Interview with Kurt Wagner

Published 2016-10-07.
What do your readers mean to you?
My readers responses are the highlight of me writing this book. I could not believe the joy I felt when people complimented me on the book, or told me how much they enjoyed it.
What are you working on next?
I am currently working on a Halloween themed book, and am hoping to have it available late spring 2017. Anthony will be back and preparing for Halloween and all the fun activities that we all enjoy during the fall season.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
I am by nature a go-getter, and hit the ground running every day hoping it's going to be a great one! I am always inspiring my kids to go out and make it a good day, so I try and remember to practice what I preach. I get a lot of enjoyment out of success, and by that I do not mean financially. I think emotional success and parenting success is priceless.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
My wife has a crazy schedule, so my goal is to make sure when she is actually home we are able to take a long walk or a bike ride to catch up on the craziness of our lives.
What is your writing process?
Being a new author, I had an idea in my mind for quite awhile before I actually wrote it out on paper. After reading it several times, I would envision what the scene should look like. I am still a kid at heart, so I know what I liked as a child and I tend to mimic that type of style.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I don't actually remember the first story I ever read, but I do remember loving the Golden Books series. I can still remember what the covers look like! I guess they were like cartoons on paper, and always gave me a laugh.
How do you approach cover design?
Being a new author I don't have a lot of experience in cover design, but I do know that since this book was a Christmas theme, I was envisioning an adult reading the book to small children, and while the book was held up the front cover and back cover would flow together to create a Christmas scene.
What do you read for pleasure?
For pleasure I love to pick up a good mystery. I also love to travel, so I enjoy books that talk about different areas of the world that I have never been to. I always enjoy learning about different cultures and with reading books that broaden your horizons, sometimes you can actually feel like you have been to these other areas.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
My wife has a Kindle that I have grown to enjoy. I am a bit old fashioned and always thought I would only enjoy actual physical books, but the ease of using the Kindle has lessened that feeling.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
We are solely relying on social media and local bookstores at this point, so it's too early to tell!
Describe your desk
My desk is probably the messiest area of my house. Just ask my wife! Actually I have my next book started on one notebook, I have invoices and a scheduling notebook on top of that, and I am surrounded by pictures of my kids and our adventures.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.

Books by This Author

Anthony's Outdoor Adventure
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 120. Language: American English. Published: November 17, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Sports & Recreation / Camping & Outdoor Activities, Fiction » Children’s books » Nature & the Natural World / Environment
Lace up your boots and hike along with Anthony in Anthony's Outdoor Adventure. Anthony is excited to spend time outside exploring nature and camping out under the stars.
Anthony's ABC Book
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 110. Language: English. Published: June 16, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Concepts / Alphabet, Fiction » Children’s books » Activity Books
Anthony's ABC Book is a fun introduction to letters, numbers, colors and shapes. Children are bound to enjoy the bright and colorful illustrations as they begin their educational journey with Anthony.
Anthony's Farm Animal Friends
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 160. Language: American English. Published: June 12, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Animals » Pets & domestic animals, Fiction » Children’s books » Animals » Mice, rats, & other rodents
Anthony's Farm Animal Friends is a wonderful introduction for early learners to a variety of farm animals and the unique sounds they make. Each page is full of colorful and vibrant illustrations that are sure to capture the attention of children and make learning fun!
Anthony's Rainy Day
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 160. Language: American English. Published: June 12, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Animals » Mice, rats, & other rodents, Fiction » Children’s books » Imagination & Play
Anthony awakens to dark rumbling clouds, but even though it's too wet to play outside, he's determined not to let a little rain stop him from having some fun! So, Anthony uses his imagination to create a list of things to do on his rainy day.
Anthony's Summer Vacation
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 160. Language: American English. Published: June 12, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Animals » Mice, rats, & other rodents, Fiction » Children’s books » Imagination & Play
Anthony and his family go on a fun-filled vacation to celebrate the beginning of summer break. We invite you to join Anthony and share in his excitement as he enjoys many first-time experiences, splashes in the pool, and plays by the ocean. Anthony's Summer Vacation, the third book in the series of Anthony's Adventures.
Anthony's Happy Halloween
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 120. Language: English. Published: January 15, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Holidays & Celebrations / Halloween
The holiday adventures continue in "Anthony's Happy Halloween". Anthony and his friend Sally were excited to participate in all of the fun, fall activities of Halloween. Join Anthony and Sally as they carve pumpkins, try on costumes and more as they eagerly wait for trick-or-treating on Halloween night. Enjoy this beautifully illustrated tale of family traditions!
Anthony, The Mouse Who Stirred at Christmas
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 120. Language: English. Published: October 22, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Holidays & Celebrations / Christmas & Advent
Join Anthony, an adorable little mouse who loves Christmas, on this fun tale of special family traditions. Anthony is determined to stay awake and see Santa when he delivers the gifts to his home. You will feel the magic and excitement of the holidays!