Rena Jones Interview

Blogerific Rena Jones has agreed to be interviewed here on my site. Thanks Rena! All you wannabe picture book writers should take heed and listen to these words of wisdom from multi-published Rena Jones.

And check out her books.

1) When did you realize you wanted to be "a writer"?

It was probably around 2005 after visiting Glacier NP in northwestern Montana. We spotted some mountain goats on the cliffs and I was inspired to write a story about one of them. My very first story was called Manny the Mountain Goat.

2) How did you send out your first manuscript (I mean how did you know where to send it, how to format it, etc.?)?

I bought several books on writing for children and getting published, so that's where I learned the basics of formatting manuscripts. However, I made the mistake of sending it out to many publishers without doing extensive research first. I found ones that said they accepted my type of story, but I didn't look any further to see what type of books they had published in the past. Big mistake -- I spent a lot of money and burned a lot of bridges in the process.

3) What made you decide to go without an agent?

I'm not sure, to be honest. It just didn't occur to me in the beginning, especially since I was submitting picture books. Obviously, I've learned more about the business since I first began and definitely see the benefits of having an agent.

4) Have you ever thought you'd like to search for an agent now that you are a published writer? If not, why not?

Yes, especially since I have some middle grade novels written.

5) Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

My family loves visiting national parks and wildlife watching, so that's been a huge inspiration. I also live in the mountains and we have a lot of critters roaming around outside. My children are also an inspiration for my writing, especially my boys, who are always coming up with crazy ideas for my stories.

6) Have you ever thought of writing in different genres?

Yes, as I mentioned, I have two middle grade novels written. I enjoyed writing those, but I'm not sure I have what it takes to write YA or adult novels. Picture books seem to be the thing I enjoy writing the most.

7) What is one thing you've learned about writing, publishing, and blogging that you never thought you'd learn?

Oh, I've learned so much since I first started, so it's hard to pick just one thing. However, one thing that sticks out is promotion. It's something you always have to work on and you can't expect your publisher/editor/agent to do all the work for you.

8) What is your favorite time to write and why?

I don't really have a specific favorite time to write, especially because I homeschool my kids and that takes a lot of time. When an idea hits me though, it's hard for me to do much else. I tend to write in spurts, sometimes short and sometimes long.

9) What advice would you want to pass on to all the newbie writers out there reading this?

It's the same advice I give when someone asks me about homeschooling -- I tell them to read, read, read! Read books that teach you how to write for children, read books that show you how to get a book published, read books in the genre you're interested in writing. Join a writer's message board and read old posts and listen to what experienced writers have to say. Be a fly on the wall and soak up as much information as you can, especially before you open your mouth and ask questions. I've had so many questions answered just by doing searches on message boards.

10) What is your favorite thing about Lemur Troops?

My favorite thing about Lemur Troops is definitely Nikki Shoemaker! She is an amazing illustrator. I instantly fell in love with her drawings when I first saw some of her work posted on the 4RV Publishing website. I was so happy to find out she would be doing the artwork for Lemur Troops & Critter Groups. I can't even pick a favorite page -- I love them all!

11) What's your next goal?

I would love to get one of my middle grade novels published, so I'm working on that now. I also have quite a few unpublished picture books I'd like to start submitting. And then there are my other books coming out with 4RV Publishing -- The Marshmallow Man is next in line. I'm really excited about this one. Stephen Macquignon did the illustrations and he's done an amazing job on it.

The Ides of March

In William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, Caesar is warned to "beware the Ides of March."

Some people think this is an ominous day both now and in history. It first became famous when Julius Ceasar was murdered on this date in history, in 44 BC.

Today the Ides of March is remembered by the Rome Hash House Harriers with a toga run in the streets of Rome, in the same place where Julius Caesar was killed.

The ides of March used to be a festive day. People used to celebrate this date by honoring the god Mars.

Today, some people believe it is a date for radical change.

What do you think? Do you celebrate the Ides of March or fear it?

Soroptimist

I went to an auction this weekend to help support the Soroptimists of Portland. They are committed to providing service to their community and have raised thousands of dollars to fund projects that "Make a Difference for Women" through volunteer service.

The first Soroptimist club was formed in 1921 by a group of 80 women in Oakland, California. The name comes from two Latin words that mean "best for women".

If you're interested in volunteering in your community, you should check and see if there is a Soroptimist group in your community.

From MEME to You

Wonderful writer Rena Jones has awarded me the From Me To You award. Click on her name to visit her blog because she's an amazing artist in more ways than one. Check out some of her books for children or her art. She's an amazing photographer. To accept this award, I'm supposed to list seven truths about myself.

1) I love to write - duh...
2) I love to eat - really BIG duh...
3) I love to sleep - who doesn't?
4) And paint my feet - okay, just my toes - ah, nails...
5) I love to talk - everyone who knows me - knows that.
6) I love to walk - with my dogs, and cat who tags along
7) I love to mock - my kids will tell you that's true too.

So, there are seven obscure things about me...kinda boring but now we're on to better things

I would like to nominate the following bloggers for this award ...

Shelli - 'cuz she's way more interesting than me
Brenda - cuz she's a better cook than me
Lisa Schroeder - 'cuz she's a better prose writer than me
Speaking from the Crib - 'cuz she's funnier than me

Now hurry out there and check out these funny, talented, interesting women but y'all come back now, y'hear

Earth-Friendly Friday

Compost made EZ

Why fill up the landfills and then have to go buy garden soil--when you can use your leftover table scraps and grass clippings to make your own soil.

"Gardeners know the best dirt", at least that's what people say, but I'd say "Gardeners soil themselves".

I hate to call rich organic materials mere "dirt". It sounds so much better as "soil". And, if you want to make some of your own, all you need is some garbage or leftover fruit and vegetable trimmings. Don't use meat or dairy products - they attract rodents. All living things will decompose and to help it along its way to becoming that rick, dark, crumbly mixture of organic material gardeners are always searching for, you simply need to mix one to two parts carbon-rich materials ("browns") or fall leaves with ("greens") grass clippings or left over fruit and vegetables.

You can start by keeping a jar by the sink, with a nice lid to keep the "aroma" inside the jar. Toss your coffee grinds, peels and other "waste" into the jar. When the jar is full take it outside to a bin and dump the organic material inside. If you can turn the materials, with a pitchfork, that will help accelerate the process. And keep the mixture damp, by simply adding a little water - think of it as "watering your garden" in process.

It takes a while for the materials to turn into soil but it's worth it. You'll be creating great garden material and saving the planet at the same time.

And, if you're looking for someplace to put all that wonderful, rich, soil - check out ECOwomen.net to see how to B.Y.O.B. Build-Your-Own-Bed, your own Garden Bed.

There's Something in the Air

I've got that twitchy, antsy feeling coming over me again. The flowers are in bloom, the trees are blossoming with foliage and there's the sweet scent of . . . something on the horizon. It's the aroma of art and crafty people gathering for that special season of . . . writer's conferences.

Yep, it's that conference time of year again.

If you live in Portland it's time to sign up for the SCBWI spring conference. Check this out and get in gear before it's too late.

And if you know of more conferences in our area, please share. If not, tell me what conferences you like to attend and why.

Maybe we can all learn a little something before the big event(s).

ANSWER TO WORD FOR WEDNESDAY

Answer: A wine lover usually a connoisseur

If you want to read more, check it out here.