Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jp Giovanni. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, JP thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

After writing my first book, I had a sub-title, but I couldn’t decide on anything for the series. I wanted something exciting but concise, something catchy but also something that could look cool at the top of the book.

I was meeting with a friend one day and telling them about how I just finished writing a children’s book. This was somewhat out of my wheelhouse and caught them by surprise. I explained the premise of the story and they replied saying that completing this was extraordinary. That kind of stuck with me for a couple days and the next time I was working on story edits it really clicked that Extraordinary should be the name of the series.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I originally never had any intention of being a children’s book author. I went to school for elementary education. At the time I wanted to be a teacher. As I progressed through the program, it came apparent to me that this was not my path. However, there were aspects of it I still enjoyed.

One of my assignments was to write a story of a day in the life of a student. I decided to go a bit off of the norm and write about a boy who woke up one day and discovered that he had super powers. The story eventually evolved into something more than what the assignment called for, though I never quite finished it.

A few years after, a friend of mine told me that he and his brother were about to release their first children’s book (shout out Harms Brothers Publications). I told him that I also had one, but I never finished it. He really pushed me to get through and write an ending.

Through that process we ended up starting a writing group with 2 other very talented authors. We share and critique our work and really push each other to produce the best that we can. The support in that group is amazing and I would never had finished first book, not to mention the second and third, if it weren’t for them.

Like any creative endeavor, you may find yourself with a lack of motivation or inspiration at times. Working with these gentlemen has taught me a strong sense of accountability and discipline that it takes to consistently create. It never feels like a chore, and it can’t. Once it feels like something you “have to do” the personal meaning behind the work begins to fade.

A big part of the message and inspiration behind my stories is the emphasis on imagination. Keeping that spark is so important to remembering all the beauty in the world. As adults, this mindset is often lost or pushed aside because there’s always more “important things” to deal with. However, stopping for a moment and letting your mind wander in the midst of the chaos in the world is something that everyone should embrace. Remind yourself that the world is extraordinary and be grateful to be able to experience it.

My books are obviously directed toward kids, middle grade (age 7-13) specifically. However, there is something in there for kids of all ages to enjoy. Keeping the imagination flowing is the important thing to remember, even if that means diving into a world where a little girl finds a magical book, or some kids explore a haunted house. Books and stories don’t have boundaries. I have found just as many inspiring quotes from picture books as I have self development books. It’s all about what resonates with you and finding the spark to keep the imaginative light within you continue to shine.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I haven’t done many book events. It’s a goal of mine to ramp this up in the future. However, one I did was a book signing shortly after my 2nd book release. I was very excited about it because I had never had the opportunity to present myself as a true published author before. I got to the bookstore and began to set up my table and displays. The bookstore suggested I set up outside because there would be more traffic from people walking by then going in the actual bookstore. This sounded great to me. However, once I got everything good to go, the clouds and wind came in. The wind blew over my banner and sent my displays in disarray. Then the thunder and rain came. I quickly moved my set up inside. The event was fun and I got to meet several people who were genuinely excited to meet me and check out a book. Ultimately, the event didn’t pay for itself but it was a good learning experience.

Fast-forward over a year later. I decided to do another event at a local art market. This would be the first event I did for my third book. This one was very fun and a lot of people showed up. At one point this family came up to me and said, “Hey JP! Do you remember us from Estes Park?” It took me a moment to jog the memory, but I did remember. I had met this family at my book signing a year before and they happened to stop by the art market. I spoke with the little girl who was a big fan of my books. I told her I had a new one out and she said, “Yeah, I have that one!” I was so surprised but kind of felt bad because I didn’t have any products that she didn’t already have! It turns out that her father received my newsletter saying that I would be at the market and even though the girl had all my books, she just wanted to come and say hi to me. This completely melted my heart and was a beautiful reminder that things you create do matter to others.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

A goal of mine is to just keep creating. The money I make from this endeavor is so meaningless compared to the personal fulfillment I get when I finish a story. Yes, selling a book is great and also a goal, but at the end of the day just telling a story and then holding it in my hand, knowing that “I made this” is so much more valuable to me. I want as many people, kids, teenagers, adults to read my stories as possible. Sharing a piece of my imagination and heart with others is my main mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jpgiovanni.com
• Instagram: @extraordinarykidsbooks
• Facebook: @extraordinarykidsbooks
• Twitter: @jpgio_writes