Interview with Children's Book Author Bethany Ramos

Bethany Ramos is a children’s book author, editor, and blogger. She is a regular contributor to SheKnows.com. Bethany’s first children’s book, Lions Can’t Eat Spaghetti, was published through 4RV Publishing in 2016. Her second children’s book, There’s a Bumbie Under My Bed, was published by Saturn’s Moon Press, also in 2016. Her first chick lit novel, 5 Stages of Grief, was published by Black Opal Books in 2011; her second chick lit novel, Adventure to Love, was published by Soul Mate Publishing in 2013.

Bethany works as Editor in Chief for Naturally Healthy Publications.

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About the Book:

Christopher finds a kitten on his doorstep, which, to his surprise, grows up into a lion! Since

Christopher already loves his pet, he tries to introduce him to his everyday life, much to the horror of his friends, family, and neighbors.

Lions Can’t Eat Spaghetti is a lighthearted children’s book for ages 3 to 6 that celebrates the special bond that all children have with animals.

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Thanks for this interview, Bethany.  I’ve always wanted to write children’s books.  When did you determine that writing for children was for you?

Funny enough, I thought of the first idea for my first children’s book five years ago, about a year before I had kids. But I do remember that when I was a child, going to library and reading all of the books was one of my very favorite things to do, and now, my kids actually get to read the books I write!

What was the inspiration behind your children’s book, Lions Can’t Eat Spaghetti?

This book idea came to me totally out of the blue — the thought that a boy would find a little kitten that, soon enough, grew into a lion seemed totally captivating to me. And as I’ve seen with my own children now, kids get obsessed with their pets and want to take them everywhere. My oldest son (age 4) just happens to be really into kitties right now, so I think he’s going to like this book.

How do you get into the mind of a child to create a fun reading experience?  Are you around kids?  Are you a kid at heart?

I like to think I am a kid at heart first of all! I also have a 4-year-old and a 3-year-old, so I’m around kids most of the time. Personally, this is my favorite age so far — both of my kids really love listening to stories and talking about characters. And the best part about being a young kid is the wild, wild imagination, which inspires my books.

What was your favorite book as a child?

Anything by Shel Silverstein. In fact, I’m hoping to get a Giving Tree tattoo soon.

What kind of advice would you give writers who would like to write children’s books?

My best advice is to have a good story idea that really works. What matters most of all is the story, and you can build around that and make it as long or as short as you need to. I was able to come up with a few solid stories for both of my books, and I was proud to see the illustrators bring them to life.

What are your goals for the future?  More children’s books?

Yes, I love writing children’s books! I have my second children’s book coming out this month as well, There’s a Bumbie Under My Bed. When these books are released, I’m definitely going to start on children’s book number three. And probably spend more time reading kids’ books in the library until then.