Embrace the Writing Process: Author Interview with Melanie Conklin

My interview today is with a middle-grade author whose first book won two awards --Bank Street Best Children’s Book and the International Literacy Association Teacher’s Choice Award. And she’s just published her second book. So, let’s move on and learn about her writing journey.

What made you decide to write a middle-grade geared novel?

The first novel-length project I attempted to write was from the point of view of a fourteen-year-old girl. At the time, I was reading a lot of young adult and middle-grade fiction. Once I finished my first draft of that trunk novel, it was clear that my voice was naturally suited to the blend of wonder and curiosity that you often find in middle-grade novels.

I stepped up my reading in the category and studied middle-grade voice closely for a long time before I wrote another novel so that I truly understood the dynamics in this specific niche of children’s literature.

How long did it take you to write your first book?

I am a relatively quick drafter, meaning I usually finish a draft in weeks rather than months, but I also have to revise many times. The writing process for Counting Thyme took about 3 years from start to on-sale date, and with Every Missing Piece, it took about two years. So, a bit faster the second time around.

Your first book, Counting Thyme (cute title!) deals with a couple of very stressful topics for kids. – moving and a sibling dealing with cancer. What made you zero in on these two issues?

At the time, I was reading a LOT of contemporary middle-grade fiction, and in many of those stories, the main character was dealing with a harrowing circumstance, such as a life-threatening illness. I had a moment where I wondered what it must be like to be the sibling of a gravely ill child. I have a sibling, and her presence factored into my childhood tremendously.

I imagined it would be a very complicated situation to have a sibling battling a deadly illness. I had some past experience raising funds for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, so naturally I thought of neuroblastoma as the illness I wanted to portray in Counting Thyme. Most families have to move for treatments for neuroblastoma, so that became part of the plot, too.

How did you go about finding an agent/publisher?

I studied publishing for quite a while before I queried. I consider the two years I spent writing and reading every writing blog I could find as my personal MFA in children’s lit (though of course, with deep respect to all real MFAers!). I participated in some pitch contests, including one on twitter that got me some requests.

The trouble was, I wasn’t finished revising Counting Thyme at that moment, so I had to hurry to fulfill the requests. I also reached out to other agents who had been on my radar at that time and ended up signing with my first agent from my cold query.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest is whichever part I’m at. When I’m drafting, I wish I was revising. When I’m revising, I wish I was drafting. When I’m in copy edits, I wish I never had to see my book again, lol!

What does your editor remind you to do most often?

My relationship with my editors has been more of a dialogue back and forth rather than a to-do list for me. I’ve worked with a few different editors at this point, due to business matters, and I can say the process of revising with an editor is equally challenging and rewarding.

Edit letters can be long and hard to digest, but where there is smoke, there is always fire. I find that my editors are usually spot-on about trouble areas. It’s up to me to figure out how to address those trouble areas in a satisfying manner. Finding answers isn’t always easy, but that is how a book becomes the best version of itself. Editorial feedback is worth its weight in gold.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

This is a great question. We writers are always looking to improve, so it can be easy not to give ourselves credit for what we have achieved. I’ve been told my characters are very “real” and relatable, and for me that is the best praise. I always strive for honest portrayals that acknowledge the deep complexities of being human. It’s a joy to hear someone found that kind of experience in reading my work.

We have all experienced rejection. How have you learned to write past it?

I have experienced some harsh feedback at the editorial level, and in that moment, it was hard not to doubt myself as a writer. What I had to remember is while I may have written those words that needed a lot of fixing, I also wrote a bunch of words that made my editor want to publish my book. Criticism stings, but it is necessary.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?

Your process is your process. The sooner you accept it, the sooner you can move forward. Sometimes I wish I could write a draft of a story without getting the plot wrong the first time, but that’s not my process.

My process is to write many drafts. Rather than get frustrated with myself, I try to remember it’s a gift to have a process I can rely on to get the work done, even if I wish my creative process was more efficient.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?

