Interviewing Cindi Handley Goodeaux

 

1. Tell me about yourself?

My name is Cindi Handley Goodeaux and I write children’s books with themes of kindness, friendship, and inclusion. I am a member of SCBWI and the Cat Writers Association. I am a former professional clown and feel like my time wearing a red nose influences my writing.

2.What are your favorite books to read?

I love to read science fiction, mystery, history, and autobiographies.

3. When did you decide you were going to write a book?

Becoming a published author has been my dream since I was twelve years old. I wrote the first Jellibean Adventures book ten years. The additional books in the series were written over the last five years.

4. How did you come up with the name of your book?

This is the fourth book in my Jellibean Adventures Series. I came up with the name Art of Friendship after the illustrations were complete. The name just came to me while looking at the illustrations.

5. What are you working on for 2021

I have another two books that will be illustrated and releasing in 2022. I have also started writing Jellibean Adventures Book 5, a disability etiquette book for children in a fun format, and my first self-help book for adults.

6. How long have you been writing?

I started writing poetry when I was a preteen. I wrote my first poem at 10 years old for a contest at school. I had a poem published in an anthology when I was 12.

7.What advice would you give other authors?

Write and trust the process. The author's journey is not an easy, linear one. It can be wrought with setbacks, disappointment, and rejection. Write from your heart and know that your audience is out there!

8. Where can people find you online?

Instagram.com/WriteCute73

Twitter.com/WriteCute

Etsy.com/shop/WriteCute

9. What is your favorite coffee drink?

Hazelnut coffee. I like a light or medium roast with a bit of sugar-free sweetener and hazelnut creamer.   

10. What is your favorite coffee shop?

I love to get coffee from Panera Bread.

11. Do you plan on making a new book in the future?

Most definitely! I had a dream where I was standing in a dark room and hundreds of books were flying in the air around me. As they passed by, I could see my name on each cover. It is my plan to write new books indefinitely!

12. How many books have you written?

I have completed writing nine books to date, with several more that I’ve started.

13. Did you go to college to be a writer?

No, but I did go to college for graphic design and communications.