6.SR: What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most? Dislike the most?
PM: This is a hard one. I really enjoy the researching, but I like the writing, too. The writing is easy for me once I get the research done.
7.SR: What is the best writing advice you have ever received?
PM: Keep submitting.
8.SR: Can you discuss any current or upcoming writing projects?
PM: I'm doing two for a Civil War series. They are called "Through the Eyes of the Leaders of the South" and "Through the Eyes of the Leaders of the North." I figure I can research these together in part. These books are in the MyReportLinks.com group of series. They are about 6000 words long and contain many websites, which I don't have to come up with. My biographies are 19,000 words. When I finish these, I'll have ten books.
9.SR: Can you offer any words of encouragement to writers who might be frustrated and discouraged?
PM: Just keep submitting and don't give up. For 20 years, I'd send out something once or twice a year, then get discouraged when it was rejected.
10.SR: Please discuss your affilliation with the Institute of Children's Literature and add anything you would like to about this organization.
PM: I teach two courses for the Institute. I teach one of the beginning courses and an advanced magazine writing course called Beyond the Basics. People always say, "You mean they're legitimate?" They certainly are. Anyone who sends me a check every week is legitimate in my book! I also tell people that the beginning course teaches everything it took me 10 years to learn through reading and trial and error. Of course, there are a lot of online resources now that I didn't have when I was starting out.
11.SR: What book or books are you reading right now?
PM: LOL! Right now I'm reading books on Canada! Usually I read mostly children's books, nature books, and the Cat Who mysteries.
Please read Pat's books for excellent examples of how to write super nonfiction for children.
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