Interview with Mayra Calvani, Author of THE MAGIC VIOLIN

Mayra Calvani is a book reviewer and multi-genre author of both adult and children’s books. To promote the release of her first children’s picture book, The Magic Violin, Mayra will be touring the blogosphere during the month of December. Complete details of her virtual book tour may be found on her blog, Mayra’s Secret Bookcase.

Tell us about your latest release, The Magic Violin.

The Magic Violin is set in the late 1800’s in Brussels, Belgium and combines elements of reality and magic. It is the story of a young girl who is learning the violin and who suffers a lack of self confidence along the way. But with the help of her Romanian teacher (who happens to be a good witch!), a virtuoso Russian hamster and a shooting Christmas star, she’s able to regain her self trust and succeed.

What was your inspiration for this story?

My young daughter and I both started playing the violin about five years ago, so I know very well how difficult it can be at times, especially when learning a new piece. The violin is a very difficult instrument to master, requiring lots of discipline, perseverance and commitment, and this can be hard for a child at times. My love for the violin and watching my daughter play were my inspiration for the story. I wanted to create a tale which would be fun and magical, yet one which would encourage children and teach them about self esteem at the same time.

When did you start writing children’s books?

Though I have been writing most of my adult life, I started writing for children less than three years ago. It’s a wonderful new world and I still have a lot to learn, but the world of children’s books is both challenging and deeply satisfying.

You also write adult fiction, including horror. What goes through your mind when writing such different genres?

I’m often asked that question, but I don’t see any conflict in switching genres. I’m just a multi-genre, multi-faceted person who is inspired by many things and who feels the need to bring those ideas to life. I don’t think I could ever write in only one genre, as many authors are able to. For me, it would feel claustrophobic! I simply write what I love and I love paranormal, suspense, satire, mystery, modern fantasy, literary, romantic comedy, children’s, and young adult.

So far, how have you been marketing he Magic Violin? Any special strategies you would like to share with other authors?

Luckily, I’m an aggressive book promoter, but the process can be very time consuming. The Magic Violin came out in early November, so last month I concentrated on sending off copies to reviewers and I also put together a list of violin/music shops (about 150) and contacted them by email, persuading them to buy the book as a possible Christmas gift for their little customers. The response has been very positive, with several shops ordering in the dozens. Finding the niche audience for your book is a key element in effective book promotion. I also started a violin-fiction blog, Violin and Books. Since it’s a Christmas book, doing a virtual book tour in December seemed like a good idea. The reviews are coming in fast, so that’s helping a lot to create buzz. What I plan to do next year is purchase a mailing list of independent bookstores and libraries and contact them around September, which is when they order books for the Christmas season.

Do you have a website where readers may learn more about you and your books?

My main website is http://mayracalvani.com.

My children’s book website is http://mayrassecretbookcase.com.

Any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

Never give up, study the craft, read a lot, find a support group—above all, write, write, write!