What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.

Readers first met the irrepressible Callie Jones in Callie’s Rules. But kids were begging to read more about her and they can now in my most recent book, Write On, Callie Jones.

Callie wants two things. She wants to be a writer. And she wants to be part of a group. So when she learns that there’s going to be a school newspaper, she feels as if a fairy godmother has granted her wishes. And, for good measure, brought her Mr. Fischer, the newspaper advisor and a man so handsome he makes Callie’s chest crinkle.

That crinkle becomes a cramp when Principal Nolan vetoes Callie’s first news story. But Callie’s not the only one in trouble. A member of her newspaper team is being bullied. Then Callie finds herself being bullied when Mr. Nolan shuts down the school newspaper.

When the kids take their paper online, Callie is free to write pieces that express her opinions—of which she has many. One of those pieces leads to quite unexpected consequences.

What inspired you to write this book?

The first Callie popped up when I read a newspaper story about towns that were banning Halloween. It was a pagan holiday, they said, it was frightening to small children, it taught the wrong values. And suddenly, as I was reading, an eleven-year-old girl appeared in my head, arguing with those townspeople. It wasn’t long before Callie had popped out of my head and onto my computer screen.

The second Callie book was inspired by Callie herself. She kept insisting that she had much more to say. And so I let her say it.

How did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you get started?

When I was a kid, I didn’t know that I wanted to be a writer. I wanted to be Lois Lane, a newspaper reporter. And then I actually did become a reporter of sorts—a kid reporter, not a girl reporter. In New York City, where I lived, there was a man who loved his little cocker spaniel so much that he started a magazine devoted to her. In his magazine, this man would print anything that another dog lover cared to contribute. I contributed a story about my dog Eric, a German shepherd. And at the age of nine, I became a published New York writer.

As an adult, I continued to write nonfiction, but always what I wanted most to write was stories for kids. I did write a number of children’s stories, but none of them were quite good enough.

And then something very strange happened. I was looking through the window of a bus stopped in the middle of a busy street in Istanbul, Turkey. Outside, amid the throngs of workers, shoppers, fruit vendors, and water sellers, was a bear—a shaggy-haired, dusty-brown bear, wearing a leather muzzle and being led on a chain. The bear quickly disappeared into the crowd, but it stayed in my head. That bear, and the small, skinny-legged, dark-haired boy I imagined for him, became my first middle-grade novel, Benno’s Bear.

Tell us something about yourself.

I grew up in New York City, where my dog story was published. Later, in college, I was an English major. (Basically, I was still reading books, but now I was calling it “studying.”) After I was married, I worked for a Boston publisher. Now I was still reading, but I was getting paid to do it. Then I had two children. And I was reading children’s books again. Lots of them. Whenever my children asked me for “one more story,’ I obliged. My children had very extended bedtimes.

My children eventually learned to put themselves to bed and I began writing. Together with my husband, I wrote award-winning books and articles for adults. And I taught writing at the University of Rhode Island. But always I wanted most to write for children. And now I do.

Are you working on your next book? What can you tell us about it?

I am always working on a book. My books begin in my head, long before I put anything on paper, and they talk to me constantly. The book I am working on now, which is also a middle-grade novel, I call Castaways. There are three main characters. Two of them, thirteen-year-old Leann Kies and her younger brother Logan, have been tossed from homeless shelter to homeless shelter to broken-down trailer. They have never belonged anywhere and now they are brought to Blackbird Island as unwilling foster children. Julie Rodman, also thirteen, has lived all her life in a tiny fishing village on the island. But on the mainland, where she attends school, she also feels herself an outcast.

These are my main characters, but I won’t reveal any more about the book because, like the kids I write about, it will change as it grows.

What is the best advice you can give other writers about writing?

I’m about to say some things that counter the basic rules that writing instructors give. One rule is: Write what you know. I would say: Don’t be afraid to write what you don’t know. Benno’s Bear was about a boy (I’m not and never have been a boy), who lives in the nineteenth century (I didn’t), and lives with a bear (haven’t done that either). I did know the setting, having lived in a place similar to Benno’s middle European city, but that was it. But I did know much of what was going on inside Benno. I knew the love he felt for an animal. I knew fear and cold and loneliness. And love and warmth and hope. And I dug deep into myself to find ways to express those things as Benno would have.

Another rule I’m going to advise writers to break is: Read, read, read and learn from other writers. Of course, writers should be reading all the time. But once you begin writing, stop reading anything remotely like your own work. You’ll wind up with an echo, not a voice.

The third rule given to writers is to revise, revise, revise. Of course, that is my and every other writer’s personal insanity—even after my book appears in print I want to keep revising it. But I try to remember something said by the great cellist Yo Yo Ma. He said, “The goal is not perfection but expression.” Your book will never be perfect. But if your book expresses something real, something true, you will have achieved your goal.

Where can readers learn more about you?

I have a website, www.naomizucker.net. And readers can contact me through the site. My books are available from Amazon, other online booksellers and bookstores.

What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.

Dirkle Smat and the Viking Shield

This book is the third in my series of Dirkle Smat Adventure Books aimed at early readers who are just venturing into the chapter book world. Dirkle and his four friends discover a long lost secret entwined in the roots of a 100 year old oak tree and it leads them on a quest for an ancient Viking shield.

Tell us something about yourself.

I was raised in the all-American suburb of Bloomington, MN and from a very early age knew I wanted to be a writer. Once I graduated from college I dove into screenwriting because at that time I couldn’t think of anything more rewarding than to see a story go from my imagination to the big screen. Although I wrote seven screenplays, I never had anything produced, and many years later when I rededicated myself to the craft, I found that my passion had changed to children’s literature.

What inspired you to write this book?

