Author Interview - Bethany Telles

     Today's interview is with one of my brand new writer friend- the talented and very funny,
Bethany Telles.

      Bethany is a member of the magnificent 12 x 12 in 2012 group over on Julle Hedlund's blog. She's also a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature, and a SCBWI member.
     Bethany has a wonderful writer's blog called Perched on a Tree, where she blogs about her writing. In one of her posts titled, Are You an Encouraging Critic, she discusses her own critique group and the different styles of critiquing that goes on in it.

     Bethany also is in the MeeGenius Author Challenge 2011 finals!  Wahooo, a BIG congrats to Bethany!!! Her children's book, Waiting for James in a Sea of Pink  was one of just 14 entries out of 400 that advanced to the finalist round. There is still time to caste your vote. Voting ends Feb 21st 2012. The links to vote for her book are listed at the bottom.

 The winning author recieves a publishing contract, $1500 cash and a library full of eBooks to the school of their choice!

Now, on to the interview:

1) When did you first consider yourself a writer? It was last year, when I was introduced as one. We were doing something in front of the congregation, and the pastor at our church introduced me like this: "This is Bethany! She's a writer of children's books and stories." There was no going back at that point. He had said I was a writer in front of God and everybody. Literally.

2) What do you like to do when you’re not writing? This might be cheesey, but I love to spend time with my husband and two boys! We enjoy camping, fishing, and going on adventure walks; We pretty much love being out of the house.

3) If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Not sure I have one. I actually have FOUR. Their names are Marcy Pusey, Amy Dixon, Dorina Lazo Gilmore, and Karen Neufield. They are my critique group. All four of them write so differently, that their advice covers a vast range of possibilities. I never walk away from them feeling like I wasn't given an honest answer about whatever it is I've shown them. They inspire me, and have helped me learn more than they realize.

Everybody with me now, AWWW!

4) What are your current projects? I am involved in Julie Foster Hedlund's 12x12 in 2012, which is where we write a picture book manuscript for each month, this entire year! So, I'm in the middle of gathering my thoughts about this month's manuscipt, as well as allowing time for my January MS rest so I can give it a fresh perspective before sending it out. Oh, and there's the MeeGenius contest, but I think we'll get to that later.

5) Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? I tend to over write, but that's not something I'd say is challenging. Mostly, I have a hard time with the ages of my characters. I might describe them as 6 or 7 years old, but they end up talking and acting like they're 12 or 14. That's my biggest issue, I think.

6) What’s the best piece of writing advice you received so far? Someone told me "You need to simply... Keep... Going. There's a child out there whose ears need to hear what your heart has to say. Even if it's about boogers." I will never forget that.

7) How do you deal with rejection letters? Ha! I usually pout, sigh, and throw them on the floor. Then I call my husband and act like it doesn't bother me. (If that isn't honesty, I don't know what is!)



8) What are some of the best tools YOU found available today for writers, especially those just starting out? I went to the Institute of Children's Literature, actually. Their program was fantastic. I knew how to write, but I had no clue on what to do next. I wasn't aware of the rules for submitting manuscripts, or just exactly how a book was made. They ended up teaching me a lot, and then the books they gave me were phenomenal. I like, Word magic for Writers by Cindy Rogers, and Writing it Right bySandy Asher. They're fun, and helpful.

9) So, now that we all know you currently have a children’s book in the finalist round of the MeeGenius Author Challenge, tell us a little bit about how you came up with the idea for writing Waiting for James in a Sea of Pink.? Well, I have two boys. And they have seven boy cousins. There is only ONE girl in our family. A couple years ago (my kids were pretty little), that one girl cousin had a HUGE fairy, princess, and all around PINK birthday party (even I was uncomfortable!). I watched her older brother sit in the corner of the room, roll his eyes out of sheer annoyance and disgust, and play his little video game while all the little girls bounced and squealed all over the place. I remember seing his eyes light up when one of HIS friends showed up. And, there you have it.

Now for some fun-for-all questions:

- Day or night writer? Night!

- Laptop or Desktop? Laptop for sure.


- Favorite drink while writing? It's this green tea, pomegranate & cherry herbal tea. Yes, I'm a hippie like that.
 
- Describe yourself in only 3 words: Short. Selfless. Strong. 


- What’s your favorite color? JUST KIDDING <--- Hardy har har. But, it's deep red! haha

   Bethany, thank you for letting me interview you for my blog and for sharing a sneak peek into your writing world.  Best of luck with the contest!

NOW Everybody go vote!!

    Just click on the book below to read & vote!

 

 Gavin is the only boy at his sister's birthday party. He is miserable, and is losing patience waiting for his best friend to show up!

Don't forget to visit Bethany's blog Perched in a Tree: http://perchedinatree.blogspot.com/


You can also find Bethany at her Facebook page called Bethany Telles. Her direct link is: http://www.facebook.com/#!/BethanyJTelles