This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Eva Legre Zigre will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Blurb:
If you've had a chance to visit Temecula, California, you'd be one of many who have had the privilege of watching hot air balloons take flight during sunrise and descend at sunset, walking the grounds of one of the most beautiful rose gardens in California, and visiting a rare and noble tree that looks to have stood the test of time. You will find some of the most popular and heavily visited sights in Temecula, beautifully illustrated and captured in child-like conversation.
RJ’s Adventures in Temecula is a vibrantly colored board book featuring thirteen of Temecula’s most visited attractions. The illustrations jump off the page, offering children fun images to look at while learning more about Temecula, California’s historic sights.
Beware. Your child may ask to visit some of the attractions presented in this 20-page book, such as Professor Pennypickles' Workshop or the Sugarplum Zoo and Chocolates. Come visit for a week, but first, do your research and take this adventure around Temecula, California with RJ.
Read an Excerpt
My name is RJ.
Welcome to the beautiful and sunny city of Temecula. Today is a great day to show you around!
Are you ready for an exciting tour?
Interview with Eva Legre
Could you tell us about any research trips you took for this story? Which places did you visit, and what made them essential to your writing?
I made numerous research trips around the City of Temecula, first without my photographer and again with my photographer after I took places off my list.
After the first cut, I still had a list of 30 places I wanted to feature in RJ’s Adventures in Temecula and had to cut it down to 12 to stay within my budget.
I ended up with 13, and I am pleased with them all.
Each place had something unique and extra special to share with children and the family which is why I chose them.
One place in particular is extremely unique. The Great Oak on the Pechenga Band of Indians Reservation is a rare find. In fact, there is a one-year wait for a permit to visit the grand old tree to preserve its roots and structure. I was given a rare opportunity to visit and have my photographer take pictures. It is majestic, and while standing in the shade of its leaves, you can feel the energy of the ages it has been standing. It was an awe-filled moment.
What's the strangest thing you've ever had to research online for your book?
I researched how many ducks might be at the Duck Pond in Temecula during certain times of year so that we had a good chance of getting a shot of the pond with ducks in it. You can’t have a duck pond with no ducks in a children’s book. Of course, my illustrator could draw them in but I wanted my photographer to give the illustrator as close to the finished product as possible.
What research (history, mythology, science) goes into your world-building?
Some of my research is done on the internet, but quite a bit of it involves getting to know the people in a community, having discussions with the visitors’ bureau of each town, and poring over maps and brochures for hours. I research the city’s history, the cultures, founding families, and businesses, as well as family-friendly attractions and places.
Have any of the people you've known, past or present, left a lasting impression on your writing journey? If so, we'd love to hear about a memorable experience that stands out to you.
My son, for both obvious and not-so-obvious reasons, has left a lasting impression on my writing journey. He is the inspiration for RJ’s Adventures in Temecula. Seeing life through his eyes is a blessing and wanting to show him as much of this world as possible is what drives me to have RJ travel around the world.
Do you write in the same genre all the time?
Right now, yes. Since the birth of my son, children’s books have my attention. There are so many subjects that give me new ideas for children’s books. A children’s book series focused on adventures in travel seems endless right now. I have so many places and stories I want to cover, I will be writing children’s books for a long time to come.
If so, have you ever consider writing in another one?
Before my son, I considered writing a self-help book, but that will wait until inspiration hits.
Which character, supernatural or human, do you enjoy writing the most and why?
Right now, it is RJ. I love to hear him laugh and play in my mind. I can hear him gasp with surprise and giggle with delight. He is rambunctious, curious and loves to play hide and seek. He reminds me to think like a child.
About the Author:
A resident of Temecula, California, known for its wineries, Mrs. Legre-Zigre was inspired by her own child to find and highlight family- and child-friendly attractions in her city. Some of these attractions are featured in her debut book.
Connect with Eva Legre Zigre
Giveaway:
$25 Amazon/BN GC
1 comments:
Thank you for featuring RJ'S ADVENTURES IN TEMECULA.
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