10 QUESTIONS FOR…Leah Beth Evans, author & high school freshman!

Author Interview Leah Beth Evans

My name is Leah Beth Evans and I’m a freshman at Valley View High School. I live in the town of Peckville located in the state of PA.I enjoy composing songs and literature.I have one published book,a childrens book, called “A Different Kind of Hero”.

1. Tell us about your latest book.

My latest published book,“A Different Kind of Hero”, is a fictional children’s book about a Monkey who seeks out his special talent or prowess.

2. How did you get started as a writer?

Ever since I was young,I would write short story’s or poems. In fourth grade though, I was “influenced” by a nonfictional story I had read in class all about the rainforest.Soon after,I wrote “A Different Kind of Hero”.

3. What does a typical day look like for you?

My typical day consists of attending school,studying,writing,practicing the piano,and occasionally socializing with friends.

4. Describe your workspace.

I have a variety of workplaces.My computer desk,my kitchen table,and my bedroom.

5. Favorite books 

My favorite books consist of “The Twilight Series”,”the Diary of Ann Frank”,”Flowers for Algernon,and “Little Women.”

6. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you

I am capable of writing with both hands, sometimes I sleep on the opposite end of my bed (helps me sleep better),I not only have a love for writing but also music/theatre.

7. Favorite quote

I find all quotes to be special and creative and generally do not favor one over the other.

8. Best and worst part of being a writer

The best part of being a writer is getting to fill just a simple sheet of paper with your own thoughts and feelings.The worst part of being a writer is being given a limit to writing. As a writer, I do not enjoy writing essays that have a limit of “At least 5 paragraphs” or “No more than 3 pages”. As a writer, I believe that one should have the freedom of writing as much or as little as wanted. I believe a story should be written until the author feels it is complete,not when you are at your limit (3 pages or 5 paragraphs).

9. Advice for other writers

Write what you feel and love creating. Writing is beautiful and should be enjoyed and appreciated.

10. Tell us a story about your writing experience. 

When I started seventh grade my parents got my book published. It was an unforgetable day. One of my goals had been “achieved” and one of my dreams “come true”.

Where can people buy your book?

My book can be published at Amazon.com, Borders(online store),Barnes n’ Noble(online store),and Target.com. Also, fans can follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/theatregirl2

Thank you for this oppertunity,

                                        Leah Beth Evans

FREE! Big contest for first Young Adult (YA) novel

Submit between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31; $1,500 cash prize + $7,500 advance; 100-244 pages

(BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN to the YA novel section. The middle grade novel deadline has already passed.)

http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/writingcontests/#youngadult

10 QUESTIONS FOR…children’s book author Laurel Snyder

Author interview with Laurel Snyder

Laurel Snyder is a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and Baltimore native, now residing in balmy Atlanta. She is the author of two novels for kids (Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains, Any Which Wall) and two picture books (Inside the Slidy Diner, Baxter the Kosher Pig) as well as a book of poems for grownups (The Myth of the Simple Machines).  Occasionally you might also catch her on NPR’s All things Considered. 

1. Tell us about your latest book.

Any Which Wall is a tribute to one of my favorite children’s authors, Edward Eager.  Set in Iowa, it follows the lives of four bike-riding kids, who find a magical wall in the middle of a cornfield.  The wall sends them back and forth in space and time, and they meet a silly cast of characters, from Merlin, to the worst-pirate-in-the-world.

2. How did you get started as a writer?

I was 9 or so, and the details are hazy, but mostly I think I just read a ton and imitated what I read.  My parents recited Yeats to me in bed, so the standard was kind of high. (I’m not kidding)  Then in high school, I had a very amazing experience with a special English teacher who taught a poetry workshop to kids.  After that, I never really considered doing anything else.  Writing and waitressing. That was the plan.

3. What does a typical day look like for you?

Well, I have a 2 year old and a 3 year old, so maybe you can imagine—it’s a little insane.  The boys have “school” from 9-1, so after hurling frozen waffles at them, and wiping their faces and their teeth, I shove them into clothes and dump them into the lap of the wonderful Miss Cindy.  Then I race back home again. If I’m lucky I get 3 hours of work-time. After I pick them back up we usually trash the house for an hour, pick it up, and head to the playground.  It’s all very glamorous.

