Check It Out

I was a real pleasure to meet Deb Lund, author of Monsters on Machinesat the Second Annual Kidlitosphere Blogging Conference last fall.  I think it was her sense of humor and joyfulness that created a connection for me.  Oh, and she used to be a school librarian and teacher!  And she still considers herself a teacher.  So when the opportunity to interview Deb for Provato’s Marketing Blog Tour, I said, “Yes!” 

So recently, I ask Deb some questions about her writing process and life in general:

What have you recently published and what are you currently working on?

Monsters on Machines came out in August. I’m finishing up final revisions on Dinosoaring- that makes a dinothrillogy! – which comes out Spring 2010. I’m working on more picture books, a historical fantasy novel, and a book about teaching writing to kids.

What books are on your nightstand?

The Poetry Home Repair Manualby Ted Kooser
Blinkby Malcolm Gladwell
Unconditional Parentingby Alfie Kohn
The Time-Traveler’s Wifeby Audrey Neffinger

What does a day of work look like for you?

I get the kiddos off to school, fuss about with this and that in my tree-level windowed writing space, answer emails (mostly about school visits), and see what manuscript (or deadline) calls me. Ollie, my miniature schnauzer, will knock my hands off the keyboard when he thinks I’ve been ignoring him too long. I sneak in a workout at the gym when I can, and get lured in by Facebook too often. Sometimes I stare at the walls a bit longer than I’d like, but other times I accomplish reams more than I imagined. There’s guilty pleasure in all this, until I realize the fun I have IS my job.

When did you know you wanted to write?

As a young kid, if you asked me what I wanted to be, the answer was always “an artist.” Then I wrote a poem that my 5th grade teacher sent in to a publication called “Wonder Writers” and I was hooked. I went to college expecting to major in speech and theater, ended up with a music degree, taught school, but kept that dream of writing until it weaseled its way through all my excuses.

If you were not a writer, what job would you like to have?

I loved working with families in the small school I founded and co-directed, but I also loved my school library job and teaching music. I teach continuing education courses and writing classes. Sharing stories and songs with kids, supporting educators, and making learning come alive, are still passions of mine, so I guess I’m already doing the job I’d like to have if I wasn’t writing.

What are some jobs you have had along the way that have helped you in your writing?
Teaching, of course, and immersing myself in children’s books as a librarian. I remember how surprised I was when I first attended the national SCBWI conference and discovered how much I already knew (and how little I knew, too, of course).

What advice to do you have for would-be writers/illustrators?

Give up saying “I don’t have time!” I got serious about my writing when I was forty and pregnant. That’s when I realized I’d never have time.

What book do you wish you had written/illustrated?

Can I pick a novel and a picture book? Keep in mind my answer to this question changes by the minute…
A Great and Terrible Beautyby Libba Bray
Charlie Parker Played Be Bopby Chris Raschka

Whom would you most like to meet?
I decided to rule out dead people this time. I’d like to thank Paul Farmer in person – two of my kids are from Haiti.

What was your favorite book as a child? As a teen? As an adult? Any particular genre stand out?

As a young kid my favorite book was A Fly Went By. In first grade our librarian read us Winnie the Pooh, and I remember feeling honored that she would read such a complex book to us. In later elementary years, my favorites were My Side of the Mountain, and A Wrinkle in Time. I also pored through all the popular mystery series.

Chocolate: white, dark, or milk?

Nothing but dark – ever

Coffee or tea?

Organic herbal tea – no mint or licorice

Dance Funky chicken or the tango?

Both, depending on my mood – sometimes simultaneously

Writing the first draft or revising? Which is your favorite?

There’s great energy around first drafts for me – nonstop spewing onto paper – but I love rearranging the pieces, as if there’s only one best way to put together a story’s puzzle.

Favorite time of the day to work?

Mornings, after everyone leaves.

Is there a question you wish I had asked?

Who’s that guy you hang out with? That’s my husband Karl Olsen, singer, songwriter, member of The Brothers Four. When Jane Yolen watched him perform, she leaned over and whispered, “Your husband is a dish.” Around here, he’s mostly Daddy and Dish Washer.

Deb recently emailed  as she has two blogs up and running!

The first one:  Writing With Kids   Deb says, “I’m lucky to be doing what I love. That’s how I felt teaching, too, which is why I created this blog to support teachers and home school families.”
Her second one:
Deb Lund ad lib    Deb says,”Bits and pieces of my meanderings and musings find their way into
this blog for all, with a nudge for writers at the end of each one.”

They are two great blogs.  I love reading about the process of writing.  I hope you will add these both to your blogrolls.
Thanks again to Deb Lund for appearing, courtesy of Provato Marketing, for other stops on the tour please check www.provatoevents.com.

What are you reading? Happy Reading.

MsMac