My best advice is to be kind to yourself. Embrace your process. Trust your gut. Risk failure and be prepared to accept it when it comes. But through all of it, be kind to yourself. Fill the well with great diverse reads. Celebrate every achievement and milestone. Give yourself the same time and patience that you would give anyone else.

You just released your second book.  Can you give my readers a short synopsis?

In my new book, Every Missing Piece, eleven-year-old Maddy Gaines has had her share of heartache. She lost her father in a tragic accident a few years prior, which has made her a bit more diligent about safety than her family and friends would sometimes like her to be. When Maddy encounters a strange new boy living in her neighborhood, she wonders if he could be the same child who went missing from another town six months earlier.

As she tries to uncover the truth, ghosts from her own past surface, her best friend starts to slip away, and Maddy's world tilts once again. Can she put the pieces of her life back together, even if some of them are lost forever?

Sounds like some good plot twists! If you'd like to learn more about Melanie's writing, here are some links to get you started. 

Website:

 http://www.melanieconklin.com/

Twitter:

 https://twitter.com/MLConklin

Goodreads:

 https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8041873.Melanie_Conklin

Tumblr:

 http://mlconklin.tumblr.com/

Instagram:

 https://www.instagram.com/melanieconklinauthor/

Never Sorry I Spent an Hour Writing: Author Interview with Laura Gehl

You’ve published 17 picture books or board books in the last five years. What inspired you to write the first picture book?
My first picture book was One Big Pair Of Underwear, and the title just popped into my head in the middle of the night (my oldest son was a baby, so I was up in the middle of the night quite a bit). From the title came the first line, and soon I found myself furiously scribbling verses on scraps of paper in the kitchen, in my lab, and everywhere else I went.

That was 15 years ago, so I don’t remember how many rewrites I did, but I do remember that the ending was the hardest part. I wrote a whole bunch of different endings before settling on the one that appears in the book.

Prior to writing these children’s books, what was your publishing or writing background? 

I did science writing for both children and adults for a number of years. I wrote magazine articles, I had a monthly column where I answered kids’ science questions, I summarized academic scientific articles for scientific journals, I edited an educational science periodical…all kinds of different things, but all science-related.

What was your process like in getting your first book published? How did keep going even after getting rejection letters?

I didn’t keep track of how many submissions I sent out, or how many rejections I received. I do remember what kept me going through the rejections, though! I kept a “good news” file. Every time I received a personalized rejection from an agent or editor, I would copy and paste only the positive parts and put them in my file. So, I had a file full of little snippets of praise and encouragement, and I would read over the file whenever I started to doubt myself.

Do you have an agent?

I didn’t have an agent for my first book (or my second), but I do now, and I adore her. Having an agent, of course, opens many doors in terms of which editors and publishers you can submit to since the majority of publishers only accept agented submissions.

But having an agent also means you have someone who 100% has your interests and your career at heart, someone who is always on your side, and someone to believe in your work even when you stop believing in it yourself...although my critique partners are also great in terms of support and career advice.

Are there any stories you’ve written that are l packed way that you hope will get published someday?

I have a few early reader series that I hope will sell at some point. My own daughter struggled with learning to read. I started writing in this genre after seeing how much of a difference it made for my daughter to read books specifically written with emerging readers in mind. 

Are you active with any writing groups?

Yes, I have an online critique group and an in-person critique group. Both are invaluable. I also have a few other writer friends who read stories for me when I need fresh eyes.

What has frustrated you the most in publishing your books?

Frustration: I had one book come out where the biographical information used in the flap copy was years out of date. Since then, my agent always asks for approval over flap copy in my contracts.

What has surprised you, in a good way?

Pleasant surprise: Seeing the illustrations for a new book is always exciting and delightful…especially when the artist adds humorous details that I neither suggested nor expected.

What is your writing style?

I don’t do a storyboard, but I do often paginate for picture books. I try to write every day…not just because it’s my job but because I absolutely love it. Sometimes I am super excited to work on a new project, and other times it is harder to motivate myself. But I am never sorry I spent an hour writing.

What is the best writing advice you’ve been given?

