BIZ KID: Natalie Tinti

BUSINESS: Author

AGE: 10        

WEBSITE: www.tintinatie.com

I am a self-published, award-winning writer and illustrator of the book “Sewing a Friendship.” The second book will be ready, hopefully, this year. The name of our publishing company is Tintinatie (the combination of my last name + 3/4 of my first name).

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I think when I once wrote a story for Valentine’s Day in first grade, my father said, “You should make a book out of it.” Then later last summer, one of my friend’s mom saw my pictures and school essays and advised me to write a book. She also mentioned that we will have two choices: try to find a traditional publisher or self-publish. So I did [self-publish] (with my family’s help, of course).

I’ve been working on books with my business too. How long did it take you to write yours?

It was a summer vacation. Only three weeks left before school started. Because I was in a hurry to finish my manuscript, it took me three weeks to do my draft and draw all the pictures, and another two months to edit and correct the story.

Is the book based on a personal story?

My characters are based on a little of everyone around me. I just want to show different talents and abilities and even though we are all different in many ways, we can be friends and help each other.

Every author has an editor. Who helped you with your book?

I had a few editors: my older sister, then my friend’s mom, then my father. Because none of them had enough time, they edited one after another. When my book was checked by critique group from a literary agency, they found only two very little mistakes (commas).

I see that you illustrated your own book and posters. How long have you been drawing?

I have always liked to draw very colorful pictures. When I just turned five, my “Bird” drawing got a first place in the 4th Annual Artist Event and other awards for drawings.

With the book signings and events that you do, is it hard to balance school and your business?

Since I don’t have that many events, I don’t have problems to balance my time.

What do you do for fun in your spare time?

When I am not writing, I love to do two things the most: drawing cute characters and playing with my friends.

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to continue being a writer and illustrator.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I recently won the NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Winner for Spring 2010 in the children category. For more information or to buy my book, please visit my website or you can connect with me on Facebook.

For more information on BIZKID 2 BIZKID or if you know of a young entrepreneur that you would like to see featured, please visit PencilBugs.