4. Describe your workspace.

I share an office with husband (who plays guitar and bass) and we’re both messy, so the room has two big old metal desks, three IKEA bookshelves, piles and drifts of scrap paper, two laptops, and about 14 pieces of musical equipment that might or might not be broken.  It is not a very artful room, but it works. Over my desk is some original art from my books, and my diploma. When the mess gets depressing I look at those and sigh.

5. Favorite books (especially for writers)

Well, as a “writing book” I love Hugo’s the Triggering Town.  For kids I love Thurber’s Thirteen Clocks, and anything by Eager, Dahl, Enright, Nesbit.  For adult novels I’m devoted to Wallace Stegner.  And for poetry, I think anyone who hasn’t read Berryman’s Dreamsongs should do so immediately.

6. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you

I’m epileptic, but I get by without medication.  I have seizures only at night.  Weird, huh? 

Also, I’m the product of a Jewish/Catholic home, which is an important part of who I am, I think. 

Also, I love beets.

7. Favorite quote

Home is where, when you go there, they have to take you in (Frost)

8. Best and worst part of being a writer

The best thing is actually writing.  The worst thing is actually writing.  From day to day these things are alternately sacred and profane experiences.  Or at least great and terrible.

9. Advice for other writers

Don’t think about selling.  Just think about what makes for good art, and keep at it.  Start over. Try again.  I do believe that a talented voice will find a publisher if they make a good enough book, no matter what.

10. Tell us a story about your writing experience. 

I like to tell people about how, when I first got to Iowa, another student read one of my poems, and said to me (with a straight face)  “If you aren’t addressing postmodernism in the age of Ashbery, I don’t know why you’re writing at all.”  It crushed me!  Here I was, from my little state school in TN, coming to the hallowed halls of the IWW, and I believed him!  I felt like a fool. I had NO IDEA WHAT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT!  Well, that guy was an idiot, and he still is.  Whatever else people can teach you, NOBODY can teach you what to write about, or how.  Not really. Nobody can tell you what book YOU should be writing. They can only teach you how NOT to write it.  I still hate that guy,

Where can people buy your books?

Oh, I would be eternally grateful if people would request them for order at their local children’s library.  I know hardback books are pricey, and my great wish if for every library to carry my books.  I was a library kid.  If they want to buy one, they can get them wherever they buy books!  Ideally an indie shop.

FREE critiques of picture books by a pro

Do you have a picture book you’d like critiqued? Read Jean’s blog:

http://jeanreidy.blogspot.com/2009/06/picture-book-peek-week-begins-june-8th.html

Contest by Random House for unpublished middle grade novels

http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/writingcontests/#middlegrade 

FREE; June 30 deadline; $1,500 cash plus $7,500 against royalties

FREE children’s book (story) contest!

July 15 deadline; no entry fee; cash prizes; 500 words max

Cheerios contest:http://www.spoonfulsofstoriescontest.com/registration_form/

10 QUESTIONS FOR…award-winning children’s book author, Sylvia Lieberman

 Author interview with Sylvia Lieberman

 1. Tell us about your latest book.

Archibald’s Swiss Cheese Mountain is an award-winning book for children 3 to 11 years old. It’s the story of a little mouse with a big heart who teaches children how to reach their big dreams.

2. How did you get started as a writer?

I always loved to write. I wrote this book over 25 years ago, while taking a college course called “Writing for the Juvenile Reader.” The teacher scrawled across the top, “This is publishable material. See me after class.” She gave me a list of publishers, but before I could start sending the manuscript out, my dad died… and I put it away in a drawer. It was only when my granddaughter was born that I took it out to read to her, and years later my daughter and granddaughter finally found a publisher for it – much to my delight! I had almost given up hope when a great publisher, Seven Locks Press, saw the timelessness of it and gave it a home.

3. What does a typical day look like for you?

My days include preparing for the release of the second book about Archibald’s adventures at school.

