Interview with Author Mayra Calvani

Hi, Mayra,
Welcome to my humble blog here in London, England and congratulations on the recent publication of your first children’s picture book, THE MAGIC VIOLIN.

Set in 19th Century Brussels, Belgium, THE MAGIC VIOLIN features the unusual theme of a young girl, MELINA, learning to play the violin. On Christmas Eve, Melina hears the tune she is trying so hard to learn being played by mysterious buskers in the Plaza. I won’t spoil the plot by revealing the identity of one of the magical musicians but Melina is in awe of their playing. She takes pity on the poor musicians playing in the cold and in true Christmas spirit, gives them money. In return for her kindness, one of the violinists tells her to make a wish on a shooting star before midnight. Melina believes that her violin becomes magical when she wishes to become a great violinist. How else could she have learnt to play Vivaldi’s ‘Winter’ by heart?

Mayra, you seem to understand the struggles of a child learning to play an instrument. I think your picture book will be an inspiration to young musicians. Do you play the violin? If so, can you play Vivaldi’s ‘Winter’!

First of all, thank you for your kind words and for having me on your blog today, Sue. It’s a pleasure.

My 9-year old daughter and I both started playing the violin about five years ago. The violin never stops challenging us but we love it with passion. Yes, I can play the 2nd movement of “Winter’, though not as well as I would wish. That is one of those pieces that look deceivingly easy to the non-player. The reason is that you have to play it in three different positions. I started switching positions last year and one of my main struggles has been being able to switch quickly yet stay in tune at the same time. The piece is slow (largo) as well, requiring even more flawless intonation. When you play fast music, you can get away with skipping a note or being a bit off, but you can’t do this with slow music. Three months ago I began an intensive program in the first four positions, so I’m guessing I’m a little better now. My daughter and I love to play together during Christmas and ‘Winter’ is definitely in our repertoire.


When I read the story, I longed to hear Vivaldi’s ‘Winter’. Your publisher is Guardian Angel Publishing, an e-Book publisher presenting a new genre of children’s books by incorporating the sound of music into many of their virtual books. A children’s musical picture book sounds appealing. Can we listen to Vivaldi’s music in your book?

No, unfortunately it doesn’t incorporate music, though the idea has crossed my mind many times. Who knows... maybe for a future printing? ☺ For those readers who don’t know Vivaldi’s “Winter’, here is a link to the music. I’m sure almost everyone will be able to recognize this beautiful piece. Here it is being played by Itzhak Perlman, one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century.
Itzhak Perlman: Four Seasons Winter II.Largo


What was the inspiration for THE MAGIC VIOLIN?

As I mentioned, my young daughter and I both started playing the violin about five years ago, so I know very well how difficult it can be at times, especially when learning a new piece. The violin is a very difficult instrument to master, requiring lots of discipline, perseverance and commitment, and this can be hard for a child at times. My love for the violin and watching my daughter play were my inspiration for the story. I wanted to create a tale which would be fun and magical, yet one which would encourage children and teach them about self esteem at the same time.

How long did it take you to write?

The story poured out of me one morning, but then it went through several rewrites and edits. I also gave it to a freelance editor to look it over and to my critique group members. Their comments and suggestions were invaluable.

Did you submit it to ‘traditional’ publishers?

Actually, Guardian Angel Publishing is a traditional publisher in the sense that they’re selective (only about 3% of submissions are accepted), edit the manuscripts, assign illustrators, do the layout, etc. Yes, they also publish their books in electronic form, but so are many of the big traditional publishers these days. The main difference comes in the way that Guardian Angel prints their books, which is by using the print-on-demand (POD) technology. POD has become associated with subsidy presses because subsidy publishers use this type of technology to print their books, but there is an important distinction here that has to be made: POD is not a type of publishing, but a type of printing method. There are many traditional small presses using the POD technology. Even some of the big New York publishers have begun to use POD to keep their backlist titles available to the public. It makes sense, because that means no lost money on returns or warehouse storage.

I did submit The Magic Violin to several well-known publishers, but when I didn’t have luck with these I decided to contact the smaller presses. The competition is staggering with the big publishers. I’ve read that with picture books only about one out of a thousand get accepted for publication. An author could submit once a month to a different publisher during a lifetime and never make a sale. I knew The Magic Violin had a niche audience and I thought I could reach that audience whether the publisher was big or small.

How long did it take you to find a publisher? Is the book available in print?

