Author Interview: Sherry Ellis

read our review of the book

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

 www.bookemnc.org.

Milton Book Festival:11/10/18 

www.miltonliteraryfestival.com

Enter the giveaway for one of three paperback copies of Bubba and Squirts Big Dig to China! Comment below for a chance to win or comment on the review. Three winners will be randomly chosen. Good luck!

Artists' Corner with Wendell Minor

Wendell Minor

Today, we're thrilled to feature two brilliant illustrators, David SanAngelo and Wendell Minor. We've enjoyed telling you about Daylight, Starlight, Wildlife this week, and now here's the artist's perspective on the scene—

David SanAngelo Interviews Wendell Minor

The hallmark of every great artist is that his or her work, regardless of medium, can be instantly identified. You know you are watching a Hitchcock film by the shot selection or a Bob Fosse dance number from the choreography or that you are listening to a Jimi Hendrix song by the sound of the guitar. The same can be said of Wendell Minor's paintings.

Whether you are looking at an illustration of an otter or an astronaut you know from the composition, palette, and brushwork that it could have only been created by Wendell Minor. I have been a fan of Mr. Minor's work for years and so it was an unbelievable gift for me to assist with this interview.

David SanAngelo

David: Your work has extensive range, however, there appears to be three reoccurring themes: Wildlife, American history and American farmlands. Is there a subject matter you would love to illustrate that you haven't yet?

Wendell: The three themes that you mentioned have infinite possibilities, and with wildlife and American biography the list is endless. That said, I like to seek out subjects that need attention and have not yet received their due, so any animal or period of American history, or persons lesser known in history would appeal to me.

David: What are a few of your most favorite works and why?

Wendell: At the moment, Edward Hopper Paints His World and one of my early books, Heartland would make the list. Heartland presents a regional quality to the look of the art, very much the way Edward Hopper viewed Cape Cod and New York City, however, I must say that beyond that, it’s really hard to choose. Basically, I have enjoyed doing all my books.

David: If you could illustrate for an author you haven't had the opportunity to work with yet, who would it be?

Wendell: That’s an easy answer for me. It would be historian David McCullough. As you probably know, I have designed and illustrated most of his book jackets over the years, but the one thing David hasn’t done yet is write a manuscript for a picture book. Maybe someday that will happen.

David: What stage of your process is your favorite/ least favorite?

Wendell: I have to say that the ongoing treasure hunt for reference material for each project is my favorite. It’s a process of discovery that often leads to other ideas for future books. My least favorite stage of the process is judging when a piece is actually finished. Sometimes paintings seem to go on forever, and when I get a sense that my head is about to explode and I know I can’t go any further...that’s when I know a painting is finished.

David: What do you feel is the biggest difference in the publishing business now from when you first began your career?

Wendell: The clear difference is that many publishing houses used to be independently owned; now virtually all imprints have been absorbed into corporate publishing. The competition for a children’s book author or illustrator is ten times more intense than it once was. It seems that every year the portal narrows a bit. That means that more than ever, one has to be on top of their craft and be able to shift gears creatively to move forward.

David: If Norman Rockwell, J.C. Leyendecker and N.C. Wyeth all had showings of their work at the exact same time which one would you attend?

Wendell: That is an unfair question! But, depending on where the openings were I’d run to each of them. N.C. Wyeth has been a favorite of mine for many years and J.C. Leyendecker was an inspiration to the young Norman Rockwell when he was developing his style. The artist I would most like to meet, however, would be Norman Rockwell.

David: You've done quite a bit of traveling to study your subject matter. Of all the places you've traveled to and remarkable things you've seen, where would you first recommend someone to visit to feel absolutely spellbound?

Wendell: There are two places I would recommend, and for contrasting reasons. Everyone should visit the Grand Canyon at least once in their lives. It is one of the wonders of nature and puts life into perspective due to the scale of the human vs the scale of the Canyon. It is beyond description.

