1. Tell us a little about your publication credits. If you have none, tell us about the genres you prefer to write, and your current projects.
The Doomsday Mask 2009, The Heretic’s Tomb 2007, The Emerald Curse 2006, The Clone Conspiracy 2005, The Sorcerer’s Letterbox 2004, The Alchemist’s Portrait 2003, The Complete Guide to Writing Science Fiction Volume One 2007 (Contributing author)
2. How long have you been writing for children?
Around ten years, I think.
3. How much time do you spend each week writing and/or revising? And how much time on other writing-related tasks such as promotion, researching markets and so on?
I am a full time author and writer, and also run school programs and conduct workshops for both children and adults throughout the year, plus summer camps in July and August. I would estimate that over 70% of my time is currently devoted to activities other than writing.
4. How much time do you spend reading children’s books? And what are you reading right now?
I usually read a lot, especially if I have chosen as a juror for a children’s book award, which has occurred in the last couple of years. In 2007, I read over 200 books as a juror for the Governor General’s Award for Children’s literature in Canada and was a juror for the Saskatchewan Book Awards in 2008. I am currently a juror for the Sunburst Awards for Canadian Literature of the Fantastic and am reading lots of books for adults in the sf/fantasy genre.
5. What advice would you give other would-be children’s writers, or share with other professional children’s writers?
Writing is in some ways the easy part. It can be a very long process not only to write a book, but also to get it published. A book is a marathon measured in years rather than weeks or months. Don’t be afraid to revise and revise over and over again. Most authors go through many revisions before their work reaches its final format. Remember too that your book will never be to everyone’s taste, so don’t be discouraged. A firm belief in your own success is often what’s necessary. After all, if you don’t believe in your book, how can you expect other people to? Read as much as you can and write as often as you can. Keep an ideas file, even if it’s only a name, title, sentence or an entire outline for a novel. You never know when you might get another piece of the puzzle, perhaps years later. You also mustn’t forget the marketing. You may produce the greatest book ever written. However, no one else is going to see it if your book doesn’t become known to potential readers. Be visible as an author. Do as many readings, signings and personal appearances as you can. Get your name out there and hopefully the rest will follow. Especially for newly published authors, books don’t sell themselves and need a lot of help.
6. What is your favourite online resource for children’s writers? Why?
I’m not sure I have a favourite, but would recommend the National Writing for Children Centre at http://writingforchildrencenter.com/cwcc/, the forums at SCBWI, if you are a member, and a couple of the yahoo writers groups I belong to.
7. Do you have a website or blog? What else do you do to promote your published works and/or your writing skills?
My website has a wealth of information on my books, school programs, author in residence program, how to obtain autographed copies of my books, awards, events, festivals and book signings, informs readers about my services for writers such as manuscript critiques, coaching, editing, copywriting for websites, online and in person workshops for children and adults, plus much more.
Website: http://www.simon-rose.com/
Blog: http://simon-rose.blogspot.com/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TipYYEIgOtE
Ezines: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert_bio=Simon_Rose
Online bookstore: http://www.simon-rose.com/orderform.php
My Space: http://www.myspace.com/thesorcerersletterbox
I’m also on Facebook, Goodreads, Jackflap, Booktour and a host of other sites, a member of professional writing organizations such as CANSCAIP, Writers Union of Canada, SCBWI, SF Canada and a few others, plus a number of online listservs and forums and run a column each week on tips for writers at the National Writing for Children Centre at http://writingforchildrencenter.com/cwcc/, where I also run teleclasses on a monthly basis.
Thanks for dropping in, Simon.
If YOU write for children and would like to be interviewed here, drop me a line at sally @ sallymurphy.net (remove the spaces).