Interview with Jan Blazanin

Today The Writing Cave has a very special visitor, young adult author and fellow Iowa SCBWI member Jan Blazanin. Her latest novel, A & L DO SUMMER is now available from Egmont USA. Welcome Jan!

What’s your writing process? Do you plan or plunge?

I’m a planner. Before I start writing I develop character sketches for each of the important characters. It’s a good thing I do because if I get halfway through the story and forget a character’s hair color or last name I can refer to the sketch. Another thing I do is put together a detailed outline of the plot with several paragraphs explaining each scene. Although I never follow the outline exactly, it keeps me from having that sinking feeling of having nowhere to go in the middle of story. It’s not a perfect system, but it helps preserve most of my sanity.

Preserving sanity is always a good thing. Speaking of, the A&L summary hints at troublesome triplet pigs. Any hints on what happens there?

Sunflower, Daisy, and Rose don’t mean to be troublesome, and they certainly don’t want to be pig-napped and trapped on the second floor of Cottonwood Creek High. But there they are, and somebody has to deal with it. What happens next is not the way I’d choose to spend my Sunday night.

Wow, who can resist that teaser?! After I read about the piglets, I’ll need some new suggestions. What are your three favorite reads so far in 2011?

There are so many amazing books to choose from that I could spend all my time reading. Although I enjoy the occasional novel written for an adult audience, most of my reading selections are for young adults. Three that stand out are Mockingbird by Kathyrn Erskine, Libba Bray’s Going Bovine, and The Hunger Games trilogy written by Suzanne Collins. Mockingbird is the sweet, sad, and funny story of a girl with Asperger’s Syndrome. Going Bovine had me laughing out loud from beginning to end. And The Hunger Games kept me up at night wondering what would happen next. Those women are talented writers!

No joke! I could read the Acknowledgments section of GOING BOVINE all day What are you working on next?

I recently finished the first draft of a young adult paranormal novel in which two teenage girls from different worlds and times must complete a quest to save the people they love. It has a long way to go before my agent sees it, but it’s a great feeling to have that first draft under my belt. 

Ooo a time element, nice! What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Read in your genre, write as often as humanly possible, study your craft, listen to knowledgeable critiquers and follow their advice, develop a tough skin, and never give up. 

If you could switch lives with any character in any book, who would it be and why?

That’s a tough one. Characters lead hazardous lives because authors like me are always throwing problems at them. Look at how poor Katniss suffered in The Hunger Games. Suzanne Collins gives her characters no slack at all! Thanks for the offer, but I’ll take my chances being my boring self.

I’m not sure how Katniss would do at our book club, so we’d appreciate you being yourself too Being my cheese-freak self, I have to ask: what’s your favorite cheese and why?

I love Brie! It’s moist and squishy and has a fragrance that makes my mouth water. Brie is fantastic with apples and nuts and berries and crackers and wine and—thanks for interviewing me, Sarah! I’m off to the store for some Brie!

Can’t blame you there! Thanks so much for stopping by, Jan. Learn more about Jan Blazanin and her books at her website and on Twitter. Also check out Jan’s interview with the lovely Pat Zietlow Miller at Read, Write, Repeat.

 

Interview with Peg Finley

Fellow SCBWI member Peg Finley is visiting The Writing Cave today to discuss social media and writing.

Peg, thanks for stopping by! You are very active online, with Twitter and JacketFlap accounts and a blog. How do you balance keeping these accounts active and writing?

Honestly, it can be a challenge. There are days when I am a little crazy, like when I have two sick kids, two submissions due and two critiques plus a commitment to someone on Twitter to finish up an interview. But, with a little patience it is do-able. It’s a matter of keeping my priorities straight. I have a huge calendar where dates and times go to keep it all straight.

As luck would have it I am not someone who needs a lot of sleep. I never have been. No kidding, I just have more “awake” time. As an insomniac who deals with chronic pain I do a lot of writing when I am in pain. It helps me keep my mind off the pain, at least some days. LOL.

The other thing is that I am constantly scribbling things down all day long … sometimes in the strangest places. For instance when I got tired during shopping with a friend, I sat down on the bench and waited for her to finish her shopping. While I sat, I wrote. Once when an idea came to me and I had no paper, just a marker, I wrote the gist of the idea on the side of a gallon milk jug so I wouldn’t forget it. :) I start probably three quarters of my writing that way. Then on my weekend with no kids, I write most of the weekend. (I’m helping my brother raise his two boys.)