4. Describe your desk/workspace.

I’ve called many different spaces my workspace as I have gone over and over the manuscripts, trying to perfect them.

5. Favorite books (especially for writers)

Raggedy Ann and Andy

6. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you

At my age, most people are in old age homes, but I’m thrilled to be out promoting my book at bookstore signings, readings, and even parades.

I’m also thrilled to donate a portion of my book’s proceeds to Feed The Children and Variety: The Children’s Charity.

7. Favorite quote

“Children are never too young for books, and the best way to bond is to read to them.” Sylvia Lieberman

8. Best and worst part of being a writer

The best part is winning awards for your work. The worst part is the rejection.

9. Advice for other writers

I hope my story is an inspiration for writers to never give up!

10. Tell us a story about your writing experience.

See #2

Where can people buy your book?

An autographed copy of Archibald’s Swiss Cheese Mountain can be bought from my website: http://www.archibaldmousebooks.com. Books can also be found online on Amazon, and in retail stores, such as Barnes and Noble.

10 QUESTIONS FOR…Cynthia S. Becker, author of middle grade biographies

Author interview with Cynthia S. Becker

 

Bio: I live in Pueblo, Colorado with one husband, two cats, and 8,000 books. (We have an Internet used book business.) I’m a Midwestern girl who fell in love with the West through books and Saturday morning serials on TV.  I moved to Colorado the day after college graduation.  I began writing with intent in 1995. My published work is non-fiction but I also write short story and middle grade historical fiction.

 

Latest book: Chipeta: Ute Peacemaker, Filter Press, 2008, ISBN: 978-0-86541-091-6 middle grade biography

 

Other books: Chipeta: Queen of the Utes, P. David Smith co-author, Western Reflections Publishing, 2003, “Best Biography” Award Colorado Independent Publisher’s Association      

 

Immigration & Illegal Aliens: Burden or Blessing, Cengage Learning (formerly Thomson Gale), 2006, 2008, 2010 editions

 

Problems With Death, Greenhaven Press, 2006

 

The American Family: Reflecting A Changing Nation, Thomson Gale, 2003 & 2005 editions

 

Freelance writing: April and June 2009 cover stories for Colorado Country Life, the magazine of the Rural Electric Association. Other work has appeared in the New York Times, The Denver Post, The Saturday Evening Post, Family Chronicle, and Learning Through History. 

 

1.     Tell us about your latest book.

 

 Chipeta: Ute Peacemaker is a middle grade biography of a renowned Ute Indian woman. Her husband became a powerful chief and trusted her advice above all others. Chipeta gained respect as an advocate for peace with the settlers who invaded Ute territory, now known as the state of Colorado.  This book is based on my original research in Indian Agent records, period newspapers, and oral histories.  I previously produced an adult biography of this woman.

 

2. How did you get started as a writer?

 

I’ve been a reader and a writer since childhood—interests strongly influenced by my mother. During my working career, I honed my non-fiction skills producing fact-finding reports and company newsletters. It took losing my job in 1995 to free me to write the stories I wanted to tell. My first published pieces were craft articles in a children’s magazine.

 

3. What does a typical day look like for you?

 

My husband and I are early risers who walk five miles a day. We both write and spend much of the day in our separate offices.  In the evening we read—except when the Rockies are playing.

 

4. Describe your desk/workspace.

 

I have a quiet basement office with flowering plants growing in a south window. In addition to my computer table, I work on a 1930’s white metal kitchen table with pull-out/pop-up leaves. My shelves are stuffed with old Colorado history tomes, books on writing, and books I love and can’t let go. The place needs a good cleaning out; I’m a packrat.

 

5. Favorite books (especially for writers)

 

The First Five Pages: A Writers Guide To Staying Out of the Rejection Pile, Noah Lukeman, 2005.   I read this recently and finally understood how to solve transition problems in my short stories. 

 

The Portable Dorothy Parker (her collected short stories and poetry)

 

Lamy of Santa Fe, Paul Horgan, 1975 Pulitzer Prize for History

 

6. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you

 

I’m very quiet but I meet lots of people through my unusual ear jewelry made by polymer clay artist friends.

