I’ve taken this opportunity to share a message of empowerment and encouragement I wish I had received when I was younger. 

Michelle Parmigiani – 3 September 2020

About the book

What is the book about?

Carrie’s Cupcake Success is about a courageous little girl who overcomes self-doubt. One of Carrie’s classmates tells her that she can’t be good at math simply because she’s a girl and she begins to believe it. With the help of her mom, a very talented baker, Carrie soon learns that there is more to math than she realized. Carrie’s math skills are put to the test in the kitchen where she uses math to bake her very favorite vanilla bean cupcakes!

When did you start writing the book?

I began writing Carrie’s Cupcake Success a few months ago! Children’s books require different resources than novels, autobiographies and educational volumes – it’s less about the time element and more about the imagination and inspiration.

How long did it take you to write it?

About 2 months.

Where did you get the idea from?

Carrie’s story was inspired by my own experience growing up- I’ve taken this opportunity to share a message of empowerment and encouragement I wish I had received when I was younger. As a girl, I’ve been underestimated and been told there’s things that I just couldn’t do. Overcoming doubt can be such a challenge and the topic can be rather sensitive so I’ve set out to show all children they can do anything and be good at whatever it is they desire if they set their mind to it through a tale of baking cupcakes.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

No

What came easily?

The overall theme of the story came to me at first and was the easiest part in building Carrie’s story but imagining Carrie’s character was one of my favorite parts. In a way, she is a reflection of myself.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

My characters are fictitious, however both Carrie and her mom are inspired by people I know and love- my mom and myself. My mom has always been so supportive, so encouraging and so loving just as I’ve created Carrie’s mom to be. She’s also a great baker and I’ve always loved taking my post beside her in the kitchen. Carrie aspires to be a good baker like her mom just as I always have and continue to aspire to be like my mom.

Do you have a target reader?

Our target audience is children between the ages of three and seven.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

My writing process works a bit backward compared to most. Rather than putting pen to paper and beginning at page one, I always like to imagine my main character and title first. It helps me visualize the overall narrative, where my character will begin and how their story will end.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I’ve never been a fan of outlines mainly because it taps less into my creative side and requires a more methodical approach. Once I have my main character conceptualized and title drafted, I start writing.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I like to wait until I’m finished writing to begin editing. I like to get all of my ideas out on paper and really allow the words to flow from my mind to the page. Once the writing is complete, I go back and do all the editing.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I did not hire a professional editor but have had more than one pair of eyes read over the manuscript before publishing – this is something I always recommend. Sometimes writing can be a very personal experience, so if you aren’t ready to let others read your work but need a good edit, I recommend giving yourself a good 24 hours between reviews. A fresh set of eyes will do wonders!

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

While I love to listen to music, I write best in silence. For some silence can be unnerving, but it provides me with the focus I need to really tap my imagination.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did not submit my work Agents, I chose the self-publishing route from the get-go.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

What I love about self-publishing is that the creative reins are truly in your hands. Sacrificing creative control isn’t something I’m ready to do just yet – I want to get my message out in the world uninterrupted.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

My book cover was actually created by an independent illustrator I work very closely with,he’s my brother too. He’s an incredible talented illustrator and I’m so fortunate to be collaborating with him.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

The truth is, the creative side of creating and selling children’s books is the part I treasure most but that’s not to say I haven’t devoted ample time and energy to marketing. I developed a very streamlined marketing plan to get the word out.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

The biggest piece of advice I would offer is to have patience. Self-publishing is not an easy process but it is all your own and with that will come a lot of responsibility, a lot of time and energy to be expensed. If you believe your story and the message you want to share, it will all be worth it!

About You

Where did you grow up?

I’ve lived in northern New Jersey all my life and still reside here today. There’s something about a small town just outside the city that is equally comforting and inspiring.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember and have written in varying forms but writing children’s books has to be my favorite category by far! Writing has always allowed me to feel heard and feel like I have a voice. I hope readers enjoy my stories just as much as I’ve enjoyed creating them!

What are you working on now?

I have a handful of other children’s books in the works that I truly cannot wait to share! Our story, Frankie’s Ferocious Friend will soon be released and will be a real treat for children who love their pets. An equally empowering and inspiring message is conveyed in this book too but you’ll have to read it to find out just what it is!

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Carrie’s Cupcake Success from Michelle’s publishing company. Watch that site or the publishing company’s Facebook page so you’ll know when she has additional books published.