Hear that writers? Make sure you always have gallons of milk on hand :) Do you have any advice for writers getting started with social media?

Getting started with the “social medias” is a lot like any other aspect of writing. I recommend doing your research. There are so many different social medias that a writer can use. It’s a tad daunting to say the least. I use Twitter, Facebook, and Jacketflap and my blog primarily, though am open to others if I can find a way to be more disciplined.

First ask yourself what is it that you as a writer want the social media to help you with? Will you be using it to chat? Networking?  Book Promotion? Build a writer’s platform? I use them for all of the above.

Once you’ve determined the purpose you want to use it for, then you need to determine which ones suit you and your writing life. Research the ones that you find appealing. Then, select one or more that you know that you will use regularly. It’s in investment in your career for you to become a part of a community. Many of the people I know and have interviewed have come from the contacts I’ve made through these media sites. I also use the various media sites for research for articles to include as links to on my blog and to send to my three critique groups. I send my Twitter comments on my blog as well.

If you chose to participate in more than one media, I’d suggest writing your passwords and info down somewhere safe. I also keep a daily work-list which I schedule in my times to visit the various sites. It can be easy to spend a lot of time online if you are not disciplined.

There are so many other things that I could do, should do and may someday will do.

Great advice Peg. It’s like getting a dog: research, and find the ones that fit your time, location, and lifestyle :) What are some lessons you’ve learned since starting your blog and other online accounts?

I am not a computer geek at all so there are all kinds of things I needed to learn before I got my blog up and running. I’m still working on that. I like to stretch myself as a writer so this has been great for me.

I am fairly shy in a lot of ways and have been working my way through that. Social medias have helped me expand my horizons. There are so many people that I would never have gotten the chance to know if it was not for the internet.

Perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned in regards to blogging and my participation on the sites like Twitter etc. has been to be totally open to unexpected opportunities. I’ve found if I am willing to invest in others and help them by sharing my thoughts and ideas as well as my time, people return that back to me. I genuinely like and respect the people I have contact with. Besides, other writers know what it is like being a writer in ways that no one else does. We support one another.

Industry trends are often discussed on the various chats. It is not uncommon for editors, agents and others in the writing fields to participate in a chat. It gives me a feel for what they are wanting in submission, etc.

I recently got on Skype with family and figure some day I just might use it for author visits.

I agree about the chats; anyone on Twitter should check out #kidlitchat on Tuesdays and #yalitchat on Wednesdays. On a more personal level, Peg, you’ve recently had some articles accepted for publication, congratulations! What are you working on now?

Thank you. I’m slowly but surely pursuing my goal.

What am I working on? I just finished a guest blog for Becky Levine’s blog and well. Let’s see, it’s 4:50 am and the grocery shopping list is finished. My five emails in boxes are cleaned out. (a personal one for family, 3 for crit groups and the other is for newsletters and notifications from Twitter/Facebook/Jacketflap and my blog so I don’t miss the opportunity to reply to someone. I separate things so my inboxes don’t get too crazy) A to-do list is ready for the two nephews for after school. Still, on my plate for today is this for you, three crits, and a blog entry on picture books. I just checked out New Frontier Publishing to see if they are some place I might want to submit to in the future. I have an idea about a picture book that I want to explore. Last but not least, I’m getting ready for NaPiWriWee with Paula Yoo in May. 

In case you haven’t guessed, I multi-task a lot. I wish I could clone me. You know, one for writing and one for all the other things I have to do.

Oh, clones would be nice! Finally, what is your favorite kind of cheese and why?

I like most types of cheese but plain old cheddar is my most favorite. I like simple foods. My life is complicated enough.

True story. Some days you just can’t beat cheddar. Thanks so much for visiting, Peg, and good luck with your many different hats :) Visit Peg on her blog, JacketFlap profile, Facebook, and Twitter account and check out her recently published article for Guardian Angel Kids.

 

Interview with Pat Zietlow Miller

Visiting The Writing Cave today is Pat Zietlow Miller, who has a great feature on her blog Read, Write, Repeat (good advice by the way) called Kid Reviews.

The kid reviews are such a good idea. How do you find the kids for your book reviews?

I wanted to let kids do the book reviews for three reasons. First, because they’re the ultimate consumer for books. Second, because I wanted to spotlight kids who love reading. And third, because they’re a lot cuter and funnier than I am.

