The Water Princess: A Classic Adventure received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Ron Ricci.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The Water Princess: A Classic Adventure. January 29, 2019.
What’s the book’s first line?
“Sport, it’s time to leave,” he said. “Grab your sleeping bag and let’s head out.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
The Water Princess: A Classic Adventure is fantasy novel for a middle-age readers (8-12 years) where a heroine saves the world from a catastrophic drought in a surprising way. The story is told through a father-daughter camping trip, and the faith they find in each other to make it rain again. The adventure is inspired by legends from the majestic and wild central California mountains and coastline, with female empowerment themes and lessons about conservation.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I originally told a campfire story called “The Water Princess” to my daughter and her friends and dads during a camping trip to the California central coast when my daughter was 10-years old. Years later my daughter painted the water drop on the book’s cover as inspiration (and a challenge!) to transform my campfire story into a book. So I guess I owe this story to my daughter.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
The relationship between the father and the daughter.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character?
Her faith in and conviction to an audacious plan that only her father understands.
Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Truthfully, my daughter was the archetype for the main character in my mind, reflecting my hopes and dreams for her.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
I’d like the Trinity character from the Matrix (Carrie-Ann Moss) to play the daughter — smart, daring, confident, athletic, yet capable of empathy.
When did you first decide to become an author?
Since I read The Hobbit and watched “Star Trek” as a teenager I’ve hoped someday to write a fantasy story.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
I’ve written two non-fiction books from the business world: “Momentum” published by Harvard Business School Press; and “The Collaboration Imperative”.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
Knowing what to do after you’ve published your book. The emails I get from IndieReader have really educated me on how to market my book.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Getting reviews is #1. Don’t count on your network to buy and review your book. I actually spend more time marketing my books than I do writing every day.