Alise Curran
Welcome! So glad you could stop by!
Alise Curran, M.Ed., is a dedicated mother, wife, seasoned early childhood educator, and accomplished author. Her books, “Nana Will Say Yes,” and “Grandpa Will Say Yes,” were published in November 2022 and August 2023 respectively, captivating readers with their heartwarming stories. To delve deeper into Alise’s world or establish a connection, visit her website at http://www.alisecurran.com or join her on Instagram for updates and insights: @alisecurranwrites.
Where are you from? I grew up in Westchester, New York, and currently split time between Westchester and Bolton Landing, New York (Lake George area).
Where did you learn how to write children’s picture books? As an early childhood educator for over a decade, I had the chance to read and study hundreds of children’s books and see first hand what made them children’s favorites. I relied heavily on critique groups of seasoned writers, trusted early childhood educators, and parents to hone my craft and create picture books that I am proud of!
Tell us about your book(s): Both of my books, Nana Will Say Yes and Grandpa Will Say Yes, are sweet and sentimental stories that highlight the relationships between a grandparent and their grandchild. These stories highlight the age-old truths that grandparents are known for spoiling their grandchildren and that time passes too quickly. They are rhyming books full of predictable text, vibrant illustrations and universally treasured childhood staples like sleepovers, learning to ride a bike, fishing, and enjoying the playground that are bound to hook children’s interests and make adults sentimental about their own childhoods.
Where do you get your ideas from? My inspiration comes directly from my children’s relationships with their grandparents (my parents). We were spending time with my family one day at my parent’s house and my daughter asked me for something and I said “Ask Nana, I’m sure Nana will say yes.” and it was a lightning strike of an idea which led to the whole book being inspired by their relationship. From there, it was a natural progression to have my second book focus on the sweet relationship between my son and my Dad.
What has been the most challenging to you as a writer/author? The most challenging piece as an independent author is that you become not only the author but the marketer and salesperson for your story. This was unexpected when I began writing my first book but it has been an interesting and exciting experience to learn about marketing and sales and view the books through that lens as well.
What do you write besides picture books? What do you write on your blog? I have had the opportunity to write articles, mainly pertaining to topics surrounding motherhood and teaching that can be found across many platforms (all re-posted to my blog on www.alisecurran.com). I’m super excited that I am able to write and share book reviews on my blog as well. These books are donated by authors all over the country to my Little Free Library for community members to enjoy after I review them. It’s an awesome system since it provides visibility to authors and their books and promotes literacy in the community. It’s a win-win.
Tell us about your Youtube series? The idea for my Author Interview Series started when I was publishing my first book, Nana Will Say Yes, in 2022. I was scouring the internet for sources to help a first time independent author navigate the process of publishing a children’s book and while I did find some great resources, I noticed that I was learning so much more from the author community on Instagram about the ins and outs of writing and publishing. It struck me that it would be a great idea to have authors come on and discuss their triumphs and challenges and share tidbits of advice about what they learned along the way in their writing and publishing process. I created a space filled with what I was looking for as a first time (and second time) author and asked the questions we all want to ask but never do. It has been an awesome way to connect with fellow authors, share their work with the community and learn from them!
How do you stay focused as an author, wife, and mom? My family comes first and I love that I am enjoying the time I have with our children when they are young but it does get hectic sometimes with a two and five year old running around my husband and I. I try to prioritize the things that need to get done throughout the day and have learned to let some things go so that I can fit in time to work on things that keep me cognitively engaged and intrigued among the everyday tasks that often come with motherhood. Focusing on my writing and promoting my books is a rewarding creative outlet that I’m glad I chose to pursue.
What is next for you? I’ll continue sharing my first two published books (Nana Will Say Yes and Grandpa Will Say Yes) far and wide as I am always so excited to hear the positive feedback I get from readers young and old! I plan to continue reviewing books, hosting my Author Interview Series and I am working on two children’s books at the moment, one is an early reader with vibrant illustrations that is an ode to lazy days spent at the lake during summertime. The other is a book that helps children recognize big feelings and provides strategies for them to handle large emotions when life gets frustrating. It is a relatable book that reminds you when life gets a bit challenging, you can always start again. I am grateful for the creative outlet these projects provide and excited to continue sharing my author journey! Anyone can follow along @alisecurranwrites on Instagram.
Other social media handles, and contact information.
Email: alisecurranwrites@gmail.com
Website: http://www.alisecurran.com
Phone: 914-263-0603
Anything else you want readers to know.
You can get your copies of my books (Nana Will Say Yes and Grandpa Will Say Yes) on Amazon.com or Bookshop.org which I love because it supports local bookstores! They make great gifts!
Alise one last question, tell us something that no one knows—something about you that isn’t posted anywhere on your website or social media.
I am an identical twin. I don’t think it is posted anywhere but it may have slipped in as my sister, Laken, is such an important part of my life.
Thank you, Alise for the interview. I wish you the best.
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November’s free book giveaway winner is: Tiffany from Virginia.
December’s free book giveaway is a book bundle from—-
Kidlit at Heart Authors!
Renee Bolla
Tarja Nevala
Leslie Eva Tayloe
Mona Voelkel
If you’d like a chance to win four (4) books fill out the entry form. Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/47bQNe8
Leslie Eva Tayloe 