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C. Robert Beale has been writing for many years.  In college he wrote a monthly column for the college paper titled "What's Up Chuck".  He has had a number of poems and editorials published in a local paper.  His new book, "A Silly Flop-Flipping Parade", is a work of alliteration for the pleasure of young children, parents, and grandparents alike.  The characters are: a man named Flip who does flips, his friend Flop who does flops, Carl the cop who does cartwheels, Hank the handyman who does handstands and several others.

Thank you Robert for answering some questions for us! What are you currently working on?

My current projects are two novels, Blind Vector and My Blood is on Your Hands.  These have been in the works for a number of years.  It took me 30 years to finally get a children's book published.

Have you received any awards for your work?

My greatest award has been the publication of my Children's book "A Silly Flop-Flipping Parade", published by Strategic Book Publishing of New York, New York. "A Silly Flop-Flipping Parade" is available online at target.com, borders.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and crobertbeale.net

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

I do readings for children at libraries, schools, etc.  I am available for book signings as well.

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career?

My background in the military, 15 years, has lent itself to my novel Blind Vector.  A divorce from my first wife has lent itself to my murder mystery, My Blood is on Your Hands.  My son, when he was 4 years old asked me to tell him a bedtime story.  "A Silly Flop-Flipping Parade" was born from that story.

What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published?
I've had a number of poems, articles, and editorials published in a local newspaper.  I also wrote a monthly column for my college newspaper.  The column was titled "What's Up, Chuck?"

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

Reading to children

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

Tom Clancy

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

NEVER, NEVER quit trying.  It took me 30 years of rejections before I got a children's book published.

How did you get started as a writer?

I used to write stories as a child.  Then when my own children were born I created stories for them.

Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?

A Silly Flop-Flipping Parade is my only book to have been published.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I'm retired so my days are pretty laid back and relaxed.

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

A friend in the National Guard convinced me to write.  She said that even if it is never published I could say that I wrote it.

Who is your favorite writer/author?
 
Tom Clancy

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

Oh, singing in the cracks has never been something I've enjoyed

Thank you Robert for this interview! We wish you great success with your upcoming novels.