A few months back, a publicist sent me a picture book about the two sisters who wrote the "Happy Birthday" song. I loved it. When the review was posted I heard from the author, Nancy Allen, and I asked her to give me an interview for the blog.
When and why did you start writing for children?
I began playing with the idea of writing books for children when I entered a master’s degree program in library science at the University of Kentucky. A professor encouraged me to review books for library journals. I followed through with her advice and found that I actually enjoyed writing reviews. When I got a job as a librarian and read books to kids every day, I decided to write books. After all, how hard could it be to write a short text for a picture book?
It didn’t take me long to figure out the answer. Editors returned my manuscripts with notes, such as, "Your writing stinks" or "No more manuscripts, PLEASE!" Maybe the rejection letters weren’t quite that bad, but it seemed so at the time. In 1997, I was offered a book contract, seven long years after I had submitted my first manuscript.
When I began my journey down the publishing path, I knew I wanted to add humor to most or all of my work. I enjoy reading and presenting humorous books to kids. Their response is immediate and genuine. Like adults, kids love to laugh, and if my books can elicit an outburst of laughter or a simple smile, I know I’ve done something right.
What is the most valuable advice you can give to a newly published writer?
Remain persistent in writing and submitting manuscripts. Develop a thick skin—rhino hide is preferable—about receiving rejection letters. Don’t take rejection letters—and there will be lots of them—personally. After my first book was published, I thought the second book would follow soon. Wrong! Five years later, I held my second book in my hands. One contract does not guarantee another.
Spend time marketing your book. Promote, promote, promote. Register with social media outlets, such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Through these outlets you can let friends and the general public know when and where you’ll be available for book signings, about awards your book may receive, and the date your next book will be released. Create a Website so potential buyers can learn more about your book and you. And don’t forget to blog. Many websites and blogs are free. Be creative and interesting with the information you post so readers will return on a regular basis. Blog book tours generate interest in both books and blogs. Radio, TV, magazine, and newspaper interviews are effective methods to spread the word about a new book. Book festivals, art shows, and speaking engagements in which you talk with civic, academic and literary groups are vehicles to showcase your “baby.”
What is one of your favorite children’s books that you'd like to recommend?
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. rocks with rhythm and teaches the alphabet at the same time. It’s a fun book to read aloud to kids and is certain to set bodies swinging and faces grinning.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a picture book, The American Flag from A to Z. Nonfiction requires an investment of research and the facts have to be accurate. I always retrieve more information than needed so I can select the most interesting, understandable, and appealing elements for young readers.
Two fictional picture books, Big C and Little Ox and The Big Racket are in the process of publication. The release dates have not been set.
What is your favorite dessert and why?
Cheesecake brownies because cheesecake tickles my tummy and brownies tickle my tongue. Together, they tickle my tummy and my tongue.
Author bio.
Nancy Kelly Allen’s journey toward the world of writing has been uphill and taken twists and turns like a winding mountain road. She started her career as a social worker and later became a middle school social studies teacher before becoming an elementary school librarian.
She is the author of sixteen children’s book and more are in various stages of publication. On the Banks of the Amazon won Appalachian Book of the Year in the children’s division in 2005. Trouble in Troublesome Creek has been selected to represent Kentucky at the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. in September 2010. Her most recent picture book is Happy Birthday: The Story of the World’s Most Popular Song. Nancy is the recipient of several grants from the Kentucky Foundation for Women and one from the Kentucky Arts Council.
Nancy and her husband, Larry, live in Kentucky. Many writers rely on muses for inspiration, and Nancy is no exception. Her muses are two canine writing assistants, Jazi and Roxi. They have more hair and the ability to bark louder than the average muse, but they get the job done. Nancy frequently makes author visits to schools and speaks at workshops and conferences.
Links:
Writing Workshop blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
Website: www.nancykellyallen.com
Thanks, Tina for introducing me to Nancy!
And thank you, Nancy for the marketing tips. It's always good to be reminded.
Posted by: Joyce Moyer Hostetter | October 20, 2010 at 09:33 AM