Meet Author: Dori Hillestad Butler

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Apr 1, 2005

Award-winning author, Dori Butler, is a prolific writer. Since her first book, published in 1997, "The Great Tooth Fairy Rip Off", Dori has written 12 books that include novels, picture books and several nonfiction books. Two more books on potty training adventures are due to be published in 2006 (Running Press). Dori's very popular novel, "Sliding Into Home", has received numerous awards and nominations for awards. It was a 2003 Honor Book Awards, Society of School Librarians International, 2003 Young Adult Top Forty List (Pa. School Librarian Association). This book has been nominated for the 2005-2006 Mark Twain Award preliminary list and the 2005-2006 Nebraska Golden Sower Award. Her novel about courage and friendship, "Trading Places with Hank Talbott" has also been the recipient of several awards.

Dori is a masterful writer. She pays homage to the great state of Wisconsin with two books, "W is for Wisconsin" and "ABC's of Wisconsin". Her book, "H is for Hoosier", reveals the best of Indiana and "M is for Minnesota" is a tribute to the state where Dori grew up.

Visit Dori's website to discover more about her and her super books.

http://www.dorihillestadbutler.com/

1. SR: Is there a "best" way for a children's writer to get started? Can you discuss how you got your start?

Dori: No, I don't think there's a "best" way. I think every writer follows his/her own path. I started out by selling magazine stories. From there, I got hired as a ghostwriter for the Sweet Valley Twins series. I learned a lot from this experience - I learned how to structure a novel, maintain point of view, plot, meet a deadline, work with an editor.I also gained a lot of confidence in myself as a writer.

2. SR: What was your favorite book as a child, teen, adult?

Dori: As a child, I loved the Betsy-Tacy books, Nancy Drew, anything by Judy Blume. As an adult, it's too hard to choose a favorite. There are so many good books to choose from.

3.SR: How does a writer get into "ghost writing"? Would you recommend this for someone who is having trouble getting published?

Dori: I don't know that I'd recommend it for someone who is having trouble getting published - I'm not sure I'd work it quite that way. Editors who are looking for series writers need good writers just like any other editor does - it isn't necessarily an "easier" market. But you don't have to be published to get work, either. What editors are most interested in is whether you can

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