Showing posts with label Conservation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conservation. Show all posts

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Interview with Laura Roettiger: Aliana Reaches for the Moon

 








With Aliana Reaches for the Moon, Laura Roettiger has written an entertaining book about the moon, environmentally friendly art and family relationships. Illustrator Ariel Boroff and publisher Eifrig Publishing, facilitate Ms. Roettiger’s STEAM story. The backmatter includes references and an illustration of the moon’s phases.  

 

Three Question Interview with Laura Roettiger

Hello Laura, Thanks so much for being with us.

         ETC: What was the best piece of advice that you received when you first started writing picture books?

         LR: I hope it's okay to list some best pieces of advice because it's difficult to choose just one! 

  • Join SCBWI. 
  • Read widely in the genre you are writing in and focus on newer books. Classics are great, but they don't reflect the current market. 
  • Find critique partners that ask questions, challenge you, and don't be afraid to keep trying new things even if they don't end up working. Listen to all feedback; think about what resonates with you and don't be too quick to dismiss feedback that isn't what you want to hear.

         ETC: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were beginning to write picture books?

 

         LR: After the Letters and Lines Conference (SCBWI Rocky Mountain Chapter held September 2022) I found myself thinking over and over, 'I wish I had known that 5 or 6 years ago,' but in reality, I wasn't ready to know all of the information at that point in time. I think the most important thing is to work on craft, rewrite, revise, change the point of view, and don't be afraid to try.  

         ETC: Are you writing in any other categories or genres such as middle grade?

 

         LR: My first manuscripts were picture books but I wrote a YA novel in 2016 that broke a lot of rules and will likely never see the light of day. I wrote the beginning of an adult novel in 2017 that made it to a few writing conferences but also got pushed aside as I worked on picture books and getting ALIANA REACHES FOR THE MOON polished for publication. During Covid, I moved three times and struggled to focus on writing. I have a second picture book that will be announced as soon as an illustrator is secured for the project. I have a detailed outline for a middle grade contemporary novel but there's a fatal flaw in the plot so, you guessed it, it's on hold until I figure that out because the draft is at the point where I need to address the flaw or start again.

Thank you so much.

         ETC: It has been my pleasure.

Visit author: Laura Roettiger

Visit illustrator: Ariel Boroff 

Learn more about the moon: Moon Phase and Libration 2022 

    A slightly different NASA site: Moon Phase and Libration, 2022

    Earth's Moon phases and eclipses: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/moons/earths-moon/lunar-phases-and-eclipses/

Visit your local bookstore: The Wandering Jellyfish 

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Book Review: The Elephants Come Home

 


The Elephants Come Home: A True Story of Seven Elephants, Two People and One Extraordinary Friendship written by Kim Tomsic and published by Chronicle Books is a beautiful story about love and elephants. Seven wild, African elephants cause big problems until Lawrence Anthony and Francoise Malby-Anthony provide a solution. Hadley Hooper composes her bright and engaging illustrations using watercolor, ink, printmaking and software. The words and illustrations produce a touching story about conservation and humans. As always Ms. Tomsic includes a collection of sources, facts and photos in the end papers.

One Question Interview with Kim Tomsic:

You write both fiction and nonfiction books, which speakers were most helpful to your writing career?

Your question is fantastic. I have studied craft books and attended writing conferences and classes for 12 years now. I am certain that I will be a forever learner — in fact, I'm currently working on my Master's Degree in Children's Literature (a two-year program at Hamline University --I graduate in January 2022). That said, I love learning everything from structure, character arcs, turning a scene, the hero's journey, etc. down to the nitty gritty tips and tricks writers use. Some of the most influential lectures I've attended were given by:  Sara Pennypacker, Elana K. Arnold, Swati Avasthi, Richard Peck, Erin Entrada Kelly, Denise Vega, Sherri L. Smith, and Jean Reidy. The most influential audio lecture I listened to was given by the team of Michael Hague and Christopher Vogler. And the most influential books I read on craft were written by Lisa Cron (Wired for Story, and Story Genius), and Blake Snyder (Save the Cat).

… and “editor Melissa Manlove being a key one.”

Thank you for the answers and Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

Previous posts about Kim Tomsic: Guitar Genius 

Visit Kim Tomsic 

Visit Hadley Hooper

Learn more about elephants here: San Diego Zoo 

Visit The Wandering Jellyfish Bookshop

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