The other place is Barrow, Alaska, which I love for a completely different reason. In Barrow, one can see virtually forever in any direction across the frozen ocean. The town of Barrow itself, is as close as one can get to a 21st Century frontier town. It takes true grit to live there, but it’s worth it.

David: Outside of illustrating, what do you enjoy?

Wendell: Plein-air painting is a favorite pastime of mine, along with reading biographies and American history books. And last, but certainly not least is spending lots of time with my wife Florence, at home with our cat, Cinder, when Florence and I are not traveling though this beautiful country of ours.

Wendell Minor is nationally known for the artwork he has created for over fifty award-winning children’s books. His many collaborators include Jean Craighead George, Robert Burleigh, Buzz Aldrin, Tony Johnston, Mary Higgins Clark, and last but not least, his wife Florence. In 2009 Wendell and Florence’s If You Were a Penguin, was chosen by Pennsylvania for their “One Book, Every Young Child” 2009 early literacy program, and they enjoyed the month they spent speaking to children in Pennsylvania’s libraries, schools, Head Start facilities, and Museums.

VISIT WEBSITE

David SanAngelo is an award winning illustrator, a two-time Emmy nominated director of animated shows for children and he won a kite flying contest in the fourth grade. Dave attended high school with Jessica and Stephanie and they've all been friends for a billion years. Some of Dave's favorite things are: old monster movies, superheroes and shred-a-licious rock music. Although he grew up in New England, Dave currently lives with his wife and sons in Decatur, GA.

VISIT WEBSITE

Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson

It was an honor hosting this feature interview with these two wonderful artists. Bringing together worlds connects us all, and it's been fascinating to learn about Wendell Minor.

We've been big fans of David SanAngelo and his artwork since we attended high school together. It was amazing having him as our illustrator for Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library, and it's our pleasure to spotlight his work.  

Unhittable

Dragons Bridge

Scene from Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library

Cover art for Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library

Author Interview with Laura Ann Smith-McFarland

We're excited to interview Laura Ann Smith-McFarland and find out the story behind Eggbert, the talking egg. Without further ado, take it away, Laura! 
(read our review of the book)

What inspired you to write Eggbert’s Christmas on the Farm?

Eggbert has always had a great local following in the Hudson Valley, New York, since the early 1970’s, but many wondered how did Eggbert come about. What was the story behind Eggbert? When Eggbert came out of retirement in 2011, it was evident that he was sorely missed and visitors still posed this question. Flash forward a few years later, the owners of Devitt’s approach me to write the first book about Eggbert knowing my love of Eggbert and writing. I presented an idea for the story and the rest is history!

In Eggbert’s Christmas on the Farm, Zoe wrote a letter to Santa. What would you like to ask Santa for this year?

My husband, Joe, and I bought our first house this year after a decade of apartment living. Our home was built in 1890 and is super sweet and charming, truly our dream home, but needed a lot more TLC than expected. Though we have accomplished a lot in our fixer upper, we have a ways to go! My wish is for Santa to send his talented elves to help and spread his magic on our new home.

Zoe was excited to meet Eggbert. Do you remember your first time meeting him?

Eggbert played a very big part in my childhood. My parents would often take my brother, Michael, and I to visit him throughout the holiday season. I have to admit for a few years I was quite afraid of him, but realized how silly I was being and grew to love him. After all, he has a direct connection to Santa! :-)

You worked with illustrator, Patty Deyo on Eggbert’s Christmas on the Farm. What was the process like?

Patty is an incredible artist and person. We both grew up with Eggbert, so it was a seamless partnership. I roughly sketched out pages/storyboards along with my words and she sprinkled her magic and talent all over the pages of Eggbert’s Christmas on the Farm! We made a few revisions here and there to get it just right. We are so happy to tell the story of Eggbert!

What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?

I have always had a love of words - spelling, grammar and synonyms! There wasn’t one specific book or author that I favored, but I loved to read various Golden Books, Disney stories, biographies, poetry, prayers and even encyclopedias! I have always been a dreamer. My father was a big influence for my love of writing. He taught me my ABCs, studied for spelling tests with me, published numerous articles and publications throughout his career and even self-published his own book as well. I definitely caught the writing bug from my Dad!