At first, I thought I might have trouble finding kids to review the books, but that hasn’t been the case. After I recruited family members and friends who couldn’t really say “no,” I had lots of volunteers from children of my coworkers, people I go to church with or my writing buddies. I also worked out an agreement with my youngest daughter’s second-grade class where they review a book when they’re the “Star of the Week.” I’ve had lots of fun working with the kids in her class and getting to know them better.

I wish they had a “Star of the Week” when I was in second grade! Do the kids pick the books or do you?

Usually I pick the books, although I try to offer the kids a choice so they’re not forced to read something they don’t like. My goal is to review recent releases, so I have a list of titles and actual books I keep on hand. And, I especially try to choose new releases from authors I know. For the second-grade class I work with, I donated a supply of books for the class to keep.

Sometimes, a child wants to review a specific book, and I usually let them as long as it’s not too old.

What’s the funniest response you’ve gotten from a reviewer?

One little girl told me her nickname was “Princess Reads-a-Lot.” Another boy had obviously studied the book he reviewed very carefully. He pointed out small details in the illustrations I had never noticed. And, I always enjoy the question, “What did this book teach you?” The kids are very literal. They say things like, “Don’t go near the edge of high places.” or “Don’t go outside in your underwear.”

It amazes me how attentive kids are to illustrations. Do you anticipate expanding the reviews to middle grade and YA books in the future?

Yes! I’ve had some middle-grade and YA book reviews and author interviews, but I’d love to do more. I’m trying to track down willing volunteers. Suggestions are welcome!

See that, readers? Suggestions welcome :) What are you working on writing-wise right now?

I have a chapter book I’m continually polishing and an array of picture book manuscripts I’m creating, refining and submitting. I’ve gotten a nice collection of form rejections and a few editorial letters and requests to resubmit, but I haven’t gotten the final offer. Luckily, I find the whole process fun and know there’s always more to learn.

You recently featured a book review from your cat, Vince (which was fantastic, read it here). Are there any more special guest reviews upcoming?

Vince might be a tough act to follow. He really enjoyed his moment in the spotlight, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he made a return appearance down the road. When I took him to the vet after his post appeared, the vet asked, “Is this the blogging kitty?” Vince is still living off that moment.

By now, everyone knows how I feel about cheese. What’s your favorite kind of cheese and why?

Well, I do live in Wisconsin, so cheese is an integral part of my life. In fact, a town about an hour from where I live has a high school whose nickname is the Cheesemakers. I always thought that might make for interesting cheers at sports events. You know:

Cheddar, Muenster, Mozzarella, Swiss!

We’re the team that just can’t miss!

Go-oo-oo Cheese!

 

My favorites are provolone and Monterey Jack. And I have a manuscript about a cow named Colby Longhorn that is full of cheese-related humor.

Wow, so much awesomeness in that answer. First, I want to read the book about Colby Longhorn. Second, I want a picture with the Cheesemakers mascot. Third, maybe there will be an occasion to use that cheer at the next SCBWI conference…*wiggles eyebrows*

You used to be a sports journalist. Do you fill out NCAA basketball tournament brackets? Any predictions for this year’s tournaments?

I was a sportswriter for several years, but I covered high school and community sports, not Division I basketball. Even so, my family has a big online bracket competition every year and I’m in a contest with work friends, too. I never do well in the brackets, though. I vote with my heart too often. I sometimes pick schools because they have cool names like Gonzaga or the under-dog factor like Wofford or because I like where they’re located, like Vermont. But this year, I chose Syracuse to win the whole thing in one tournament and Kansas in the other.

Good picks; I went Kansas as well. Thanks so much, Pat! Be sure to check out Pat Zietlow Miller’s blog and enjoy her fantastic reader reviews.

 

Interview with Dori Hillestad Butler

Dori Hillestad Butler is the author of over twenty picture and chapter books. Her new series, The Buddy Files, follows the adventures of a mystery-solving dog. Dori, thank you so much for visiting The Writing Cave.

I love the premise of your new series. Does your real life dog, Mouse, have hidden abilities?

Thank you…yes, my real life dog definitely has hidden abilities. In fact, I think he might be a superhero in disguise.

What’s it like to have three books coming out at one time? Was the process different than with your previous books?