My mom used to say that if you think a line is particularly great, you should probably cut it. That isn’t always true, but her advice got me used to the idea of “killing your darlings” early on. I am very open to revisions that completely change the character/plot/setting/perspective of a manuscript, and the difference between my first draft and my final draft tends to be dramatic.

Other writing advice I believe in: butt in chair (the more you write, the better you get at it), don’t give up, read as much as you write, leave room for art (specifically for picture books, make sure the words are only telling half of the story), and eat chocolate.

Okay, that last one isn’t exactly writing advice, but I eat chocolate every day to make my brain happy and ready to be creative.

What message would you like parents and children to take away from your books?

All of my books have some sort of underlying message, although I try not to be preachy! For example, Peep And Egg: I’m Not Hatching is about overcoming fears, Except When They Don’t is about being yourself regardless of gender norms, Delivery Bear is about standing out instead of fitting in, and Always Looking Up: Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer is about persistence and overcoming obstacles.

What’s in the works for future books?

I have a number of new books coming out next year, and of course, I am excited about all of them!

Baby Paleontologist (HarperCollins) will be the fourth book in the Baby Scientist board book series.

The Ninja Club Sleepover (Page Street Kids) is about a young werewolf’s first night away from home.

Judge Juliette (Sterling) is about a little girl who rules over her neighborhood… until a particularly difficult case enters her courtroom.

Cat Has A Plan (Simon & Schuster) is my very first early reader—the hilarious (I hope) tale of a conniving pair of friends.

Wow! You do keep busy. If you’d like to learn more about Laura’s books, here are some ways to find the info.

www.lauragehl.com

https://www.harpercollins.com/childrens/babyscientist/

www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraGehl

@AuthorLauraGehl (twitter)

Saving your Story Ideas: Author Interview with June Esparza

What made you decide to write your series about tree seedlings?

I’ve always compared the analogy of trees and people.  It just made sense to me. Plus, as a young child, I loved to draw trees- and still do.

From the start, did you expect it to be a series?

I didn’t know it would be a series until I was in the middle of the first book. My imagination took off and I had developed so many characters I knew only one book wouldn’t do it justice.

Could you give my readers a short synopsis of the story?

The Trilogy is about five tiny seedlings (trees) born in the land of Etainia.  While very young a horrific storm came through the land and separated each one from their parents and each other.  The seedlings landed in five different territories and when they woke up they didn’t have a clue as to where their parents or siblings were. So…began the journey of self-discovery, trying to find family and purpose in their existence.

How long did it take you to write your first book? How many rewrites did you do on it?

Book One took a couple of years to write.  I’ve probably done at least 4 to 5 rewrites (at least) on my books. A family member and English teacher helped me edit my books. I have several friends and my family encouraged me along the way.

What made you decide to indie publish?

I self-published mainly because I knew I could do it and I wanted to maintain the essence of the stories.

What has been the most challenging part of putting together the book and doing the marketing?

The most challenging part of putting together the books has been during the re-writes…making sure I don’t lose some of the content.  Marketing hasn’t been a problem other than finding the time to do it.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

The most difficult part of writing is time management.  In other words, with such detailed books, I prefer having a week at a time to write, versus a day here and there.  But, that’s not always possible. So I’m learning how to ‘seize’ the moment and write whenever possible.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

Seeing and hearing about how people’s lives have been impacted for the good as a result of reading one of my books is the best encouragement I’ve received.

We have all experienced rejection. How have you learned to write past it?

Well, the rejection wasn’t from any of my books, but when in college (before I wrote the books)  I had an instructor tell me on one of my essays (with big red letters) that I couldn’t write. The words didn’t hurt…they just made me mad because I saw her cut down so many other students as well.  Yet, perhaps that inspired me.  I moved forward and wrote several self-help books and manuals that impacted many people’s lives.  So…I took the bad and turned it into good.

What has surprised/frustrated you the most in writing/publishing?

I was surprised at how much I love to write and realized that it was a gift I had as a young girl…being brought to fruition in my adult years. The frustration is mainly the discipline of sitting down and writing. Also, my books appeal to ages 8 to 88 and beyond. So, I’m learning how to appeal to each group.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?

