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History tends to be boring to some, but I am fascinated by it. That is why it spills into my writing. It is a challenge to make a picture book that is fun, informative and accurate. But Suzanne Tripp Jurmain succeeded with George Did It.
Continue reading "George Did it - Suzanne Tripp Jurmain/Larry Day" »
I am a golfer This is pretty amazing since I was the kid who always got picked last for any sport, right after the nerd and the kid with a leg brace.
Klutz, clod and lame-o...that's me. But my hubby wanted it so badly that I reluctantly agreed to try, knowing full well that I was sports challenged with the grace of an elephant on roller-skates. But as an artist I was enchanted by the landscape and harmony of a course.
From the time I was a kid I loved to paint on walls. My mom even indulged me as I splashed a giant purple rainbow across my bedroom. Through out my professional career I have assisted, designed and created many murals. They were very hard work as I carried gallons of paint, climbed up and down ladders and stood on my feet 12 hours a day. Now I am happy to say that I only do murals for love. Here is a nursery I painted last week for my friends Bob and Michelle. They are expecting twin girls very soon.
I have known Alexis O'Neill for many years. She was my first writing teacher, a great mentor and a terrific friend. She's a dedicated Regional Adviser for the SCBWI and I owe her a debt of gratitude for all the hard work she does for Writer's Day, including smoozes, critiquing, retreats and her own personal slap-on-the-back encouragement. I could not have become a writer without her. We are so lucky to have her up in our Santa Barbara/Ventura region. I am thrilled that Alexis O'Neill agreed to answer a few questions.
When and why did you start writing for children?
Oh no! You mean I'm writing for CHILDREN? Yikes! I thought I was writing for readers! They're all the same, aren't they? Except you have to use simpler words for adults -- right?
Last week, Adventure for Kids bookstore in Ventura, launched my buddy Heather Tomlinson YA novel Swan Maiden. Family, friends and fans came to celebrate this wonderful story. On the right, Adventures for Kids owner, Barbara O'Grady introduced Heather to the crowd.
This was a difficult book to pick up because I knew that the subject was harsh and edgy. But I am so glad I did.
Patricia McCormick weaves a sensitive tale, in a series of vignettes, of 13 year-old Lakshmi living in dire poverty in Nepal. The family is so desperately poor that, when their small farm's crops are washed away, she is told she must travel to the city to work as a maid. But when she arrives, Lakshmi realizes she has been sold into prostitution.
I have known William Hanna and his wonderful wife, Barbara for many years. Smart, charming and a banker extrodinaire, William has been a money guy for almost 30 years. He is President of the Los Angeles Region of Pacific Western Bank and I thought I'd tap his wonderful brain and get a few money tips for us writers.
With all the identity theft we hear about, how safe
is electronic banking?
Electronic banking is safe. There are very few
instances of theft or other problems using electronic banking. By carefully choosing a password, and changing it on a regular basis (we recommend every three months), problems can be avoided.
Jane Yolen is an inspiration for every writer. This award winning author of over 300 books, has astounded me for years with her talent as a story teller.
Her books are magic and poetry delicious. I am a huge fan.
I am so happy that Jane Yolen agreed to be interviewed for the blog.
When and why did you start writing for children?
My first book for children was bought on my 22nd birthday, a fluke, really--or so I thought as I was a journalist, editor, and poet at the time.
Over the years I have had many studios. This was one of my favorites on Lake Sherwood. It was a giant apartment that over looked this tiny lake north of L.A. The lake is on a old movie lot where Robin Hood with Errol Flynn was made. All the streets are named for the merry men, Fryer Tuck and Maid Marion. Later a billionaire bought most of the land and built a golf course. The lake still holds that country charmed that I painted years ago.
A legend in our business has passed away. Madeleine L'Engles died in Connecticut at the age of 88. I never had a chance to meet her, but I remembered when I first read her 1963 Newbery Winner A Wrinkle in Time . It touch my heart and took me on a wonderful journey for years with all the books in the series. Madeleine L'Engle will be missed by all, but remember forever by her enchanting tales.
I highly recommend the Montmorency series by Eleanor Updale. These are wonderful Young Adult crossovers. Eleanor paints a rich picture of life in nineteenth century London through the eyes and action of a petty thief who turns gentleman, Montmorency.
Art for Art's Sake is sometimes Art for love's sake. This is my buddy Michelle and her dog Sally. I usually don't like to give paintings as gifts because art is very subjective. But I loved how this gem came out; I was just bursting to give it to her. Fortunately, she loved it as much as I did. She hung the painting in a place of honor for all to see.
Heather Tomlinson and I came up through the ranks of the SCBWI together. Attending every writing class, novel retreat and many other SCBWI events, Heather worked hard on her craft and was rewarded with a well-deserved publishing contract.
This fall, her first novel, Swan Madien, is being released. I was able to get an advance copy and it is fabulous. It has everything a fantasy should have: adventure, magic and a devoted love story. It is a great pleasure to interview my buddy, Heather Tomlinson.
When and why did you start writing for children?
Even after I graduated from high school and college, I kept reading kids’ books, especially fantasy and Young Adult titles, along with the adult ones.
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