https://www.amazon.com/dp/1539921018/
Wordsearch and Crossword Puzzles: 50 States is your first published book. Do you plan for any follow ups or additional books?
I plan to follow up with several similar books. I will probably do a poll on my Facebook author page on different themes I have in mind (this first book’s theme was obviously the 50 states).
What
do you think makes the perfect crossword puzzle?
A typical
crossword puzzle is to test your existing knowledge, but I like
crossword puzzles that make me go hunting for new information. I am a
lot more likely to retain the information, as well.
What
inspired you when writing/creating Wordsearch
and Crossword Puzzles: 50 States?
Well-crafted
word games are great because they help your verbal skills, sate your
curiosity and make learning new things fun. I was never very good at
listening to lectures or reading dry textbooks. So, I thought that
others might enjoy word games that make learning fun and
entertaining.
What
are your ambitions for your writing career? Full time? Part time?
I plan to
continue this concept of themed puzzle books. Realistically, this
will be a part time pursuit for now.
I have a
concept for a more traditional “book” in mind; that project is
currently in the planning stages. It will contain a lot of my more
personal stories, experiences and insights, in the hope that they
will help others who have struggled with similar concerns and issues.
When
did you decide to become a writer?
I discovered
I was a writer when I learned to write. I have always had an
imagination and a creative nature, so writing was my first true
medium. Learning to write simply allowed me to transfer some of my
imagination and creativity to a shareable medium.
When
writing Wordsearch
and Crossword Puzzles: 50 States
did anything stand out as particularly challenging?
As this is a
self-published book, I had to do the technical part of design and
formatting, which was a challenge. For example, I learned how to
format documents for a book, rather than an academic report or a
professional memorandum. Although it was challenging at times, I also
had a blast and felt a sense of accomplishment each time I managed to
master a new skill.
How
did you come up with the concept of Wordsearch
and Crossword Puzzles: 50 States?
I
have been learning about new ways to share your creativity and hard
work. There are all sorts of possibilities, so I decided to try
self-publishing first. I got to combine my love for the English
language, my natural curiosity and desire to try new things into one
package.
I am also
passionate about making learning fun and exciting, not dull and
repetitious. This book is a fun way to do that, for kids, puzzle
lovers, etc. I also wanted to reach out to people interested in
learning more about the very distinct and unique characteristics of
the fifty states in the Union.
What
do you like to do when not writing?
I am afflicted with “bright and
shiny object syndrome”, which means I have a lot of interests and
am always trying and learning new things. Currently, I like listening
to audiobooks and entrepreneurship podcasts while I commute to work,
playing with learning graphic design in my spare time, and spending
time with my family.
I am almost always multi-tasking
unless I am reading or writing. Those pursuits demand my full
attention.
Readers can visit my Amazon author
page or my Facebook page; both are listed under “Brynn D. Shaw”,
which is my penname. When I publish the more traditional story I am
working on, I will release it under my real name. Brynn D Shaw is my
alter ego for my wordsearch and crossword puzzle books. I would love
to hear from any readers or “puzzlers!”