Well, the vast amount of help that is out there now has been a great help.  Also, I’ve learned to be wiser about advertising/marketing and how to go about it.  Not to waste so much time and effort appealing to audiences that aren’t’ interested in your subject matter.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?

The best advice I was given by one of my Graphic Design Instructors in college (which I’ve used in writing) was simply this.  “Don’t just stare at a blank piece of paper. Draw something. (in this case write) Put anything down…words, pictures…anything – brainstorm and let it flow…then the ideas will come.” 

I carried that advice into my writing and I also teach that same idea at writer’s workshops I have designed and conducted. As a result, I also keep a shoebox for ‘creative ideas’ and collect them.  When I’m typing I just let my imagination go and don’t worry about the grammar being correct.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?

Don’t listen to the naysayers (and that includes your own ‘self-doubt’). Just go for it.  Get a pack of paper or go on your computer and start with what and who you know.  Write a short story first…write about what interests you.  Just start.  Do something.  Get what’s in your head onto paper or on record it and listen.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?

Book Three, The Ancients is projected for 2020. It is an extension of Book I and II.  It will finalize for the reader what has happened to the Five Seedlings.  But, there are such strong characters (not just the seedlings) in the books that there will be many other books birthed out of the original trilogy.

That’s all for today’s interview. I hope this has piqued your interest in checking out June’s books. Here are some links to get you started.

www.junetheauthor.com

www.jasperstone.net

Staying Published: Author Interview with Leah Mercer

What made you decide to write your first novel? How many rewrites did you do on it? 

I’ve always written, making up poems or stories. When I was 13, I finished my first novel and sent it away to publishers. A few wrote back with editorial suggestions – I realize now how very kind that was of them. I never thought of making a career out of writing fiction, though, and decided instead to pursue journalism. After a while, I realized the truth was boring and I started to write fiction again.

How long did it take you to write your first book?

My first novel took about nine months to write. I did two rewrites but looking back I could (should!) have done many more. It was an important step for me, though, and ignited the desire to write more.

Are you active with any writing critique groups?

I joined a writing group and with their encouragement and the support of my husband, I kept writing, finishing three more novels before I became published.

How did you go about finding an agent?

Oddly, I didn’t have an agent until after I became published. I was about to sign a contract for my seventh novel, and I realized I was out my depth! Luckily, I was friends with many agented writers and one of them suggested the agent Madeleine Milburn. I had a wonderful conversation with her and quickly signed. Her knowledge and industry experience has been invaluable.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest part for me is taking what I wrote in a first draft and crafting it into a credible narrative! I always have an outline, but I often go off-piste in the first draft – that’s half the fun! – which makes it difficult to get back on track in the second.

What does your editor remind you to do most often?

I write quite a bit of internal dialogue and my editor often reminds me to externalize some of it.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

Meeting a publisher and having them express interest in my writing was a huge encouragement. I felt a bit like I was whistling in the dark before that moment.

We have all experienced rejection. How have you learned to write past it?

I spent months working on a novel, hoping to secure a new deal with my then-publisher. They ended up rejecting it – which effectively meant I’d worked for free for six months, as writing is my full-time job. That was a hard blow, but by the time they got around to rejecting it, I’d already begun working on another novel I was very excited about. That one ended up getting published!

What has surprised or frustrated you the most in writing/publishing?

The biggest surprise – and frustration – for me is how hard it is not just to get published, but to stay published. So much is dependent on an author’s sales record, something that’s just not in our control. I have a great agent and a very supportive publisher, but it’s a constant source of worry.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?

I wrote instinctively at first without knowing much about plot or character. I wish I’d learned more formally about story structure and character development instead of just plunging in.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?

Just sit down and write! Don’t overthink it. You can always go back and fix things later.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?

My next book is called Ten Little Words, due out in July 2020. Here are the details.

A cryptic message from the past spurs Ella into searching for her mother, who disappeared decades ago and is presumed dead. But what Ella unravels threatens to darken her world even more, as secrets hidden for years tumble out from every turn.

