thing.
What inspired you to become a writer? At what age did you write your first book? Did it get published?I love books, especially children's books. Publishing a children's book with my art was one of my dreams. I self-published my first book this year, 2020.
In what ways has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Development helped you in your career?Obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Development helped me to understand how children develop physically, mentally, and emotionally; I want to write books that support their healthy development. Also during my study for the degree, I took Children's Literature as one of the courses; it helped me understand how to develop a storyline, what children like, and what I can write to support children's development and learning.
What is the most profound thing you've ever read in a children's book?I love Aesop's fable children's book because these books teach morals. I also love Dr. Seuss's books because these books address individuality and teach children to be open minded.
How long did it take you to design the cover of your book, "How Are You, Shuta?"I drew Shuta in 1998 as it was my self expression. I wanted to use the drawing of Shuta to create a book that is loved by children but I really didn't know how to create a book with it until this year, 2020. I found Amazon Self-publishing and I designed the book, How Are You, Shuta?; it took me about 2 weeks because I had the original drawings.
How did you begin writing the 'Shuta and Me' series? What was your approach?After I published the first book, How Are You, Shuta?, I still had a lot of drawings of Shuta on hand. I created the 'Shuta and Me' series because I wanted children to feel that Shuta is their friend and they are 'Me'; so the 'Shuta and Me' series was born. The 'Shuta and Me' series is all about the reader with Shuta and I want them to enjoy everyday life while they learn something new from 'Shuta and Me'.
My approach in 'Shuta and Me' is that I only show Shuta but not the child who is talking to Shuta in the books because I want a reader to be 'Me'.
I also designed the 'Shuta and Me' books as a huge part of early learning for children; parents and teachers can integrate the books to language and art, science, math, social behavior, and emotional development.
What is the future of children's literature?The future of children's literature will be reflected with our lifestyle changes: social norms, family structure, individuality, and culture. However, some things like morals and love will never change and these are always will be addressed in children's literature.
How much did you research about sea animals while writing your book, "Let's Go To The Beach, Shuta!"?I didn't research sea animals that appear in the book because they are basic creatures that we can find on the beach. Characteristics of them are based on my knowledge which are sort of common knowledge. I wanted all the characters to be simple and friendly ones.
What challenges did you face while writing your book, White Socks?Challenges that I faced while writing White Socks were grammar and the choices of vocabulary because the owner of White Socks tells a story of what happened to White Socks. I wanted to create something that sounds casual and friendly since it is supposed to emulate a story coming from a teenager talking to young children. I also wanted to express a variety of emotions that the owner of White Socks had to go through.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?I would tell my younger writing self that although it seems like a dream that will never come true, you should never give up. It only becomes impossible once you give up.
What are some good books to read about psychology and human behavior?I recommend Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen.
If you could write about one topic for the rest of your life, what would it be?One topic that I could write for the rest of my life would be love.
What do Barnes and Noble have that Amazon doesn't?Amazon Self-publishing doesn't have a hard cover as a choice for publishing.
What was your reaction when your first book, "How Are You, Shuta?" received the honor of 8th place of AllAuthor Cover of the Month, June?I was so happy and honored. I entered the contest but I didn't think the book could make it to the last since I am not a professional artist or a book cover designer.
Lastly, what are your thoughts and opinions on AllAuthor and its services?I think AllAuthor is a great platform to connect authors and readers because it plays a role as a bridge between them. I was able to connect with many authors and readers through AllAuthor. I also love AllAuthor's Book Cover Contest which provides a great opportunity to find wonderful books. In addition, I love the tweet schedule feature because it helps authors to tweet about their books during busy schedule.
