Interview With Author Kirsten Larson

Please welcome, my amazing and creative critique partner Kirsten Larson. Find out what she's been up to and don't forget to check out all her links below. Before we start the interview, did you know Kirsten recently had two articles for kids published? One in ASK Magazine and the other in ODYSSEY.  “Adventures in Extreme Recycling” (ASK) and “Calling All Martians” (ODYSSEY).
So proud of her!!!
                                                                                                 

 



Kirsten's Article "Adventures in Extreme Recycling"

JY- What was your experience like working with ASK?
KL- Working with ASK Magazine was a wonderful experience. It was so good in fact, that I'm working on another article for the magazine as we speak. The editor helped me shape the manuscript, and was very exacting when it came to fact checking. As a beginner, I found the editor to be very patient.




JY- How long did it take for your article to be published from start to finish?
KL- I submitted a proposal to the magazine in January. The proposal included a bibliography, outline, and my opening paragraph. I received the go-ahead for the article in late May. I had about a month to write the rough draft, and then we worked on final edits in early July. It was about five more months before the issue was published. So, it takes about a year from start -- the proposal -- to holding the magazine in your hand.

JY- What was the most exciting part of getting published?
KL- It's been a long time since I had a byline! I worked for newspapers in college, but that was years ago. For me, it was exciting to have something tangible to show my family. My kids talk about my books "in my computer," but they really want something they can touch. When the piece was published, I was eager to show them something more than text on my computer screen.

JY- What is your article about? And did you have to do much research for it? If so, what type of research?
KL- The article explores a way astronauts might stay alive on a future trip to Mars. It's way to expensive to pack all the water they would need for a year-long trip. This system recycles water over and over again, making drinking water from the moisture in the air and even astronauts' pee.
I did several hours of research about the system, called WaterWalls. I looked at newspaper articles, powerpoint presentations, and conference presentations. I read technical papers. But the best way for me to research is always to talk to people. I interviewed two experts, Michael Flynn and Dr. Sherwin Gormly, who are developing the system.

JY- Do you have anymore articles coming out soon? If so, is it with the same magazine? I
KL- I got really lucky with my magazine queries for 2013. I have another Mars article in January 2014's ODYSSEY that explores whether life ever existed on Mars. I have seven more articles in ASK, ODYSSEY, Boys' Quest, and AppleSeeds that will appear throughout the year.
Any current wips/projects you're working on? Right now I'm working on two science books for the educational market, as well as an article about Vikings for ASK that will come out this summer. I also have a historical picture book I'm trying to get down on paper. The research has been extensive, including reading letters and autobiographies from the 1800s.

JY- Where can we buy your work?
KL- You can check your local bookstore for issues of the magazines. Sadly, many bookstores carry fewer and fewer kids magazines. You can order individual issues from the publishers at their Web sites. Or better yet, get a subscription! Each issue is designed around a theme that explores one concept in depth.

Fun questions:

JY- Do you have a favorite museum?
KL- I am a museum junky, so that's a really difficult question for me. I get some of my best story ideas from museum visits. The California Science Center, which is home to Space Shuttle Endeavour, is a family favorite. I used to work at NASA and worked with news media during many Space Shuttle launches. And my husband flew a plane that escorted Endeavour to Los Angeles International Airport, where it began its journey through the streets of LA to the museum. Whenever we watch the movies of the event at the museum, my five-year-old yells, "There's Daddy!"

JY- If you were to pack for Mars what is one thing you couldn't leave without?
KL- Chocolate! It would be fun to float M&Ms and then gobble them up.

More about Kirsten:

Kirsten is a  children’s science writer and book author. She freelances for BirdBrain Science, a computer-based science curriculum that marries literacy and science, as well as children’s magazines. She currently is at work on her first two book projects.

Kirsten spent six years at NASA, where she represented the Space Shuttle and Space Station programs, as well as a number of aviation programs. She also has worked as a nonprofit fundraiser, grant writer, and college instructor.
Faced with the prospect of two school-age children, Kirsten pondered what to do when she grew up. Then she decided not to grow up and write books for children and parents instead.
Kirsten enjoys swimming, walking, and traveling. When not at work, she’s a volunteer school librarian and book fair coordinator. She coaches a Jr. FIRST LEGO League team of five- through eight-year-olds.
Kirsten graduated from the University of Virginia with a double major in English Language and Literature and History. Her undergraduate thesis on American portraiture in the Early Republic was published in the journal, Essays in History. Her writing also has appeared in The Daily Press (Newport News, Va.), The Virginian-Pilot and Ledger-Star (Virginia Beach, Va.), The Cavalier Daily (Charlottesville, Va.) and Aviation Illustrated. She is the winner of a Virginia Press Association Award (3rd Place) for a series she co-wrote called, Thomas Jefferson’s Vision of UVa.  She holds an MBA from the University of Maryland.
Kirsten is a member of the SCBWI and the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge

