Inside the Mind - John Moore

It was during COVID when my daughter made a few clay model heads of wizards. I started to write a short story about them. This quickly escalated into a short story, which, after more thoughts, grew into a full book and then into a 10-book series. I added more and more to each book, and they became a learning aid as well; by weaving into the stories different educational aspects, the children reading these books are unaware of being educated whilst enjoying the magical fantasy stories.

The latest children's book released is Book two of a ten-book series entitled The Orange Wiz Wizards. They are magical fantasy stories, with lots of educational value built into them. I have highlighted any difficult words in the storyline, and these are explained in the end of chapter 'Wiz Dictionary.' Also the books contain, Fun Facts about the colour of the book, Facts about Crystals (which are key to the stories), Spaces to create their own drawings, and so much more. The book is one of 10 based on a very special magical island whose ecosystem is failing. It is up to the Wizards, Witches and Warlocks who were banished to the island to repair it.

I have a plan of attributes required to build each character; each of them comes from different backgrounds from around the world. I also have to design their attire; this depends on where they are based on the island or where the main character (the Grand Sorcerer) has chosen them from originally. I try not to use too many of the same items. Obviously, some of them will have a pointy hat and a staff, but these I try to make different. There are 9 different areas on the island that I have to cover, so this is quite challenging, but so far it has been successful.

Having now retired from full-time work, I try to dedicate up to 4 hours a day to writing in one way or another. I try to split into 2 x two-hour sessions wherever possible. The ongoing 10-book children's magical fantasy stories is interspersed with my other adult book projects.

To actually see a published piece of work in both paperback and hardback, and also to see the enjoyment on the children's faces when reading to them or them reading on their own.

Writer's block! Yes, it happens to us all. I have found that where I want to take the story of a certain book, it just fails, or I can't get it right, but what I think for this book works well for another book in the series. I don't mind this, as it gives me a chance to at least set out the storyline for another book. I sometimes find I have three storybooks on the go. So writer's block can be advantageous at times.

I always use Microsoft Word to write with; I use Grammarly to help correct spelling and grammatical errors. My books contain images based on the scenes in the text. I engage AI artists to supply a selection of examples, from which I choose an image that best suits both the text and colour of the book.

Write, write, and write. Get it down on paper. It doesn't matter if it's not in order. Get the ideas down. Then leave it for a while. Go back to it and form a timeline or journey line of where you want the story to go. One tip I always give is to start at the end. That way you can build up the story as you write.

This is difficult; so far I have exhibited at book fairs (the best for sales). I also post on social media sites with links to my Amazon page.

Yes, continuing with my 10-book Children's Magical Fantasy series, 7 to go to complete, but also working on 4 other adult fiction books, mystery and intrigue based.