We're excited to interview Sherry Ellis and find out the story behind Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China. Sherry is an award-winner author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis, her husband, and their two children live in Atlanta, Georgia. Without further ado, take it away, Sherry!
What inspired you to write Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China?
When I was a kid, I tried to dig a hole to China. Maybe because my parents said I couldn’t and I wanted to prove them wrong. Since I lived in Florida at the time, I got nothing but a hole full of water. But, what if you could dig a hole to China? What might happen? I bet a lot of kids wonder the same thing. So, I made a story that starts with a hole to China.
How long did it take you to write Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China?
Ten years! I’m not kidding. The first draft took about four months, but it has been revised many times. It started as a story written in the third person point of view. Feedback from a publisher who had rejected it, prompted me to change the point of view to alternating first person, where the main characters, Bubba and Squirt take turns telling the story. I think it’s helped readers get to know their personalities better.
You must have done a lot of research for this book. What is your research process like? Was there any aspect of your research for Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China (or another book) that was the most interesting?
Yes, you are absolutely right. I did an enormous amount of research. I went to the library and got a lot of books on China. Then I read through them, taking notes as I went. I found things I thought were interesting and worked to incorporate them into the story. I
learned about the history of China, specifically focusing on the Qin dynasty which was the time when Emperor Ch’in lived. (He’s the ghost in the story.) I also learned about the language and customs of China. I had a lot of fun researching Chinese superstitions and ghost stories. I think kids are going to enjoy those elements of the book!
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl is one of my favorite books from childhood. I remember my teacher in the second grade read it, one chapter a day, after recess. I couldn’t wait for the following day to find out what was going to happen next. I’ve been influenced by many authors. I’d say the biggest influences for Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China were Mary Pope Osborne, the author of the Magic Tree House series, and Rick Riordan, author of The Heroes of Olympus series.
You have written numerous picture books, but Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China is your first chapter book. Can you tell us some of the things you noticed about writing for different ages?
Writing a middle grade book is a lot different than writing picture books. I think the biggest difference is how much more descriptive the text for chapter books must be. You don’t have pictures to tell the story. You have to do it through words, and this includes using all of the senses. You also have to give your characters depth and some kind of journey. In some ways, there’s a lot more to think about when you write a chapter book. It’s definitely been a learning experience for me!
You are a professional musician. Do you think you will ever write a book that involves musical instruments?
Many people have told me I should. I’m toying around with a couple of ideas for a picture book. We’ll see what happens. One thing I made sure I included in Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China was information about a Chinese violin called an erhu. I couldn’t resist!
Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?
Usually, I write at my desk or at the kitchen table. But since I write everything with a pencil and notebook, it’s transportable. I’ve written stories at my daughter’s ballet studio, a football stadium, and even backstage while I wait to perform for concerts. I do not listen to music while I write. I find it very distracting. I prefer silence, so I can listen to the voices of the characters inside my head.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
I have travelled to many places, and although I’ve seen many beautiful countries, I’d have to say that I wouldn’t want to live anywhere but the United States. I like the open spaces, the green grass lawns, and the variety of landscapes across the country. I’m happy right where I am.
Are you currently working on a book? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?
Yes, I’m working on the possible second book of Bubba and Squirt’s adventures. It’s called, Bubba and Squirt’s Mayan Treasure. In this one, the two will travel through the vortex from the first book and end up in Belize. They’ll have to stop thieves from stealing ancient Mayan artifacts, and in the process will discover an amazing treasure.
Where can we purchase your books?
Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. To see all of my books, you can visit my Amazon Author page.
Meet the author
Book 'Em North Carolina: 9/22/18
Milton Book Festival:11/10/18
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