It’s exciting! And yes, the process was different with these books than it’s been with previous books. We’ve had very short lead time on these books, so I’ve worked much closer with my editor. We worked on all three books at the same time. I was reading page proofs of book 1 at the same time I was revising book 2 and writing the first draft of book 3. I actually liked working this way because I was able to go back and plant things in earlier books.

How does your writing process usually work?

I turn in a detailed outline. There’s some back and forth on the outline with my editor. This is the stage where we might make big structural changes to the story. Then I write the first draft. If there’s time, I give it to my critique groups (I have two); if not, I turn it in with a note that says, “you realize this is a FIRST draft, right? That means I still get to make lots of changes.” Then I go through and mark things I want to look at again, but I don’t actually make the changes yet at this point. Not until I hear from my editor. Once I get comments from my editor, the real work begins. I LOVE revision…revision is much easier for me than facing the blank screen. In fact, I love revision so much I never want to stop revising. I drive my editor a little bit crazy because I always want to make “just five more changes.”

I can certainly relate to that taunting blank screen! What things do you do to promote your books?

I do signings and school visits. I blog (though not as regularly as I used to). I’m going to be working with my publisher to start an e-newsletter about Buddy. Basically I do whatever my publisher asks me to do. Promotion is not one of my strengths…but I know I can’t expect my publisher to do everything, so I’m trying to be better.

Looking back on 2009, what were your three favorite reads last year?

I started reading Kathryn Stockett’s The Help in 2009, so I think I can list that, even though I finished it in 2010. That was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. The voices were incredible. It was hard to believe I was reading fiction. And I’m pretty sure I read Savvy by Ingrid Law in 2009. That was my favorite children’s book from last year. I’m not sure I can choose just one more, so I’ll choose three: Paper Towns by John Green, Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko and When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

I loved Savvy :) Do you own an electronic reader? Do you have an opinion on ebooks?

I do! I never thought I wanted one…I’m one of those people who likes the feel and smell of a physical book. But my husband and older son love their Kindles. And they bought me one for Mother’s Day last year. I liked it a lot better than I expected to. I like having access to so many books at once, I like being able to change the size of the type, I like being able to take notes on what I’m reading (I never wrote in my books), and it’s much easier to prop up my Kindle and read while I’m on the exercise bike or treadmill or while I’m eating my lunch than it is to prop up an actual book.

If I was buying an e-reader today, though, I don’t think I’d get the Kindle. I’d get the Nook. Our library has e-books that you can check out…but it doesn’t work with Kindle.

That’s a great Mother’s Day gift! Kudos to your family. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Never give up!

What are you working on next?

The next Buddy Files book.

I’m a cheese freak, so I have to ask: what’s your favorite cheese and why?

You’re a woman after my own heart! I love cheese, too. When I’m in an Italian restaurant, I’d rather the waiter just let me grate my own cheese…they either stop before I say okay or the amount of time it takes for them to grate as much cheese as I’d actually like gets uncomfortable for both of us.

Once again, I don’t think I can name just one favorite. I like fresh cheese curds that squeak, fresh mozzarella balls, smoked cheddar, brie…anything except blue cheese.

Maybe there’s a portable cheese grater that can travel in purses for such occasions :) Thanks so much, Dori. Learn more about Dori Hillestad Butler on her website and blog and be sure to check out The Buddy Files for lots of mystery-solving doggie fun!

 

Interview with Susan Maupin Schmid

Susan Maupin Schmid is the author of LOST TIME, a Golden Duck nominee for excellence in science fiction for children, and is a fellow Iowan! Susan, thank you so much for visiting The Writing Cave.

Thanks for inviting me to share!

I haven’t seen many science fiction books written for middle grade. What were your inspirations?

I’ve always been fascinated with time travel, archeology, and other worlds. I devoured science fiction as a teenager and taught myself to write in hieroglyphics in college. This was back during the touring of the Tutankhamen artifacts in the late ’70s. I had King Tut’s sarcophagus painted on my dorm room door. Lost Time was an opportunity to meld them altogether.

Tell me a little about your writing process.

I believe that writing begins with thinking and that too often beginning writers neglect this step. I spend months (and sometimes years) thinking about an idea and developing it. And then I partner the idea with a specific character and that changes the idea. Because no two people will do the same thing for the same reason once they are confronted with a situation. The rest of the process involves lots of typing, whining, procrastinating, and chocolate…not necessarily in that order. I like to write to silence in an empty house, so I write during the day.

Mmm chocolate. A writer’s best friend :) How have you been promoting your book?

