Meet Children's Author, Suzanne Lieurance
to write about them in a way that kids would enjoy reading. In the nonfiction books I've written for Enslow, I wrote a "hook" chapter for each book that tried to give the reader a real sense of the event I was writing about, whether it was the Challenger (shuttle) exploding or the tragic fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory.
5.SR: How did you get involved in the educational market and how has that helped your writing career?
SL: I was a classroom teacher for many years so educational markets just seemed like a good choice for me. I've written everything from reference books for Enslow to test questions for Flying Rhino publishers, and even material for CDs for another educational publisher in St. Louis. Writing for the educational market has helped me learn to write at a specific grade level and to use fiction techniques for nonfiction.
6.SR: What is the hardest part of writing for you?
SL: The hardest part for me is staying focused on one project when I have a stack of projects to do. It's also difficult to work at home and not get sidetracked into doing housework or running errands or visiting friends.
7.SR: What is the best advice you have ever received about writing?
SL:Don't give up. Just keep writing and writing and eventually you'll get better and better and your work will begin to sell.
8.SR: Do you plan to write fiction? Why or why not?
SL: Yes, I write fiction and nonfiction. My agent has several picture books (fiction) out making the rounds to publishers and I'm working on a mystery right now. I also want to write some early chapter books that are fiction. And, I sometimes adapt fairy tales and other stories for a mass market publisher, which can be challenging but fun.
9.SR: What words of encouragement can you offer someone who is having difficulty breaking into writing for children?
SL: Writing for children is very competitive. It's difficult to get a picture book accepted, yet so many beginning writers are sending out dozens of manuscripts for these when they have never taken a course or workshop in how to write for this genre. I'd say, take a coursespecifically in writing for children (see my online workshop at www.coffeehouseforwriters.com or the website for the Institute of Children's Literature). Also, get to know other children's writers. And, really study the markets. Also find out which publishers
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