 

Working the interactive SET puzzles on the New York Times website is my favorite relaxation technique. 

 

Working puzzles is even better with my favorite bluegrass music.

 

7. Favorite quote

 

I’m not a quote collector.

 

8. Best and worst part of being a writer

 

The process of writing. It is a delight when the words seem to flow in perfect order and a frustration when they appear like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces.

 

9. Advice for other writers

 

If you are not in a critique group, find one.  After I write and rewrite a piece, it is impossible to read it objectively. Having other writers read my work with an understanding but critical eye has improved every piece I have presented to them. In critiquing their work I also learn from how they structure stories, present dialogue, etc.    

 

10. Tell us a story about your writing experience. 

 

I long ago stopped believing in coincidence; some things are meant to happen. My first book was published without any pitch to an agent or editor. I had been researching Chipeta for several years when I contacted the author of Ouray: Chief of the Utes to identify the source of one piece of information in his book. To my surprise, he had retired from the judicial position noted on his book cover and founded a successful small press. He had also started a biography of Chipeta, got stuck and tucked it away in a drawer. “Would you be interested in collaborating?” he asked. We met, agreed to work together as co-authors and signed a contract. He supplied his incomplete work plus materials from his private collection. I wove his work and my research together and his company published Chipeta: Queen of the Utes in 2003.

 

 

Where can people buy your books?

 

Chipeta: Ute Peacemaker is available at $8.95 through Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Chipeta-Ute-Peacemaker-Know-Bios/dp/0865410917) or directly from publisher Filter Press (http://www.filterpressbooks.com/AuthorCB2.html) Please visit at my Chipeta blog http://chipeta.wordpress.com where I post about reading, writing, and research.

10 QUESTIONS FOR…Shonika Proctor, multi-genre author

Author interview with Shonika Proctor

I am a Washington, DC based writer. I write freelance for local newspapers. I have published 3 books and recently created branded training curriculum for teen entrepreneurs.

 1. Tell us about your latest book.

Indeed that is a loaded question because avid writers often have multiple projects in the works.  I have 3 books in final production (back from editor in layout and 1 book I am writing.

1.  
   • And Zen Again, 52 Thought Provoking Affirmations for Adults in Rhyme just came back from the editor. I originally wanted to call it ‘The Seuss Shall Set You Free’ but it was too difficult to get permission to use Seuss in the name.  

1.  
   • Chocolate Moose It is a children’s book that I released in early 2000. Highly disappointed with the final production of the first book, I hired a new illustrator and expanded the storyline so it can be published in a hardback version.

1.  
   • Building Blocks of Wonder: This is actually a 60-page coloring book. It will be bundled in a kid’s club package for a high profile individual in Washington, DC. I wrote the storyline and also created the kids club package for them so that they can reach the youth market.

The book I am currently writing is called 365: Infinite Expedition. It will be a collection of 365 inspirational stories from teen CEO’s who share the obstacles they have overcome as a teen CEO. It will also feature 12 stories from high profile CEO’s who got the entrepreneurial bug in their teens. ‘365’ represent the days of the year. I am actually collecting 730 stories because I am doing a U.S. and International version. I have allotted 2 years for this project.

 2. How did you get started as a writer?

When I was 8 years old my 3^rd grade teacher, Ms. Lamboly, told me that I did such a marvelous job on the creative writing exercises that she thought that when I grew up I would be an author. I had no idea what that meant. She told me to write everyday. Although I wrote in that journal for years, well into my teens and early 20’s I never considered writing as a profession. In the early 90’s in the process of being dumped I wrote a letter to the prospective dumper to ‘argue’ my side of the story.  After reading the letter he thought that I plagiarized it, lol. Then he said that I was definitely a keeper because I was masterful with words which he believed was an incredible gift and he thought that I should definitely pursue writing seriously and professionally. So I did.

 3. What does a typical day look like for you?

I can find inspiration in everyone and everything around me so I move with my internal compass. As I do not have children, I have lots of ‘open time’. At any given point in the day I might be motivated to go out and explore the city, catch up with a local friend, volunteer for a few hours or take a mini multi day trip to the beach.