Sounds intriguing! If you’d like to learn more about this book or others she’s written, here are some links to get you started.

Web: www.leahmercer.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/leahmercerauthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/leahmercerauthor

The Desire to Write: Author Interview with Heidi McCahan

Heidi secretly dreamed of writing a book for most of her childhood, but a particularly painful rejection letter in middle school convinced her to tuck that dream away. Instead, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, and a Master’s Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. But those writing and publishing dreams eventually became reality.

What made you decide to write your first novel?

I've always wanted to be a writer, it just took me a long time to finally sit down and figure out how to make it happen. The concept for my first novel, Unraveled, came to me when I was feeding our first child in the middle of the night. I wrote a paragraph or two the next day, then several years went by, we had two more kids and moved across the country before I felt a strong desire to pursue creative writing. I feel writing is a calling, so to not write is to waste a God-given gift.

Are you an avid reader of sweet romance novels?

Yes, I am. I read both inspirational and general market romance. 

How long did it take you to write your first book? How many rewrites did you do on it?

I spent approximately two years writing Unraveled. The rewrites were numerous. Some chapters were re-written 7 times, others had 2 or 3 rounds of revisions.

Who helped you with the editing?

Sally Bradley was my editor. My friends and family are very supportive and encourage me with every book I write and celebrate when a book is published.

Are you active with any writing critique groups? 

Yes, I have been a part of critique groups in the past, which I found through my membership in American Christian Fiction Writers. At the moment, we are all busy with family and jobs and writing so we aren't actively critiquing as often as we'd like. Generally speaking, if a writer can find a critique group that's a good fit, it's wise to have a critique partner. 

Did you ever want to give up on writing the book and getting it published?

There's a period of time with every manuscript when I want to give up. That's part of the process. I just finished my 11th manuscript, and even though I'm proud of the story and I look forward to seeing it published someday, writing is very difficult work and I was tempted to quit several times. But if I quit, then that story won't ever reach my readers, so I try to keep that in mind and just keep going, one scene at a time.

How many publishers or agents did you pitch before getting your manuscript published? 

My first novel, Unraveled was originally published by a small press that's no longer in business. I didn't want to lose momentum with my readers when the publisher unexpectedly closed, nor did I want to un-publish the book, so I had a new cover designed and independently published the novel as a second edition. I'm glad I was able to do that because Unraveled is a favorite among my readers. Because of their enthusiasm and requests for more stories featuring the characters, I've written and published a novella and a sequel, and have plans to write at least two more books in the series. 

What was it like doing your own publishing of that book?

Whether independent or traditionally published, being an author is the equivalent of running a small business and demands a lot of time and attention to detail. There's a myth in this industry that traditional publishers handle everything once the book is contracted, and that is just not true. While a publishing house takes on the expense of editing, production and some of the marketing, every author has a responsibility to market their books, build relationships with readers, and stay informed about current trends regardless of their path to publication.

How did you find your agent?

I am represented by Jessica Kirkland. I met her at the national conference for American Christian Fiction Writers. I believe she was the second agent I pitched to and she offered representation a few months later. For those who aren't familiar with pitching to an agent at a conference, this means writers attending the conference sign up for appointments with agents and editors.

The appointments are usually 15 minutes and the author presents the agent or editor with a brief summary of a completed manuscript, unique details about the work that set it apart from titles already published, perhaps discuss plans for marketing the book, etc. It's an exciting and stressful experience. I'm very thankful that Jessica is my agent.

What was that process like? How did you get involved with Harlequin?

I started entering Harlequin Love Inspired's contests in 2012 or 2013. I can't remember the exact year. I did not advance to the final rounds in the first two contests I entered, but the feedback I received encouraged me to keep trying.

In 2015 I entered a paragraph and a back cover blurb in the Blurb-2-Book contest. That led to a request for a full manuscript. Although I didn't win the contest, the process required that I complete the manuscript. Then the editor I worked with encouraged me to keep revising and she offered a contract after the revisions were complete. That book is called The Firefighter's Twins and it was published in 2018. Harlequin Love Inspired also offered me a second contract and that book releases in May of 2019. 

