Maxine Sylvester
London-born
Bali, Indonesia
Good morning, Maxine! And welcome to Vision and Verse, the site for art and authors. What have you written?
I have written three books in the ‘Ronaldo the Flying Reindeer’ series; they are available as ebooks from Amazon.com. The second book, Ronaldo: The Phantom Carrot Snatcher, is coming out in paperback at the end of February.
What is your favorite genre to write?
Children aged 6-10 years. I am very much in touch with my inner child so writing and illustrating for this age group comes naturally.
I taught that age group for 35 years. They are my favorite people.
Favorite food.
Pizza! I also have a passion for Indian curry.
Tea or coffee?
Herbal tea. Jasmine is my favourite.
Pizza or ice cream?
Without a shadow of a doubt, pizza! I would only eat ice cream if there was a fudge brownie buried beneath it.
Wine or beer or soda?
I don’t tend to drink alcohol or soda but I will have the odd glass of wine at Christmas or on my birthday.
Where would you like to visit?
Disneyland, Shanghai. Ihave been to the other Disney Resorts; this is the last one on my bucket list.
Favorite musical artist.
Anything from Guns ‘n’ Roses and ACDC to Bruce Springsteen,
Pink Floyd and James Taylor. I also have a wonderful Disney soundtrack with all the songs from the films and theatre productions.
Do you listen to music when you write?
I listen to music when I am illustrating but I find it too distracting when I write.
I listen to music when I am illustrating but I find it too distracting when I write.
What makes you laugh?
Old comedies like ‘Fawlty Towers’. I also like ‘Johnny English’ films.
Old comedies like ‘Fawlty Towers’. I also like ‘Johnny English’ films.
Favorite work of art or sculpture.
I have a folk art painting which I bought in Park Cultury (Gorky Park) in Moscow. Not only do I love it because it’s a winter scene but it reminds me of the time I spent in Russia. I also like the Hachiko statue in Tokyo. I saw the film and made a point of having my photo taken with it while I was in Japan.
I have a folk art painting which I bought in Park Cultury (Gorky Park) in Moscow. Not only do I love it because it’s a winter scene but it reminds me of the time I spent in Russia. I also like the Hachiko statue in Tokyo. I saw the film and made a point of having my photo taken with it while I was in Japan.
How old were you when you started writing?
Mary Poppins says you should never discuss a woman’s age, but I will make an exception this once (ha!) I was 47 years old.
Mary Poppins says you should never discuss a woman’s age, but I will make an exception this once (ha!) I was 47 years old.
Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write? I usually have a rough idea in my head how I am going to start the story, but then it veers off in a different direction, and then I am thrilled because I never saw it happening that way. I always keep a notebook handy because once my brain is in writing mode, ideas keep coming at the strangest times and I might be in the bath or out shopping.
Describe your perfect evening.
I like Saturday evenings at home with my partner, Mark. We usually order an Indian curry and watch the Premier League football. (Unfortunately we support different teams which have led to minor conflict over the years!)
I like Saturday evenings at home with my partner, Mark. We usually order an Indian curry and watch the Premier League football. (Unfortunately we support different teams which have led to minor conflict over the years!)
Where do you get your inspiration?
From children. I love to encourage them and each book has a message. Ronaldo: The Phantom Carrot Snatcheris about friendship and bravery. My first book, Ronaldo: The Reindeer Flying Academy, deals with self belief. Ronaldo is a good role model and very relatable; I want children to feel they have a friend every time they pick up a Ronaldo book.
From children. I love to encourage them and each book has a message. Ronaldo: The Phantom Carrot Snatcheris about friendship and bravery. My first book, Ronaldo: The Reindeer Flying Academy, deals with self belief. Ronaldo is a good role model and very relatable; I want children to feel they have a friend every time they pick up a Ronaldo book.
What do you do when you get a writer's block? I have a few sessions of acupuncture. I believe that a writer’s block comes from the body not functioning to the best of its ability. Outside factors like stress can have a major influence on how the body performs.
Who is your favorite author?
I’d have to say J.K. Rowling. I devoured the Harry Potterbooks.
I’d have to say J.K. Rowling. I devoured the Harry Potterbooks.
Best book you ever read.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle; it was life changing for me. Whenever I feel anxious, I read the shortened version and it reminds me to get out of my head.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle; it was life changing for me. Whenever I feel anxious, I read the shortened version and it reminds me to get out of my head.
I have that book sitting on my shelf, in my giant "to be read" pile. Maybe I'll move it up toward the top. Last book you read.
Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull. The author is one of the founding fathers of Pixar animation, a tiny little company who created Toy Story and eventually merged with the epic Disney. I am obsessed with Disney and Pixar so the book is a fantastic read for me and so inspirational!
Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull. The author is one of the founding fathers of Pixar animation, a tiny little company who created Toy Story and eventually merged with the epic Disney. I am obsessed with Disney and Pixar so the book is a fantastic read for me and so inspirational!
I've read that one! Excellent! I wished I had read that when I was younger. I doubt I would have stayed in the classroom for 35 years. What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
I would probably illustrate for other people. At the moment I only illustrate my books. I am a trained Pilates Instructor, so I could teach a few classes as well.
Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?
My partner, Mark. Over the last twenty-three years, he has supported every hairbrained idea I have ever had. He helps with my social media to give me more time to write/illustrate.
My partner, Mark. Over the last twenty-three years, he has supported every hairbrained idea I have ever had. He helps with my social media to give me more time to write/illustrate.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?Walt Disney, although I tend to get tongue tied when I am awe of brilliant people. (I once sat at the next table to Roger Waters of Pink Floyd – I couldn’t even ask him for an autograph!) As to why, Walt Disney has brought so much joy and inspiration to my life, I would like the opportunity to say thank you!
What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
Do it! Believe in yourself but don’t be too proud to ask for help. You want your book to be the best it can possibly be, so surround yourself with people that have experience in the industry. I would also suggest investing in an editor; a good one is worth their weight in carrots!
Do you have some links for us to follow you?
Website: ronaldotheflyingreindeer.com
Twitter: @flyingronaldo
Pinterest: https://id.pinterest.com/flyingronaldo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxinesylvester/