 4. Describe your desk/workspace.

I live in a ‘small’ row house so you have to be really ‘creative’ with use of space. My office is at the top level of my house and essentially shares the ‘landing pad’ of the spiral staircase. The landing pad is a 10 x 10 glass floor with a small wooden extension and my desk fits perfectly on the wooden extension. The interior walls of my house are glass and the separating walls of my house are brick. There is a huge light tunnel on the roof. So it feels like you are outside. The ceilings are 13’ tall and natural light shines through the house from all directions so it is very inspirational for writing. As for my desk it is crammed with piles of things to do, huge notepads to write ideas, mini recorders and a cup of tea is always nearby. My favorite thing about my desk is my chair that is like a vintage wooden chair from probably the late 60’s or early 70’s with some really offbeat green color fabric and leather. It is a bit eccentric and quirky…kinda like me

 5. Favorite books (especially for writers)

My favorite book is Slowing Down to the Speed of Life by Dr. Richard Carlson. It is my annual read and brings me so much personal and professional growth each year.

I also enjoy reading Dr. Seuss books. They are fast to read, have timely but timeless life lessons and always spark new ideas for me.

In terms of writing related books I tend to use reference books like The Writer’s Market or Grammar Girl’s tips and techniques on improving my writing. I am not sure how much it helps though as I write fast and usually don’t feel like going back through and checking behind myself because I just want to get stuff done and out of the way. So my editor always has a field day.

 6. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you

·      I have not owned a TV since 1990….yes, I realize that I have missed life changing television series like Friends, Seinfeld and Sex in the City.

·      I am an avid volunteer. My mother got me started in volunteering when I was 12 years old and these days I volunteer more than 25 hours a month. I attribute volunteering with many life changing experiences including finding my purpose. In 2008 I did something volunteer related every single week and so did my significant other even though our interests are completely different.

·      I do not have a sense of smell (never had one) and people always think that is the strangest thing ever. I am still trying to figure out what other sense improved since I am without that one ;- )

6. Favorite quote

“The Earth’s most precious natural resource is truly a rare find. As it changes by the second it is that of our time.”

I made up that quote because the time I spend with others and myself is extremely valued.

7. Best and worst part of being a writer

The best part about being a writer is your exact words can be shared over and over again and every person who reads them will experience and feel something different. It is also the best all natural therapy that no money can buy.

The worst part of being a writer is the more you write the more ideas you come up with. So then you start to feel frustrated that there will never be enough time to say everything that you really want to say.

 8. Advice for other writers

Think Elvis! Copyright and publish your work even if you don’t plan on marketing it. Print on demand and self-publishing have simplified the publishing process and removed the barriers to entry. You don’t need to expend all your resources and time trying to get a huge advance and earn millions of dollars from book sales. However, you do need to get credit for your intellectual property and your original creations. If you can make enough money to supplement your income then that’s an added bonus. You never know how in the future, perhaps long after you are gone that something you create will come into play and earn licensing fees or royalties for your children, grandchildren or a charitable cause you feel strongly about. www.createspace.com is a very inexpensive and relatively easy way to get your work published and out there.

9. Tell us a story about your writing experience. 

In 2005 completely by a very random set of circumstance I started volunteering with teen entrepreneurs. Three years later while still working with them, a book idea popped in my head. The book idea was on a holistic theme in entrepreneurship that I thought was badly needed but missing in the industry. So I sat down and wrote the entire book in 12 days (36,000 words, 143 pages and no writers block).

Where can people buy your books?

