Meet Alise Curran: Educator and Children’s Book Author
Inspiration is all around us. Westchester mom and author Alise Curran, found an idea for her new children’s book, “Nana Will Say Yes” from the relationship between her mother and her daughter. The book features a sweet and sentimental rhyming pattern that highlights a child’s day with their nana. Read on to learn more about Alise and this fun book.
Westchester Family: How did the idea for “Nana Says Yes” come about?
Alise Curran: It came to me after a conversation with my daughter where she was asking for something at my Mom’s house. As soon as I said “Ask her, I bet Nana will say yes”, the beginning of the idea for the book formed. Both of my kid’s grandmas have a hard time saying “no” to them, which is awesome because they get to have so many fun experiences together!
As I started to share the idea for the book with family and friends, it became clear that grandparents universally love being the ones to say “yes” to their grandchildren!
Westchester Family:
How did you get into writing children’s books? What advice would you give to someone who is also interested in this medium?
Alise Curran: I have been an early childhood educator for over a decade, teaching Preschool and Kindergarten. During that time, as I was reading to a class or directly to a student, I often thought about how I would love to write my own children’s books one day. Once I had my own kids, I realized that I should pursue it and work to make this dream a reality. I started researching the industry, studying the process, and making connections with other authors. I was surprised how open and helpful other authors were and how willing they were to help out a first timer.
I recently started an “Author Interview Series” on my blog as a source of information for new authors. In this series, I interview authors who share their paths to publishing and sprinkle in advice for people who are interested in writing their own books! My advice to someone looking to write a book would be to reach out to authors in your genre and ask questions, even if they feel like you should know the answer already. Everyone starts somewhere. The publishing industry is full of intricacies and having a supportive community of people can help you navigate it successfully!
Westchester Family: Tell us about your writing process.
Alise Curran: I’d describe my writing process as flexible. Ideas pop into my head based on my own experiences or situations I’ve noticed and occasionally, an idea sticks and keeps occurring over and over again until I write it down. It usually starts with a couple of sentences as a premise for the idea and I develop it during those times when my brain idles. Once I have a more expanded version, I write the entire piece in one sitting. I will often go back the following day or two with some minor changes but the bulk of the piece remains. Then, of course, I put it out to my network for their thoughts and feedback. If certain feedback is repeated by multiple trusted sources and it resonates with me, I will make those changes until the work feels “complete”.
Westchester Family: What are some of your favorite things to do in Westchester?
Alise Curran: I love to spend time at the Kensico Dam enjoying the paths, playground and events there, specifically the movie nights in the summer with the kids! Taking in concerts at local venues like The Capitol Theater in Port Chester and Tarrytown Music Hall is always a treat, especially since they have so much variety. We also enjoy checking out local restaurants and finding new favorites.
Westchester Family: Do you have plans for more books in the series, or other children’s books?
Yes! I am so excited that I am in the process of bringing my second book to fruition. This book is called “Grandpa Will Say Yes” and is a companion piece to my first. It is inspired by my Dad and my son’s relationship and honors the role that grandfathers have in the lives of their grandchildren.
Westchester Family:Anything else to add?
Alise Curran: If you’re a caregiver looking for great books for kids and want to support independent authors, check out my Instagram page or my blog (www.alisecurran.com/blog) for my recommendations! If you’re interested in following along with my publishing journey, check me out on Instagram at @alisecurranwrites.
