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.

1. 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!