I had the idea that I wanted to write a series of adventures with recurring characters, and then I thought about the kinds of stories that I used to like to read when I was a child. I was intrigued by stories that had secret passageways, magic devices, time travel and otherworldly discoveries. My hope was that the things that intrigued me as a young reader would still interest kids today, and hopefully help them become lifelong readers.

How did you choose the title?

All of the books in this series begin with the main character’s name – Dirkle Smat.

Dirkle Smat Inside Mount Flatbottom

Dirkle Smat and the Flying Statue

Dirkle Smat and the Viking Shield

Dirkle Smat Meets a Time Traveler (coming soon)

What obstacles did you encounter in getting this book published? How did you overcome them?

Mine was the most traditional of paths. I studied the publishers through the listings in “Writer’s Market” and after 8 re-writes of my first book, I confidently sent the manuscript to twenty publishers that I felt would be good fits for my book. All twenty eventually sent back the “thanks but no thanks” letter, so I sent out twenty more. I had gotten 18 of those back by the time I got the call from the publisher that wanted my book.

Do you have any writing rituals?

One of my biggest self-criticisms is that I don’t set myself a strict schedule of writing. I think about how much more productive I would be if I stuck to a daily writing schedule! But somehow, even though I’m kind of hit and miss (write for an hour, run errands for two, write for a half hour…) I manage to get things done. The fourth book in my series is at the publisher waiting for the illustrator to finish the cover art.

How do you come up with the names for your characters?

As I planned my books, I felt the names were going to be the hook that drew kids in and hopefully kept the stories fresh in their minds. For the main character, I thought of and dismissed several silly names over the course of a couple of weeks, but then all of a sudden the name “Dirkle Smat” just popped into my brain and I knew it was the right name. The others, Toonie Oobles, Fiddy Bublob, Quid Smat and Bean Lumley also just spilled out of my goofy imagination.

If you were doing it all over again, what would you do differently?

I was given the option of publishing the books in paperback or hardcover, and I chose paperback because I wanted them to be more affordable to young families. But as it turned out, these little chapter books are so narrow in paperback that there is no room for printing on the spines and it makes them hard to pick out on a bookshelf. Perhaps hardcover would have been the better choice so that kids just browsing for books might be more likely to stumble onto them.

What types of books do you like to read? Who are your favorite authors? Why?

I think that one of the reasons I wanted to be a writer is because I have always been such an avid reader. As a kid I was always in the middle of a book, and as an adult that hasn’t changed. I read mostly mysteries, and love Stuart Woods, Harlan Coben, Nelson, DeMille and Tami Hoag – - – among many others.

Are you working on your next book? What can you tell us about it?

I’m pretty excited about this. While my fourth Dirkle book goes through the publishing process I have begun researching and writing a nonfiction book for kids. This book will explain why our states have such strange shapes – the boot heels, panhandles, funny notches and variety of sizes. It turns out that each state has a rather interesting history to explain its borders, and you can’t help but learn a little American history in the process. But I have 50 chapters to write, so it’ll take a while.

What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?

During the writing process, take advantage of the multitude of classes and workshops offered everywhere. You may have a built-in talent for spinning a tale, but every one of us can use the advice of people who have been successful to help us hone our craft. And when it comes to getting published – don’t give up. As I mentioned above, I had to send my first book to 40 publishers before I got “the call” and I have thought many times that I am SO glad I didn’t give up when the first 20 were returned. Believe in yourself, and keep writing. Just like anything else in life you get better with practice.

Who is the perfect reader for your book?

My series is aimed at kids roughly ages 5-10. It is ideal for kids who have mastered picture books and are ready to move on to chapter books, but who perhaps are not quite ready for the more lengthy Harry Potters or Lord of the Ring type of books. Teachers have told me that my books are very good for reluctant readers because the stories are filled with adventure and mystery and draw them back to the bookshelves for another book.

Where can readers learn more about you and your book?

My books are available on all of the online bookstores (Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, etc.) and you can also find out more about the books and me on my website: www.dirklesmat.com

What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.

The Miracle of Rain is my first published book. It’s a faith based, illustrated children’s book designed to help children with fear of thunderstorms to see past their fear to the blessings all around them.

Tell us something about yourself.

I’m originally from Rimrock, Az. After studying and graduating with a degree in something that I just wasn’t passionate about, I put pen to paper and wrote what mattered to me.

What inspired you to write this book?

I don’t think that we go through difficulties without a reason. And personal experiences are not just for our own roads to wisdom. I feel that the lessons I have learned throughout my life are of good value and I want to share them with children to help them gain a healthy perspective on their struggles.

What obstacles did you encounter in getting this book published? How did you overcome them?

I went through the usual obstacles that writers go through – some rejection, some doubt. But I knew that what I wrote could make a big impact in a child’s life so I persevered until I got that phone call I was waiting for.

How did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you get started?

I think any kind of art is written in the heart of a person, from the first breath of life. With a good amount of passion and a lot of encouragement from family, friends and ultimately God, I took a giant leap of faith and went for it.

How do you come up with the names for your characters?

My main character, Nora, is named after a very elegant, intelligent woman I met while working at a Retirement Resort. Molly was the name of my own kitty I had after first getting married. Smickett is the name of a childhood kitty. Galvin and Bump are just names I like.

Did you learn anything from writing and publishing this book? What?

Yes, I learned that you need to LOVE what you write, otherwise the work that goes into the process of publishing/marketing may get too overwhelming.

What types of books do you like to read? Who are your favorite authors?

I love classics like Little Women and books by Charles Dickens, as well as any good adventure story. Children’s books hold a special place in my heart. They take you into a true world of imagination. Classics are great to read because you get a lesson in culture as well as a great story.

Are you working on your next book? What can you tell us about it?

Yes. I’m working on a sequel to The Miracle of Rain. More lessons from my life. Of course when I say lessons, adventure always come along with that!

What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?