About one and a half years of continued multiple submissions, with a lot of waiting for responses in between.

Yes, The Magic Violin is also available in print from Amazon, B&N, most other online retailers, and also on order from any brick and mortar bookstore.

K.C. SNIDER’s beautiful illustrations compliment your evocative story. The Gothic church and the 19th Century Christmas theme are apparent in your text. How much influence did you have on the artwork?

K.C and I pretty much worked side by side. In the beginning I sent her links about Belgium and I suggested she check other sites for fashions and architecture. Also, before the manuscript was sent to K.C. my publisher suggested I added my ideas for the artwork to the story. My main concern was the girl’s posture with the violin, as this had to be exact to be credible. A person not familiar with the violin wouldn’t notice, but a person who knows about violin playing would tell right away if the illustrations were wrong. So I sent K.C. several photos of my daughter holding and playing the violin. This proved to be very helpful.

You dedicate your book to the ‘beacons’ of your life, who are they?

My two children! ☺

You are a published author in other genres. What inspired you to turn to writing for children and young adults? How long have you been writing for children?

Looking back, I don’t know exactly what ‘triggered’ my love for juvenile fiction. I never thought of writing a children’s book until about three years ago. I think motherhood and reading to my children had a lot to do with it. My daughter, who’s always loved books and reading (and who’s a published author at her young age, by the way), was a great inspiration. I think she brought out a part of me I never thought existed, one facade I had not seen before. Now I read every children’s book I can get my hands on, and can’t wait to put into words all the new stories I have in my head.

What picture book do you wish you had written?

I wish I had written The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams. I love picture books with a 'quiet' tone that both draw the reader into a compelling plot and touch them at an emotional level. I can't read that book unless I'm ready for a good cry. Perhaps this is why I also love Kate Di Camillo's The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (though this is an illustrated middle-grade novel). I wish I had written that one as well!


What children’s book are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on several juvenile projects. I have two picture books doing the agent/publisher roundup. One of them is violin-related and is being illustrated by talented artist Amy Moreno . I’m also polishing a tween manuscript (also violin-related) for an agent who’s expressed an interest in it, and writing/preparing a proposal for Harper Collins. This last one is a coming-of-age multicultural tween novel.

How long have you been a member of the Society Of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators? (SCBWI) How has it helped you?

I joined only a year ago. To be honest, other than visit the forums once in a while, I haven’t been too involved in it. I know the SCBWI carries a lot of weight with top editors and agents—at least this is what I keep hearing again and again. So if you add in your query letter that you’re a member that seems to be an extra plus. There is a chapter here in Brussels, but it’s not very active and the critique group they had dissolved when many of its members left Belgium. The forum does offer a lot of information about all aspects of children’s book publishing, from formatting a fledgling manuscript to legal issues, and members receive a list of reputable reviewers, agents and publishers, as well as a newsletter. I guess the membership fee can be as worth it as you make it to be. Like all things, you have to get involved.

What advice would you give to aspiring children’s authors?

Read constantly the type of books you’re interested in writing. If you want to write picture books, read picture books. If you want to read middle-grade novels, read middle-grade novels. As you read, study the book, dissect it, and think about what made it work (or not). Join the Children’s-Writers Yahoo group . Join a critique group; sometimes authors fall in love with their own stories and it’s hard to be objective. Don’t let anything get in the way of your dream. And of course, write, write, write.

You began your Virtual Book Tour (VBT) on 1st December 2007. What countries have you visited on your VBT so far and where else will you be going?

Actually, you’re the first non-US blog I visit, which is rather exciting! ☺ I still have nine more stops to make but not all are interviews. Anyone can see my tour schedule on my blog, Mayra’s Secret Bookcase

Where can readers find out more about you?

I have various sites and blogs where readers may find more about me and my books:

My Official Website
My Blog
My Official Children’s Book Website
My Children’s Book Blog:
The Fountain Pen, my newsletter

Thanks Mayra Calvani and good luck for the rest of your virtual book tour.

Thank you, Sue! I thoroughly enjoyed your questions!

Finally, you say you’re offering a prize at the end of your book tour on Christmas day, what is it?

I’ll be giving away a $20 Amazon gift certificate to a lucky winner on Christmas day. To be eligible, all a person needs to do is leave a comment at the end of this post or any of my other tour stops. If the winner is from England, I’ll be giving away a £20 gift certificate from Amazon.co.uk. I will announce the winner on my blog Mayra's Secret Bookcase, on the 25th.