My books are available on Amazon.com

Teen Entrepreneur Success Secrets: The Essential Guide to Starting and Growing a Business

Double Click on This, Preschoolers and Computers: How to Go Beyond Sit and Giggle

My blog is www.renegadeceos.com

Twitter: @teenbizcoach

 

10 QUESTIONS FOR…Jill Starishevsky, children’s book author and attorney

 

**FYI, April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Author interview with Jill Starishevsky

Jill Starishevsky is an Assistant District Attorney in New York City, where she has prosecuted hundreds of sex offenders and dedicated her career to seeking justice for victims of child abuse and sex crimes. Outside the courtroom, Jill’s fondness for writing led her to create thepoemlady.com, where she pens personalized pieces. Her mission to protect children, along with her penchant for poetry, inspired My Body Belongs to Me, a book intended to teach children that their bodies are privates – www.MyBodyBelongstoMe.com. A mother of two, Jill is also founder of HowsMyNanny.com, a service that enables parents to purchase a license plate for their child’s stroller so the public can report positive or negative nanny observations.  Featured on Good Morning America, CNN and the New York Daily News, HowsMyNanny.com has been hailed “an honest solution to a tough problem.”

1. Tell us about your latest book. 

The story is a simple scenario involving a gender neutral child who is inappropriately touched by an uncle’s friend.  The powerful message really comes through when the youngster tells on the offender and the parents praise the child’s bravery.  The last page shows a proud, smiling child doing a “strong arm” pose.  The text assures them that it wasn’t their fault and by speaking out the child will continue to grow big and strong.  It is a compelling and uplifting message.

The “Suggestions for the Storyteller” section is an important, interactive feature that facilitates the discussion to follow.  It will make any caregiver feel more comfortable talking about this important subject, thereby helping to PREVENT the unthinkable from happening to their child.  Studies show that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be molested and without educating children as to the importance of disclosing, the abuse can continue and escalate.   

As a prosecutor of child abuse and sex crimes in New York City for more than a decade, I have often encountered children who were sexually abused for lengthy periods of time and suffered in silence. One case in particular had a profound impact on me and compelled me to write this book.

I prosecuted the case of a 9-year-old girl who had been raped by her stepfather since she was 6. She told no one. One day, the girl saw an episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” about children who were physically abused. The episode, “Tortured Children,” empowered the girl with this simple message: If you are being abused, tell your parents. If you can’t tell your parents, go to school and tell your teacher. The girl got the message and the very next day went to school and told her teacher. I prosecuted the case for the District Attorney’s office. The defendant was convicted and is now serving a lengthy prison sentence.

I have thought often of that very sweet, very brave 9-year-old girl. It occurred to me that after three painful years, all it took to end her nightmare was a TV program encouraging her to “tell a teacher.”

I wrote My Body Belongs to Me to continue that message. It endeavors to teach children that they don’t have to endure abuse in silence. Parents and educators should use it as a tool to facilitate an open dialogue with youngsters. It is my hope that by educating girls and boys about this taboo subject, My Body Belongs to Me will prevent them from becoming victims in the first place.

2. How did you get started as a writer?

I have been writing poems since I was little an started a poem writing service a few years ago.  There was such great demand for my work that I expanded the genre I covered.  Once I saw the need for a book on child sexual abuse prevention, a book written in verse came very naturally to me.

3. What does a typical day look like for you?

I work full time as a prosecutor of child abuse and sex crimes, come home to my family and work on my various businesses at night.  Life is usually a bit hectic, but whose isn’t.

4. Describe your desk/workspace.

I call it organized chaos.  I know where everythine is, but it’s likely no one else would.

5. Favorite books 

Green Eggs and Ham

7. Favorite quote

The more things change, the more things stay the same.

8. Best and worst part of being a writer

Best: Watching others enjoy your work

Worst:  Watching others critique your work

9. Advice for other writers

If you feel passionate about something, share that passion.

10. Tell us a story about your writing experience. 

I once wrote a 50th anniversary poem for a couple who had 11 children whose names all started with the letter D.  Shortly after the poem was read aloud at the anniversary party, the father passed away unexpectedly.  One of the daughters, a woman who I have never met, contacted me a few months later to let me know that the mother has the poem framed in her living room.  She reads it every day and remembers that last happy occasion they all shared.  It’s an incredible feeling to know that my work has touched someone so profoundly and that it continues to bring her joy. 

Where can people buy your book?

The book can be ordered now online at www.MyBodyBelongstoMe.com – it will be in stores this fall.