Interview with Karen Cioffi


Tell us a bit about yourself.
Thank you. It’s great to be here. I’m a published author, ghostwriter, and editor for 4RV Publisher. I’m also the founder and manager of Writers on the Move, moderator of a children’s critique group, and on the team at DKV Writing 4U.
In addition to this, I’m a member of the International Association of Professional Ghostwriters; National Association of Independent Writers and Editors; Professional Writers Alliance; Freelancers Union; Working Writers Club; SCBWI; Author’s Den; JacketFlap; and more.

When did you first get bit by the writing bug?
As with most writers, I had the writing bug early on. I wrote fiction as a child, then went onto poetry in my teens. I also wrote two songs.

Why did you decide to write stories for the How-to/Parenting market?
My interest in writing stories for children that have a take-away value for the child and parent began with when my children were babies, having soothing bedtime stories to read and/or sing to young ones can help lull them off to sleep. Then after a number of events and having grandchildren, my interest was rekindled toward the picture book, chapter and middle-grade audience. I think it’s very important for children to have books that can guide them, teach them, enlighten them, and spark their imagination. 

What is your favorite part of writing for this group? What is the greatest challenge?
My favorite part of writing for children is the affect it can have on the reader. You can bring a child to a new world, or to an old world. You can inspire him and engage him. You can take him beyond his experiences and spark his imagination.
In addition, having a child who had a learning disability, I saw the need for shorter and easy to read books that are engaging. This obviously has a parenting value also.

Can you tell us what your latest book is all about?
The book I’m currently promoting is Walking Through Walls. It’s a middle-grade fantasy adventured based on an ancient Chinese tale and set in 16th century China. The story is about Wang, a twelve year old boy who longs to be rich and powerful. He studies the legend of the Eternals, a group of mystics known for their amazing magical feats. Certain they are real he journeys to the Loa Mountain and begins an apprenticeship with the Master Eternal. Lacking the patience and moral fiber needed for the long and arduous undertaking, Wang decides to leave. But, first he persuades the Master to teach him one magic formula – walking through walls. 

What inspired you to write it?
I received a rough outline of an ancient Chinese tale from a nonfiction writer I knew from a critique group we both belonged to. I loved the story idea. Having grandchildren, I saw the subtle moral value the story could pass on to children, so I changed the story to have a child protagonist and turned it into a middle-grade fantasy adventure.

Where can readers purchase a copy?
Readers can purchase Walking Through Walls through numerous retailers:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Through-Walls-Karen-Cioffi/dp/0982659474/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311470072&sr=1-3
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/walking-through-walls-karen-cioffi/1032021277?ean=9780982659472&itm=4&usri=walking%2bthrough%2bwalls
4RV Publishing: http://4rvpublishingcatalog.yolasite.com/mg-ya-page-2.php (4RV is having an amazing Holiday Book Sale – stop there before anywhere else to purchase a book – you can’t beat the prices. The sale is on through December 5)

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?
Yes, I do:
http://walkingthroughwalls-kcioffi.blogspot.com
http://karencioffi.com (author website)
http://karencioffiwritingandmarketing.com (writing and marketing information and services)








For a list of Karen’s books and e-book visit:
http://www.karencioffiwritingandmarketing.com/p/karens-books.html

What is up next for you?
I have many projects going on. I’m a ghostwriter, an editor, founder and manager of Writers on the Move, and on the team at DKV Writing 4U.
As far as books, I’m working on another story based on the Walking Through Walls protagonist, Wang. I also have a children’s PB WIP, and a science fiction middle-grade book.

Do you have anything else to add?
I’d just like to thank you for taking the time to feature me and Walking Through Walls.


You can find out more about Karen Cioffi’s World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/KarenCioffi.aspx. There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sure to stop by and interact with Karen and the hosts at the different stops by leaving comments and/or questions.
In addition, come listen to Blog Talk Radio’s World of Ink Network show: Stories for Children at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork. The hosts VS Grenier, Kris Quinn Chirstopherson and Irene Roth will be chatting with Karen Cioffi about her books, writing, the publishing industry and experiences with virtual tours. Karen will also be sharing writing tips and trials, and tribulations of the writer’s life.  The show will be live November 21, 2011 at 2pm EST.

3 Comments

  1. VS Grenier16 November 2011 at 18:05

    Thank you for hosting Karen Cioffi on your blog today.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Elaine Raco16 November 2011 at 18:06

    Great interview...shared it with another YA/children's site...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jo Linsdell17 November 2011 at 22:48

    Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment ladies.

    Elaine thanks for sharing the post.

    This was a nice interview to do as I discovered I have a lot in common with Karen.

    ReplyDelete

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