If you think that your book truly has value or a good connection to your audience, go for it. It may be a long road, but that’s how you learn what you’re made of. I would also research the world of publishing/marketing so you know what’s coming after the book is printed.

Who is the perfect reader for your book?

Children ages 4-8. Parents and caregivers who care about giving their child a faith based perspective on life.

Where can readers learn more about you and your book?

Go to http://www.sherryrossman.com. On my website you will find a book trailer, purchasing info., a link to my blog, etc.

What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.

Teen Cyberbullying Investigated (Free Spirit Publishing 2010) is America’s only book written for tweens/teens to read about their peers and the trouble they got in regarding their online and cellphone activities. TCI tells the true stories of students who went digital as either a joke or prank or to vent their frustrations with a teacher or principal. Their posts backfired and consequences included suspension, expulsion, criminal charges, jail/prison, and/or civil lawsuits against them and their parents. The main message of TCI is to “Think B4 U Click.” Every teen I interviewed for the book said, had they thought ahead about possible consequences, they wouldn’t have posted their comments. Some of the cases reviewed remain in litigation with a possibility of one or two reaching the U.S. Supreme Court soon on the issue regarding student Internet free speech.

Tell us something about yourself.

I live in Flagstaff, Arizona. After 23 years as a judge in juvenile and family court, I retired in 2008. I have written for teens, lawyers and judges for over thirty years. My teen books can be seen at www.freespirit.com. My law books for practitioners and judges can be seen on www.westlaw.com . Before being appointed to the bench, I practiced law for thirteen years as an assistant attorney general in Arizona (criminal law, prison law and representing Child Protective Services).

Interesting: I appeared last year on the Dr. Phil Show to speak about cyberbullying: “Bullied to Death” show on April 8, 2010.

What inspired you to write this book?

While doing research for an article for the NY Times in 2007, I kept coming across new words I wasn’t familiar with such as “bullycide,” “flaming” and “cyberbullying.” When I noticed the global phenomenon of teen suicides sparked, in part, by cruel digital messages, my research began. Based on my experience with three previous books written for teens to read and learn from, cyberbullying became an obvious subject that had to be addressed. After 23 years in juvenile court, I believe kids learn a good deal from their peers and what’s happened to them as opposed to another lecture in a courtroom from someone in authority.

How did you choose the title?

My publisher conducted a focus group and came up with the title. I submitted one early on as a working title but they get the credit for “Teen Cyberbullying Investigated.”

What obstacles did you encounter in getting this book published? How did you overcome them?

Since I have written for Free Spirit Publishing before, I had no problem discussing this project with them. They recognized the timeliness of the subject.

How did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you get started?
In the 1970s I wrote several short legal pamphlets and caught the writing/publishing bug. It’s chronic and there’s no cure – only persistence & practice.

Do you have any writing rituals?

The bulk of my writing is done at the public library. There are no distractions – only inspiration.

Did you learn anything from writing and publishing this book? What?

I learned that the vast majority of teens are dedicated, hard-working individuals with a zest for life. Like all of us, they occasionally make mistakes in judgment but overall want to do the right thing. Only through an awareness of consequences can they weigh their actions.

What types of books do you like to read? Who are your favorite authors?

It’s easier to list the genres I don’t read: science fiction, romance, and technical treatises. Otherwise, I’m fairly eclectic in choosing books to read.

Are you working on your next book? What can you tell us about it?

Only in my head and far too premature to discuss – but a great question.

What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?

About writing: keep an open mind and attitude about life; keep notes of random thoughts; and write for yourself to express whatever you feel strongly about.

About publishing: “No” doesn’t mean “No.” It only takes one person to like your idea and persistence oftentimes pays off.

Who is the perfect reader for your book?

Any teen, parent or educator in search of information about cyberbullying, its consequences and how to put a dent into this growing problem.

Where can readers learn more about you and your book?

On www.freespirit.com or on www.askthejudge.info. The latter is an educational website I moderate about teenagers and the laws that affect them.

What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.

I’m still waiting for my next book ALPHABET MAGIC to be published (it’s been rescheduled 2 times, hopefully 2012 will be the year). So, my most recent book would be Z is for Zombie as it was recently republished in paperback. And, it was chosen as one of the books for the 2010 Read on Wisconsin! Program. It was named a Children’s Choice Book in 2000.

Tell us something about yourself.

I’m from New York and I moved to California in 1977. Originally I was a dental hygienist. I started writing after my son was born when he was around 6 or 7.

What inspired you to write this book?

My son. He was a reluctant reader and I spent a lot of time trying to find books he might be interested in reading. He enjoyed rhymes and reading about monsters. When I went to the library to find a book about monsters in rhyme there wasn’t one. So, although I had never written a children’s book before, I wrote one for him because I wanted him to have a book he’d really like to read. Accidentally, I found my passion…writing kids books. And, although the boy I wrote it for (he was seven) had grown up (he turned seventeen when it was finally published) and didn’t get to read it, I know there are a lot of boys just like him who read it now.

How did you choose the title?

It seemed like having zombie in the title would grab kids’ attention (they would think it’s cool and pick up the book) and many alphabet books use the letter A or Z in the title (though I consider my book more of an alphabetical compendium rather than an alphabet book because the subject and dramatic illustrations are more sophisticated than typical alphabet books).

What obstacles did you encounter in getting this book published? How did you overcome them?

It took ten years to get published. Since many publishers thought of it only as an alphabet book it seemed inappropriate for young kids who were first learning the alphabet. But, finally I realized putting it in rhyme softened the “scariness” a bit. And, then I reworked my cover letter to explain the vision for the book as an alphabetical compendium rather than an alphabet book. That way it would appeal to older kids (probably boys and reluctant readers especially) who knew their alphabet but would be interested because of the subject matter—monsters and the sparse text. Finally a publisher recognized my vision and the book was well received by the kids.

