One of the best things about the indie publishing world is the unique stories and authors that find their way to publication. Today we talk to a young and enthusiastic author, Davon Miller. After publishing his first book at the tender age of 11, Davon has now published three books in his Mr. Tickety-Toc Clock series.  Today he talks to us about his author journey.

Tell us about your book?

Tickety-Toc Clock is always right on time when it comes to introducing kids the wonders of books. The books center around a red-twin belled clock named Mr. Tickety-Toc Clock and the fun and engaging stories that are told in the books. The books are not only fun but introduce educational concepts, and connect with children to write and doodle their own stories.

Why did you want to write this story?

I wanted to write this story because writing and illustrating and creating new stories is always so much fun to me.

What's been the best reaction from a reader so far?

Probably the best reaction from a reader so far is from a parent who says they read this book every night because their child wants to hear the story again and again.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I've always been writing and illustrating ever since I was very little. My mother has been reading to me, even before I was born, when I was in her womb. I grew up watching various television shows and would always want to draw the characters I see and I would become so immersed in those worlds. So after writing stories based on the television shows I watched, I then moved onto deciding to create my own original adventures. It wasn't long that I had the idea for my current published series. I was in sixth grade, it was the end of the day, I wanted to go home, and I kept looking up at the clock wondering when the bell would ring, and that's when it hit me to write a story about a clock.

What's the most fun part of being an author?

The most fun part of being an author is going to various places and reading my books to children. I would've never imagined that I would stand in front of many students and inspire them to create stories.

What's your tip for parents to encourage reading?

My tip for parents to encourage reading is to see what your child is interested in and possibly relate the reading themed activity or book to what your child enjoys. The more reading you do, there are more worlds and characters to would then spark the interest of a child. Also books with unique and fun characters and silly words are a great way to encourage reading to a child. When reading to your child, it's always fun to pretend to be the character, possibly reading in a silly voice.

What's your favourite children's book of all time and why?

As a child I read a lot of children's books such as Barney and Magic School Bus. My favorite children's book that I would with my mom was "ToddWorld: Giant Book of Friendship" and as I got older in elementary school I went through a "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" phase, but then fourth grade came, and when going to the scholastic book fair, I purchased a book called "The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell". The cover of the book really got me interested in the story, and since then, it's been my favorite children's book, of all time. I highly enjoy all "The Land of Stories" books that were written by Chris Colfer. They're so engaging to read. I would carry that book everywhere and encouraged others to read the book(s).

Davon Miller (born April 23, 2002 in St. Petersburg, Florida) is a young published children’s author best known for his children’s book series titled “Mr. Tickety-Toc Clock”. As an infant, Davon was diagnosed with severe asthma, which forced him at times to be in and out of All Children’s Hospital. He started writing and drawing stories at a very young age. He published his first book at the age of eleven in April of 2014. Davon is an active volunteer of the South Branch Library and the Ronald McDonald House while also donating some proceeds from book signings to John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in support of Asthma.

You can find out more about Davon by following him on Facebook or Instagram.

Where to Next?

We hope you enjoyed this insight into Davon Miller's life as an independent author.  What a unique experience he has had and what a great advocate and sales person he has in his mother! We'll be sharing more author stories and the best way to keep in touch with these is through signing up to our author newsletter. You can also get tips on publishing in our free indie author guides. Plus of course, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.