Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with the renowned author CJ Corki, whose latest book, Not My Money: Overcoming the Elephant in the Room, is captivating readers with its vivid and relatable tales. With a dedication to grandparents, Corki’s storytelling truly brings to life a world where love, wisdom, and laughter are cherished above all else.
Through their writing, CJ Corki continues a cherished family tradition of enriching lives and sparking imaginations, much like their father once did. Holding the baton of storytelling firmly in hand, Corki showcases the timeless power of the written word in transporting readers to extraordinary worlds where the bonds of family reign supreme.
Join us as we delve into the mind of CJ Corki and discover the inspirations behind their captivating stories that remind us all of the priceless nature of family connections and the enduring value of shared tales.
What is your favorite childhood book?
Each of us, I am sure, has a favorite. My favorite is The Raggedy Ann and Andy series. Who wouldn’t love Raggedy Ann’s red yarn hair, button eyes and ever-present smile. Raggedy Ann was always comforting and was filled with advice, while her brother, Andy, in his checkered trousers and sailor hat was the daredevil which took them to a mishap or two.
These 2 went to magical lands, made friends with enchanted creatures, and were always solving a mystery. Like our CJ Corki books, they also had lessons about friendship and helped kids learn important values and to embrace their imagination.
The coolest part is that these dolls come to life when humans aren’t around and experience various whimsical and heartwarming adventures, just like our garden animals.
“and mine was… Madeline, my namesake book, would definitely make the top of my list. To quote the beginning of the book, “In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines. They left the house at half past nine…The smallest one was Madeline”.
Since I was always the smallest in my Catholic school and the first one in those straight lines, this resonated with me. I always imagined I was as brave as she, having adventures in Paris.
As far as influencing my writing, books we wrote, like Don’t Fear the Monster, give a similar message to a little girl who was afraid but then found her voice to stand up to a bully. The character Sage became brave. We hope to inspire other girls like Madeline inspired me.
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My favorite book is not just one book but a great collection of stories. The stories came from a well-worn book that all of us would pull off the shelf time and time again. I think there were about 15 books filled with poems and rhymes, folk and fairy tales, and short stories. It was called Childcraft.
However, if I had to pick one story that still influences me today, it would be an old Aesop’s Fable. Do you remember the story of The Lion and the Mouse? (Sisters say yes or no.) This story is a lesson in kindness, and no matter how small an act of kindness might be or how seemingly insignificant a person might be, kindness is never wasted.
Describe your writing space.
We have weekly calls. If we start writing a new book, we carve out time to brainstorm during one of our calls.
My sisters might disagree, but the “easy” part is when we decide on what theme or message we want to convey. Our discussion is very focused on what values we want to focus on. Then, we ask ourselves: Is it an adventure, a specific holiday, maybe learning something new, overcoming fears, or something else?
During this call, we developed a basic outline of our story.
We think about which one of the characters will be the protagonist and antagonist. We ask ourselves what the central conflict will be and then, finally, the resolution.
The last step of our brainstorming session is to decide which of our characters will be the focus or if we will introduce a new character. After all, we have 8 core characters from which we can choose. Of course, if we decide to introduce a new character, we must figure out how they will grow throughout the story.
As collaborators, I have learned that even though we are sisters, we all do things and see things through different lenses. The good news is that this allows us to make a better book.
After brainstorming, we each went our separate ways and wrote a draft of how we thought the story should flow.
And I bet that each of us has a tried-and-true method.
As for me, I take off my watch, grab a notebook and pen, and head to the sauna at the gym. Yes, the sauna. It’s quiet, typically no one is in there, and I write the first draft without worrying about perfection. I just focus on getting my ideas down.
I aim for clarity and brevity; we only have a little over 900 words to tell our story.
The final stage in the writing process is comparing what each of us wrote. Like I said earlier, it’s always fun to see what the other sisters came up with. Someone might spend more time on Karl’s wise words, while someone else may give a new perspective on the items we want the kids to find.
Eventually, we agree…and for sisters to agree on anything (pause and laugh) is a great testament to our teamwork in producing these books.
Madeline here. My creative juices flow when I run. I always say that I solve world problems when I run. Okay, the world’s problems haven’t been solved by me, but running does generate ideas.
I generally listen to audiobooks from different kinds of genres. Many times, it is these books that I pick out random tidbits of knowledge that I want to use.
Other times, I zone out into my runner’s high and think through the storyline we are working on. Running brings clarity to my thoughts. Sometimes, I have to stop running to jot down a note so I don’t forget.
I am Charlotte and I take a totally different path. I am very visual and draw inspiration from pictures, often recalling images from childhood. As a young photographer, I used to love taking pictures. However, I’m not skilled in drawing and can only do stick figures, so illustrating wasn’t my strength. Luckily, no one sees my pictures as I “write” my version of the story. Again, that’s why managing the illustrators felt like a natural role for me.
What is the title of your newest release?
Not My Money: Overcoming the Elephant in the Room
What are the words you live by?
“Passing down values to the rising generation is one essential role we own and must take seriously. It preserves our cultural heritage, instills a sense of identity, and guides them in making ethical decisions, ensuring the continuity of a cohesive and principled society.”
What is your favorite quote from your book?
Our hope is that these stories inspire you to reflect on the knowledge and experience that you possess and seek out ways to share those treasure with your grandchildren. Remember, every conversation, every shared moment of curiosity, and every lesson imparted contributes to the vast reservoir of Intellectual Capital that will shape the minds and hearts of those who come after us.
You can find out more about CJ Corki here>>
A Book by CJ Corki
Want to read some of CJ Corki’s work? Keep reading to learn about Not My Money: Overcoming the Elephant in the Room.
Step right up, grandparents!
Dive into the magical world of Intentional Grandparenting. This captivating three-book series is a treasure trove of stories, wisdom, and invaluable insights designed especially for you.
Discover the six essential capitals: Human, Legacy, Spiritual, Intellectual, Social, and Financial. Learn how to nurture and pass on these precious resources to your grandchildren, enriching their lives and yours.
Engage in heartwarming tales and practical strategies to build strong, lasting bonds with your family. Whether sharing life lessons or creating new traditions, this book provides the guidance you need.
And that’s not all! Each book includes activities to support your interaction with your grandkids, making learning and bonding an enjoyable adventure.
Grab one or all three books and embark on a journey of love, wisdom, and unforgettable memories. Let’s create a legacy together.
Purchase Not My Money: Overcoming the Elephant in the Room here>>