How did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you get started?

It was an accident…I had no idea I would become a writer. But, looking back now, I realize how I wrote letters (to manufacturers to right wrongs and always got a good result). I also wrote the words to my sister’s songs so I was really writing all along. As I answered in the question above “What inspired you to write this book” that’s how I first started writing professionally.

Do you have any writing rituals?

Not really. . .no funny hat or lucky robe. I just make it a point to write every day. The times vary depending what’s going on for that day. Even if I’m not working on something new I’m always revising my other manuscripts.

How do you come up with the names for your characters?

They just kind of pop in there. For example: for my next book ALPHABET MAGIC, which is an alphabet book but with a story that flows from A-Z told in alliteration, the magician’s name is the Amazing Armini…I needed a name that started with an A and it just popped in there. If I have to think about it too much it’s probably not the right name. It just appears as I’m writing or thinking about my story.

Did you learn anything from writing and publishing this book? What?

Yes, I learned it’s very okay to really go for it and “let it rip and turn on the crazy.” The sillier and the more fun I had writing it, the better it got. I’ve also learned that books get rescheduled and pushed into the future…so patience is very important in this biz.

If you were doing it all over again, what would you do differently?

I would still write but I would make sure I arranged to be able to have a steady job as well. The publishing business has been changing and it’s challenging and frustrating for a children’s writer to make a living.

What types of books do you like to read? Who are your favorite authors? Why?

I’m a big sci-fi fan and anything science fiction related captivates my imagination. But, I also read a lot of picture books. My favorites authors are:
Dr. Seuss, Jane Yolen, Jon Scieszka, Harry Allard to name a few.

Are you working on your next book? What can you tell us about it?

I’m working on many books at the same time. Some are in various stages (put aside to cool and then I return to revise later). Then I take them to my professional writing group and rework them again. It’s a process of a lot of rewriting…but I like tweaking it as it gets better over time.

What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?

Now it’s more important than ever for writers to learn their craft and get their work to a professional level prior to sending it out. There was a time when editors would mentor authors more…they would accept authors whose manuscripts were 75% ready for publication…now the manuscripts have to be 90-95% ready as editors don’t have a lot of time to work on bringing the work to a publishable level. Also, when writers get their work to that professional level it will be easier for them to attract an agent’s attention. Now it’s better to have an agent as many of the publishing houses are not accepting non-agented material so without representation it will be more difficult to get their work read as it will be dumped in the “slush” pile of manuscripts or just returned unread.

Who is the perfect reader for your book?

Reluctant boy readers. I really try to write with them in mind. I figure if I can get them to read and enjoy my books the rest of the kids probably will too.

Where can readers learn more about you and your book?

My books and my bio are available online (Amazon.com and Barnes & noble), readers can check out the websites of my publishers: Albert Whitman & Company and Holiday House, and also my site http://www.merrilykutner.com

This is your first book, right? Tell us a bit about it.

Yes, it’s my first book, and is meant to be the first of a series of books with young girls as the heroines, but in an exotic time and place—2,000 years ago in the Middle East. This book, Zillah’s Gift, is a story of miracles, and the adventures of a girl who follows a star and three princely sages to a destiny beyond anything she could have imagined.

Why this story, and why now?

Several reasons. First of all, I wanted to write stories that place girls into familiar stories from the Bible; too often, girls’ and women’s stories haven’t been told. I want to write stories to make history and myth come alive. I think of Zillah’s Gift as a fable, putting a girl in the story of the Magi.

And it’s a coming-of-age book, with Zillah as a role model; a story of loss, but also of acceptance. My character, Zillah is an orphan–I always loved orphan books as a child. Something about that feeling of risk, I think, with no parents to stop you from taking fearful chances. She is forced to fight off bullies and bandits. Worse, Zillah has a birthmark on her face that makes her an outcast in the caravan serai where she lives.

A caravan serai?

A caravan serai is a sort of camel motel, really a walled settlement, where desert travelers would stop for rest and water. There are still remnants of historical caravan serai’s in Central Asia and into the middle east, believed to be part of the ancient silk road.

Where did you get the title character’s name? How did you come up with the names for your characters?

Ah, Zillah is actually from the Bible, the book of Genesis–the seventh generation from Adam an Eve. But when I first heard the name, it was my husband’s cat, Zillah–though the name came through an Old-Testament Scholar. I’m always on the lookout for interesting, exotic-sounding names. Some, I make up.

How did you choose the title?

Zillah is a gifted girl, though she doesn’t know it at the beginning of the story. And she is given many gifts. But, primarily, it is the importance of a gift that she, herself, gives, and what a difference it makes in her life. So: Zillah’s Gift

Tell us something about yourself.

I’ve always been interested in stories–as a newspaper and Associated Press writer, as a press secretary for a U.S. Senator, as a mom and as a teacher. I grew up on a farm in Iowa, and “published” a newspaper by writing on lined school tablets when I was a kid. The inaugural issue featured a car crash at the corner by our farm. It was the most exciting thing around. That might have been the only issue, too.

I recently had a poem published in a Holy Cow! Press anthology, When Last on the Mountain, The View from Writers over 50, and have had poems and short non-fiction in The Talking Stick, published by The Jackpine Writers’ Block. And I am honored to be in a writing group with one of my favorite authors, Faith Sullivan. I am working on my thesis for my MFA in Creative Writing at Hamline University. But that is in non-fiction.

Is that going to be your next book?

I doubt it. I’m working on a sequel to Zillah, as well as a story involving a girl in the Easter story.

What obstacles did you encounter in getting this book published? How did you overcome them?

