Sherry Ellis, Author
Sherry Ellis is the author of That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN and That Mama is
a Grouch, which was awarded first place in the Parenting category of the
2011 Pinnacle Book Awards. She is also a professional musician who plays
and teaches violin, viola, and piano. She lives in Loveland, Ohio, with her
husband and two children, and has considerable experience with toy-strewn
environments.
- What inspired you to write? Both of my books were inspired by true life experiences. That Mama is a Grouch was inspired after I tripped over toys my kids’ toys. I whacked my foot on the sofa and ended up breaking my toe. Believe me, I was one grouchy mama!
2. Can you tell us a little about That Mama is a Grouch?
That Mama is a Grouch 
Sure. It’s the story of a mom who is having a tantrum. There are toys on the floor, messes in the kitchen, and finger-paint on the walls. Mama is sick of it. The narrator, the precocious child who made the mess, can’t seem to understand what the problem is. Finally, Mama explains some rules of the house. Then it all makes sense – at least for a little while. That Mama is a Grouch is a fun book for kids ages 3-8 that lets them know that parents are human with feelings and emotions. It also reminds parents that kids are, well, kids. Messes are to be expected. It is my hope that kids and parents will read the book and use it as a tool to talk about some of their own household rules.
3. What is a typical writing day like for you? My days are anything but typical. I suppose that’s part of being a mom with young kids. I try to write whenever I have an opportunity. Sometimes I write at the bus stop when I’m waiting to pick up my children. More often than not, I write in the evening. It’s hard for me to find an hour or two for uninterrupted writing. I have to take it in fifteen-minute snippets. That said I still manage to write nearly every day.
4. What do you enjoy most about writing? I enjoy using my imagination as I write. It’s fun to create characters and story lines. It’s almost as if I’m a little kid again, making my own imaginary world. Who wouldn’t like that!
5. What is the most difficult part of writing for children? Well, obviously I’m not a kid. So the two biggest challenges are coming up with stories and characters that are interesting for kids today, and not being too “preachy.” If there’s a lesson to be learned, it has to be subtle. Otherwise kids aren’t going to want to read it.
6. What is the best writing advice you have ever received? Join a writers’ group (and go to the meetings!). It really forces you to keep up your writing skills. In a sense, you are held accountable by your peers. It’s also a great way to get feedback on your work. As an extra bonus, you can learn about various opportunities (like workshops and book shows) in your area.
7. Do you have any other works in progress? Can you share a little about them? I have written another picture book called, Ten Zany Birds. I am currently looking for a publisher for it. The big project I’m working on is a chapter book series. The first book is called, Bubba and Squirt’s Big Hole to China. The premise of the books will be that Bubba and Squirt travel via magic, to other countries. They will learn a little about the language, culture, and history of the people who live countries. While they are there, they will learn about the language, culture, and history of the people, while having some kind of adventure. I have been working on this first manuscript for about two years, and have revised it at least fifty times. It’s almost ready for resubmission to an interested agent. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
8. Do you make school visits? If so, please describe a typical school presentation. I do make school visits. I speak to classes of around twenty students. During these presentations, I usually read one of my books. Then I’ll talk about the writing process and the steps to getting published. Aspiring authors always have questions, so I do my best to answer questions and then encourage them to keep writing.
9. Do you have a website? Yes, I do. My official website is www.sherryellis.org. You can also connect with me on my blog: www.sherryellis.blogspot.com.
10. What is your best tip for aspiring children’s book authors? Read. Read as much as you can so that you get a good sense of what kids like, and what publishers want to see.
Thank you for having me as a guest on your blog!
We appreciate you stopping by, Sherry.
Sherry will be giving away one paperback copy of her book, and one eBook. You must comment for your chance to win.
Good Luck! Commenters…
Comments are now open!
It is so nice of you to have me as a guest here. Thank you!
Great interview! I think sometimes it might be harder for a person to come up with great children’s characters than ones for adults. You definitely have to have a big imagination!
Fun interview! I love reading about how other writers, especially moms, find time to write. I have small kids–ages three and five–and struggle sometimes with balancing my mom side and my writer side. It was great reading about how Sherry fits everything in–and her books sound great! :)
A true inspiration! I’ve wanted to write a children’s book someday, so your advice is great! It broadens my thought on what I should do next ;D !
Thanks for sharing!
thanks for all the info about how your books came to fruition. I’m learning more about you.
fun interview and I got a kick out of all of Sherry’s childrens’ books’ premises. Kids enjoy books and want to be read to – the key is to keep them interested and not realize they are learning. I follow Sherry’s Garden blog and I think she’d do well with a garden themed book for older kids. I wish her well in the publishing world
Joanne, Thank you for stopping by my blog to read the interview with Sherry Ellis. I get a kick out of Sherry’s childrens’ books’ premises as well! A garden themed book for older kids would be a good idea for Sherry, her garden blog is beautiful. Thank you again for visiting! -Virginia Wright
Hi Peaches, Thanks for checking in to read the interview with Sherry Ellis! Best, -Virginia Wright
Lorelei, Thanks for visiting my blog to comment about the interview I did with Author Sherry Ellis. She truly is an inspiration, for me as well! You should write your children’s book, no better time than the present– especially when there are other author’s out there willing to give you support along your journey! **Hugs** -Virginia
Hi Dana, I checked out The Daily Dose, great blog! Thanks for stopping by to read the interview with Sherry Ellis. She is an amazing author, mom, and musician and does an awesome job juggling it all– she is like a shot in the arm to me, truly inspirational! That is why I wanted to do an interview with Sherry. Again thanks for visiting my blog. -Virginia Wright
Hi Christine, Thanks for visiting and reading the interview with Sherry Ellis. She definitely does have an awesome imagination! I downloaded your book Fearless. Awesome, cover. Again, thanks for stopping by for the interview with Sherry Ellis! -Virginia
You are welcome, Sherry. You are an inspiration, and I know you will be to others. Thank you for being here! -Virginia
Hello there. I ran across the website your on the internet. This is a good report. I am going to make sure to take a note of that and find out more of your information. Appreciate your article. I will definitely return.
This interview was insightful I love dabbling at writing. I am not blessed to have children but I enjoy my nieces and nephew as much as possible
Thank you, Corza. We appreciate you stopping by and checking out the interview with Author Sherry Ellis. Best to you, -Virginia Wright
Hi Stephanie, Thanks for stopping by my blog for the interview with Author Sherry Ellis…That is wonderful you have nieces and a nephew to enjoy– I have nieces, great nieces, and nephews, and great nephews, they are all definitely blessings! Best to you, -Virginia
It is rare for me to discover something on the cyberspace that is as entertaining and fascinating as what youve got here. Your page is sweet, your graphics are outstanding, and whats more, you use reference that are relevant to what you are talking about. Youre definitely one in a million, great job!
Wow! Thanks, everybody for stopping by!
Christine – You know all about imagination. You have a pretty big one, too! Your book, Fearless, rocks!
Dana – Yes, it’s tough finding time to write. It gets easier when they’re in school full time.
Lorelei – Good luck with getting started!
Peaches – Thanks for finding my Facebook page. Good luck with your new company!
Joanne – Great idea about the garden book. I’ll have to think about that.
Corza – Thanks so much for visiting!
Stephanie – Maybe someday you’ll be a published author, too!
Artlicle about bag – Thanks for stopping by!