But slowly, I got back ‘in shape.’ Now, several months later, I’m cranking! The first few weeks I felt very rusty, and didn’t write anything substantial. But as in any skill, the more you practice, the easier it becomes. Days, weeks, and months whizzed by, and I realized at one point, I had not written a single sentence for a long time! Once you quit, it is hard to pick up again. When I moved back to California, my routine was disrupted by the larger task of getting settled. This was an important personal goal I set last year. Q: Share one goal you have as a children’s writer and the steps you are taking to achieve it.Ī: I write every day, whether for an hour or 4 hours (ideal), without fail. The rhyming text in tummy girl, with phrases like round-and-jiggly / pink-as-a-piggley, and getting-into-trouble-girl / sudsy wudsy bubble girl, seemed to fit perfectly. Therefore, I try to incorporate these features into my books, when possible. For example, I know that younger students enjoy rhyme, rhythm, and repetition in song and writing. Q: What is your educational background and how does this help you as a children’s writer?Ī: I’ve taught English from kindergarten through 7th grade, which helps me understand the differing needs and interests of each grade level. I originally didn’t have a ending, but now that she was older, it was perfectly clear to me:Īnd though you’ll grow up in a whirl… (turn page) The editor wanted me to re-work it at the last minute. And then, another high point-the last page of the book. The highlight was being able to watch her grow, along with the text of the book, in tandem. Finally, when she was nearly 5, I landed the contract, but then, had to wait 4 years for publication (two years for the desired artist to become available, and another 2 to ‘get in line.’) By the time Tummy Girl was in bookstores, my daughter was almost nine. No matter, it was a way of capturing my daughter’s growth in poetry. The book was almost acquired by publishers several times, but the deals kept falling through. The book progressed as she got older…soon she was waddling, toddling, running, swinging, jumping and more. We nicknamed her ‘Tummy Girl’ as a result. Q: Describe a highlight for you personally while you were writing this book.Ī: The idea for Tummy Girl came to me when my own little ‘tummy girl,’ then a 1-year-old, was sliding on her belly across the living room floor (her favorite occupation at that age).
Her tale is oneįor daughters and their families to treasure.” Sprightly verse that just might bring a tear to theĮyes of parents everywhere. This vibrant book captures the precious early yearsĭevelopment and wraps it up for the readers in From wobbly first steps to romping in the rain,
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