I had an agent for awhile, and she came close with two secular publishers, and a Christian publisher was interested, then said “we’re not published that kind of book any more.” (“what kind?” I wondered, but was too intimidated to ask). So I got impatient and went to Beaver’s Pond Press, a “mentoring” publisher, where I would have more control over when and how it was published. Most small publishers don’t have a budget for marketing, so you have to work hard on the marketing, no matter what. I quickly sold enough books to pay for the printing, but the marketing is an additional cost. I’m glad I did it this way, and I’m now thinking about a second run, probably when my next book comes out.

What types of books do you like to read? Who are your favorite authors?

Since starting to write Zillah, I’ve come to really appreciate young adult novels. The best ones are written with great honesty and insight into the (young) human condition. I like books with big themes, like Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom. And, as I’ve said, I love Faith Sullivan’s books; hers feature universal themes too, characters struggling with life’s problems as I follow them on the page, so I feel a part of their lives. Right now I’m reading a memoir, Revere Beach Elegy by Roland Merullo. I love the simple complexity, if I can use an oxymoron, of his stories.

What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?

Faith gave each of us a wall motto: “No One Else Can Write Your Story.” Just write your story. Tell it in all it’s depth, complexity, simplicity and truth. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, a story that rings true, that strikes at the heart of things, will find readers.

Who is the perfect reader for your book?

I always thought it would be 9-year-old girls, because that’s who I used as test readers. But I’ve had good reviews from kids of other ages, including an 11-year-old boy who recommended it to his friends. Even some adults said they were touched by the story to the point of tears.

Where can readers learn more about you and your book?

At my website, loiswestduffy.com or my Author Page on Amazon –though I recommend ordering through your local independent bookstore (-:

What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.

I am the author of the Write on Time series of children’s chapter books about an RV-living, homeschooling (roadschooling) family who travels the USA. Each book is set in a different state with a fun and unique educational theme. The latest book, “Wright on Time: Wyoming, Book 3″ came out in August 2010. In it, we find the Wright family traveling around Wyoming while discovering interesting “green” facts about alternative energies. They also learn more about their amazing Time Tuner. “Wright on Time: South Dakota, Book 4″ is set to be published in December 2010. In it, the Wright family visits the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, tours a newspaper company, hikes in the Black Hills, and learns of a new ability of their Time Tuner.

Tell us something about yourself.

I was born in Iowa and raised in Iowa and Illinois. I started writing as a small child, and have wanted to be a children’s book author since I was 9 (that was when I won my first writing contest). I strayed from that for a number of years and became a software engineer (with a degree in Mathematics)–I actually have a patent in my name. Once my children were born, my love of fiction writing returned.

I’m now a full-time homeschooling mother of two, a publisher, and an author. I love to travel and research and spend time with my family. I’ve lived in Arizona for eleven years, and currently live out in the desert on 10 quiet acres. I love cats and currently have five.

What inspired you to write this book?

My daughters, now 14 and 10, encouraged me to write the Wright on Time series. When my oldest was 7 or 8, she’d become very disappointed in all the fiction she’d been reading (too many siblings who hated each other, absentee or mean parents, and struggles that she couldn’t relate to). Since my daughters knew I’d written quite a few women’s fiction novels (I’d been writing for as long as they could remember), they encouraged me to write “the perfect children’s chapter book series”. Over months of conversations, we fleshed out what that meant and I’ve been writing them ever since.

How did you choose the title?

This, too, was a collaboration of my family and me. While talking about the book series, my older daughter said something like, “The family should just be doing things right all the time.” My reaction was, “Wright could be there last name!” My husband responded, “Because they are always doing things right on time.” Then it hit me, “How about ‘Wright on Time’?” My younger daughter giggled and we all just knew the title was right.

What obstacles did you encounter in getting this book published? How did you overcome them?

I set about sending query letters just as all writers are told to do when they are ready to become published authors. I spent years querying agents and editors, only to be rejected time and time again. When I asked why, I was told that my writing was fantastic, but that homeschooled characters weren’t marketable (and if I was willing to (1) take homeschooling out of the books, (2) make the siblings not like each other, and (3) have the children not like their parents, then they would consider publishing my work). Since those were the very reasons I wrote my book series, I wasn’t willing to take those points out. I took the statistics that I’d found (that there were more than 2.2 million homeschoolers in the USA), together with a marketing plan and I sought private investors to help me start a publishing company.

I’ve now grown my company to the point that I’m signing on new authors. Since the need for homeschool fiction is so great, I’ve started a KickStarter.com campaign accelerate the publishing rate. I’ve been accepting submissions for over a year now, and I have found some real gems that I know homeschooled kids are just going to love and really see themselves in.

How did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you get started?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer ever since I was a child; I loved good books and read as many as I could find. I loved being transported into new worlds. As an adult, I started writing again as I held and rocked my babies. They loved being rocked in the rocking chair for hours on end, but that bored me. So, I set up a laptop that was accessible to me while breastfeeding and rocking my children. Writing gave me an outlet for my emotions and it felt amazing. As my children grew, they started wanting to know what I wrote about. So, I started writing stories for them.

Do you have any writing rituals?

Not really. I write when I’m inspired, when I’m meeting a deadline, and nearly every day just for fun. If I’m stuck on an issue, I go for a walk with one of my family members and flesh out scenes. I love talking through plot and character ideas with my family.

How do you come up with the names for your characters?

I use a lot of baby name books and websites, as the meanings of names are really important to me. I never randomly choose names. The children in my Wright on Time books actually have palindromic names: Aidan and Nadia. I also like the meanings of their names. Savvy readers will be able to find many name themes throughout the series.

Did you learn anything from writing and publishing this book? What?

Oh, my! I could write a book on all I’ve learned from writing and publishing these books. Actually, I have. My non-fiction book, “Rich Author, Poor Writer” is due out this winter. It sums up how I came to discover options in the publishing industry. It describes what current options are for authors and writers, how to determine what would be best for each author’s own writing, and steps to get them to their goals.