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest part of writing for me is completing the first draft. Discipline and determination are necessary to get the words on the page/screen and it's also emotionally exhausting to draft a complete novel. Revisions are where the magic happens, and I know that, but it takes a great deal of effort to get to that magical place. 

What does your editor remind you to do most often?

My editors remind me to do A LOT of things. Consistently I'm encouraged to make sure there is enough external and internal conflict to sustain the plot throughout the whole novel.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

Never, ever give up.

We have all experienced rejection. How have you learned to write past it?

Rejection is a part of the writing process and it is painful and discouraging. However, there is something to be learned from every rejection, even if it takes a few days or weeks or months to see the proverbial silver lining. I don't have a formula or an easy method for bouncing back. My best advice is to read books you really enjoy, put the rejected manuscript away for a while and fill up your creative well.

Maybe that means you read or try a different form of creative art, watch movies, spend time with people and live life. Eventually, the desire to create a new story will spring up and it will be time to try again. This is when strong writing friends can come alongside and encourage, offer constructive feedback on your new idea, and generally cheer you on. 

What has surprised you the most in writing/publishing?

The wheels of traditional publishing turn slowly, while things move really fast in the indie world. That contrast is both surprising and frustrating. It's tricky to navigate both realms sometimes. 

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?

Writing a full novel is much harder than I expected and requires a lot of time, energy and intentional living. I didn't realize all the ways creative writing would impact my life. While I can step away from the computer or put down my pen and close my notebook, I can't exactly turn off my brain. Writers are either writing or thinking about writing.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?

In addition to never giving up, I'd recommend reading voraciously, especially in the genre you're writing and if you want to be traditionally published, read the books your ideal publishing house is currently releasing. Harlequin Love Inspired editors say this over and over: read currently published books to get an idea of what sells. A lot of writers don't want to take this advice and I'm offering it again because it is so important.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?

Even if a writer isn't published yet, start connecting with other writers and readers. The internet makes it so easy. Pick one social media platform that you like and build a presence there. Join a Facebook group with readers who read what you write and actively participate in the conversation. Try to get on a launch team for an author you admire so you can see how he/she markets the book. There's always something to learn and opportunities to grow.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?

My next Harlequin Love Inspired release is Their Baby Blessing and it arrives May 21, 2019. Here are some brief details…

The Navy prepared him for anything … except for an instant family.
When Navy veteran Gage Westbrook promised to look out for his late best friend’s son, he never imagined he’d bond with the baby boy. And he definitely didn’t plan to fall for Connor’s gorgeous temporary guardian, Skye Tomlinson. But weighted by guilt for the accident that took Connor’s dad, can Gage find the courage to forgive himself and embrace the chance at a family?

That’s all for today’s interview. If you’d like to learn more about Heidi’s writing and new books, here are some links to get you started.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidimccahan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidimccahan.author/

Website: https://heidimccahan.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeidiMcCahan

Writing Past Rejection An Interview with Melinda Long

What inspired you to write your books for children? 

I’ve been a writer for most of my life.  It just took 40 years to get published.  While in college, studying children’s lit., I fell in love with children’s books.  I got my BA in education and began teaching. 

What was your process like in getting your first book published?

Right after getting married, I started submitting to publishers.  Twelve years later, I got my first positive response from an agent who soon sold When Papa Snores to Simon and Schuster. 

What kept you going after you had rejections?

I knew from the first rejection that I couldn’t give up.  I love to write, so I went to workshops, classes, etc. and just kept trying for those 12 years.  I still get rejections.  But I learn something new about my writing every time I write something new or go to another workshop.  I also teach writing for children’s literature every summer with my teaching partner Tim Davis.  I usually learn something from those classes as well.

The first book I see you published was in 2000 and then others came out every 2-3 years after that until 2010, then there’s been nothing until your new book. Why the publishing pause?

