| Do you do school visits?
Yes! I love visiting classrooms from pre-k on up, and can tailor a discussion to fit various grade levels. To request information about scheduling, or for answers to other school-visit-related questions, you can e-mail me at: info@anikadenise.com.
Where do your ideas for stories come from?
My two daughters and my own childhood experiences provide plenty of inspiration, but ideas come to me in other ways, too. A funny story told to me by a friend, a scene glimpsed from a car window, a song, a season, a color, a feeling—really, just about anything can spark an idea.
One thing I’ve learned is my ideas flow most freely and easily when I’m not “sitting down to write,” which is why I always keep a notebook nearby.
Do you write longer stories or just picture books?
My first two books are picture books, intended for young children (3-7 yrs), but I’m also at work on a middle grade novel. I don’t believe you have to choose one or the other. Some of the children’s book authors I most admire today—Kevin Henkes, Kate DiCamillo, Jane Yolen— move seamlessly from picture books to longer narratives.
Their work has a versatility (among other enthralling qualities) to which I aspire. And although early readers and middle grade audiences interest me most right now, I try to stay open to letting all kinds of stories in when they “knock.” The key is to write with confidence, with voice, and to know your audience.
What were some of your favorite books growing up?
“Where The Wild Things Are,” by Maurice Sendak was a big favorite, as was any book by Dr. Seuss, Mercer Mayer or Shel Silverstein. I loved fantasy books, especially those involving time travel—like Madeline L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time” or Edward Ormondroyd’s “Time At The Top.”
I also enjoyed mysteries with clever, empowered kids as main characters. I read all the “Nancy Drew” I could get my hands on, and “From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler,” by E.L. Konigsburg is one of my favorite books of all time.
How did you get started writing children’s books?
I was fortunate to have my husband, Chris, pass my first manuscript to his longtime editor and friend, Patti Gauch. We pitched the book as a team, and her confidence in Chris’ artwork helped a great deal. At the end of the day, though, the writing had to pass muster. It had to be something the publisher felt was worthwhile, charming and marketable.
And even though I have a great working relationship with my publisher, I still have to pitch each new idea, and not everything I submit is accepted. It’s all part of the learning and growing process as a writer.
What advice do you have for others who want to write
children’s books?
My advice to anyone looking to begin a career in children’s books is to read books in your area of interest voraciously. Go to the bookstore or library, make note of the books you like, and who publishes them.
Also, check out the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators which offers memberships for both published and non-published writers and artists.
Click here for their very comprehensive and informative list of frequently asked questions.
Other resources and blogs I’d recommend:
Children’s Book Council
Absolute Write
Alice Pope (editor of Children’s Writer’s Market)
Agent Query (comprehensive online agent database)
Market My Words
Literary Rambles
Upstart Crow Literary
Reading With Robin
|