If you were doing it all over again, what would you do differently?

I would have started a publishing company sooner. I have received a lot of flack about this, and it’s all really silly. Not only are my dreams coming true with my publishing company, but, more importantly: I’m reaching children who have never been reached in fiction before–ever. My books are the first of their kind to have normal, realistic homeschoolers of today.

What types of books do you like to read? Who are your favorite authors?

My reading tastes have changed a lot over the years. I currently love to read YA and women’s fiction, but nothing scary or dark. I love Meg Cabot, Joanne Fluke, Jennifer Weiner, Kyra Davis, Vicky Lewis-Thompson, and many others. While I don’t read them anymore (because I’ve read all their books dozens of times), I love Beverly Cleary, Judy Blume, Paula Danzinger, and many more. At this point in my life, I like books that leave me feeling happy and hopeful.

Are you working on your next book? What can you tell us about it?

Yes! “Wright on Time: South Dakota, Book 4″ is due out in December. It finds the Wright family in South Dakota during the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Their mysterious Time Tuner actually lives up to its name for the very first time, surprising them all.

My daughters and I are going to Minnesota (and a dozen or so other states) in October to finish up the research for “Wright on Time: Minnesota, Book 5″ which is coming out in the Spring of 2011.

I’ve also signed on several great authors with my publishing company. Author bios and book details will be up on my sites soon.

What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?

Write what you know, and please yourself first. If you like the topics and characters you write about, that means there *is* a market for it. It might not be an obvious (or large) market, but it does exist. Our own interests are valid.

Write what makes you happy. Use a critique group as well as professional editors. We can’t always see the inconsistencies and errors in our own writing since we’re so close to it.

Never give up on yourself!

Who is the perfect reader for your book?

My Wright on Time book series is perfect for children 5-12 who love adventure books, homeschoolers who want to read about characters they can relate to, and school kids who are tired of books always being about school.

Where can readers learn more about you and your book?

My KickStarter campaign to publish more fiction for about homeschoolers http://kck.st/9hwCuC
My publishing company http://www.DoLifeRightInc.com
My children’s chapter book series http://www.WrightOnTimeBooks.com
My Rich Author philosophy http://www.RichAuthorPoorWriter.com

What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.

Summer Sanctuary (Luminis Books/May 2010) is about Matthew, a 12-year-old homeschooled preacher’s kid, who goes to the library to work on a science project, meets a homeless teenager there, and persuades her to live secretly in his church for the summer. The sanctuary of the church is where the two connect through music with Matthew playing piano and Dinah playing harmonica. There’s also the concept of sanctuary from medieval times because Dinah’s biggest fear is that someone will turn her over to Child Welfare and she’ll end up in a foster home instead of back with her mom where she wants to be. The real sanctuary, though, is the friendship of two very different kids from very different places and how they can learn about themselves as they get to know each other.

Tell us something about yourself.

I’m an attorney and a child forensic interviewer as well as an author. I really love working with kids and appreciate how hard it can be sometimes, especially for teens, to have all these people in authority over you telling you what you can and can’t do, when you’re trying to figure out for yourself who you are and what you want. My first career was as a high school Spanish teacher. Then I went to law school, and while I was in private practice I sometimes worked as a court-appointed advocate for kids in the Child Welfare system. I spent the last decade as a deputy prosecuting attorney working primarily in the areas of felony sex crimes, drug court and juvenile justice. I recently left the prosecutor’s office to spend more time writing, speaking and consulting. As soon as I left, our local Child Advocacy Center hired me as a Child Forensic Interviewer. So I still get to talk to kids within the system.

What inspired you to write this book?

I did a lot of people watching at the library. There were people like Matthew seeking freedom and the vicarious experience available through books, but there were also people like Dinah who seemed to be seeking a place of shelter and safety. The idea for Summer Sanctuary grew from there. I also liked the idea of having Matthew be scientifically minded and grappling with the concept of faith. I had several poems I had written in high school that seemed like something Dinah might write, so I decided to make her a poet. I love music, and it seemed like the perfect way for a math/science guy who plays piano by the book to connect with a poet who plays the harmonica or “blues harp” by ear. And I should probably confess that I did end up spending the night in a church once as a teenager when I was supposed to be at a friend’s house and she was supposed to be at my house, and we ended up with no place else to stay. But that was way back in the days when most people and churches in rural Indiana didn’t bother to lock their doors.

Which part of the writing process did you enjoy most?

I love running with different ideas on what the characters might be thinking and doing and all of the research and discovery that goes with it…like reading The Chronicles of Narnia (Matthew’s favorite books) and Harry Potter (Dinah’s favorite books) and learning lots of cool factoids about Dinah Shore. And I bought a harmonica and learned to play it (kind of) as I was writing. It’s much easier to write about playing an instrument well than it is to actually play it well!

Which part of the writing process was most challenging?

The most challenging part is making the characters real—more than just stereotypes, extensions of myself or reflections of people I’ve known. Writing dialogue is also challenging because you want it to sound like something the person would actually say, but you also need to make sure it’s concise and keeps the pace and plot moving. I try to make my characters unique and universal at the same time. That’s a challenge!

How do you come up with the names for your characters?

Matthew and Dinah’s names are central to the story. Matthew is the first gospel in the New Testament. Matthew’s younger siblings are the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gospels: Mark, Luke and John. Matthew’s mom is expecting again and Matthew’s best friend jokes about their names by calling the yet unborn baby “Acts” which is the next book of the New Testament. Dinah is actually a Hebrew name meaning “good judgment.” There is a “Dinah” in the Old Testament and that story comes into play, but the way we judge (and misjudge) ourselves and others is also a central theme in the book.

What obstacles did you encounter in getting this book published? How did you overcome them?

