This is an interview with Julia Dweck who writes binkin’ good picture books (to paraphrase a two year old!)
Tell us a little about you…
I’m a wife and mother to two grown sons. Raising my boys was the best part of my life. Combining my two passions, I became a writer and elementary school teacher. As a gifted specialist, I work with students in grades 1-5. By night and weekend, I write stories that edutain my young readers.
Tell us about your latest picture book, what formats is it available in and where it can be bought?
My latest release WHERE ARE THE DINOS? is available as an eBook on Amazon for the Kindle Fire. The nice thing about Amazon is that all Kindle eBooks can also be viewed on a Mac, pc, android or iPad using Amazon’s free and downloadable Cloud Reader or Kindle app. Where Are the Dinos? is a fun and fast paced romp for young dinosaur lovers. I’ve included lots of giggles and fun in a rhyming format. Bob Ostrom brilliantly illustrated it with great personality. We’ve included lots of fun dino lover activities too, like a dinosaur-drawing lesson with Bob, amazing dinosaur facts, and a dinosaur word scramble. This ebook is a great value and addition to any home or school library.
What marketing methods are you using to promote your book?
The social network is a great avenue to introduce myself to readers along with my books. I try to reach out to each and every reader that contacts me through Facebook, Twitter, and my website, so that they can get to know my stories and me.
Where and how do you get your ideas?
In general, the stories I write are inspired by every day life, conversations, jokes, and even dreams. Where Are the Dinos? resulted from a combination of my younger students’ fascination with dinosaurs and their constant questions about them. I thought it would make a funny story to have a curious, clueless, child who drives a zookeeper crazy with his endless questions about dinosaurs. He’s under the impression that they’re still around somewhere at the zoo.
Do you ever get writers block and what do you do to overcome it?
I typically have the reverse problem in which I can’t shut off the flow of ideas. I find them everywhere. Inspiration is a natural process, which can’t be forced. The major detractor to the creative process is stress, so when I write, I try to put all outside worries aside and focus on the joy of developing a new story.
What advice do you have for other writers?
I would advise children’s writers to write a story that you love and then find a group of writing peers or an editor who will offer you a thoughtful critique. Be open to constructive criticism and be willing to implement it to improve your story.
What were some of your favorite books as a kid?
I love rhythm and rhyme in children’s books because I believe that they add character and dimension to a story. It’s also a great way to engage young readers and develop phonemic awareness. Children can join in a read aloud as they anticipate the rhyming word at the end of a line. My favorite children’s author from way back is Dr. Seuss. I read his stories so many times that I knew them by heart. He was, and still is, the master of rhyme and storytelling. My favorite Dr. Seuss book is, of course, The Cat in the Hat.
Tell us something funny that has happened to you recently
This has nothing to do with writing, but I thought it was pretty funny. I missed an appointment with my hairstylist and some gray hairs sprouted their way through my dark brown hair. A little boy in my class told me that he noticed the gray. I must have winced a bit, because he looked at me with a kind smile and said, “Don’t worry, Mrs. Dweck. You look magical!”
Where can people find out more about you and your writing?
Come visit me on any of the following pages:
https://www.facebook.com/juliadweckbooks
https://www.amazon.com/author/juliadweck
Twitter: @juleloves2write
http://juleloves2write.com/
Source:
http://www.hazelnutt.com/picture-book-author-interview-21-julia-dweck