Twice The Reading For Twice The Fun

Hello everyone! Since this is my first official post as the host of Kids Korner - Mondays With Aileen, I thought I would give you twice the reading fun by introducing you to two great writers just getting started with their careers. My first guest is Sherry Rossman author of the book The Miracle of Rain. Sherry has created a wonderful story with The Miracle of Rain. You and your children will find yourselves rooting Nora and her cat Molly on as their friend Smickett the raccoon shows them that God has a purpose for even the loudest and scariest of rain storms. You won't be disappointed as you see how Nora is transformed from a fearful young girl into a fantastically happy one who dances to the rhythm of the rain.



My second guest is Maranda Russel author of Ode to Icky. Ode to Icky is a well written, funny story of a girl and her stinky cat with amazing illustrations that bring the story to life right before your very eyes. I read with interest, wondering what the outcome of Candy's perfume experiment would be. The only flaw I found with this book was that the ending left me wanting to know more about what Candy felt or learned from the incident.



My Read-O-Meter gauges both of these books as great gift ideas for children between the ages of four and eight. Well enough of my blathering for now, on to the interviews!



Tell us about yourself Sherry. Where you are from, How many books have you had published, how did you get your start, etc...

I'm from the land of cactus and cowboys, or Rimrock, Arizona. With such a wide expanse of country to play in, my imagination developed quickly and I grew to love creation - finding ways to reflect its beauty by drawing and writing. The Miracle of Rain is my first published book. I started writing because I loved to express my ideas with stories, along with drawing, but for the longest time I felt like those things were too unrealistic to pursue. Later, I realized that God is bigger than the rules that our culture creates for itself and decided to use the talents that He gave me. After a lot of perseverance and faith, I finally became published.



What were some of your favorite books as a child?



I have long since forgotten the title of one of my favorite books, but I remember the affect it had on me because that's where I discovered the word "autumn". Thinking that was a much prettier word than "fall", I started to pay more attention to books and the things that I could learn from them. As I got older, I fell in love with Judy Blume books and on to Louisa May Alcott who remains one of my all time favorite authors.



How long did it take you to get your first book published? Were there ever moments when you became discouraged?



It was seven years from the time I wrote my book to the time it became published. I was not looking for a publisher the entire time, but discovered that I could not be content until I did my absolute best to bring my story to life. There were many moments of discouragement, but something kept pushing me until I reached my goal. That was a great lesson for me to learn about purpose and the need to explore the reason why we need to be who we are made to be.



What made you decide to write for Children/YA age groups? Are you currently working on anything else?



I write children's stories for many reasons, one being that I love the world of imagination. I also have a strong desire to help children know the big picture in all things which is God. This way they will know they aren't alone when going through difficult times. I'm currently working on a new children's picture book about guardian angels – but not your typical book on angels – this one is told through the voice of Goodwin; a friend and observer.



What do you find the most difficult part of being an author?



The most difficult part of being an author is the time and energy spent on marketing my book. I want to spend the little time that I have to write my stories, not "sell" them. Writing is so much more of a business than I ever thought it was.



What are some of your hobbies, other than writing?



Like I mentioned above, I love art – painting especially. It's just another great way to tell a story. I also enjoy reading, of course, and fitness. I'm one of those people that actually enjoy exercising, although with two little ones at home, it's difficult to find the time I need to get into great shape.



What words of encouragement would you give to children who might not be great readers yet?



I would say to think about your favorite thing in the world, and then find a book about it. Many kids don't realize that there are books for everyone, but when they find them, they will discover a whole new world of cool.



Do you hold any other jobs outside of your writing? If so, do you find that this helps your writing or gets in the way?



Besides being a full time Mom, I work part time at a retirement resort. This job has helped me in so many ways – the World War II generation has seen so much of life – it's nice to gain wisdom from them as they reflect about their past experiences and present perspectives.



If you could meet one author, living or dead, who would it be? Why?



This is a difficult choice as I have so many authors that I admire. I'm going to break the rules and choose a few. Charles Dickens – he created such fascinating characters, I would love to find out what inspired him. Ted Dekker – He has the ability to connect with a side of life that many Christian authors don't discuss in their own writing.



Do you have any other information you would like to share, such as a website, author page, awards won, etc.?



I'm excited about my website which is currently undergoing a re-design. It will soon have much more to it that will give readers a better understanding of who I am and what I'm about. Please visit and comment, if you wish. www.sherryrossman.com



Hello Maranda. Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you are from, how many books have you had published, how did you get your start, etc...



I am from Muncie, Indiana originally, although I now live in Dayton, Ohio. So far I have had two e-books and one print picture book published. I have also recently signed contracts for two other picture books that will be released in the next few years. As for how I got my start, I have been writing for most of my life but it took many years before I was finally able to land that first contract.



Of all of the books you have written, does any one title or series hold a special place in your heart?



All three that I have published are special to me personally. In Memory of Dad was based on my own experiences after losing my father at the age of twelve. Weezie, the Elephant with Allergies was inspired by my work with children in the foster care system. Ode to Icky is a tribute to my fat and lazy (but loveable) cat, Einstein.





How long did it take you to get your first book published? Were there ever moments when you became discouraged?



It took years of writing, editing and sending out submissions before I finally started to have some success. I did get discouraged at times and even told myself I was quitting, but I could never stay away long. Writing is something that is either in your blood or isn't.



What made you decide to write for Children/YA age groups? Are you currently working on anything else?



The major reason I write for children and young adults is because I honestly still like reading books for children and young adults. When I go into a bookstore I am always drawn to the kids' section. In many ways I feel like I retained my childhood spirit.



What do you find the most difficult part of being an author?

Having to do public speaking events is very difficult. I am a recluse by nature and would rather stay at home and out of the spotlight. But in this field, if you want your books to be a success, you have to occasionally step outside of your comfort zone to make it a reality.



What are some of your hobbies, other than writing?

Reading, dancing, hiking, art, doing puzzles, shopping, watching movies and working out (yes, I am one of those weirdos who actually likes to work out).



What words of encouragement would you give to children who might not be great readers yet?



Keep trying. Reading the right books can really change your life for the better. If you don't like a book, just try another kind until you find a genre you do like. There really is something out there for everyone.



Do you hold any other jobs outside of your writing? If so, do you find that this helps your writing or gets in the way?



Right now I stay home and write; but I am also a foster parent, which is a full-time job in itself. Between the writing, marketing, public appearances and foster parenting, I'm pretty darn busy!



Do you have any humorous stories to tell about being an author or dealing with the public?



What I find most amusing is that many people assume that once you have a book published you will automatically be rich. I wish that were true, but it's just not realistic.



Do you have any other information you would like to share, such as a website, author page, awards won, etc...



Yes, my website is www.marandarussell.com. You can find lots there, including book reviews, author interviews, tidbits of my personal life, information about all my books, and some random stuff that is just for fun. I also have a Facebook Fan Page that I would love to have you all visit called Maranda Russell Writer.



Well thank you Sherry and Maranda for sharing yourselves with us today. It has truly been a pleasure to get to know you better. And to all you children and YA book junkies out there, stop by and leave some comment love for these wonderful gals.



So join me, Children's Author Aileen Stewart, next week same krazy time, same krazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal blog Aileen's Thoughts any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and life in general.










Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com