Children’s publishing moves at a slow pace under the best of circumstances.  I had the third book in the pirate series scheduled to be released in 2013, but Harcourt merged with Houghton Mifflin and instead of releasing the third book, they released The Pirates Activity Book as a bridge before the third was released.  Since that time the third in the series was put on hold, so I went on to other projects.

What is the hardest part of writing for you? Starting? Creating a scene? Dialog? Tension, etc?

Getting started is easy for me.  I have no problem finding just the right hook but developing that story into something creative and original is a different matter.  I’ve worked on middle grade and young adult, as well as adult mysteries and continue to do so, but making the characterization realistic and providing descriptive passages can be tough for me because I’m so immersed in the picture book process.  That’s why I’m so thrilled about Art Smart.  It’s my first successful venture into chapter books.

I’ve heard all different numbers for word count in picture books. What are you hearing from publishers as to suggested word counts for picture books and chapter books? 

Picture books can be anywhere from 400-1200 words.  Mine tend to be on the long side. Chapter books are anywhere from around 5000-12,000 words.  I think Art Smart falls in the middle.  Chapter books, in general, are about 10 chapters with 500-1100 words in each.  Of course, there are no true rules.  If an editor likes a book, they’ll work with you on the length.

What does your editor remind you to do most often?

I’m often reminded to shorten my sentences. 

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

When I sold my first book to Simon and Schuster, you could have heard me screaming in the next state.  That’s a wonderful form of encouragement. 

However, I’ve discovered over the years that most publishers use a form letter for rejection. They have little time for anything else.  When I receive a letter with specific reasons for rejection instead of the form letter, I know I am on the right track.

What has surprised or frustrated you the most in writing/publishing?

I was surprised to find that writing is feast or famine.  It seems that everything is due at the same time you have six school visits scheduled.  In between, you work at coming up with something new and creative or finding ways to market what you already have out.  I think that’s also the most frustrating thing.  I was also surprised to discover that children’s publishing is not as lucrative as publishing bestsellers for adults. 

On the other hand, I wouldn’t do anything else.  It’s a lot of fun.  I still miss my teaching days but I get to fill that need when I go back into schools as a visiting author. 

What do you know now about writing that you wished you had known sooner? 

I wish I had known how much patience and diligence is required for this job. But I would have done it even if I had known. The truth of the matter is that I’d do this job for free.  

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?

Read everything in the genre you want to write.  Write as much as possible and attend conferences and workshops.  This profession takes time.  Keep at it.

What is the next book that will be coming out? 

Art Smart, Science Detective: The Case of the Sliding Spaceship, is a chapter book designed to immerse kids in the world of science with a lot of humor.  I’ve always believed that academic subjects are more fun when you approach them from an artist’s standpoint, so reading a funny story about a science detective may help reluctant readers as well as reluctant science students.

Can you give me a short synopsis?  

When Art and his friends—Robbie, Jason, and Amy—are having a sleepover, they decide to use Art’s telescope for some stargazing. They are shocked to see a purple spaceship hurtling toward Earth. While his parents think his imagination is getting the best of him, Art thinks Earth is at risk of an alien invasion. What should he do? Should Art and his fellow science detectives alert the authorities, or should they take matters into their own hands?

When the local police don’t seem concerned about Art’s report, the group decides to apply their knowledge of science and critical thinking skills to prepare for the impending attack. They need a plan—and fast!

What transpires as they gear up for the spaceship’s arrival will amuse and educate. Art Smart, Science Detective will appeal to budding scientists and even reluctant young readers as it answers burning questions such as “How close is science fiction to real life?” and “Can peanut butter really keep your brain safe from an alien assault?” This entertaining journey through the science of the sky is easily incorporated into middle-grade STEM/STEAM classrooms.

Thank you for your honest feedback on the hard work of writing! Your new book sounds like a lot of fun. Hope it finds a large audience for you. If you would like to learn more about Melinda’s writing, here are some links to get you started.

https://www.melindalong.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Melinda.Long.Books/

https://twitter.com/MelindaLong14 

https://www.instagram.com/melindalong1/