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!
MONTHLY BLOG EBOOK CONTEST! Would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks!
Each month, I’ll randomly pick one blog commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Coming Home to You is the first of seven books in the “Man from Yesterday” series, which is set in a beach community in Michigan.
2. Why did you add a dog to this book?
Right now, I have five series. Most of them like the “Man from Yesterday” series are sweet romance. However, my latest series takes place in Charlevoix, Michigan, and is women’s fiction.
Clara and Shatzi in the laundry. She believes Clara’s tale about her mean father, which isn’t of course true at all. But Shatzi was a lot of fun and served a purpose.
“My favorite TV show is Will Trent, featuring a gifted detective with an adorable Chihuahua named Betty. Will Trent is based on a great [book] series by Karin Slaughter.” — Becky Barker, Contemporary Romantic Suspense Author, 
“My favorite movie with pets is 101 Dalmatians, which I’ve seen in both the live-action and animated versions. I love it because the villain is so villainous and gets her comeuppance in such a satisfying way. And the puppies are so adorable. I’ve always thought Dalmatians were the most improbable dogs with their coats looking like someone slopped black paint on a white canvas.” — Alice C. Early, Women’s Fiction Author, 
terrorists on the international level with his superior nose and sharp teeth. Sic’m Tank! Oh, and Tank’s teammates are pretty easy on the eyes!” — J. Paulette Forshey, Romance Author, 
“My favorite TV show of all time is Charmed (the original series). In the first few seasons, they had a Siamese cat–because witches and cats/familiars, of course. The cat’s name was Kit who, it turns out, was a witch in disguise, helping other witches learn their craft.” — Shea Gibson, Middle Grade and Young Adult Books Author, 
“I have too many favorite pet-filled books, TV shows, and movies to choose. But one of my favorites was Frasier, which featured a great Jack Russell terrier. I also loved the Thin Man movies, which also had a talented Jack Russell terrier.” – Marcia James, Hot, Humorous Romances, 
“One of my favorite series is the British Midsomer Murders. From 2011 to 2016, the new DCI Barnaby had a dog named Sykes. That little black-and-white Russell was so cute and acted as Inspector Barnaby’s counselor while he mulled over clues in the kitchen.” — Barbara Lohr, Women’s Fiction and Sweet Romance. 
always love suspense.” — Stacy McKitrick, Author of Paranormal Romance and Alien Romance, 
Pudgy Possum and the Porcupine is my first book. In this book, Pudgy is fascinated with Peter Porcupine’s quills. Pudgy figures out a way to put fake quills on his back. But, when Felix Fox shows up, things don’t go very well. Just being yourself is the lesson Pudgy learns from this experience.
I will never forget when I got my first book award. I was a finalist for the Feathered Quill book awards. I was so amazed that someone liked Pudgy Possum and the Porcupine that much. I remember thinking maybe I really am good at this. I don’t always win an award when I enter my books, but I have often enough to keep my confidence up. I still have to tell myself that I am a real author. I especially appreciate my friends who wrote reviews for the back of my books.
I love observing her on our daily walks, and I thought her power of smell would make an educational story for kids. There will be lots of facts for kids who like to find out about animals.
Bella is also in my first book, Winnie Acts Up. In that book, Winnie wants to audition for a part in her first play, but she’s a bit shy. The book follows her as she learns theater vocabulary like downstage and backstage and costumes. But she also has to learn her part, and this is where Bella helps; Bella is a good listener as Winnie rehearses.
Ordinary Miracles is another of the anthologies. This is the one that contains stories about Lady, my dog. Lady was a very good therapist for me and for others. You can read about her therapy in this collection of stories, poems, and essays.
The parrot, Bailey, is the comic relief in my latest book, Ghostly Protector. He belonged to the ghost. Like I showed in previous books, pets can see the departed, so Bailey is no different. Well, except he can talk. Sort of. Very frustrating for the ghost. A hoot for me to write.
I call my debut novel Moon for short, and I can’t refer to her as an “it.” She feels like a female to me.
Jellibean’s world is full of animated animal characters, like a bear who’s a baker, some playful parrots, and her best friend, Lady Jane, a cheerful dog. One of my favorite books in the series is Mama’s Map, where Jellibean meets Penelope, a shy possum who’s lost her way home. Together, they follow clues to help Penelope reunite with her family, all while teaching kids the basics of reading a map.
Another one of my favorite books is Bunky & Lulu: Find Their Place, which tells the story of a clown and his elephant best friend. After retiring from the circus, they get bored and start looking for odd jobs together—with hilarious results! A word of caution: elephants should definitely not serve ice cream! There’s plenty of silliness as they stumble through different roles, until they finally find the perfect job where their unique talents shine, helping others in a way only they can.
My most recent book, Fish Patty, is the first in a new series called Fish & Fin. It’s about a young girl who dreams of becoming a marine biologist. The story follows her as she navigates her parents’ divorce and adjusts to life in a small town after moving with her mother. Along the way, she forms a special bond with a fish at her uncle’s shop. When that fish disappears, she meets a new friend who shares her passion for marine life. The story introduces kids to some fascinating fish species, and I spent six months researching marine animals to bring authenticity to the story!
There have been many wonderful reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and Readers Favorite websites. My book, Ishkabibble Unafraid, received Honorable Mention in the 2023 Purple Dragonfly Awards. It also received the Bobos Babes Heart Award Seal! My book, Kai the Loneliest Palm Tree, received Honorable Mention in the 2022 Purple Dragonfly Awards. My book, Grandpa Moon, won First Place under the Family Matters Category in the 2021 Purple Dragonfly Awards.
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