Linnea Sage has written a wonderful new children’s book called “Yoganimals” and she took time to speak with me for The Valley Ledger.
How did you get started with yoga? What inspired you to write a yoga book for children?
Linnea: Growing up, I wish I had been encouraged to do more than just play on the playground, run around outside. I wish I had a more controlled way of managing my excess energy. Obviously looking back I had no idea at the time but I got into yoga a really long time ago in my teens actually and then sort of stopped doing it for a while. Then my mom got into it and she was certified as an instructor and she absolutely loved it and she helped me get back into it. I think children are so flexible anyway and if we can use all their crazy excess energy and focus all of their attention on doing something so beneficial to their bodies and their futures, I just think it will be an amazing result.
For the title, why did you decide to call the book YOGANIMALS?
Linnea: I said you know I think if I was a kid I would do yoga if really cool animals were teaching the yoga. It just stuck ever since.
I attended a few beginner classes for yoga and it was calming and helpful. Do you feel that way when you are doing yoga?
Linnea: When I really focus on the yoga I am doing the next day I am sorer than had I had gone to the gym. The whole experience is so relaxing and really focuses on your posture, alignment and treating your body right. I love it.
What platform besides iTunes will you be going for?
Linnea: Right now it only available for iPhone and iPad. I am really hoping that if any of these start really well and people really want them on other platforms. I am hoping to expand to the Android market and maybe a version of an e-book.
Are you planning on writing another book soon?
Linnea: Yes, I am trying to figure out what I want my fourth book to be about now?
What kind of challenges did you face writing a children’s book?
Linnea: Before I was a writer and illustrator, I was a narrator and I had narrated so many children’s books. One day I just woke up and I thought why am I just voicing these children’s books I can write, I’m artistic and I am a voice-over artist. I am going to put these three things together now.
What would you like to say to people that will be purchasing the book?
Linnea: For starters I would love for them to read this book with their children so that they can help them with their practice so they do not injure themselves, but I do state that in the app so they will be reminded of it. Of course I just think yoga is a wonderful practice for anybody. Practicing it with your kids would just be such a great mommy and me type of moment or daddy and me moment. I just hope that everybody participates and enjoys these silly animals.
What advice would you provide to fellow writers and how to just go for it?
Linnea: I think the thing for me that worked best for me when starting out my first book was just taking baby steps. One day I was inspired to write a poem about animals in the forest, my first book and from there it sort of expanded into drawing illustration. It was just tiny little steps, it wasn’t just one big enormous project that I had to begin. It was just one step at a time.
“YOGA ANIMALS”, which Sage wrote, illustrated and narrated, is selling in spades at iTunes right now (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/yoga-for-kids!-yoganimals/id1093035795?mt=8).
Follow @LinneaSage to keep up with all of her beautiful books.
Check out more from Janel Spiegel on The Valley Ledger
