Judith Janda Presnall is a nonfiction children's book author with a gazillion books. (Not that I tend to exaggerate.) It is with great pleasure I interview Judith Janda Presnall.
When and why did you start writing for children?
In 1985, I wanted to take a detour from my teaching job. I began taking general writing classes at local colleges and at UCLA Extension. I soon discovered that my writing was more appropriate for the children's market.
At first I wanted to write fiction picture books, but after 250+ rejections, my critique group suggested that I try nonfiction. Soon thereafter, I won a third place award for a piece on fireflies. Two years later, that core manuscript was requested by Franklin Watts and eventually became a book entitled ANIMALS THAT GLOW, published in 1993. I was hooked on nonfiction, and I now have twenty-three nonfiction books for readers in grades 3 through 9, issued by three publishers.
What is the most valuable advice you can give to a newly published writer?
Keep writing; try to do school/library presentations. The students and teachers make you feel important. Attend as many conferences as you can.
What is one of your favorite children’s books that you'd like to recommend?
I loved the Nancy Drew mystery series as a child and read most all of them with a flashlight under the covers of my bed.
What are you working on now?
I have completed, but not sold, a biography on Queen Liliuokalani, last Monarch of Hawaii. I am also working on a series of Skeletons books for elementary school age students, also unsold at the present time.
What is your favorite dessert and why?
I love lemon meringue pie! It brings back memories of my mom, who made the best!
Judy is a former high school teacher who grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The mother of two grown children, a son and a daughter, she resides with her husband Lance and three cats in Tarzana, California. She earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater.
Judy is the recipient of several writing awards and the Jack London Award for meritorious service to the California Writers Club. She has also been a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) for more than 20 years. Please see Judy's website at www.JudithJandaPresnall.com to view her books.
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