First, what motivates you to keep writing when life gets tough and in this tough market?
We wrote, printed and sold more than 10,000 hardcopy books on Cape Cod, and did a lot of book signings and library and school readings and events. When someone who’s read your book is in front of you, and obviously dying for your next book, and tells you so, it’s not hard to be motivated to keep writing.
Right off the bat, your answer reminded me of the feeling I got when I visited a middle school to get feedback from students. Maybe if I did that again, I’d regain more of the enthusiasm I lost last year. Note to self: Go back to school!
Next up, who most influenced you to write in this genre (one particular author or many)?
William Shakespeare — the master of all the genres and the setter of all bars. But there are dozens of writers who delight and influence me. I think I was most interested in writing magical adventure because I hoped my granddaughter might enjoy it, as I think most young people do.
You’re already a grandma? I can’t seem to get any grandchildren. Maybe I’d better head to the library to find children to read to or–wait–back to school!
Keeping your young audience in mind, are you an outliner or a pantser?
Okay, that’s way more than I outline. Maybe too much pantsing is why I got discouraged after so many rewrites. All those pieces seem like putting humpty dumpty back together again. If it takes an organized plan to make real progress, I’d better do that.
Also, what is your editing system, a local critique group, online partners, beta readers, pro, etc.?
My husband and I are co-authors. I outline and write the first draft. He reads and we edit and re-write together. It’s great to be able to read aloud everything we write, and we do, many times. When we are totally done, we send to an outside professional editor. When we get it back we edit and re-write and read aloud again. Then we ask first readers to give feedback, including a middle grade school book club for the last book. The books are illustrated, and we like to get feedback on the illustrations from first readers and the students, too, at least.
You’ll find more info about the authors and the rest of the series in the links below:
Last of all, apologies for the late post. I forgot to check this morning in the rush to get out the door. It was also my youngest son’s 21st birthday, so I didn’t remember until after the birthday dinner and festivities were over tonight. Since I don’t get to see all four of my sons on one day very often, I’m not too upset that I didn’t post on time. Family is the core of my life, which makes it all the more interesting to find a husband and wife writing team.
As always, thanks for visiting and please leave a comment. The Palmers would love to hear what you think about their stories and so would I. Then if you have time, scroll back and read my Foul Fowl Deed story and enter an open giveaway or two.
Love the cover of this book! Going to share this with my daughter who teaches 6th grade.
I agree that indie publishing offers authors lots of great choices! It’s a great time to be an author.
Like that you have middle graders read before publishing. I’ve done the same for both of my books. You get lots of valuable feedback.
Thank you, Sher, for posting and Cheryl for your comment!
We have worked with the same illustrator for all three of the ElsBeth Cape Cod Witch books, for the cover and internal illustrations, and it has become more and more fun as a team.
Your books look fantastic, Cheryl, and congratulations on your awards!!
Love the partnership that went into this book. And i agree, the cover is intriguing.
thanks for joining us on Kidlit Bloghop!
-Reshama @ Stackingbooks