Can you remember the first encouraging comment you received about your writing? Oh, that’s easy! My parents. I can’t remember any one particular comment, it’s more like an overall feeling of pride they had in my writing. I ate up any fictional writing assignment and loved book reports. I wrote Read more…
Pam is the author of the smash hit Princess Peepers. If you haven’t bought your copy yet, just hit your local Barnes & Noble or buy it here from Amazon. I hope you enjoy this wonderful interview with a brilliant author who knows exactly how to keep children entertained with words.
Pam, what was the first story you remember writing?
The first fiction story I wrote was in fifth grade. It was a sci fi piece about Martian Mice invading the earth. Yeah, I know. The teacher thought it was dumb, too. I got a C. LOL!
Can you remember the first encouraging comment you received about your writing?
Yes! I was so excited, I saved it in a file entitled, “acceptances and encouragements”. Previously, I’d had articles accepted, but the editors just accepted and paid me. No compliments. The first encouragement happened in 1999 and was from an editor at an international travel e-zine, http://www.iagora.com/. She said, “You write with vivid and flowing prose.” Prose? Me? That sounded so literary. Tee hee!
If you were not a writer, what would you pour your passion into?
That’s a hard question. I’d probably sign up for the drama team at our church.
What do you most love about the writing life?
I love the sheer pleasure of creating something that I know works. It might be a twist ending, a humorous scene that makes people laugh, or an interesting character. When I get the inspiration to write something unique that I think kids will want to read, the excitement is indescribable. I give the glory to God—He always helps me think of something new to write.
What is most difficult?
Editing words that I think work but others don’t. Killing off a character (meaning, an editor doesn’t like that character, so he gets cut). Making sure I write daily. Waiting on submissions. Getting rejections.
How long were you seriously submitting stories and articles before you received your first acceptance?
When I first started writing articles for running magazines, my first submission got accepted (and I got paid) and that’s how I knew I could write. For children’s writing, it took nine months. I got a fiction story accepted in Nature’s Friend magazine while I was taking ICL (Institute for Children’s Literature.) For children’s books, it took six years of submitting.
What kept you going during the times when rejections constantly visited your mailbox?
While I was in search of the elusive book contract, magazine submissions and acceptances kept me going. This was due in large part to prayer! I would get frustrated and tell God, “Hey, if you still want me to be doing this, I’m going to need more encouragement here, or I’m going to give up!” And I meant it. Usually, in three days, I’d get an acceptance or an encouragement to keep me going. Praise God! That’s why I always tell new writers to submit to magazines first if the frustration of book publishing is overwhelming. A small acceptance can really boost you mentally and keep you writing.
What advice would you give writers who are closing in on the 100 rejection mark without an acceptance of any sort?
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