Kirsten's Website: http://kirsten-w-larson.com/
Kirsten's Blog: http://kirsten-w-larson.com/updates/

Look for Kirsten's work in these magazines:
Boys Quest- http://funforkidzmagazines.com/boysquest
Ask- http://www.askmagkids.com/
Odyssey- http://www.odysseymagazine.com/
AppleSeeds- http://www.cricketmag.com/APP-APPLESEEDS-Magazine-for-Kids-ages-6-9

Second Annual Author Meet & Greet

On Thursday the 26th I attended my second annual author meet and greet at my local town library.

My son Vincent was a great little helper

 I chatted with authors that attended from last year and I met with new ones. A few picture book authors had published even more books which was great to see.

Before I left, a local author who owns the downtown nursery was really interested in the vegetable theme my book had and invited me to a book signing this Thanksgiving. She said she would like to display it in her store- which blew me away.

  The librarians and organizers, Linda and Denise, did a amazing job just like last year. Thank you ladies! 

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

Author Interview with Cheryl Velasquez

Author Interview
With Cheryl Velasquez

      Today's author interview is with Cheryl Velasquez. Cheryl is an aspiring children's book author. She just started her writer's blog called Book Nook, where she shares book reviews, information on fun writing contests, info on writing/reading challenges and her comments are genuine and sweet. I also wanted to add that Cheryl has been my critique partner for almost two years. (Since spring 2010)  She has been so supportive and helpful throughout the years and always there to lend a helping hand. I'm grateful to have her in my critique group and want to give her a big thanks.

Welcome Cheryl,

 
 

Cheryl Velasquez

Let's jump right into the questions:


 Do you have a favorite theme you like to write about? Not really, but I do enjoy writing about nature. I love to write in rhyme.


 Did you have a favorite book as a child? I did not like to read as a young child. But when I was in third grade my teacher introduced me to the author E. B. White. I fell in love with reading. I read all his books. My favorite was Charlotte's Web.

 How do you get inspired to write most of your stories? I love to sit outside and drink hot tea, yes even in the hot summer. I do this to relax, it helps me clear my mind so I can think. But my story ideas usually come from my children.


Do you do a lot of research when writing? I think I do, when I have an idea I search to see what other titles have been published about the subject. I visit my local library and read books about the subject too.


So far, what is the best advice you received about writing? 1) Find your passion 2) Read, Read, and Read some more, 3) Write tight!


Okay, here are just a few more fun questions that I happened to borrow.

What are you currently Reading? The Help
Do you use: Laptop or Desk top? Laptop
When do you write - Day, Afternoon or Night? night worker
Coffee or Tea? Hot Tea
While writing - Quiet or Music? Music
Describe yourself in 3 words? adventurous, creative, compassionate



Thank you so much for this interview Cheryl. I really appreciate your time.

 

If you like to learn more about Cheryl's and her writing visit her Nook Book blog at http://cherylvelasquez.blogspot.com/ 

Interview with Author Amy Link

    Amy Link, author of My Mommy Wears a Wig, answers a few questions about herself and her children's book which was published in July of 2009.


____________________________________________

Amy Link

Question ONE: What inspired you to write My Mommy Wears a Wig?

    When I was going through treatment, my daughter was 5 years old and my son was 2 ½. Even though they were small, I made sure they were part of everything I was going through so there were no surprises. Of course, my son couldn’t truly understand what was going on and my daughter was always wondering where I was going & what I was doing. Although they couldn’t grasp the medical explanations or the emotional changes, they certainly could see physical changes. Talking about hair loss and making sure they were next to me when I had my head shaved took away the shock affect. I didn’t want them to fear me because I looked different or the fact I was losing my hair. It was a positive thing because that meant I was getting rid of the ‘bad stuff’ in my body. Afterwards, my family was able to laugh and look forward to the fun of mommy wearing a wig & getting ready before everyone because she only had to put on her wig instead of washing, drying, curling, brushing & spraying her hair. This experience inspired me to write this book to help others see this as a positive from a negative and to help those who have trouble finding the right words when explaining this process of healing.

Question TWO: What are your biggest challenges and greatest joys in parenting?