I’ve done events such as SCBWI conferences and the Iowa Author’s Fair. I think one of the biggest favors you can do your book and your career is to be open to doing things you’re asked to do.

What were your three favorite reads of 2009?

I’m a voracious reader. Last year I read 113 novels. So picking three is hard. Here’s a short list of books I thought were exceptional:

Getting the Girl-Susan Juby

Hunger Games-Suzanne Collins

Shiver-Maggie Stiefvater

Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks–E. Lockhart

Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover-Ally Carter

Soul Enchilada- David McGinnnis

Reformed Vampire Support Group-Catherine Jinks

Bloodline-Katy Moran

The Knife of Never Letting Go-Patrick Ness

The book I enjoyed the most last year was Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon; it’s been out for years and isn’t a kid’s book, but the writer inspired me to extreme jealousy with the power of his writing. Oh, to be so good.

Wow, “voracious” is a good description! With all that reading, do you have an e-reader?

I don’t have one. I’m addicted to the smell of printed paper. They could bottle that scent and I’d buy it: Eau de Paper, they could call it. Or some better, Frenchier-sounding version of that. I do understand the lure of Kindle: the portability, the convenience. I just love real books.

Any advice for beginning writers?

Join a critique group and be willing to listen. Find someone who writes better than you and take their advice. Stubbornness is the death of many a good talent. Last year I received a multi-page letter from an editor telling me everything that was wrong with one of my manuscripts. I thanked her for investing that much time and effort in improving my work. (And then I started the whole whining-typing-chocolate thing again.)

Ooo, good advice. What’s rotating through the typing and chocolate cycle now?

I’m finishing revision on a Young Adult fantasy about a princess trapped in the body of an old crone. (Not that I’m old enough to know how a crone feels, it’s the imagination at work here. Really.)

Sounds exciting, and a good use of imagination . Since I’m a cheese freak, I have to ask: what’s your favorite cheese and why?

Gouda. Smoked gouda sliced really really thin and laid lovingly on a multi-grain cracker. (Not chocolate, but close.)

Mmm, I had this five-year aged Gouda once that was just beyond description. Thanks so much for all your insight and advice, Susan. Check out LOST TIME if there’s a SciFi fan in your house!

 

Interview with Linda Skeers

Linda Skeers is the author of TUTUS AREN’T MY STYLE, released today from Dial. Linda, thank you so much for visiting The Writing Cave! It’s always nice to find another Captain Jack Sparrow fan

First off, you mention on your website that you snort when you laugh (which is awesome). Any inopportune snorting stories to share?

I’ve been trying for years to break this very unladylike habit. Alas, my husband has made it his mission in life to make me laugh so hard at least once a day that I snort. So, he’s winning this battle. *snort*

How do you personally feel about tutus? Is your new book semi-autobiographical?

It’s very autobiographical! I loved catching frogs, digging holes and climbing trees when I was young. Never in my wildest imagination did I see my clumsy, awkward self as a ballerina! I see so many picture books about princesses and ballerinas and wondered if there were other girls out there like me… this book is for them!

Absolutely, hoorah for the tomboys! How does your writing process work?

I’m not sure I have a process! I wish I was more structured but I write at different times in little bursts. My biggest problem is procrastination! I may resort to duct taping my behind to the chair.

Hmm, not a bad idea. When you’re out of your chair, what things do you do to promote your books?

I love doing school visits and talking about books and writing. I’m not good at self-promotion but I enjoy teaching workshops and attending conferences and meeting with other writers.

Looking back on 2009, what were your three favorite reads last year?

Only three? RHYMING DUST BUNNIES because of the quirky humor. Made me laugh (and snort!) out loud. THE HATE LIST because it’s such a dark subject (school shooting) but yet it’s hard to put down — or forget. A WHIFF OF PINE, A HINT OF SKUNK — poems you want to read again and again.

Ooo, good suggestions. Do you own an electronic reader? Do you have an opinion on ebooks?

Don’t have one and I don’t have plans to get one. I like holding a book in my hands. I like the texture, the smell, the whole experience!

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Keep writing and submitting! Take classes, join a critique group, and READ what’s currently being published in your genre.

Great advice! My critique group has helped me so much that I can’t imagine doing this without them. What are you working on next?

A middle grade novel that’s been stuck in my brain for years (I’m pulling it out with tweezers) and a chapter book. I tend to jump from one project to another which means it takes forever to finish a manuscript.

