First, I pursued a degree in library science and became a children's librarian fifteen years ago. In fact, in 1999, I was named Maine Library Media Specialist of the Year, a tremendous honor that I still hold dear. During my early years as a librarian, I toyed a bit with writing for children, but it wasn't until September 1995, when I had the chance to cut back my work week to four days as a school librarian, that I set out to really learn the craft. I undertook a personally designed "self-study" course, read all the books about writing for children, joined the online children's writing community, acquired a mentor (the inestimable Jane Kurtz TB: As a picture book reader, I enjoyed the Snipp, Snapp, and Snurr series by Maj Lindman. When I graduated to middle grade novels, I was an enormous Beverly Cleary www.beverlycleary.com>fan and can remember, quite clearly, first reading Ellen Tibbets. I also loved the original Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner and made my way through the Dr. Doolittle books by Hugh Lofting one hot summer after fifth grade. Beyond a doubt, my favorite YA books were by Betty Cavanna. I read every volume shelved in the YA alcove at the Snow Branch Library in Dearborn, Michigan. 3. SR: What is the best writing advice you have ever received?
TB: My mentor, Jane Kurtz, taught me to always seek a model in published books for what I was trying to do, whether in terms of structure, plot, or characterization. That advice has served me well and I continue to follow it--and to pass it on. 4. SR: You have had great first-time success as a writer. Your book, The Sea Chest has garnered several awards and Dawdle Duckling was a Children's Book-of-the-Month Club selection. What advice do you have for children's writers who have persevered for many years and still have not been published? TB: Oh, it is so hard to be at that stage! I think it's important for aspiring children's writers to know that it often takes a decade to break into print. I consider myself so fortunate to have only waited five years for my first sale. I have a dear friend for whom it took nineteen years and who now has a highly successful career. Perseverance is what this career is about.
