Q&A with Marin

 

 

 

 

Marin is the author and illustrator of the new children's picture book Al's Journey.  

 

Q: What inspired you to write Al’s Journey?

 

A: We all know that grandparents* play a pivotal role in family lives, a role that benefits young children mentally and emotionally.

 

For generations, grandparents provided support and care to their grandchildren. They created memorable experiences that youngsters cherished for the rest of their lives. In the last few decades, societies have undergone significant changes, families have adapted, and this priceless role has been diminished or entirely disappeared.

 

The result? Improper upbringing. Disrespectful children. Youngsters unprepared for the burdens of life.

 

Video games, smartphones, and social media have proven that screen time is less valuable than lap time: When grandparents are present, sharing advice, reading books, and participating in activities, children tend to experience fewer emotional problems and develop into well-rounded individuals.

 

I created the inspirational picture book Al’s Journey as a poetic tribute to all grandparents worldwide. The publication depicts a wealth of knowledge. It portrays a cohesive bond between a grandfather and a grandchild. It highlights the importance of intergenerational relationships: A bridge connecting past and present, and linking all of us with the broader world.

 

Q: Did you work on the text first or the illustrations first--or both simultaneously?

 

A: My modus operandi has a blueprint I follow. I write the story first. Then I leave the manuscript to rest. Sometimes I do not touch the text for days. Sometimes for months. When I revisit the plotline, I may like it or not. Writing is actually rewriting, so I tweak and adjust the text until it is satisfactory.

 

At that point, my protagonists reveal to me the style, the technique, the colour scheme, and the way they want to be portrayed. I then start making the artwork following my characters’ directions.

 

Q: How did you create the art for the book?

 

A: I applied mixed media to create unique textures and nightish visual effects. Then I experimented with Photoshop filters to enrich and unify the images. I also applied pure white paint to the simple clothes of Al and his grandfather.

 

My goal was to enhance the innocence of the characters, create images screaming of contrast, and embolden the overall look of the artwork. 

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?

 

A: It is not a secret that contemporary humans are a metaphoric image of the gold-obsessed tribe from the book. In our money-driven world, we work sheepishly hard and often forget to eat, sleep, and take good care of our children. Some of these children will be followers, others will become future leaders. Our responsibility is to help them build character and grow up as emotionally and physically strong individuals.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I am currently developing a story with the most famous children’s classic heroes, such as Rumpelstiltskin, Thumbelina, Mother Hubbard, Aladdin, and others, working together to make an abandoned and sad rocking horse happy again.

 

In October and November, I’ll be releasing two more inspirational and thought-provoking titles: The Cobbler’s Bridge and The Unusual Fart, and I am preparing the materials for their launch.  

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Recently, I created a new word: shitizen. It may not become a permanent part of the language, but please, raise a child who doesn’t fit the meaning of the coinage I concocted.

 

*I became an orphan when I was 1 year old; I grew up with my paternal grandparents, who became my first role models and provided me with vital wisdom and the most valuable life lessons I needed to survive, learn, and grow.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This Q&A was conducted in partnership with Marin. Everyone who enters this giveaway will receive links to download two of Marin’s creations: a free e-book and a free audiobook! One grand prize winner will receive $200 via PayPal along with the audio version of Al’s Journey. Another winner will receive $50 via PayPal and the audiobook, and a third winner will receive $20 via PayPal and the audiobook.