This is the continuation of a series that is the story of a feisty little donkey who carries a big secret.

Cindy Tingley – 1 December 2022

The Back Flap

Lily the Donkey’s Adventures with the Holy Family continue as they depart Bethlehem in the dark of night to escape King Herod’s clutches. After crossing the desert, they arrive in Egypt and Lily’s Egypt Adventure unfolds as new and old animal friends join the entourage and learn and share lessons of love, kindness, and forgiveness. Young readers will enjoy this bible ‘fan fiction’ told from the perspective of Lily, a carrot-munching, feisty donkey, and her fellow furry friends, Professor Rakim Rabbit, Red Dog, Yoyo the monkey, lions Kufu and Aziza, camel siblings Daisy and Deca, and more!

About the book

What is the book about?

Lily’s Egypt Adventure is the third in my children’s bible story series, first chapter books for middle grade. In this book, Lily and the Holy Family have finally made it to Egypt, after escaping the clutches of evil King Herod, and are met by a parade of animals who have dreams and inner knowledge that the Holy Family and Lily are coming. The entourage consists of: Snooker the cat; Professor Rakeem Rabbit; Yoyo the monkey; Red Dog; to name a few. They all have a part to play in the life of Jesus – they too have been chosen. They learn that Jesus changes everyone by teaching that love and forgiveness is the new way.

This is the continuation of a series that is the story of a feisty little donkey who carries a big secret. In the first book, Lily’s Secret, she knows about the baby who is about to be born and he will change the world. But all her life she’s been told that she’s too little to do anything important. Then one day Joseph comes to take her to Mary and little Lily is off to Bethlehem. She is full of doubt, and has no self-confidence. She is very scared that she cannot do this task. Nevertheless, she has been chosen and she must persevere. As the series progresses, she begins, bit by bit, to believe in herself as she learns about heart-talk and heart-vision from the Holy Family. She stands up to bullies and loses her temper when there is no room at the inn when Mary needs one. She makes friends with all the animals in the stable, sees Baby Jesus come into the world, and learns more about love.

The second book, Lily’s Desert Adventure, the family must flee Bethlehem to Egypt to keep Baby Jesus safe from King Herod. She leaves all of her stable friends behind except for White Dove who flies above and guides them through the desert.

When did you start writing the book?

My book, Lily’s Secret, was written in the Christmas season of 1995 (re-published in 2017) and it turned into a series. I started writing Lily’s Egypt Adventure probably in 2020, following the publication of the second book in the series, Lily’s Desert Adventure in 2019.

How long did it take you to write it?

All three books in the series, took about a month and a half to write the first drafts.

Where did you get the idea from?

As with all my books, I sat down and the words just flew across the page. The message is inspired from above.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I struggled with Lily wondering if she would ever really get over her lack of self-confidence and if she would get her explosive temper under control.

What came easily?

Her overall personality was so easy to write, it was all there. She dreamt about travelling on long journeys and the minute the opportunity came, she was fearful and had serious doubts. Writing about her angst came very easy as it’s something we all experience – the fear of the unknown.

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

My animals are all fictitious. I’ve just personified the heart-qualities they needed, some mirroring real people but mostly animals I’ve known. Some animals have more animated personalities than some people, right?

Do you have a target reader?

My books are first chapter books for middle graders but I’ve found that they really appeal to all ages. Especially those whose hearts are open to Love. Lily is there for the child in all of us.

About Writing

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

I write long-hand and always have a journal and pen with me.

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

When inspiration hits, I write headings and two or three lines with key words, then write with complete abandon. I never know where my characters will take me or what they’ll do next.

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

I do not edit as I write. I tried that once and I drove myself crazy! I write until I’m finished, then I put the piece away for a while then I bring it out and start editing. Then, more and more drafts follow until I am satisfied.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Anne O’Connell is my partner publisher and is the first line of developmental editing with all my projects, and then there are others involved with copy editing and proofreading, all through Anne. I am slowly learning the ins and outs of this business and I could not be more grateful to be surrounded by such talented, competent people (including my new illustrator, Lara Chauvin). They do amazing work and bring my books to life.

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

I do not listen to music as a rule because I would get up and dance and get no writing done. I love all kinds of music but Doreen McKinnett (The Visit) tops my list.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did not submit my work to agents. I basically wrote my stories and tucked them away.

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

I went into indie publishing when I found Anne through a mutual friend who met her on a walking trail one afternoon. I had shared an idea I had for a novel with my friend, and she told Anne about it. We met as she was just starting her publishing company and she took me on as one of her first authors. That was six years ago.

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

Yes, my book is professionally done. OC Publishing handles all of that, but keeps me involved throughout the process, and I am always very happy with the results.

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

There is a launch plan coordinated by OC Publishing, including press release distribution to local media; announcements on social media that start with the cover reveal about two months ahead; followed by regular posts as launch day approaches. For each book, we do a launch event/meet the author/book signing, and a virtual book tour. Now that in person events are back, we’ll also do signings at local bookstores. OC Publishing also does a podcast called The Author Journey that I am interviewed on with each book launch and intermittently throughout the year. I promote my books all year long with those I meet; word of mouth and connecting with others who share the same love of writing; and I’m always reaching out to Christian bookstores and schools and other retailers. I’m not into computers but I am slowly learning my way around.

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

My advice to others considering becoming an indie author is to be ready to do a lot of work, especially when it comes to ongoing marketing. However, I think the biggest mistake a writer can make is to decide not to share your message with the world. One day you will find your partner in publishing and it will change your world, as it has mine. Never give up! As an indie author verses a traditional author, there’s a lot more work that lands on your shoulders. But you have total control of your message, your cover designs, and your words. Sure, we would all love to write the next best seller instantly, and that can happen no matter what publishing route you choose. My outlook has always been, if my books change only one life, then I have done my job. It’s about the journey as well. I’ve met so many great people due to my books. I never stop learning and this feeds my soul. If you are lucky enough to find a publisher like I have in Anne O’Connell, you will indeed be in very professional, capable hands.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a little village called Point De Bute, New Brunswick (Canada). It is close to the Nova Scotia border.

Where do you live now?

I currently live in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I am an introvert, an avid reader, and love animals. I am a Christian writer and love people with a great sense of humour.

What are you working on now?

I have a few projects on the go:

–       The 4th in the Lily’s Adventure series is in progress

–       I have an adult fiction that I started a few years ago that I need to get back to.

–       A new children’s book

–       A book of short stories

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Lily’s Egypt Adventure from Amazon US or Amazon UK.