H. B. Homzie's Adorable Aliens
And I plan to continue writing chapter books and visiting schools around the country. A school interested in contacting me for a visit can go onto my website: www.homzie.com or email me at hbhomzie@aol.com.
12.SR: Did you have a mentor or an influential person in your life who encouraged your writing?
HH: I have had three central people who've influenced my writing life. They are Lisa Rowe Fraustino, Alexandria LaFaye and Steven Arvanites.
Lisa Rowe Fraustino, author of many children's books, including the lauded picture book The Hickory Chair, is a wonderful writer who, as the SCBW&I regional advisor in Southeastern Pennsylvania, recommended that I apply for the M.A. in children's writing and literature, where she was a professor. The Hollins program, which is wonderful place to read, take risks and meet other devotees of children's literature, is a six week summer program. Depending upon their course load, graduates receive their M.A. in three to five summers. Lisa encouraged me, with constant compliments and constructive criticism, and introduced me to innovative writers and the world of lit crit.
At Hollins, I also met fellow student Alexandria Lafaye,author of many novels, including the notable Year of the Sawdust Man.Alexandria, who is a true prose stylist, has helped me at crafting my language,and encouraging me to delve more into character. I have a facility for writing comedy quickly so it's always been my task, as a writer, to remember to slow down and dig deeper. And that's the wonderful thing about writing there's always more to learn!
Steven Arvanites was my comedy partner when I wrote and performed sketch comedy in various venues in New York City, and today, we write comedic screenplays together. Steven has a natural gift for one-liners and comedic observations, and he has helped nurture my inner comedicchild. I always look to him for feedback on whether a manuscript in the Alien Clones From Outer Space is working from a comic perspective, and we often brainstorm together, which is always a blast. Writing, although hard work, should be also full of joy. If it's becoming a chore, find a subject that moves you,or makes you laugh. Life's too short for more chores. Of course, you could always find a clone to do your writing for you.
Happy Writing!!
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