I think the biggest obstacle to first-time young adult novelists is the reality that big publishers don’t accept unsolicited, unagented manuscripts, and most reputable agents aren’t interested in an unknown author’s debut young adult novel. So I submitted primarily to smaller publishers. I collected over a dozen rejections, mostly form letters, but some with very encouraging comments. The other problem more specific to Summer Sanctuary is that mainstream publishers felt it was too Christian since the main character is a preacher’s kid and the church is a central place. So I started submitting it to Christian publishers, but it wasn’t really Christian enough for that market since Matthew keeps Dinah’s secrets from his parents, doesn’t get in trouble for keeping the secrets, and accepts Dinah as she is rather than trying to convert her. Finally, a friend told me about a new publisher called Luminis Books in Carmel, Indiana that is interested in literary fiction and literary young adult fiction. They loved the manuscript.

What is your hope for Summer Sanctuary?

My hope is that the book will reach a lot of different kids exactly where they are and give them hope and encouragement. I also hope that parents will read the book and that this will create opportunities for them to talk with their kids about issues like growing up, becoming independent, homelessness, poverty and even sexual assault.

How did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you get started?

I’ve always loved reading and writing. I remember writing silly poems and alternative words to songs as I was growing up. In high school, I wrote for our literary publication called “The Aeneid” (particularly appropriate because my last name was Virgil back then…my grandfather’s name was Homer Horace Virgil!). I attended a creative writer’s workshop at Goshen College and ultimately chose to enroll there because they sent me a brochure that looked like a passport. I became a high school language teacher and later went to law school, still loving to read and write, but not really sure that I had anything to say. Finally, after becoming a parent and turning 40, I decided to stop waiting to feel like I had something important to say and just start writing. I took a correspondence course through the Institute of Children’s Literature and wrote Summer Sanctuary at the same time. I realized that it’s better to empower kids to think for themselves than to tell them what to think, and I try to do that through my books. I’ve worked with a lot of troubled teens from all different backgrounds, and I wanted to write something to help them feel more connected and less alone in this world as they each struggle to find their own way. . I’m a big fan of the Socratic Method which takes its name from the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, who also happened to be Plato’s teacher. Seems like everything I’m doing professionally really goes back to that, hence the name of my company: Socratic Parenting LLC.

Are you working on your next book? What can you tell us about it?

I finished my second young adult novel last year, but it’s much different than Summer Sanctuary. My current publisher, Luminis Books, decided it wasn’t a good fit for them right now, so I’m currently shopping that primarily to agents who seems to be more interested now that I’m a published author. My second novel, Just Myrto, is set in ancient Greece and introduces readers to Socrates through the eyes of his much younger wife, Myrto, who is 18 when the story begins. It’s really a journey of self-empowerment and Myrto’s feeling of going from having nothing to having everything, not because the world around her changed, but because she changed on the inside. I’m actually about 21 chapters into my third young adult novel, but it’s really still a work in progress, so I think I’ll hold off on any details on that one until I at least complete the first draft. It’s very different from both Summer Sanctuary and Just Myrto. I’ve also got a couple of picture books/inspirational books that I’ve written that I’d like to find a publisher for and a nonfiction book proposal for a Socratic Parenting book that’s been on a back burner for several years. I hope to turn my attention back to that once I finish my third novel. It’s hard to predict which one will actually hit the bookshelves next.

What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?

Never stop reading and improving your craft. Keep writing and keep believing in yourself. Really research publishers and agents before you send a submission, and make sure you comply with their guidelines EXACTLY. Proof everything meticulously. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression, so always be professional in all your writing and communications. These are the things you can control. You can’t control whether or not a specific publishing house is interested in your book. Be patient. Writing is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Read Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell and prepare to put in your 10,000 hours.

Where can readers learn more about you and your book?

The best way to learn more about me and all of my projects is on my website: www.SocraticParenting.com. For all of my most recent writing and speaking news, friend me on Facebook. I only post professional updates, so I never turn down a friend request!

As a book publicist I am always on the lookout for new tools and technology to reach consumers and convince them to purchase my client’s books. During the past decade, the most important tool has been the Internet, especially email, online search (like Google and Yahoo), and social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. During the past couple of years, it has become very clear that book promoters need to take advantage of the huge popularity of hand-held devices with Internet connectivity…especially smart phones…especially iPhone Apps.

As part of my book marketing strategy, I have made several contacts and established continuing business relationships with iPhone App developers. The experience and knowledge I have gained convinces me that the successful book promoter will tap into any and every iPhone App that’s related in any way to their book.

An excellent case study is the Kids Book App (www.kidsbookapp.com), an iPhone App created by 1776 Productions that connects book buyers directly with the San Francisco Book Review (SFBR) and Sacramento Book Review (SBR) which produce some 500 new book reviews every month from 40 genres – most of them books for young adults, pre-teens, and children.  The Kids Book App not only provides hundreds of book reviews, but also author-related events, such as tour stops and book signings, in addition to author podcast interviews.

1776 Productions was launched in 2008 by Heidi Komlofske  and Ross Rojek to help readers find new books and authors and to be a means to support and encourage writers, publishers, and readers. One of the latest ventures of 1776 Productions is the Kids Book Review App, which can be downloaded at the iTunes App Store.

Any author of a book written for children, middle schoolers, teens, or young adults will certainly want to do what it takes to get a review of their book done by SBR or SFBR, which can be accessed anytime, anywhere by book buyers using the Kids Book App to make a purchase decision. In offering your book up for review, remember that SBR/SFBR is only interested in new releases that are within 90 days of their release date.

