Breaking through in the world of juvenile and young adult fiction is no small feat, but Jim West’s Libellus de Numeros has done just that. Garnering the 2015 IPPY Bronze Award for Juvenile/Young Adult eBook, West’s story resonates with readers through its adventurous spirit, empowering themes, and fresh take on heroism.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with West about his journey as an author, what his IPPY win means to him, and the exciting projects he has in store for his fans.

What Winning an IPPY Means to West

For West, receiving an IPPY wasn’t just an award; it was a moment of affirmation. “It is validation of a solid story and worthy of readers’ time,” he shares with pride.

Winning this accolade marked a turning point in his career. “It was one of the first major awards my first book I published won, and I was ecstatic!” he recalls. His IPPY wasn’t just a medal—it was a testament to the dedication he poured into his work.

Inspiration Rooted in Family

The inspiration behind Libellus de Numeros is as heartwarming as it is inspiring. West drew upon his experiences as a single parent to craft a tale with depth and purpose.

“It started as a series of stories I wanted to tell my two daughters, whom I raised as a single parent, to instill in them the idea of feminine heroes being more than just princesses,” he shares. The idea of empowering young girls through stories of strength and bravery is woven throughout his book, making it a meaningful piece for both his daughters and his readers.

West’s Unique Approach to Crafting His Stories

When it comes to bringing his stories to life, West takes an atmospheric approach to writing. “Lots of listening to chill step non-vocal music to create the mood for writing,” he shares, offering a glimpse into his creative routine.

For West, storytelling is an immersive experience. “The story exists in my head like a digital recorder where I can jump into the story at any point during, before, or after the events of the story with any character. They all ‘live’ inside my mind.” This vivid, almost movie-like approach brings his stories to life, making them feel incredibly authentic.

Navigating the Challenges of Publishing

As any indie author knows, the path to publication is rarely smooth, and West’s journey was no exception. He describes the process with candor: “Proofing, editing, proofing, editing, and finally formatting. It is a daunting, but absolutely necessary process.” West quickly learned that the road to publishing is long (and sometimes tedious), but it’s all worth it in the end.

The Power of Math and Magic: Themes in Libellus de Numeros

When asked about the themes and messages of his award-winning book, West was clear about his intention to change how kids perceive math. “I hope that the readers will gain a new perspective on math. I hope they will see that math matters, as it does to characters in the story.”

Through his characters’ interactions with mathematical concepts like estimation and rates of change, West weaves a tale that’s as educational as it is entertaining. “My wish is that all kids read this imaginary story and aspire to become master wizards in real life,” he says.

Advice for Aspiring Authors

West’s advice for aspiring authors is simple yet powerful: “No matter if you strain to just get out a few sentences one day to a marathon night of chapter after chapter flowing freely; just keep writing out the story. A bucket fills up drop by drop.” His words remind us that persistence and dedication are key to completing any project, no matter how daunting it might seem at first.

Looking back on his publishing journey, West has one important takeaway: “Just how important editors and proofreaders really are.” For anyone starting out, he suggests working with these professionals since they’re crucial to ensuring your work reaches its full potential.

What’s Next for Jim West

West’s creative journey shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he’s currently juggling multiple exciting projects. “I publish monthly travel articles in CP Magazine and Toronto Pages magazine. I also post Movie Reviews written from a story perspective under Movie Wrongs.”

But that’s not all—West is working on his next big project, a dramatic cultural novel titled Makati Dreams, set against the backdrop of the Philippine Drug War under the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte. With this new work, West continues to push boundaries and find new ways to connect with readers.