Ten Terrifying Questions with Trace Moroney!

Trace Moroney is an internationally acclaimed author, illustrator, designer and creator. More than ten million copies of her books have been sold worldwide and are translated into over twenty-two languages in twenty-nine countries. Her bestselling The Feelings Series and the phenomenally successful The Things I Love Series have been met with extraordinary enthusiasm, and her latest books are Little Big Bully and The Grief Wave, the first in the new My Emotions series.

Today, Trace Moroney is on the blog to take on our Ten Terrifying Questions! Read on …

Trace Moroney

1. To begin with why don’t you tell us a little about yourself – where you were born? Raised? Schooled?

I was born and raised in the biggest little country – New Zealand. The first 10 years of my life were spent in rural NZ . . . bare feet squishing in fresh, warm cow poo (or, using dried-up ones as frisbees) and games centered around, under, over, through, or – holding on to – electric fences. On reflection, probably great analogies for dealing with some situations or people in adulthood!

2. What did you want to be when you were twelve, eighteen and thirty? And why?

At 12 – I wanted to be 13; at 18 – I wanted to be moving out of home; and at 30 – I wanted to be divorced! I have always had clearly defined goals for my professional life, but not so much for my personal life, other than to find a level of contentedness with self and others.

3. What strongly held belief did you have at eighteen that you don’t have now?

(a) That there was a correlation between age and wisdom. (b) That certain parts of my anatomy would stay where they were throughout my lifetime.

4. What are three works of art – this could be a book, painting, piece of music, film, etc – that influenced your development as a writer?

I do not consider myself as a writer nor an artist – rather, a creator. Through a great deal of experience in publishing management, I create a concept, research, write, design, illustrate, and produce all pre-press work. What makes my work resonate with people is the balance between these disciplines.

Human behaviour influences my work the most – the good, the bad, and the ugly!

5. Considering the many artistic forms out there, what appeals to you about writing a children’s book?

That I am limited only by my own imagination.

6. Please tell us about your latest book!

I am beyond excited to launch my new series for children – My Emotions – with two books. The first being The Grief Wave that sensitively explains grief and loss, how it feels, what to do, and offers some well-researched techniques to help children manage this overwhelming emotion.

The second is Little Big Bully that describes what bullying is, how it feels, and what do to – for both the victim of bullying AND the bully.
At the end of each book, helpful advice for parents and caregivers is also provided.

The My Emotions series is specifically designed to equip children with valuable skills to help them navigate through life’s inevitable ups and downs.

7. What do you hope people take away with them after reading your work?

That the work resonates with them in some capacity, and that new social and emotional intelligence skills have been gained or, in the least, reinforced (children and adults alike).

8. Who do you most admire in the writing world and why?

The only people I ‘admire’ are those courageous enough to be their authentic self (except for authentic assh*les. I don’t admire assh*les!).

9. Many artists set themselves very ambitious goals. What are yours?

To keep pushing the boundaries of social convention (unless, of course, it serves an important or valid purpose).

10. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

So, in my experience this means every man and his dog! Unfortunately, self-publishing is becoming common practice – producing a plague of sub-standard ‘vanity projects’. If you want your work to be taken seriously, and for it to be successful (that is, not just purchased by your Mum or your Gran) – work with a reputable publisher (yes, there are many that are not reputable!) and/or highly experienced and recognised publishing professionals.

Send your ego packing; do your homework; find your unique voice; stay true to who you are; and aim for the stars!

—Little Big Bully and The Grief Wave (EQ Publications) are out on the 28th of September.

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