The Princess Book That Started the Brand

Interview conducted by The Real Princess Zaria

The Adventures of Princess Zaria: The Quest For the Three Precious Gems  has a very important message. Tell us about the book.

The book is about a little girl named Zaria who finds out that her name means princess, After her friend questions her royalty, Zaria seeks to find tangible things that would cement that fact that she is a real princess. After finding those things, she comes to realize what her parents have known all along and that is she has always been a princess.

Is there someone or something that inspired the title?

The inspiration for the book is my daughter, Zaria. We actually found out that her name means princess shortly after her birth. We have been calling her Princess Zaria ever since. We also included her best friend, at the time, in the story line. Zaria and Shaniyah became friends when they were in Head Start together.

How have the young readers in Michigan received the book?

The kids love the book! Many have said the dad in the story resembles former President Obama. Girls, especially, like the underlying message that EVERY GIRL IS A PRINCESS. It doesn't matter your size, skin tone, where you live, who your parents are, etc.

Tell us about the illustration process. Was it difficult to find an illustrator?

You better believe it. It was a long and tedious task. Some illustrators wanted to charge thousands of dollars. Another illustrator wanted a huge fee PLUS a percentage of my book sales. I even entertained getting high school students to draw the pictures but that deal fell through. Ultimately, I posted a request on Craigslist. In the beginning I received responses from Asia and other countries. I wanted someone from the U.S., though. Then, bingo. I received a request from a college student in Michigan. I went with him and fell in love with the illustrations.

What has been your most successful avenue in promoting the book?

I think it has been word of mouth and also partnering the book with an event. I host a lot of princess themed events and many of my guests purchase the book prior to attending. Last year,  we hosted a Princess Potato Chip Party where we celebrated National Potato Chip Day and several moms bought the book before the event. We have also been hosting a Chocolate Party and Princess Ball for six and seven years, respectively. Those events have garnered a LOT of sales for me.

What advice would you give to new children's authors?

I would say 'Just Do It.' It will never be the perfect time. You will always need more money or better connections. But as the saying goes, 'jump and the net will appear.' Once you let the universe know you are publishing a book, teachers will contact you. Libraries will want to feature your book. Media will want to interview you. And even if none of that happens, you will have made your dream of being a published author a reality.

Where can we find The Adventures of Princess Zaria: The Quest For The Three Precious Gems?

The book can be found through my website www.princesszaria.com and www.createspace.com/7404834