Of course, as in all things, there are rules to this blog hop.

According to Marsha: “The rules are each invitee answers questions and then introduces … other writers. You can hop forward and backward and sideways and learn about many good writers that are or have been writing for children.”

Hopping about has connected me with some fairly amazing writers. Case in point? Marsha Qualey. I met Marsha when I was hopping around Hamline working on my M.F.A. Marsha somehow or other got me through my critical thesis in one piece — and she promised me a ghost story. I’m waiting.

Marsha is the type of YA writer who you pray kids discover – and you recommend when they haven’t. She writes realistic teen characters set against social/political/religious/moral (I could keep going) backgrounds in a down-to-earth, this really feels like it happened – sort of way that just blows me away. Plus, the woman writes a darn good mystery. To say I am a big fan of her work would be an understatement. And now, Marsha as turned her talents toward adult fiction. This can only be a good thing. Check out her latest novel: Venom and the River

So, since I said I’d hop – let’s get hopping.

What are you working on right now?

At this very moment I am working on a middle grade novel featuring a talking dog and time travel. It’s new territory for me – a giant leap into sci fi/fantasy/historical fiction … what?! But, I must admit, I am loving the research and the characters I’m creating. I am also working a about three picture books – two that rhyme, one that doesn’t. I have also been out and about promoting my first picture book: Boom! Boom! Boom! (which has been fantastic and exhausting) … and I’m gearing up for the release of BIG RIG (Feb. 2014). So there’s that!

How is your current work different than other works in the genre?

In my mind, I am writing a weird cross between the Magic Tree House, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, and Men and Black (with a bit of Back to the Future thrown in for good measure) for seven to eleven year old kids. It’s early days, folks — so I think it’s too soon to say what this book will become. I’ll keep you posted. 

Why do you write what you write?

How long do you have? But, seriously, like most writers – I pick projects that affect me on some level. Most of my picture books come from a place of joy and enthusiasm for the topic, the words, and the eventual readers. I see the kids in my mind as I’m writing – I imagine how certain words/ideas might make them react – giggles? Smiles? Concern? What might seem very light to an adult can affect a child deeply (and I often find myself laughing or crying as I write). As for my novels – again – I tend to find characters who I know and who I believe have something of worth to share with my readers. Bottomline – if I’m not addicted to writing the book — it’s not going to happen. I can’t force it. I have to love it on some level, or I will end up cleaning my house instead.

What’s the hardest part of writing?

A  year ago I would have said, “Just doing it.” Now, with a book out in the world and two more next year – I have to say, “Keeping the marketing out of the current work.” Once you see what it takes for a book to survive – it’s tempting to work only on projects that seem to have a marketing angle built in – books that want to leap off the shelf based only on the cover image or the snazzy title. I don’t want to be that person/that writer. I want to write books that matter to someone – and that someone had better be me.

Now I invite you to check out the blogs of two amazing writers I hopped into along the way.

I met Lisa Bullard last October – she’s not only a talented writer celebrating a novel release in October: Turn Left at the Cow – but the author of more children’s fiction and NF than I can list here. Lisa supports her professional community in many valuable ways – including as a Mentor for Hire. I met her at a time I really needed a mentor. Her advice was invaluable to me. She’s a writer to watch. So start watching. Plus, she is one of the funniest folks I’ve ever met. Honestly.

I met Mary Ann Scott around 2007 (dates are a bit fuzzy) at the Highlights Foundation Workshop in Chautauqua, NY. Mary Ann was working on a historical, paranormal manuscript. I was immediately taken with her – as a writer, as a friend, and as a fellow ghost girl. Her blog is called ‘Haunting the Broken Tree’ – and it’s worth your time to check it out. Mary Ann recently received a work-in-progress grant from SCBWI (and I believe she may be off on another adventure even as I type). Watch for Mary Ann’s ghost stories in the near future.

Happy Hopping, Folks.