Jane Yolen and Bettye Stroud Two of Raab Associates Great Writer's for Children - Page 3
© Sue Reichard
10.SR: Are any of your family members writers? Do you see your grandchildren following in your footsteps?
Heidi Stemple--children's book writer. (See her website: Heidistemple.com) Adam Stemple--rock musician and novelist (working on his website) Jason Stemple--photographer and picture book artist (see his website, jasonstemple.com)
Bettye Stroud Bio:
Bettye Stroud has been surrounded by books her entire life. As a librarian, Bettye experienced the great joy of sharing books with young readers. She has also been a book reviewer with a prestigious multi-cultural journal. Book reviewing sparked Bettye's desire to start writing for children.
Bettye brings experiences from her childhood in the south to her inspirational picture books. Bettye's most recently published book, "The Patchwork Path" tells the story of how quilts were used to provide secret clues to slaves as they made their way to freedom in Canada.
Interview with Bettye Stroud:
1. SR: Do you regret starting your writing career later in life?
Bettye: It would've been great if I had started writing earlier, but I was busy with the most enjoyable and rewarding job I could imagine: bringing children, books and reading together. I'm sure writing and I found each other at just the perfect time in my life.
2. SR: What is the very best writing advice you have ever received?
Bettye: The best writing advice I ever received is that "a writer is one writes." I also like the advice that talking about writing gets nothing written; one has to put one's bottom in a chair and write.
3. SR: What is the inspiration for your wonderful books?
Bettye: Actually, all of my books are full of hope. My writing palette is the intergenerational scene, chock- full of grandparents and extended family. Often my landscape is the South, the South of the past. I want my readers to know they are not alone in facing problems, failures and disappointments. I want them to know all is never lost; there's always tomorrow. There's always hope.
4. SR: Bettye, will you continue to write only for children, or would you like to also write for adults or older children?
Bettye: I am already writing for an older audience. After writing several picture books, I'm currently completing a middle grade novel which is historical fiction.
