By way of introduction, here is Stewart’s bio:
Stewart Sutters lives in a little fishing town in the UK. He works as a graphic designer by day. He has a (very) small woodwork shop, which is pretty much fitted out with tools and supplies etc.
Hello, Stewart, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
Thank you for having me.
When did the writing bug ensnare you?
I have always had a love for films, storytelling, and anything creative. Then after creating Stewbot for real at the start of covid, my mission was to write his story.
Is writing your full-time profession?
Unfortunately, it’s not. However, I would love it to be one day.
How long have you been writing?
I started to write during the covid lockdown.
How many published books have you written?
This is my debut book. It is available in hardback, paperback, Ebook, and I also published a colouring and activity book to accompany the book.
Which genre do you write?
Children’s picture books.
What do you find most challenging writing for this genre?
Trying to tell a story with limited pictures and words is a challenge. Then throw in the challenge of writing in rhyme. Whilst writing in prose would have been easier, personally I just love reading books that rhyme.
What are you working on now?
I am working on book two, Stewbot and the Disappearing Planets.
The evil Dr. Chewin is flying around the galaxy, zapping planets, and turning them into giant dog chews, and then eating them.
With planet Neklong soon to be zapped, they make a call to Stewbot. I am at the stage of editing text and have started on illustrations. Book three is also at first draft. Stewbot and the Race to Save Christmas.
Where do you find inspiration for your characters?
My inspiration comes from my own relationship with my grandchildren. I love watching how their imagination works through role play.
My other inspiration for the Stewbot stories is based on a very old 1970’s TV series in the UK called Mr Benn. Mr Benn would walk into a fancy dress shop and try on an outfit. He would walk through a door and was transported into an adventure based on that outfit.
What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
Just finishing writing my first book was at the top. Then selling my first book was an amazing achievement for me. Third was seeing some children dress up as my characters on world book day.
What advice would you give to authors just starting out?
Well, I still feel like I am starting out, so difficult to really give advice. I guess the only advice I can give is to always be willing to learn and take all criticism as being positive.
Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?
When I got my wood shop, my wife thought I was going to be making cool things like furniture; however, I made one robot, and then another.
And now I am at over 70. I’m like the Forest Gump of robot makers. My big dream is to eventually see Stewbot in his own TV series, or even the big screen.
What message are you sharing in your books?
Whilst I understand the importance of books that delve into children’s emotions, mental health, and social issues, I wanted my books to simply promote the fantastic relationships that children and grandparents have, promoting imagination, mixed in with some silliness and fun.
What are your favourite books?
The Gruffalo, Aliens Love Underpants, and Stich Head.
If you could create an author’s group with writers from any time period, who would you invite?
Any writer from the year 2084. I would then be able to ask them if they knew my name, and if my books became successful. And who played Pops in the movie.
Who has influenced your writing the most?
Stewbot. If it was not for this little wooden robot, I would not have ended up writing. And my mate Jeff, who is simply an amazing writer and poet.
When you’re not writing where can we find you?
Out in my woodwork shop making wooden robots to sell. I have made over 70 now and sold them to people in countries such as Germany, Ireland, France, Luxembourg, Nigeria, and Los Angeles.
A movie producer wants to turn your book into a movie, and you get to make a cameo. What would you do in the movie?
I would be the shop keeper in the supermarket. I’m loving the movie idea.
An elf named 12-25 approaches you. He’s sneezing, wheezing, coughing and there’s a strange tattoo of a snoring dog on his cheek. What do you do?
“Let sleeping dogs lie”.
What are your most effective marketing strategies?
Very good question. My answer is that I am still working on that. Maybe online interviews if this leads to lots of people buying my book.
Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc?
Where can we find your books?
This site prints and delivers to the US, UK and worldwide.
And on Amazon.
Thank you, Stewart, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck.
Available on Amazon.
The Tooth Fairy has had her wings stolen by a furry, four-legged thief, who is pretending to be her, and leaving dog chews under childrens pillows.
Can a super-hero, wooden robot really save the day? Is this the end of the Tooth Fairy as we know her? You just couldn’t make that up.
Well, you could if you are a Person Of Phenomenal Stories AKA, Pops.