Thanks to fellow GAP author, Donna McDine, for tagging me for this blog tour on our writing process. See her post on her blog: http://donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/
with more about Donna and her books at: www.donnamcdine.com

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Now I’ll answer 4 questions about my writing process:
What am I working on?
I’m working on several projects, all in children's books.

I’ve also been working on
another PB, I’m Going to My Friend’s House for Dinner -- a young girl's concern about what kind of food her foreign born friend might serve her. It showcases our "pluralistic” and multi-cultural society through the different foods we eat
from our different cultural heritages. Wondering where I should submit it.
It's really two stories: one story is about a young mother who’s a Viet Nam War widow, and the other story is how the mother’s choices have affected her daughter. It's been harder to write – I want to write both of their stories in one book.
I’m waiting for feedback on
my fantasy YA novel, The Young Amazons, at this month’s SCBWI Plot Intensive Conference. I’m hoping for good feedback, ideas, and support to move it along.
I’ve been working on this one for over three years.
How does my
work differ from others of its genre?
PB's: My Grandma's Pink House is in rhyme and is personal to my family life and remembrance of times spent at Grandma's house.
YA: The Young
Amazons features a group of young Amazon
women from the past on a quest to the "New World." There
are several different stories happening at the same time -- multiple characters
each telling their story. That’s been harder to write – but that’s the way
the story is coming to me.
Why do I write what I do?
Many years ago,
I wrote short stories (that have since been lost) and I'd always planned to get back
to writing stories. I’ve written in my two careers – government service and
teaching. But I didn't become a children’s book writer until inspired by a
friend’s autistic son – I gave him magical powers. The story
continued when his little sister inherits the magic, resulting in four books now
in my Magical series! Once I started writing for children, I was hooked! I want my
books to be read and appreciated as I’ve read so many other writers’ books to
my students and my own child.
How does my
writing process work?
**********
I’ve tagged Janet Ann Collins, writer, speaker, and
teacher, to be next in this Writing Process Blog Tour. She'll be blogging on Wednesday, May 7th! Janet blogs at: http://onwords.blogspot.com.
I met Janet through our
publisher’s business group. (www.guardianangelpublishing.com).
She has four books published at GAP: Slime and All,
Signs of Trouble,
Secret
Service Saint,
and The Peril of the
Sinister Scientist.
Read more information about Janet Collins at her web
page: www.janetanncollins.com

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Tags: Writing Process, writers, authors, children's books, stories, ideas, teaching, Janet Ann Collins, GAP, writer, teacher, author, book, work in progress, multi-cultural, Viet Nam War, racism
Penny, I enjoyed reading about your writing process AND about your writing projects. You seem to be a ;lot like me...a "pantser", with lots of different ideas for stories... No one niche like many other authors. Thanks to Donna for starting this blog. What a great idea! I'm looking forward to Jan's next on the blog tour.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, Thanks for stopping by and for your support -- we "pantsers" need to stick together!
DeleteThank you, Penny. I can't wait to read your future books when they get published. The ones you've already done are great!
ReplyDeleteHi Jan, Thanks for your support. I hope to finish my longer books some day. Seems like it takes forever. Looking forward to your post on Wed.
DeletePenny, I SO enjoyed reading about you and your writing process. Love the bit about walking the dog to get ideas. Terrific post, mate.
ReplyDeleteBooks for Kids - Manuscript Critiques
http://www.margotfinke.com
Hi Margot, thanks for your support. Yes, I spend most of my walking time thinking and have gotten some really good ideas while walking my pups. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteHi Penny,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your writing process with us. I enjoyed the insights into your life, especially the tribute to your grandmother, your dog walking, and your note cards.
Hi Barbara, thanks for your comments. Yes, I agree. It's nice to see into other writers and their life and process. Thanks for your support.
DeleteDear Penny,
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating in the blog hop. I enjoyed learning more about you through your thoughtful responses. You certainly have a lot of projects in the works. Good luck at the SCBWI Plot Intensive Conference.
Warmly,
Donna
Hi Donna, It's nice to do these hops -- but it reminds me of all the work I have to do -- I get behinder and behinder! Thanks and best wishes to you on your projects!
Delete