Most of my books are about horses or horse fantasy creatures so my target readers are horse-lovers ages nine to adult. However, “Mr. Figgletoes’ Toy Emporium” is specifically for middle grade, ages 8 to 12 as it addresses the topic of the damage created by bullying.

M.J. Evans – 28 October 2020

The Back Flap

Why are children vanishing from their beds in the middle of the night? And what does the local toymaker have to do with their disappearances? Find out in the exciting children’s fantasy, Mr. Figgletoes’ Toy Emporium. The story begins on East Sherman Avenue in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where an exclusive and delightful toy store is located. Owned by Mr. Figgletoes, the enchanting shop contains a vast selection of unique toys. Recently, a scary witch with evil plans for the children of Coeur d’Alene has infiltrated Mr. Figgletoes’ Emporium. Now, after making a purchase at Mr. Figgletoes’ shop, select customers, along with their new toys, disappear during the night. What is the mean old witch going to do with her captives? Can Mr. Figgletoes be trusted?

About the book

What is the book about?

Mr. Figgletoes’ Toy Emporium is a middle grade fantasy. The story is about a toymaker’s search for a kind child to stop the wicked witch from carrying out her dastardly plan. Because the witch was so badly bullied as a child, she wants to turn all the children into fish and throw them into Lake Coeur d’Alene. It takes Mr. Figgletoes several tries before he finds a kind child.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing this book during the summer of 2019.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took me about nine months to write and edit it.

Where did you get the idea from?

The idea struck me on a family reunion trip to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. There is a cute toy store in that town called “Figpickle’s Toy Emporium.” As I stood in the street staring at the toy store, the whole idea came to me.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Actually, no. This book just flowed so easily.

What came easily?

Creating the characters was the easiest part. They are cartoon characters that depict your stereotypical bad or spoiled kids.

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

Parker, the hero is named after one of my grandchildren. The bad kids are nothing like my own angelic children and grandchildren! Mr. Figgletoes is the kindly grandfather type.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Less than a year ago, I published PINTO! Based Upon the True Story of the Longest Horseback Ride in History. In order to prepare to have Pinto tell the story, I reread Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. I used a similar voice to tell the story of Pinto. So, she is my most recent influencer. I read almost every genre, however. But fantasy and historical fiction are my favorite.

Do you have a target reader?

Most of my books are about horses or horse fantasy creatures so my target readers are horse-lovers ages nine to adult. However, Mr. Figgletoes’ Toy Emporium is specifically for middle grade, ages 8 to 12 as it addresses the topic of the damage created by bullying.

About Writing

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

I don’t start writing a book until I have the whole story worked out in my head. While I am riding my horse on the beautiful mountain trails, my brain is writing stories! I spend about three hours a day, five days a week, writing. Mornings are usually best for me.

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

I never outline and I don’t do story boards.

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

I am a firm believer in looking forward, not back. So, I don’t edit as I go along. I write and write and write until I get the whole story down. That is my first draft but also the foundation of my book. Until that is done, I don’t have a book, I just have an idea. Then I begin working on revisions and embellishments. Three or four more versions later, I actually have a book I am happy with. To give you an idea of how this works, look at the word count. My first draft for a middle-grade or young adult novel is usually only about 35,000 to 45,000 words. By the time I am done, it is 60,000 to 65,000 words. Mr. Figgletoes’ was a little shorter as I am focusing on a bit younger audience.

Did you hire a professional editor?

ABSOLUTELY! I want my books as perfect as possible. But even the editors miss things now and then.

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

No…I like quiet.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No

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

My first four fiction books were published through small presses. I’m glad I did that as I didn’t know anything about the publishing industry. There is so much to learn! However, I also discovered that I like control. One of the publishers was great about soliciting my feedback and taking my suggestions. Another one was not at all. Another thing I learned was that I made very little money each time a book sold. So, with the advances in printing now available, and all the programs available such as formatting templates, I decided to start my own Independent publishing company. I hire my own editors, cover designers, and distributors.

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

I work with my graphic designer. It’s really fun!

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

I am doing things that seem to have worked in the past. I’m crossing my fingers as I am trying to reach a slightly different audience. Plans include Book blog tours, Pre-release readers, professional reviews, book signings, social media posts, submitting to book awards programs, Goodreads giveaway.

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

Learn as much as you can from other authors who have done it. Join a writing group. I am a member of the Colorado Authors’ League and IBPA. We share ideas and we critique each other’s work. Online workshops and writer’s conferences are great, too.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up on Lake Oswego, Oregon, a suburb of Portland.

Where do you live now?

I now live in beautiful Colorado.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I am a serious dressage rider and love training and competing. I have loved horses since the day I was born. As young teenager, I bought my own horse and had to support him myself. I learned to work hard to reach my goals.

What are you working on now?

I am just starting another Historical Fiction about the Sand Pounders during World War II. The Sand Pounders were a mounted patrol unit in the Coast Guard that patrolled beaches on horseback. One place where this was done was my home state of Oregon. So, I am setting my story in Oregon.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Mr. Figgletoes’ Toy Emporium from Amazon US or Amazon UK.