It is a pleasure to welcome author Francis H. Powell to my blog today. It is nice meeting you, Francis. Feel free to step up to the podium and tell us a little about yourself and your work.
Thank you, Janice.
Please tell us something about yourself.
I was born in the UK, I spent some time living in Austria, and since 1999 I have lived in France. I live with my wife, my ten-year-old son, and our rescue dog, Bertie. I have spent a lot of time teaching at schools and universities. We have a really nice house near Fontainebleau. Sometimes we travel to Paris. Before, we lived in Brittany, near the sea, but I missed the life I used to have when I lived in Paris, lots of culture and things happening. I also have friends who live in Paris.
Jjspina: Sounds like a lovely place for you and your family. It’s important to feel happy where you live.
What hobbies do you have when you are not writing?
I went to art school, and I still do lots of creative things, like painting and sculpture. I also do music. We have a wonderful garden, but I know next to nothing about gardening. I have limited success planting things.
Jjspina: It’s evident that you are talented in your artwork with your colorful children’s book.
What is your target audience for your book?
According to the publisher, for children six years old and older. There is quite a lot of text. I hope that adults can also enjoy this book. It is aiming to be witty; there are fishy jokes in it. I also did the illustrations. There are over thirty illustrations. If I could make a few people laugh and bring a smile to a few faces, this would be great.
Jjspina: We all a good laugh or two, Francis. Your book does sound comical.
Would you rather be an animal or a vegetable?
I am a vegetarian, so I would prefer to be an animal. I love dogs, so if I had a nice owner, I would be happy.
Jjspina: That is a good thing to have a nice owner if you are a dog. Dogs are precious in the short time they are our companions.
Speak about one of your characters in your books for this interview.
I think stories have to have a bad, evil character, for example, a wicked witch or an evil stepmother. In my story, the bad character is called Princess Chipolata.Her name gave me the possibility of the lines below.
It seemed that the Fish King had met his chips. He even
kissed this fishy princess on the lips.
Ghosts Henry and John wondered about the king’s catch. Was this fishy
princess such a good match?
Though King Fish and Chips seemed to go together.
The two wise ghosts thought that they knew better.
How do you come up with ideas for your stories?
With my recent book, I got the idea from a drawing my son did. He does a lot of drawing and this particular drawing seemed to be a king holding the hands of two ghosts. He looked a bit like a fish so I decided to call him “The Fish King”. I wrote a long poem based on his drawing. At one point I decided to change it into prose, but I decided to keep a lot of the poetry.
Sometimes a story title pops into my head. Other times I might read something on the internet or watch a documentary on television, that sparks an idea. Sometimes I might start a story and then come back to it. I might work on several ideas at once.
Jjspina: It appears evident that your son inherited your artistic ability. How wonderful you could work together like that. I agree we never know where inspiration will strike whether it’s something we saw on TV or heard in the news. Authors can’t ignore the spark of creativity when it strikes.
Thank you so much, Francis, for stopping by to share a little about yourself and your work. I wish you much success with your new book and any future projects.
Here is Francis new children’s book.
Two fish tales in one!
The Fish King is lonely and wishes he has a wife to keep him company. So when his chance of happiness is dashed by Princess Chipolata, after she is caught by the two wise ghosts stealing the crown jewels and is sent to prison, the king is still left feeling miserable. The Fish King has many suiters but it is Princess Alice’s sister, Lilly, who finally wins his heart!
However, there’s only one problem…he must introduce her to the two ghosts that reside in his palace and who like to play jokes on people!
A grand wedding takes place at the palace and soon after the king and queen produce a royal heir – Prince Erik. The young prince grows to love the two wise ghosts as much as his father does and, as soon as he is old enough, he leaves the palace to embark on a magical adventure with his ghost friends; until at last it is time to go home and share his many stories with his parents and Aunt Alice.
I have written books in different genres, but my latest book is a children’s book. Here are my links:
The Fish King and the Two Wise Ghosts – Blossom Spring Publishing
Francis H Powell (@francis_h_powell_writer) • Instagram photos and videos
Francis H. Powell (Author of Flight of Destiny) | Goodreads
(20) Francis H Powell (@Dreamheadz) / Twitter
FRANCIS H POWELL AUTHOR OF FLIGHT OF DESTINY AND OTHER STORIES – Home page (weebly.com)
Purchase links
The Fish King and the Two Wise Ghosts – Blossom Spring Publishing
Francis H Powell Twitter
@Dreamheadz
Francis H Powell (@francis_h_powell_writer) • Instagram photos and videos
Goodreads
Francis H. Powell (Author of Flight of Destiny) | Goodreads
(20+) Francis H Powell author | Facebook
youtube
Thank you, readers, for stopping by to read this post. Please check out Francis’s books when you can at the above links. Your support and reviews are appreciated and welcomed wherever you purchase my books and those of fellow authors.
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
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Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina
Award-Winning Author
Jemsbooks for All Ages!
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