    What are some of your ideas for instilling a life-long love of reading in children? One of the biggest challenges of parenting is picking my battles. Children love to be independent and yet they thrive on structure. They want to do things their way but they still want mommy to help them with so many things. Daily, we may disagree over clothes to wear, food to eat, where to sit, what to play or what chores to do. As mom, of course, I want them to do what I ask but it doesn’t always work out that way. So, if they choose mismatched clothes, tie a knot in their shoelaces or put their toys back in the wrong place, I’m learning to just ‘let it go’. However, it leads to another challenge which is allowing them make mistakes that will teach them valuable lessons in life; such as forgetting a library book when its due because they need to learn responsibility (even when I see it on the table before they get on the bus). The greatest joys of parenting-there are many. I love when I see the ‘light bulb go on’ when they are trying a new lesson; I love when my children compliment each other & others; I love when my children talk about God and his heavenly kingdom where we will all live together forever; I love when they snuggle next to me and hold my hand or play with my hair; I am blessed to have a wonderful husband who wanted a family with me and together we have created beautiful, healthy, smart, kind children who make us feel like the richest people in the world.

Question THREE: How did you find your editor/publisher?

     My editor was a friend of a friend who willingly & generously donated her time. Finding a publisher was a little more difficult. When I was submitting my work to publishers, most responses indicated at least a year of waiting time before the work would be reviewed. After searching and searching, I came upon Author House Publishing. I submitted my work and within 8 months, my book was published.

Question FOUR: What are your current writing projects, if any?

     I do have another book ready to go to print but I’m waiting until I can get this book some national recognition before releasing the next one. Also, another goal is to have this book in EVERY library whether big or small.

Question FIVE: Are you doing any book signings now or in the future? Also where can we buy your book?

      I will be doing more formal book signings in the future. Books can always be purchased from me directly ($15) or from amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com but they will charge S&H. If a book is purchased from me, I will gladly sign it if requested. Thank you so much for your support. One purchaser of the book was a teacher. She was going to put it in her ‘just in case’ file. She believes everyone should have a copy of this book because (in her words) at some point in your life, you will come across someone going through this life changing experience and this book will be something that you would want to share with that person.

Thank you for the interview and for your time Amy.

My Mommy Wears a Wig  is on facebook. Click here for the group page link.

Interview with Author- Linda Black for Favorite Author Spotlight Friday

Author Spotlight- Linda Black

Hi Linda, thank you so much for agreeing to the interview.

Question ONE: When did you start writing and what inspired you to begin?

Actually, I’ve toyed with writing for as long as I can remember. My first real project was written at the age of 10, a poem I sent to Nashville to be set to music. They sent it back and asked if I’d revise it then send it back. It went in the trash. Believe it or not, my love for poetry was inspired from my love of music. I loved an old country western song by Marty Robbins called “El Paso.”



Question TWO: What are your biggest challenges and greatest joys in parenting? What are some of your ideas for instilling a life-long love of reading in children?

My biggest challenges of parenting are (still raising two teenage grandsons) teaching morals and expressing the importance of education and reading. My greatest joys are experiencing the positive success and fruition of my labor and teaching.


I believe every parent should have times set aside for reading to their children. There is truth in the saying, “Children live what they learn.” Be careful to make reading time as interesting as you can by using stuffed animals or other objects to help with the telling of the story. When it’s fun, they remember and will always love reading. It’s called positive reinforcement.



Question THREE: How did you find your editor/publisher?

A friend told me that a new publisher was looking for all genres. I looked at the website, checked all the requirements for submission, and the rest was history. The Editor-In-Chief contacted me with a contract about a week later, and she is still my editor.




Question FOUR: What are your current writing projects, if any?

With the same publisher, I also have a contract for my second book, “A Porpoise For Cara.” Be looking for this one sometime in the near future. It’s a beautiful story with a setting at sea that can be a read to for the younger age group, but is written for eight to ten and up. Even the adult child will love this one.


I still submit short stories to writing club contests, but I want to do a novel. That will be my greatest writing challenge.



Question FIVE: When is your book, The Adventures of Boots: The Giant Snowball coming out? And will there be a sequel?

I got an email from my editor who informed me that they are nearing completion of the new cover and the galley and are looking at a possibility of a June 8, 2011 release date in e-book publication. There will be at least one sequel, possibly two.



Thank you for your time Linda




Check out Linda's facebook page for more information here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lindas-Write-Right/164559496902812?sk=info

If you like to follow Linda’s blog, here is the link: http://www.lindawriteright.blogspot.com/