1. I hear you have a talking pony in your children’s books, along with Ali, the puffball. Tell us about the books.

The first book is Ali’s Big Adventure, and the newest is Ali and the Ganderwat.

They are part of my new series, “Ali’s Adventures!”

Ali’s Big Adventure book blurb:

In a magical land, a curious boy named Mika meets Ali—a legendary puffball who’s lost, far from home. Determined to help, Mika joins forces with a talking pony named Scout–together they set off on a whimsical journey through woodland forests, scorching deserts, and a mysterious sand palace. Along the way, they face unexpected challenges, heartwarming surprises, and discover that even the smallest act of kindness can light the pathway home.

Universal link for Ali’s Big Adventure: https://mybook.to/s2VABR

In the second book, Ali gets into a lot more predicaments as he’s trying to control his bounce. He faces fears and doubts while learning someone different isn’t scary.

Ali and the Ganderwat book blurb:

Ali the puffball is trying hard to control his bounce—but it’s not easy! After one wild leap lands him stuck in tree vines, he needs help. When his dad calls a giant Ganderwat, Ali’s terrified. But sometimes, learning control means letting go of fear…and accepting help from someone different than yourself. Ages 4 – 9 years.

Universal link to Ali and the Ganderwat: https://mybook.to/aiTBkg

When I was in high school, I came up with Ali, the puffball, for a picture book assignment in my art design class. After a dream about a horse in the desert, I created Scout! (It might have been the song I listened to before going to bed, “Horse With No Name!”). Needless to say Scout became a talking pony!

My little brother’s imaginary friend was the inspiration for the character Mika. Together they discover determination, creativity, and resilience saves the day.

This is the new Ali’s Big Adventure cover coming soon:

 

2. Why did you add Scout the pony to this book?

I am a very visual person–I enjoy getting out into the woodlands for inspiration. Music is very much a part of my creativity as well. Together they spark my imagination into stories or art. And I love animals, especially horses and kitties. I grew up using crayons to draw pictures of horses from age three. A photographer came through my neighborhood offering photos with children sitting on his pony–I was bitten by my first love! The four-legged kind!

It scared my dad that I showed no fear around horses. To protect me, he got me a model horse (which I still have), that became an obsession. At one time I had over 3,000 model horses. Of course I had to have a pony in my books.

After my daughter turned six, we have always had a cat. All of them have been rescues with big personalities. Watching their antics has given me ideas on how Ali might have adventures. Our latest kitty is Isabel–we call her Izzie!

 

3. Are you writing the third book in the series?

Absolutely! The third book is in development, but I have had a few projects that I need to do before going full bore into the story. I know what characters will be in the book, and most of the storyline, which I’m very excited about. Ali is searching for his friends, Mika and Scout, when he runs into a very odd creature! Hmmm… I won’t say more, but I think kids will really like it.

 

4. Tell us about your kudos or reviews.

Ali’s Big Adventure was featured in Publishers Weekly magazine last year with a very nice write-up. This year, it has received an honorable mention from Purple Dragon Awards. I just received the notice this week!

 

5. How do you promote your books?

Currently, I’m promoting through Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, podcasts, in-person author talks, book fairs, and other live events. Pretty exhausting but fun!

 

6. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?

My website is https://RoxieFiste.com where parents can visit with kids to learn about me, my characters, the books, and an email they can sign up for newsletters, etc.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/roxiefiste
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47709267.Roxie_Fiste
All Author Interview: https://allauthor.com/interview/roxief/
UK Magazine Review: https://readershouse.co.uk/exploring-imagination-with-roxie-fiste/
Make Your Day Richer Interview: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMP7C61RhMk/?igsh=NGY4N3Zoem81enR3
Instagram: Instagram.com/roxie_fiste
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deepender345?_t=ZT-8yFQ3NXWRvD&_r=1
X: @EternityEdg3
Pinterest: https://pin.it/3wfW1gJGG
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555282757069

 

MARCIA: Thank you, Roxie, for being my August interviewee!

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