It is always a sincere pleasure to welcome a fellow author to Interview an Author on Jemsbooks.blog. Today, please help me welcome talented author/illustrator, Mark C. Collins. I have known Mark for many years and am in awe of his talent as not only an author but also as an illustrator. I was happy when he accepted my invitation to be interviewed and showcase his work here.

Hi Mark, you answered so many of my questions that it was difficult to chose just eight. Your answers were equally entertaining. I had to choose more to share. The floor is yours, Mark.

Please tell us something about yourself.

I not only write, but I make a living as an illustrator with a humorous style. On the side I paint pictures, mostly landscapes from my head. I’m also a singer/songwriter/bassist in an all-originals rock duo, and have recorded several songs planned for an EP.

Jjspina: You are truly multi-talented, Mark. I had no idea that you could sing too!

When did you know that you wanted to be an author?

In 2013 I was commissioned by a children’s book author to illustrate her 4-book series. Once completed, I realized I could make my own books as well. I have always written poetry and short stories, so it wasn’t much of a jump writing for children. My first book, “Grandma Stinks,” was released on Dec 2013.

Jjspina: If I ever need an illustrator, I may look you up. I think we could be seeing more books involving your poetry and short stories next.

What process do you need in order to write?

No specific process, but most of my creative ideas come to me while in the shower. An idea… a title, scenario, or full synopsis would come into mind, and I’d have to wait until after my shower to rush into my studio to jot it down. Most of my ideas are rhyming, so it’s a race against the clock when composing a passage in my head while showering, then trying to get out of there in time to write it down before I forget! LOL

Jjspina: That is too funny, Mark. I get a lot of ideas in my shower too so I know what you mean. It is difficult at times to remember the rhyming to write it down.

How do you come up with ideas for your stories?

As aforementioned, most of the time the ideas come in the shower. I think the sound of the water and the solitude are conducive for creative sparks.

Jjspina: I think water is conducive to relaxation and thus opening up your creativity.

What projects are you currently working on?

Creating a series of coloring books. I currently have four on the market and am working on a fifth.

Jjspina: I have seen them online and am quite impressed. They are beautiful!

What do you expect to accomplish in 2025 and beyond?

I don’t usually try to get ahead of myself, and instead live day to day, in the moment. But a loose plan would be to finish a few more coloring books, another storybook, and get more public interest in my painting career.  

Jjspina: I should do that too – not get ahead of myself. I’m sure you will exceed all these expectations with all your talents.

What hobbies do you have when you are not writing?

As mentioned, painting, and writing/recording rock songs with my duo. 

Jjspina: Sounds like you are very busy.

What is your target audience for your book?

Kids between the ages of 3 and 10. But I love it when adults enjoy my books as well.

Jjspina: I am sure kids love your books. They are so beautifully illustrated and comical. I’ve read some of them and loved them as an adult.

What advice would you give prospective authors?

Keep going. Don’t get discouraged. We all find our voice and style through constant work… and failures. We live in a time when self-publishing platforms can create opportunities to express whatever drives us. When writing for children, do not preach. Kids know when they’re being patronized. Instead, educate through entertaining text and pictures. Find an angle, a twist, or create an adversity the protagonist has to overcome. Kids relate to that, and it instills confidence. 

Jjspina: What excellent advice, Mark.

Do you have any unusual talents? What are they?

I was a ventriloquist as a child. And I can still “throw my voice.”

Jjspina: Amazing! Is there anything you cannot do?

Is there anything else you would like to share?

So many children’s authors spend countless hours writing, revising, rewriting, until their manuscript is perfect, then they seek out cheap illustrators with poor skills to illustrate their book. Why? Their work is important to them, so it’s equally important to spend the money on a good illustrator… preferably with a graphic design background, which is so important for the overall layout and flow of the story. 

Jjspina: Good advise for all children’s books authors.

Speak for one of your characters in your books for this interview.

I’ll speak for Emma, the little girl in my first book, “Grandma Stinks.” I chose a girl because I, as a man, liked the idea of a girl confronting her grandmother’s scent. A boy, especially at that age would have been too obvious with his derision. Emma approached the issue sensitively when dealing directly with Grandma yet only expressed to the reader and her parents how disgusted she was with it all. She confided in the reader her true feelings. 

Jjspina: That book was adorable, clevely written and beautifully illustrated as all Mark’s entertaining books.

I read Mark’s book below, Meet the Bugz! Here is my review.

Come meet 18 of the most common bugs, in cute cartoon style.
Learn simple facts and have a few laughs! Ages 3 – 8.

Jjspina

5.0 out of 5 stars Educational and Fun Book to Learn About Bugs!

Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2014

This is a fun and educational way to learn about bugs. The illustrations are just beautiful and the rhyming is well written. Children will enjoy looking at the cute and colorful illustrations of each bug and learning some interesting things about each insect.

This is the first book I have read by this multi-talented author/illustrator. I was provided with a copy of this book for an honest review. I would highly recommend this delightful book. This reader enjoyed it immensely.

Here are some social media links for Mark:

My FB: https://www.facebook.com/markccollinsstudio

Instagram: mccollinsstudio

http://www.markcollinsillustration.com/

Thank you so much, Mark, for stopping by to share a little about yourself and your books. It was a sheer pleasure to have you here. Please feel free to come back again when you have a new book to share with me and my readers.

Thank you, readers, for stopping by to read about this talented author/illustrator. I hope you will check out his books and follow him on his links. Happy reading everyone!

I have received so many requests to showcase other authors’ books that I cannot take on anymore. Anyone I already promised to interview, of course, I will complete. I wish all these authors I had to refuse much success with their work. Thank you for your interest in my blog.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

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