“Interview and Great Writing Tips from Author, Linda Martin Andersen” by Joan Y. Edwards
Linda, thanks for agreeing to do a guest interview on my blog.
Thank you for inviting me to participate in your interview series. I’ve enjoyed reading and learning from seasoned authors, and getting to know them and their works.
It’s an honor to have you here. I’m so glad I met you in 2005 on the email list of SCBWI-Carolinas. Thank you for being my friend. I admire your writing skills and your ability to keep on going even when the times are tough. Let’s get started.
1.How did you do in English as a kid?
I loved literature, grammar, and composition. The only thing about English that I did not like was poetry meter. I think I must have been absent the day that was explained. 🙂 I jest because I had perfect attendance from 3rd-12th grade. I remember memorizing the meter of poems we studied. It got me through.
2. When did you decide to become an author?
I took a creative writing course through the local community college when my children were in elementary school. The instructor encouraged us to write, share, critique, and submit. I sent out a few submissions, but none were purchased. At that point, I decided I must be fooling myself. It was years later before I truly began my writing journey.
3. What’s your favorite book? Why?
Ferdinand the Bull, a picture book by Munro Leaf and illustrated by Robert Lawson. As a kid, I admired that Ferdinand didn’t try to be like all the other bulls. He didn’t act in the expected way. I enjoyed the book’s humor and simple illustrations. I ordered a personal copy from a school classroom book club order. I cherished it for years.
4. Are your characters based on real people?
Some of my characters are based on real people. That’s because I’ve written some published nonfiction stories. My fictional pieces may be loosely based on individuals I know. Sometimes, I choose characters names based on people I know. I hold out hope that one day my niece and grandsons see their names published in one of my stories.
5. Did you outline and plan your books before you wrote them?
I would label myself a flexible plotter. My plot plan changes during the writing of a rough draft. I like to print my first draft and revise on the hardcopy. Many times, I do this for second and third drafts.
6. How much research did you have to do for writing and/or publishing your books or manuscript in progress? What helped you in doing your research that others could benefit by your experience?
I set a goal to be published in a magazine in the Cobblestone series. To be considered for a nonfiction writing assignment, I had to write a proposal and reveal the research sources I would use. I used online data bases available from the local public library. I found keyword searches invaluable. Fortunately, one of my three proposals was accepted. I was pleased. In order to write two other nonfiction stories, I interviewed the people and studied links provided by them. Even fiction stories sometimes require research. Fortunately for me, I enjoy conducting research.
7. Did you cry while writing one of your books?
I cried when writing a nonfiction story about a nine-year-old girl who asked that in lieu of receiving birthday party gifts, donations be made to a local orphanage. The birthday girl even donated the gift of money from her grandparents. I was touched by her sincere compassion for others. I also cried when writing a fiction manuscript about a character with a terminal illness.
8. What feelings do you have as you do the final edit for a book?
It is very satisfying to be near the end of a writing project. There is a little sadness mixed in because now it’s time to move on to something else. It’s a little like sending your child off to college. You’re happy for him, but will miss him, too.
9. What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you related to your writing?
I was contracted to write teacher guides to accompany a subscription year of Cobblestone magazines. When I discovered that one issue of the magazine was about the Brooklyn Bridge, not a variety of bridges, I didn’t think I would enjoy the project. I was pleasantly surprised. Not only did I enjoy the project, I was almost mesmerized by it. I went on to read David McCullough’s book about building the Brooklyn Bridge and I watched a documentary by Ken Burns. I was hooked.
10. What is your favorite genre?
I love picture books. I like reading them for my own enjoyment, reading them to students, and I enjoy writing them. I like taking workshops on building picture book writing skills. I also like biographies of all lengths.
11. What are the 3 purposes of distinctive voice? How can we create a distinctive voice in our writing?
- Distinctive voice makes characters believable. Their strengths and weaknesses are revealed. Not all good or all bad.
- Distinctive voice reveals characters’ interests—adventuresome, athletic, geek, or others.
- Distinctive voice reveals characters’ reactions to situations in the story.
I think one way to show a distinctive voice is to pretend to be looking over that character’s shoulder or shadowing him. What would you notice that should be included in a manuscript?
12. What is your pet peeve about characterization?
Writers are encouraged to make each individual distinctive. Sometimes, I think that’s hard because we generally tend to associate with people who are very much like we are. If we create like characters in our stories, readers become disinterested. That seems like a sort of paradox to me.
13. What did you do to celebrate your first check for writing published magazine activities for children?
In 2005 when I received my first check for published magazine activities for children, I celebrated by taking a special ride in a 1929 Model A car. I invited my family to join me. We were driven on our dirt driveway and on paved streets by the car’s owner. What fun! I especially enjoyed sharing the ride with my grandsons.
