"Up and Coming Children's Writers" Part II
In this month's column I would like to highlight two children's writers, one well known, the other a first time writer. Their backgrounds and information are inspirational to those who aspire to write for children. I hope you will gain knowledge and visit the website. Happy Writing!
About The Author: LINDA JOY SINGLETON
KIDSTUFF:
I wrote for fun as a kid, making up stories about Tabe the Kitten, Rusty Sutton Girl Detective, and Kerry Blue and her mystery solving terrier. I wrote my first 200 page mystery when I was 11 and another when I was 14. I loved reading mystery series and wanted to author my own, like my favorite JUDY BOLTON mysteries by Margaret Sutton. That was my dream...and in my 30's it came true, when Avon Books published the My Sister The Ghost series.
IDEAS:
The idea for a ghostly twin came when I heard of a childhood friend who had tragically lost a twin in a drowning accident. What if the twin came back as a ghost, I wondered? And Miranda and her spooky twin, Melody, were born. My next series, Cheer Squad, came about through entirely different circumstances. I had finished writing the four Ghost books, and was submitting different projects to Avon. After turning one of these projects down, my editor invited me to submit a series of competitive cheerleading. I agreed, then hung up the phone and panicked. I knew NOTHING about cheerleading. I'd never even been to a basketball or football game. But I started talking to cheerleaders, reading magazines, and attending cheerleading competitions. I even spent four days at a cheer camp in the guise of a cheer advisor. Research turned out to be an exciting adventure. You never know where this writing biz will lead you!
FAMILY:
I'm very lucky to have a supportive husband, David, and two great kids, Melissa and Andy. David is a crane operator. Melissa is a sweet, hard-working, animal lover who gives teenagers a GOOD name. Andy has a great sense of humor, a high sense of drama, and a loving personality. My family is the best!
We love to go camping, watch movies, or take trips to Reno together. We live on three peaceful country acres with a barnyard of animals; cats, dogs, goats, pigs, ducks, chickens, and two horses.
ASSORTED ANSWERS TO COMMON WRITING QUESTIONS:
Yes, I have an agent. Pesha Rubinstein is wonderful and lives in New Jersey. After I tried for three years to sell My Sister The Ghost on my own, she sold the series for me within six months.
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