Exclusive Author Interview: Chrissy Metge

Buy Chrissy Metge's children's books: Amazon

I recently enjoyed an exclusive interview with the wonderful Chrissy Metge, author of Max and his Big Imagination children's books (Max and his Big Imagination: The Beach, Max and his Big Imagination: The Safari). Chrissy's author bio shares: "With an extensive background and love of animation it seemed a natural progression to add children's author to her list of talents. 

Max and his big imagination was inspired by Chrissy's love for her nephew and the way kids see the world. As a new mother, one of her most favourite things is getting to see all the little things in life, all over again."

My author interview with Chrissy Metge, below- enjoy!

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I loved writing as a kid in school and often would write some wacky creative story, I loved it! 

Can you share your journey to becoming a published author?
I have always worked in Movies, animation and Visual Effects, so I have always been around amazing creative, talented people!  I have had the privilege to work on 13 movies, 2 tv series, 3 documentaries and a bunch of commercials over the last 15 years, in that time I have had many ideas of my own but was always too busy to do anything about it.  When I had my son who came 6 weeks early, literally on my last day at work my mind didn't have a chance to slow down or take a break so early on when he was little and slept alone (not anymore haha) I was bored so i thought I would finally put my ideas to paper and Max who is also my gorgeous Nephew had inspired an idea when he was really little which had been in my head for a about 7 years! So I decided to research and do it myself as ebooks first on Amazon to see what people thought, the response was good so I saved and printed the first, then the second and I am just about to print the third, its all been a slow journey while bing a mother, wife and a full time day job, but I love it and I am hoping one day I can do it as my full time career!

What do you find to be the biggest challenge, as an author?
Being disciplined everyday, sometimes you really don't feel like writing, but if you make it a routine it makes it easier.

What do you find most rewarding, as an author?
Creating a world that no-one else has thought of!

Share with us a daily habit of yours, that helps you reach your goals.
Routine, when my son had his naps I would write for 50% of the time then do chores 50% of the time, now that he is older I make sure I do some every morning.

What is one piece of advice you would share with an aspiring author? 
Don't give up! You will have bad days and people will tell you its not worth it, but it is! Creating something original from your own head is so rewarding!

Finish these sentences:
I am most grateful for my husband who showed me what true love is, and my son who showed me that miracles do happen!

If I could give my 18 year-old self one piece of advice it would be: Get your license as fast as you can, don't wait!

My favorite thing about being a writer is: Going into an imaginary world, it can be anything you want it to be!

My least favorite thing about being a writer is: Can get a bit lonely at time

My goals for the future are: I would love to continue the Max series to at least 10 books! And work with community groups to increase the awareness of children using imagination and that it doesn't take much money to inspire children, can just be everyday items around your house.

I love living a creative life because: Its fulfilling i feel satisfied, its scratching that itch everyday.

The last book I read was: How to Market a book - Joanna Penn

My favorite book, ever, is: Daughter of the Forest - Juliet Marillier

Outside of writing, my favorite hobby is Spending time with my family

The most important thing to do if you want to achieve your goals is: Stay focused and disciplined .

Do you have any New Years Resolutions for 2017? Exercise more.

Tell us about your books (genre, where we can find them, etc.)
Max and his Big Imagination are children's books aimed at ages 1 - 7 but I have had much older kids love them! They are to inspire and encourage children and their parents that you can use your imagination anywhere - Read, Play, Imagine.

Where can readers find you (i.e. website, social media, etc.)?
 www.chrissymetge.com or 
https://web.facebook.com/MaxAndhisBigImagination/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

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Stacey Ritz is a bestselling author and award winning writer. An empathetic and compassionate storyteller, Ritz wrote for a plethora of local and national news outlets, magazines, blogs, and websites (copywriter), prior to becoming a novelist. Her book, Covered in Pet Fur  has gained attention from RIVA Media and Animal Planet. She is the Executive Director and co-founder of Advocates 4 Animals, Inc. – a 501(c)3 non-profit animal welfare organization that has saved more than 11,000 lives (and counting). She currently resides in Ohio. Ritz is published through Rockville Publishing. You can interact with Stacey online via Stacey's Book Blog, on Pinterest, andInstagram.

Ritz writes the following genres:
Non-Fiction:
Motivation/Inspiration
Writing/Publishing
Animal Welfare
Fiction:
Love Stories

Click here to view Stacey's fiction books.

Click here to view Stacey's non-fiction books