Author Interview – Nadine Haruni – Freeda The Frog Says Farewell To Her Fish

On The Table Read, “the best book magazine in the UK“, children’s author Nadine Haruni talks about being inspired to write Freeda The Frog Says Farewell To Her Fish to help children with bereavement.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed children’s author Nadine Haruni about her life and career, what inspired her to create her character, Freeda The Frog, and writing her latest release, Freeda The Frog Says Farewell To Her Fish to support children with bereavement.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

My name is Nadine Haruni, and I am the author of the Freeda the FrogTM children’s book series.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

I wanted to first write a book when I was in elementary school, but it took me 40+ years thereafter to actually get my first book published.

When did you take a step to start writing?

I always took writing courses throughout my life; then in my early 20’s, I took a “writing and illustrating children’s book” course at a local college in NYC.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

I wrote the original draft in 1998, and published it with a small online publisher; however, the internet wasn’t such a big thing at that time, and I didn’t know how to promote it or get it off the ground.  Then in 2015, a friend of mine made an introduction to my publisher.  We edited the book and republished it in 2016.

How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

It took about a year.

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Freeda The Frog Says Farewell To Her Fish?

When my Grandma Helen passed away, it was the first time my (then young) children had encountered losing a loved one. I wasn’t really sure what to say to them, or how to say it—and figured that there were probably many other familes who were in the same position and could use the help.

What were your biggest challenges with writing Freeda The Frog Says Farewell To Her Fish?

Like many other authors, I am juggling a dual career.  In my case, it’s also being a lawyer (and pre-COVID, I was also regularly teaching yoga).  So between my other time intensive work, and having a family—finding the time to sit down and focus was a bit of a challenge.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

My mom is the “original” Freeda.  Her going through a divorce is what inspired the first book of the series, Freeda the Frog Gets a Divorce.

What is the inciting incident of Freeda The Frog Says Farewell To Her Fish?

When the family’s pet fish, Goldie, passes away.

What is the main conflict of Freeda The Frog Says Farewell To Her Fish?

Freeda and Samson aren’t sure how to discuss losing a pet or loved one with the tadpoles, and want to provide comfort for them.

Did you plot Freeda The Frog Says Farewell To Her Fish in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

I start by writing the story in my head, then begin jotting  down ideas to keep track of them.  Eventually I can string together all these random thoughts, and they become the framework for my books. 

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Freeda The Frog Says Farewell To Her Fish need?

Yes.  I have an editor assigned by the publisher, but she really did not need to do too much editing with my Freeda books.  With children’s books, it’s a lot easier to edit than with writing a novel.  I recently finished a final draft of my first middle-grade novel, and spent several years working on editing. That was a much more difficult process, and I hope to embark on getting a publisher this upcoming year.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

While it will be a lot of work, it will be extremely gratifying at the end to have the finished product.  Don’t be daunted by having to go out of your comfort zone, and expect that there will be some rejection.  Not everyone will love your work as much as you do, just like you won’t love every best-selling novel that’s out there as well.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

Future topics will include addressing other types of families or real life “stuff” that families go through, possibly including: adoption, children with special needs, disabilities, a new sibling, and a parent returning to work.

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Yes, I am very proud.  The feedback I’ve gotten about how much my books are helping families with the various topics I discuss makes all of the work worthwhile.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Website: www.freedathefrog.com

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @freedathefrog

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