13. How do you know when a manuscript is ready for submission?
When it’s “done.” Get it? Can’t you almost hear the oven timer going off? I couldn’t resist answering with a pun. I do like to jest.
Jesting about cooking led me to think of recipes and we all know there’s really no “one recipe” for writing. Okay, now for my true answer—when I read over a manuscript and no parts call out, “Fix me.” Then it’s time to submit. That’s only after numerous revisions and suggestions from a critique group.
14. Who or what has been the most help and inspiration to you as a writer?
My online critique group has been most helpful with my writing skills. They inspire me to send my writing to them for critique and to submit for publication when my work is polished. Joan Edwards, yes, the host of this blog and my very good friend, has answered many technology questions and helped me develop blogging skills. She has also encouraged me on my writing journey. Thanks, Joan. (You’re welcome, Linda.)\
15. What are you writing now?
I am writing two picture book manuscripts about bedtime. I plan to send one of them out soon.
16. Why do you like to write?
Writing fills me with joy. I plan to make it a part of my life for as long as I live. I have always enjoyed writing even when others did not. I recall that one of my elementary teachers required the class to write a story each week using our spelling list. Moaning erupted, but not from me. I loved the challenge and looked forward to reading my story to the class. Even though my teacher never exclaimed, “You should be a writer when you grow up,” I didn’t let that discourage me. She didn’t say, I shouldn’t.
17. I love the picture of you and the cow. What’s the story behind this picture?
The Cow Parade of 2012 was held in the triangle area of N.C. – Local artists painted 81 fiberglass cows to benefit N.C. Children’s Hospital. The paratrooper cow was placed in Fayetteville, N.C. near Ft. Bragg.
A short bio
Linda Martin Andersen is married with two grown sons and two grandsons. Her work experience is in elementary education as a school counselor and as a reading teacher. Her passion is writing for children. She created stories and articles that were published in Pockets, Guide, and AppleSeeds magazines. She is also published in Christian curriculum and teacher guides for Cobblestone magazines. She created pre-K and K activities, poems, and piggyback songs for Celebrate and Adventures Christian magazines. For ten years she created activities for the children’s bulletin for First Presbyterian in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She wrote educational “Tips for Parents” for The Fayetteville Observer from 2005-2006.
She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and attends their workshops and conferences regularly. She is thankful for her SCBWI and writer friends..
Teacher’s guide “The Great Bridge” for Cobblestone magazine on the Brooklyn Bridge–March 2010
Linda wrote Cobblestone teacher guides for two subscription years. This issue was selected because of her response to the question about something funny that happened. See question #9.
Published magazine stories:
- “Little Willie Sherman” for AppleSeeds magazine ( November/December 2011)
- “A Different Kind of Party” for Pockets magazine (January 2012)
- “Whistling in the Spotlight” for Guide magazine ( November 10, 2012)
Linda on the Web:
Linda’s blog: A Writer’s Playground – www.lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com
Here are three great posts on Linda’s blog:
- Who would Write About Leprosy? Joyce Moyer Hostetter, That’s Who http://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/who-would-write-about-leprosy-joyce-moyer-hostetter-thats-who/
- Meet Melissa Barr, a Zookeeper at NC Zoological Park http://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/meet-melissa-barr-a-zookeeper-at-north-carolina-zoological-park/
- Meet a Pilot Who Is Also a Children’s Author. Mike Downs, the Spotlight’s on You For Aviation History Month. http://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2012/11/17/meet-a-pilot-who-is-also-a-childrens-author-mike-downs-the-spotlights-on-you-for-aviation-history-month/
Here are five blog posts that Linda believes you will enjoy:
- Tim Livingston—Forestry Fridays (topic—history of moving logs
http://theforesterartist.com/2013/11/15/forestry-friday-movin-logs-old-school/
- Carol Baldwin—book reviews and writing tips
http://www.carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/prisoner-of-night-and-fog-and-giveaway.html
- Joy Acey—Poetry for Kids Joy–a poem a day (topic—bullying)
http://poetryforkidsjoy.blogspot.com/2014/01/dealing.html
- Joyce Hostetter—book reviews, research, and interviews
http://joycemoyerhostetter.blogspot.com/2013/12/q-with-kathryn-erskine-author-of-seeing.html
- Joan Y. Edwards—writing tips, interviews, motivation, and more
http://joanyedwards.com/2014/01/20/in-memoriam-interview-with-maureen-wartski-artist-author-and-friend/
Thank you, Linda for being a guest on my blog and sharing your sense of humor and writing tips with us.
