WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?
I wrote many stories in elementary school and loved reading them aloud. I love being creative and it’s empowering to create stories and characters.
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
First I wanted to be a writer. But then later I so admired and respected my teachers that I wanted to be a teacher. I ended up combining writing and teaching in my government HR career by training adults and writing instructions, newsletters, and guidance.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?
"What’s for Dinner?" is a question people ask every day. And for kids, if there’s some new or strange, then the phrase might be said with some worry and concern.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK AND WHY?
“I can’t wait to have you come and eat at my house!”
I like this line at the end of the story because it shows Katy’s generous and sharing nature in wanting to share her food with her friend.
WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE ARE MOST LIKE YOU AND WHY?
Since the book is about my daughter Katy and me, I am the Mom in the story! Katy was a picky eater for most of her childhood. Now that she’s older, she tries new foods all the time.
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
I want readers to identify with Katy who is a little fearful about trying new foods, but later she’s willing to taste new foods and is open to new taste experiences.
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?
TELL US SOMETHING FUN ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
I got my first book idea one day while I was out walking and learned my neighbor’s son had turned ten—double digits. That idea seemed so magical that I secretly gave him magical powers to fix things. By the time I finished my walk, I had the whole story all mapped out. It became the first in a five book series.
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?
Like so may others, I idealized J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Next I adored Kate DiCamillo’s books. And now I’m totally in love with Jeanne Birdsall’s middle grade Penderwicks series. It is my goal to write as well as these fine writers.
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
I can’t choose just one. I love all the books that made me cry, laugh, and believe in the many possibilities of life.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?
Completing my five book Magical Series is my biggest accomplishment—so far. I expect to finish the four middle grade novels I’m working on in the coming year.
DO YOU HAVE ANY WRITING RITUALS?
During the day I write with Classical music on the radio. At night, I write with the TV on.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET PUBLISHED?
I was inspired to write my first book when out walking. Then I hired an artist I found online. After he finished the artwork, I told him I needed a publisher, so he introduced me to my first publisher! True story.
WHAT DID YOU DO TO CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION/PUBLISH DATE/OR OTHER OF YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
We celebrated at the Oyster Bar at the Fish Market. I was joined by my daughter, who inspired the story of What’s for Dinner?
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
My path to publication was much different than other authors. I did it backwards. I wrote the story, had it illustrated, and then found a publisher. But now I would advise writers to find an agent and let the agent find a publisher. I am publishing under my Magical Book Works imprint because I want creative control of my books.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
Start with a detailed business plan. Set down how much time, effort, and money you can commit to your writing business. You need a social media presence, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr—every social platform you can manage. You need to join writing organizations to network. Post and comment regularly on social media. For children’s books/PB/MG/YA you need to connect with teachers, schools, librarians. For other books, find your niche or target audience and connect with them.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
This isn’t an easy business to be in. But it is rewarding to see your words in print, winning awards, and being read and appreciated.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
My newest title, My Grandma’s Pink House, is a rhyming picture book and is in the process of being illustrated. The book is about a nostalgic look back to a simpler time with three kids visiting their grandmother in the country in all seasons.
I also have a new coloring book in the works and I'm currently working on four middle grade books, two lower middle grade and two higher middle grade:
The Raccoon Witches of Calhoun County
The Dreamland Candy Caper
The Perfect Home
The Young Amazons
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org
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