I’m a cheese freak, so I have to ask: what’s your favorite cheese and why?

Cheddar. Love cheddar on Triscuits! Followed closely by pepperjack.

Mmm pepperjack. One of my favorites too. Thanks so much for stopping by, Linda! Check out TUTUS AREN’T MY STYLE and learn more about Linda on her website (be sure to check out the character collection).

 

Interview with Jill Esbaum

Jill Esbaum is the author of seven picture books and her latest, EVERYTHING SPRING, is released today from National Geographic Kids. There are 3 more in the pipeline:  WINTER WONDERLAND with National Geographic, TOM’S TWEET with Knopf (fall 2011), and I AM COW, HEAR ME MOO! with Dial. She lives on a farm in eastern Iowa with her family and lots of pigs

Jill, thank you so much for visiting The Writing Cave. First off, I have to ask, is there any chance some cows will ever join your pigs on the farm?

When my kids were in 4-H, my daughter refused to show pigs at the fair. She begged to participate in the bucket calf program instead. So we did have 4 steers, over the years – Brody, Buddy, Bailey, and Bobbsey (who was a twin). They were more like pets. Huge, hungry pets. Not likely we’ll have more. At this point, my husband’s more interested in DEcreasing his workload.

You’ve clearly got this writing thing figured out. How does your writing process work?

There’s a process?!  

I wish I could report that I write X hours per day, without fail. But my writing habits stink. On Good Days, I might fall into The Zone fairly quickly and write for 3-4 hours before a ringing phone or doorbell has me swimming up through the story murk to wonder if it’s 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. Have I had lunch? Have I missed Gilmore Girls? What am I going to fix for supper? LOVE that.

On Bad Days, I’m staring at the screen wondering how to get from point A to point B, how to get from scene to scene in logical fashion, etc. When that happens, I’m likely to:  a) jump up to toss in a load of laundry, b) find a snack, c) go read a chapter of somebody’s else’s work (you know, as a reward for writing one good line?), d) click into Spider Solitaire, or e) read writing blogs. I can procrastinate with the best of them.

If I’m writing a rhyming pb story, I do a-e above plus sigh a lot – because I know, by now, what a rhyming story has to look/sound like in order to get published. So even in the *go ahead and write crap* stage, there’s an imp on my shoulder trying to convince me that my mojo’s kaput and I’ll never again be able to write another publishable rhyming story. Dang imp.

What things do you do to promote your books?

I send out postcards before signings, do school visits, try to maintain a web presence, and speak whenever and wherever I get the chance. I have a (sadly neglected) blog and am on Facebook. I’m not a Twitterer, even though I can see the terrific promotional possibilities there. I’m just not a chatty enough person for it. And it takes TIME, which is already in short supply. Also, I balk at the idea of trying to keep up with everybody else’s news and comment on it constantly. I have enough of my own stuff to keep sorted in my head – and space is limited in there!

Looking back on 2009, what were your three favorite reads last year?

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (and I would have said that even before it won the Newbery)
Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway (FUNNIEST and most authentic YA voice I’ve encountered in a long time)
The Life & Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson (he cracks me up)

I’m going to have to check those out! Do you own an electronic reader? Do you have an opinion on ebooks?

No. I’ve been tempted, but I keep thinking that as soon as I buy one, they’ll come out with The Perfect E-Reader 2.0. Besides, I’m a big supporter of the public library; most of the books I read are from there….Truthfully, I like the IDEA of ebooks, but I’m afraid I’d be too tight to be downloading them all the time. I know, I know. Not a very good opinion for somebody who’s trying to sell books, is it? Oops.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

1. Don’t write to the market.
2. Write from your heart, and write the story that makes YOU happy.
3. REVISE

What are you working on next?

I’m a whopping two stanzas into another rhyming story. And those two stanzas took me two weeks to write. Hopefully, the rest of the story won’t ooze out at this glacial pace.

Finally, I’m a cheese freak, so I have to ask: what’s your favorite cheese and why?

Sharp cheddar, definitely, alone or on Triscuits. I crave feta occasionally, too. I buy it for salads, then sneak most of it, pinch by pinch, before it ever has the opportunity to meet lettuce. Or, ooooh… warm Kalona cheese curds. Heaven! Great, now my stomach’s growling….

Thanks so much Jill! Learn more about Jill on her website and blog, and check out EVERYTHING SPRING, released today!