Celebrate you every day.
You are a gift to our world
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
Copyright © 2014 Joan Y. Edwards
Answer the following question in the comment area: What would Robin, Batman’s sidekick, say if he saw this picture of me with the cow?
In your comment, say, HOLY COW! OR ONE OF ROBIN’S GREAT WORDS, PLEASE. IT’LL MAKE LINDA SMILE.
This giveaway is complete. Kathy Burkinshaw! She won a copy of Batman and Robin’s FRIGHT CLUB from Linda Martin Andersen. HOLY COWABUNGA! It’s her lucky day!
Joan,
Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of this series. I had fun answering your interview questions and I look forward to commenting with your followers.
Dear Linda Andersen,
As Batman and Robin would say, “HOLY COW, that was an awesome interview. You are welcome. No author interview series of mine would be complete without an interview of you, Linda. You are amazing.
I know my readers will enjoy learning all about you and will enjoy interacting with you in this comment area.
Celebrate today!
Never Give Up
Joan
Fun blog, thanks Linda and Joan!
Dear Carol,
Thanks for writing. Batman and Robin say, “HOLY SMOKES, CAROL. You are very welcome.”
I put your name in to win a copy of FRIGHT CLUB.
Never Give Up
Joan
Carol,
Thanks for the compliment. I love reading your blog posts too!
It was great learning more about you, Linda. I’ve enjoyed our few talks at conferences. To set a goal of publication in Cobblestone Magazine and achieve it is quite an accomplishment. Many submit over and over to no avail. Thank you for being a part of Joan’s series. It’s given us all a better appreciation of you and your work.
Dear Sandra,
HOLY CHIHUAHUA! What a nice thing to say to Linda.
Never Give Up
Joan
Sandra,
What a nice thing to say about being published in Cobblestone magazine. It was quite a privilege for me.
I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and your writing better too. I hope to get to another conference soon. We’ll chat in person again!
Since my first response for what Robin would say has already been taken, I will try, “Cowabunga Batman!” I really enjoyed this interview and appreciate both of your taking the time to share it with us!
Brenda,
Thanks for playing along with us. I like your second choice response. Good one! I’m happy that you enjoyed the interview. It was fun to do.
Dear Brenda,
Thank you for writing. “Cowabunga Batman,” is an awesome response. You’re welcome for sharing Linda’s interview with you. She is a fun person and a great writer.
Never Give Up
Joan
Great interview Joan. I love Linda’s blog, it’s one of my favorites. It’s wonderful to get the scoop on her. 🙂
Tim,
Thanks for the endorsement of my blog! Getting the scoop on me–Is that the “scoop poop?”
No way …. It’s like getting the scoop at the Daily Planet!
Tim,
NICE! Thanks!
Dear Tim,
HOLY FOREST, WE MUST CUT THOSE LOGS! Thanks for writing. I’m glad that Linda’s blog is one of your favorites. Getting the SCOOP on Linda for the DAILY PLANET is a great idea.
Never Give Up
Joan
🙂
Holy Bovine! Thank you Joan for bringing us this interview with Linda. I loved getting to know more about her writing journey
. I am so glad that I have been able to be friends with both you and Linda. I have also learned from both of you as well!
Dear Kathy Burkinshaw,
HOLY CHIHUAHUA, you are so much fun. I loved your HOLY BOVINE! It has been my pleasure to be friends with you! You are tops in my book.
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
Kathy,
It’s so fun making new friends on this writing journey. You’re one I’m so glad I met along the way. We learn from each other and have fun doing it. What a deal!
Loved the interview, but always love Joan’s questions. Aren’t those series of cow art (and other animals fun!). Thank you for sharing your trek toward bestsellerdom!
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn,
Joan knows how to pose questions, doesn’t she? I really enjoyed having my picture taken with the cow art. It was also fun to share my writing experiences here. Thanks for the good wishes on future writings. Sweet!
Dear Carolyn,
Thank you for writing. HOLY CHIHUAHUA, You are so much fun.
You encourage me and give me many smiles, one for each comment you leave. I’m glad you have enjoyed the interviews.
I’ve entered your name for Linda’s giveaway.
Never Give Up
Joan
Wow, batman, Linda is mootalented. Joan, thanks for interviewing Linda. And Linda, I really enjoyed getting to know you better as a person, a writer, and a jestor…but you forgot to wear your jestor’s hat. Boo hoo, Batman. 🙂
Dear Tracy (alias BATMAN),
HOLY CANADIAN SNOW, TRACY. Your phrase, “Linda is MOOTALENTED, made me giggle. You’re right, we didn’t post a picture of Linda in her jester hat.
