WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?
As a creative-type person I always explored new ways to share stories and my thoughts on certain topics. At some point writing became one of those avenues I enjoyed more than any other art form I’ve explored; in particular, through children’s books. I loved the challenge of trying to say something meaningful in a succinct and witty way. I also learned it’s O.K. to have an opinion in the message you share. It became important to me as my writing evolved that all of my books have a socially conscious message. I feel a tremendous amount of pride and purpose when I know my books have helped start a conversation about life with a child. Oh, and writing about monkeys, feelings, superheroes, and boogers is super fun!
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
I wanted to be a doctor. So I became a music teacher.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?
With Mystical Rules For My Magical Daughter not only is it a very practical description of the book but it’s important that the title be empowering to “daughters” of all ages. With the I Feel… Series each book has a specific emotional theme. The titles are meant to be examples of the theme not the themes themselves. For example, I Feel…Awesome is about doing good things will make you feel amazing!
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?
Thunderfeet, Sam & The Jungle Band, You Got A Boogie, Strings, Silly Goose, The Band Nerds Book Series: Band Nerds Poetry, The Marching Band Nerds Handbook, Confessions & Confusion, The Marching Band Nerds Awards
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER: 1.) I had the privilege of having a few conversations with John Hughes before he passed away. He asked me what I did. I said that I was trying to be a writer. He replied, “Have your written something?” I said, “Yes.” He shot back, “Then you’re a writer.” It was a turning point in how I view my work.
2.) My grandmother went to high school with Shel Silverstein. I have her year book with his signature to her in it. My grandparents always read his books to me and I became a huge fan. Years later I would end up working with one of his cousins!
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?Shel Silverstein
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
The Missing Piece
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?: A mother once wrote me that she used my book I Feel…Different to read to her child to begin the conversation telling him he has Aspergers. It was an emotional letter as she was searching for the words to help answer questions he had.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Learn about the business of publishing. Know about printing, bindings, inks, distribution, contracts, etc. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. You’ll gain a larger perspective as to why decisions are made by publishers and understand the time it takes to make things happen.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
YES! 4 more!
Wonder & Fear is about experiencing an eventful day with different filters. Will you go through the day with a fear of what might happen if you don’t act, or a sense of wonderment of what could happen if you do?
Do You Speak Fish? is about sometimes needing to learn how others need to be spoken to in order to communicate.
I Feel…Meh & I Feel…Lonely are great additions to the I Feel…Children’s Series
All books will be available in 2016 available at bookstores and on-line!
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org
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