Please give a warm welcome
for Author Patti Richards!
How long have you
been writing picture books?
I’ve been
writing picture books for 13 years now. It’s easy to remember because I wrote
my first story when my daughter who is now 16 was three years old.
Was there
something specific that inspired you to write SNOW ANGELS or was it just one of those
moments of pure inspiration?
My first
picture book was based on my daughter. The one who was three at the time. She
inspired me to write about her upcoming birthday because it’s was the most
important thing on her little mind at the time and she talked about it
constantly. I was inspired to write my upcoming title from MeeGenius, call Snow
Angels, from my memories of making snow angels with my sister. I always
imagined what it would be like if the snow angels came to life when we weren’t
looking.
What are some of
your favorite picture books?
Some of my favorite picture books are, Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead and Erin Stead, Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller , Blueberries for Sal and Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey Going to Sleep on a Farm by Wendy Cheyette Lewison and The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia M. Scarry. You can read about a few of these titles and why I like them by visiting my blog at http://www.pgwrites.com/blog/
What was the
pathway like for you to get your first book published?
I began my
writing journey by doing freelance work for our local newspaper and some of our
regional magazines. This was after I retired from teaching so I could be a
stay-at-home mom. The local work I did eventually opened doors for more
regional work and many of my articles on parenting and women’s health have
appeared in national magazines as well. While writing for a living I began
working on books of my own and joined SCBWI. I started attending conferences
and submitting for critique sessions which eventually led to submitting
manuscripts to publishing houses and literary agencies. I got many champagne
rejections along the way and eventually signed with my first agent. During our
two years together I completed work on my first middle grade novel and many
more picture books. When our time together came to an end, I began submitting
on my own again and was offered a contract for Snow Angles from MeeGenius late
last year.
Were you ever
discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?
Discouragement
is simply a part of this journey. I love writing for children. If I didn’t, I
certainly would not do it. But I’ve been at it for so long, worked with so many
editors and received so many rejections I’ve grown a pretty thick skin. I still
love it when my muse is working overtime and I’m getting new ideas for new
stories. Imaging children with my books in their hands bringing them joy is the
only thing I need to keep me going.
Besides writing
what other talents or hobbies do you have?
Well, I’m a
musician. I play the piano, dabble a bit in guitar and I sing. My husband and
kids are all very musical so we sing together as a family for our church and
really enjoy it! I also love to draw, paint and crochet when I have the time.
Where can readers
go to find your books and order them?
My book is
due out from MeeGenius sometime in January of 2014. Stop by my blog for the
official announcement, hopefully soon, for ordering information. http://www.pgwrites.com/blog/
Patti Richard's Bio:
Patti Richards is a freelance writer and editor, former teacher, wife and mother of three. Patti writes children’s books and has had her stories appear in Boys’ Quest Magazine, Bumples Magazine and MeeGenius EBooks for Children. Her articles on parenting, women's health and education have been published in a variety of magazines and on websites. Patti’s 25 years of experience in the publishing industry give her unique insight into a variety of subjects and genres. Patti's credits include Livestrong.com, Ehow.com, UPtv.com, Chron.com, Homelife Magazine, Metro Parent Magazine, San Diego Parent Magazine and many others. She and her family live in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Patti enjoys reading, painting and taking care of her family, which includes two dogs, a cat and a rabbit.
Other writing samples on the web...
Thank
you so much.
It’s a real honor to get your insights.
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