“There are a few options for book publicists or authors to submit a book for review with us,” says Ross Rojek. “We have about 150 books a week coming in for review, with about 130 book reviewers.  Options for submitting a book for review are available at http://www.sanfranciscobookreview.com/submission-guidelines/

The address for mailing books is: 1215 K Street, 17th Floor, Sacramento, CA  94518. http://www.sanfranciscobookreview.com

One author who found this service especially helpful was Karen McFarren, author of “Flaherty’s Crossing”, who comments:  “As an author, reviews are incredibly important and a wonderful tool for marketing your book. My experience with Sacramento Book Review/San Francisco Book Review was nothing short of amazing. I received an honest, timely appraisal of my story and would love to have future novels reviewed by this professional group.  Their name, alone, adds credibility and should be on the top of any author’s review list!”

If the Kids Book App does not meet your criteria, simply go to the iPhone Store and search the apps on sale there for one that is appropriate and relevant to your book marketing needs. Then go to the developer’s website and learn more about the App and how to get your book listed.

Technology opens many new doors for us each month. Let’s be sure we enter every one!

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few. Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at http://www.book-marketing-expert.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or by phone at 734-667-2090.

Tell us about yourself.

I, Denise Sumotzy (Sue-mot-zee), was born in Monroe, Louisiana. I was raised from infancy in St. Louis, Missouri – where I currently reside.

I began my literary journey in 2005. I have written several short stories, and many inspirational poems.

Current book release(s):
Flowers for My Best Friend, self-published by Denise Sumotzy
Nunley the K-nine Sheriff, published by Mirror Publishing

Children’s fiction titles include:
Nunley the K-nine Sheriff, Flowers for My Best Friend, Captain Rigami, Adventures of Anna Belle, Adventures of Anna Belle 2, Adventures of Anna Belle 3, Adventures of Anna Belle 4, Adventures of Anna Belle 5, Adventures of Anna Belle 6, Adventures of Anna Belle 7.

Fiction romance titles include:
Hidden Identity, Crete Goodege, Lighthouse, Remnant of A Shadow, Her Secret Heart, and Faded Beauty.

Inspirational:
25 family prayers

Could you please tell us a little about what you’re working on, or what you have coming out?

My children’s book entitled, Flowers for My Best Friend, has just been released – self-published by me at: www.sumotzybooks.com

I also have a children’s book which will be released sometime in the late summer (2010) entitled, Captain Rigami self-published by me at: www.sumotzybooks.com

I am also currently writing articles for my Christian online dating/relationship website which I plan to launch. In addition to that, I am taking courses in screenwriting.

Do you outline when you write?

I never really outline when I write. I usually start with a storyline I’ve created in my mind. From that point on, I begin to write the story.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I was about 8 years old when my mom asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up. I remember saying that I wanted to be a fashion designer & a writer. The thought of becoming a fashion designer stuck with me for a while. However, becoming a writer somehow escaped my memory. Anyway, I gave up the idea of becoming a fashion designer early on in life….Perhaps I’ll pursue a career as a fashion designer in another life. Smiles

As for becoming a writer, it happened one day (2005) after I returned home from bible study. I prayed to God for direction in my life. You see, I’ve always known I was supposed to be doing something great, but I couldn’t quite reach it…Whatever “it” was.

After I prayed, I began writing down some of my prayers. I guess I thought God would better hear me. Well, those short prayers seemed to make a lot of sense to me. I noticed that while I was writing, it was sort of therapeutic. I began to feel better just by expressing my thought’s on paper. Sooo, I began writing little poems. I was in love!
Since then, I have been writing many short stories.

Who or what do you write for?

I write because, first, it’s my passion. I find great joy and solace in creating fiction stories filled with a message from the heart. Additionally, I would say I’m more of a children’s book writer because I feel it’s important to give children a good start in life. What better way than a story they can be encouraged by.

Do you listen to music while you write? What type?

I do listen to music sometimes when I write. As for the type of music, I like a variety of music: Jazz, R&B, Country

Do you incorporate a message into your book(s)? What is the message?

As a children’s book author, I feel it’s important that the reader can be uplifted, motivated, and inspired by my words. Hopefully, they will want to become a more productive person.

What inspires you?

Well, I would say that while I’m not an avid reader of books, I find great inspiration in reading short stories on a variety of topics. By reading short stories (non-fiction), it helps to broaden my vocabulary as well as my imagination.

Who has influenced you the most?

Since I can remember, my mother has always influenced me to do the very BEST at whatever endeavor I was engaging in.

What are you reading now? What are your thoughts on it?

Right now I am reading a very short (3 pages) article on the Boab tree, and its history. I think it’s incredible that there is a tree that serves so many purposes in life. The Boab tree lives for centuries at a time, can store vast amounts of water, blooms only at night, and was used as a holding place for men of old. I am very much enlightened!

Who is your all time favorite character?

I very much like Pollyanna, the character from the Eleanor Porter books.

What is your advice for writers?

Well, for myself, I always like to say a prayer before writing. It’s important for me to recognize the source behind my talent. In addition to that, I take a trip to visit my good friend at the nearest public library…The Writers Market. A book that has helped to sculpt me into the writer I am today. Website: www.WritersMarket.com

You’ve only got five books with you on a desert island. Which five would you choose?

I’m not a book reader. I only read short non-fiction articles. However, if I just had to take along a book, it would be the bible.

Anything you want to tell the public? Anything at all?

For all the latest news regarding book-signings, book releases, and speaking engagements, please visit my website for more information: www.sumotzybooks.com

Is there a way for readers to contact you? Do you have a blog, website, Myspace?

Readers can visit me on Twitter.com/Denise_Sumotzy

Readers can also visit me on Twitter.com/Amorous_Match for information on my new online Christian dating/relationship website which will launch in May, 2010.

Do you have a zombie plan?

By zombie plan, I’m assuming you mean “down-time.” As a writer, I never really have any down time because I always seem to have some sort of idea in my head that I absolutely must put on paper. In the summer months, I do however like to travel and spend time with my family.