If you could live anyplace real or fictional, where would it be? Why?

I have two ideal places to live, but they are total opposites! I can easily picture myself living on a beach, leading the perfect island life in the Caribbean, but I am also a true New Yorker. I LOVE NEW YORK CITY! It is the greatest city in the world! I love all the wonderful places, people, museums, restaurants and things to do in NYC! Every season is perfect in New York.

Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?

I enjoy writing at home. Whether it is at my desk feverishly typing in silence or the days where I crank some Taylor Swift, Gwen Stefani, Enrique Iglesias, or 80s music to get me going or even curled up on my couch -- I feel inspired!

Are you currently working on a book? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?

Currently, I do not have a book in the works. I have outlines for a couple specific book ideas, but life and a house has taken over my mind! I am hoping to get back into the swing of things later this winter with a blog about the adventures of our new/fixer upper home. 

Where can we buy your books or learn more about them?

Eggbert’s Christmas on the Farm can be purchased through Devitt’s Nursery & Supply. Please send an email inquiry to: devittsns@gmail.com. Attention Candace. 

Additionally, I am happy to answer any questions and appreciate any feedback anyone might have. Thank you!

Enter the giveaway for a signed copy of Eggbert's Christmas on the Farm, plus a festive Eggbert ornament. Good luck!

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Author Interview with Shelley Gill

The DMS was lucky to interview Shelley Gill. Fairday reviewed her book Big Blue, and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We're excited to learn a little more about her story. So, without further ado... take it away, Shelley!

1) What inspired you to write Kiana’s Iditarod?

At the time I raced there were no books about the Iditarod, so I wrote one.

2) You have written many picture books. Which one took you the longest?

Gabe took maybe six months.  If I Were a Whale took two days and one editing pass.

3) Many of your book are based in or on the state of Alaska. What was your research process like for some of your books?

Most of my books come from life experience. But one I'm working on now-we'll call it Balto- has required two trips to Cleveland to look up old newspaper clippings, which are horrible resources, and interviews with four 90-100 year old women who were children during the serum run.

4) Was there any aspect of your research that was the most interesting?

So much factual info is lost.

5)  The Iditarod is a common theme in your books.  You have also raced in the Iditarod.  What can you tell us about your experience and what would you like kids to know about the race?

The Iditarod sled dog race is an epic adventure. It's not like you can just step onto the sled. You have to have really top-notch outdoor skills, you have to know your dogs. It's the toughest race on earth. But doing stuff like the Iditarod makes your life worth living.

6) You have lived in Alaska for over 30 years. What are some of the best aspects about living there?

Alaska, like everywhere else, is changing. It has always had a history of people coming there and taking what they wanted. Gold, furs, oil. I came there for a different reason. To experience real wilderness. Those two goals-to pillage and to ponder are not compatible.

7) What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?

The Lion’s Paw  and White Fang were two of my favorite books. Authors: Jack London, Robert Service, and Hemingway.  

8) You have lived in Alaska for over 30 years. What are some of the best aspects about living there?

Alaska like everywhere else is changing. It has always had a history of people coming there and taking what they wanted. Gold, furs, oil. I came there for a different reason. To experience real wilderness. Those two goals-to pillage and to ponder are not compatible.

9)  You work with marine biologists who are studying whales. What can people do to help protect these beautiful creatures?

Protect their habitat. Every second breath we take comes from the oceans of the world. If we don't take care of the oceans- humans and whales will not survive.

NOAA Photo Library

10) If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Alaska, although it breaks my heart.

11) Shelley wrote Big Blue based on the experience she had with her daughter, Kye. Listen to her talk about whales and tell the story behind the story.

(She gives some background and the story about swimming with Big Blue starts at 2:18.)

12) Where can we purchase your books? Amazon: Shelley Gill