Today’s interview is with Erin, the author of Pete & Sneakers Bath and Bedtime Show, a universal iOS app that highlights how no two children are completely alike. You can learn more about Erin and these two lovable penguins in her interview below and also on Facebook and Twitter. We can’t wait to see more titles in this series!
Hi Erin! Please tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a mom of three girls (ages five and under!). In addition to developing an an interactive and entertaining App that encourages sibling camaraderie, I have been freelance writing for various publications and websites for over three years. Many people don’t know that in my two seconds of spare time, I like to dabble in historical fiction, and I can probably recite almost all of the original Star Wars movies–line for line!
How did the idea for your app come about?
As a mom of multiple children, including twins, I longed for a book that would satisfy more than one set of hands. After many a book tug-of-war, I thought, “I wish someone would design a book that had interactive components on both sides of a page, that also had an entertaining storyline.” That someone turned out to be me and not long after I wrote and designed The Pete and Sneakers Bath and Bedtime Show.
How long was the process from the original idea to the release of the app?
Probably just shy of a year. This project was initially intended to be a board book. After a few submissions to publishers (and subsequent rejections) my Dad suggested that since the prototype and story already had interactive components, Pete and Sneakers would be easy to transition into an App! I was so excited about the idea that I began researching the App process immediately.
Did you hire a developer or do it yourself?
I hired Xoom Solutions and I absolutely adored my developer.
What has been the hardest obstacle you have had to overcome in the development process?
The development process was seamless! Marketing, something I enjoy and fell I do well, has actually been a bit more challenging than I anticipated.
Have you had much support during the development process (from family, peers, Apple Inc.)?
Yes! From my developer, to Apple, and the above and beyond support of my friends and family, I could not think of a more successful process from start to finish.
What are your plans for the future? Will you be developing any more apps?
I would love to! I envision Pete and Sneakers as a series and can think of at least a million different “shows” they could perform.
And finally, what advice would you give to anyone considering creating their own app?
Do your homework, find a developer who believes in you and your project as much as you do, and snuggle up to social media like your favorite security blanket! Be kind to others in the business and make friends.
Amanda
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Alison, Amanda, Grace and Mary are four mothers from different parts of the world dedicated to educating parents about the best digital stories, educational apps, fun games and technology products available for their children. We also offer the latest news in apps for kids, interesting articles, developer interviews, free apps and regular giveaways!
[...] elicit an encore from your little ones! You can learn more about Pete and Sneakers by reading our developer interview, and you can download Pete and Sneakers [...]