Can you share a little about your recent book?
How to Dress a Dinosaur is a board book published in March by Familius. It describes a mother and toddler going through the daily trial of getting dressed. She imaginatively pretends he is various dinosaurs to get the job done.
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
I write for both religious and general markets. I think laughter is the common denominator and the best way to connect with kids.
How long have you been writing?
My first resource book for library programs was published last century! 1987.
And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?
I was an editor for DC Cook. They had some art from another project and asked if I’d like to write a book to go with the pictures. That was the first Baby Bible Story Book – now sold over 1M copies!
Which of your books is your favorite?
I love the art and timelessness of Tuktuk: Tundra Tale, the story of an arctic lemming who outwits bigger animals to get a cozy winter home. I just read it of 11 different classes virtually on WRAD and still love it most!
Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?
In How to Dress a Dinosaur, my favorite is the last page where the mom and kid are both green and scaly and smiling with dino love!
Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.
When The Very Best Story Ever Told won the 2020 Serious WRITER Book of the Decade, I attended the live dinner and presentation. Even in the middle of COVID it was the most wonderful award.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Write? 20-23 min. Edit: 7 to 10 years.
What’s your writing work schedule like?
I am most productive 1st thing in the morning but I love research and can get down a rabbit hole of information and crawl out at lunch. I do get very productive in Feb and March because in Jan I take the Story Storm challenge and come up with 31 ideas in 31 days!
What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?
It rewarding to see kids enjoy any of my books – especially the droolers and chewers of my board books!
Could you tell us about a dark moment in your writing career?
I still get discouraged with I fall for the lure of the Twitter Pitch and get no little hearts!!
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
Is there a bigger number than a bazillion-gazillion? I try to remember there is a right time and publisher for every manuscript. And I rewrite. Sometimes it goes in a drawer.
Where do you get your ideas?
I get ideas whenever I sit on the floor – with the preschoolers in church chapel or my own grandkids. They now have to help me up!
Who is your favorite author to read?
Covers the library from Thomas Hardy to John Grisham!
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?
As stable as the book world seems there are changes all the time. If you get a chance to submit or meet up or write, grab it!
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writers make?
Oh dear – the ones who ask how much they will make on their book!
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
Agents are the key – I know there a exceptions, but a good agent unlocks so many doors!
Multi award winning author Robin Currie led children’s departments of public libraries and now volunteers teaching English in developing countries. Robin has published seven resource collections of creative ideas for library story times, and more than 40 picture books. She writes stories to read and read again!
How to Dress a Dinosaur
2022 Moonbeam Award
2022 Speak Up Talk Radio, Winner Firebird Award
2022 Purple Dragonfly
The Very Best Story Ever Told.
2020: WINNER Serious Writer’s Book of the Decade
2019 Focus on Family Top 10 Family Friendly Picture Books
2019 First Place, Wright Medal, North Carolina Christian Writers Conference
2019 Selah Award Finalist
2021 Royal Dragonfly
2023 Illumination Gold: Education
Tuktuk: Tundra Tale.
2017 Kansas NEA Reading Circle Catalog Selection
2021 Royal Dragonfly
2022 American Booksellers Award
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