Meet Jazzy Author
Gia Volterra de Saulnier
What inspired you to write your first book?
This was actually a project for a class I took at Bunker Hill Community College in 1999. The project was to write and draw a picture book for children. My concept was “Journey to Jazzland” about a Flute named Windy who gets a little bored in Orchestra and wants to learn more about jazz.
When did you start considering yourself a writer?
Actually, I’m really a musician and performer, I never (ever) dreamed I would get this book published and now I have been encouraged to write more. However, I did start writing some in High School and then later on, when I was asked to do the promoting of our events (Renaissance Faires and Festivals we do in MA and NH –USA) I had to do a lot of Press Releases and writing. I joined LiveJournal and found a few groups to join that was looking for short fiction pieces. I did do some writing and was encouraged to do more.
Out of the books you've written, which is your favourite?
This is my first book I have ever gotten published so it will always be my favorite as well as my “baby”.
How do you feel about being interviewed by a children's book character?
I think it would be a neat idea to be interviewed by a book character, it’s not happened in the past, but I have been interviewed by a “cat” (Cefa the Cat) and a “dog” – (Stiches the dog) so it would be cool if I could get interviewed by a character. Maybe Red Riding Hood? I would love to get her perspective on jazz. J
What are you working on next?
I wanted to see what the response was for my picture book “Journey to Jazzland” since I’m still an unknown author, but I’ve been encouraged to do a sequel and I’m already working on ideas for “Journey to Dixieland” but also I have a YA Renaissance Faire love story that I just started out.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Sure, here is a blurb: One day during an orchestra rehearsal, Windy Flute was playing a piece of music and her mind started to wander. Over and over, she had practiced the piece and played the piece. Feeling bored, she felt that she wanted to be a little different. Then something special happened. She began to hear notes that weren’t on the page of sheet music on her stand!
Out of your own characters, do you have a favourite?
I suppose since I am a flutist myself that Windy Flute is my favorite. She’s spunky, sassy and very curious – kind of like me!
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Look, I’m really new to this business, but here is what I do know. Do your homework and research your genre! No matter if you get a publisher or you do self-publishing, YOU have to be the one to plug/promote/market your book. NO one else will do this for you! Get reviews of your book! If you don’t get a great review, just say thanks for the review and take it with a grain of salt. Not everyone is going to LOVE your book. Yes, it’s your work, but review it yourself and get a professional editor if you are not one. Even having someone to review your mistakes can be the meaning of WORD to WORLD (see what I did there?). Also, no matter what you do, please make sure you copyright your work!!!
What do you do when you are not writing?
Like I mentioned before, I am really a musician and performer. My husband and I promote small Renaissance Festivals here in New England area: Black Swan Inn Renaissance Festival coming to Tilton, NH in late June, possible one for Hammond Castle in July and Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival in Charlton, MA coming in mid- August. I am also a mom, wife and looking for a full time day job doing Accounts Payable here in MA area.
If you had to live in one of your books which book would it be?
One of my books? I’d love to visit Jazzland! It looks so cool!!! Oh I would love to perform for that audience too!
What was your favourite book when you were a kid?
My favorite picture book has to be “The Giving Tree” by Shel Siverstein
Anything you would like to add?
I just want to inspire kids by learning a little bit about music and jazz with my book and hope that music teachers read it to their classes! I have inspired a few kids but would love more! Thanks for this opportunity!!! :D
Thank you for featuring me! I am honored to be here!
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