Never Give Up
Joan
Hee hee. Joan, I forgot to mention, it’s obvious you’re a great mentor to Linda. It shows in her blogging and from her published works. I imagine that’s because you tell her to never give up! 🙂
Dear Tracy,
You are right. i do tell Linda Never Give Up. However, I believe she already has it built into her psyche. You are a fun person.
Celebrate you.
never Give Up
Joan
Tracy,
Thanks so much for adding more fun to the mix here. Joan has inspired me in many ways and so have you!
Joan,
Isn’t it fun when people let loose and have a good time with their comments?
Dear Tracy and Linda,
You two are amazing. Yes, it is great when people let loose and have fun with their comments. You are RIGHT ON.
Never Give Up
Joan
Thanks, Linda. I think you and Joan are wonderful. 🙂
Tracy,
Thanks! I’m blushing at home. Sorry the photos don’t reflect it or my jester hat.
Great interview. Thanks for posting this.
Dear Rosi,
Thanks for writing. Robin says, “HOLY WOW! Linda’s with a Cow!” I am glad you liked Linda’s interview. It is a joy to have you here with us.
Never Give Up
Joan
Rosi,
Thanks for stopping by Joan’s blog and leaving a comment.
Joan,
Your responses in Robin’s voice are great. You deserve a prize!
Dear Rosi and Linda,
ROCKING WORDS YOU BOTH UTTER. Thanks. It’s fun. It was your idea, Linda. Great idea, too. It made IT MORE MUCHO FUN.
Never Give Up
Joan
Joan,
So glad you’re enjoying your “Robin voice.” Maybe you’ll be hired as an impersonator. You never know!
Linda and Joan, Amazing interview.
Linda, I love how you suggest to ‘look over your character’s shoulder’ to help create distinctive voice. Great way of looking at it.
Dear Karen,
Thanks for writing. HOLY TAMALES! What a nice thing to say! I’m glad you enjoyed the interview.
You’re right, Linda’ suggestion to look over your character’s shoulder to help create a distinctive voice is a wonderful idea.
Celebrate you
Never Give Up
Joan
Karen,
Thanks for commenting. I’ve learned so much from your marketing tips. I admire your skills. I’m glad you enjoyed my interview at Joan’s blog. I did too! Thanks for the compliment on the characterization tip I shared.
Dear Tracy,
HOLY CHIHUAHUA, YOU GOT ME BLUSHING.
Have a fun day.
Joan
Hi Linda and Joan,
Thanks for another great interview. And Linda, I’m so glad you got over your aversion to poetry meter and even went on to publish some poetry. Good for you!
Linda,
Thanks for your comment and for being happy that I was able to jump the poetry hurdle, at least when the bar was set at a low level. 😉
Dear Linda Phillips,
HOLY WOW! Thanks for writing. You’re very welcome for the interview of Linda Andersen. The both of you could write combined poems!
Celebrate you
Never Give Up
Joan
Holy Manure, that cow is in camouflage.
Dear Sunnymay,
HOLY CHIMPANZEES! Thanks for writing. You are right. Linda’s paratrooper is in camouflage. It makes it fun when you play with us. Linda Andersen will be so excited.
I entered you and the other commenters in the drawing.
Never Give Up
Joan
Sunnymay,
You made my day. Holy manure is not one I had thought of before. Funny!
A big thank you to the following people made the blog even more fun by leaving a comment before midnight Friday, February 14, 2014:
I used random.org. I told it that I had 11 people and asked it to choose a number for me. Dun ta Dun. It chose number 5. Therefore, congratulations to Kathy Burkinshaw! She wins a copy of Batman and Robin’s FRIGHT CLUB from Linda Martin Andersen. HOLY COWABUNGA! It’s her lucky day!
Kathy, please send me your snail mail address. I’ll forward it to Linda so your fun can begin.
I’m putting this in a new post. Please respond there. Thanks.
Never Give Up
Joan
Hi Linda and Joan, I’m a little behind the times with reading this blog post, but I’m so glad I did. Writing teacher guides is a talent all of its own and Linda has found her niche. Sounds like she’s ready for a field trip to the Brooklyn Bridge.
Gretchen
Dear Gretchen,
Thanks for writing. Anytime is a great time to hear from you. You are right. Linda is ready for a field trip to the Brooklyn Bridge. It would be fun, fun, fun.
Celebrate you
Never Give Up
Joan
HI Gretchen,
Thanks for the compliment.
A field trip would be fun! I bet you could put one together if the time was right!