Tips, Tricks to Stay Happy, Keep Going on the Rocky Writing Road

7/9/2017

Do you know what goes into creating that favorite book your young one reads over and over? Or what it takes to persevere with a career in the competitive writing market?

Intrepid reporter Sass Bloom turns her journalistic eye to giving you answers to this and more in an exclusive interview with, er, um, ME!

Illustration: Cat Blount

I learned tons as an educator and communications professional, but nothing prepared me for the hurdles I faced since starting in 2013 to bring you worthy children’s tales.

Don’t get me wrong. I love connecting with YOU and young readers, and it's satisfying work. But I don't think of writing as "F-U-N."

I see you raising your eyebrow, thinking:
"WHAT?!??!?! HOW CAN IT BE?!?!?!?
It's a downright sacrilege for a kid lit writer to say her work isn't F-U-N!"

Mercy, writing and marketing books in the digital age is way too difficult to be pet-a-puppy
F-U-N! It’s more like the reward you get from pushing your limits in a triathlon. You're determined to tackle it. You’re satisfied just to be in the race and ecstatic when you cross the finish line.

Writing is not a walk-in-the-park, skipping-along kind of tra-la F-U-N. It's really hard, hard, hard work. Quite addictive, too -:D!

Sass Bloom and Blountville Fans * Illustration by Cat Blount

Sass and her young fans from Blountville, home of my writer pal, Cat Blount, delve into other issues and ask the tough questions --- everything from advice for aspiring authors to an insightful elementary grader asking why I don't write about pancakes. (Ok, ok, I admit getting brilliant ideas from young readers is lovely and f-u-n!)

We also discuss the Sweet T Tales and my newest chapter book for early and reluctant readers, Sweet T and the Turtle Team. (Ok again: I’m beyond-psyched to share Turtle Team in its print and digital debut with y'all on 21 July, so I guess that’s me having f-u-n again.)

I’d be over the moon if you’ll click below to pop by Sass Bloom's blog to read our interview (And talking with Sass and the kids was def F-U-N!).

Meet Sass Bloom and her Young Blountville Fans
* Interview with Cat Michaels & Book Giveaway*

OOOOOOOoooooo Almost forgot! Sass is giving away a free Sweet T and the Turtle Team e-book to one lucky reader.

What are you waiting for? Please give us a like here and click on over to Blountville with Sass! Appreciate YOU!

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9 Comments

Sandra Bennett link

7/8/2017 06:49:53 pm

Great analogy Cat. Writing the story for me is the fun part, the editing and marketing I agree is not.

Leigh

7/10/2017 03:08:52 pm

A wonderful post! It's always interesting- and comforting- to read your perspective on writing. (and other things) You always seem to hit the nail on the head. Loved it, and good luck with the newest Sweet T!!

Cat Michaels link

7/10/2017 08:58:09 pm

Leigh, I try to be honest without discouraging people or sounding like a Debbie Downer. Your feedback means a ton.

Carmela link

7/10/2017 06:33:58 pm

I would agree with the comparison of writing to that of a triathlon. There are so many hurdles to overcome, most are behind the scenes that few will ever know. Writing for me is fun, but not the carefree type of fun. In fact, for me, the illustrations are the super fun part where my creative side is really unleashed.

Great Post!

7/10/2017 08:54:15 pm

Carmela, I love your concept of "carefree fun." Your artistic skills are just the ticket for that. My friends are wide-eyed when I tell them about all the niggling little details required to create a book that few readers ever realize.

Sheri S Levy link

7/12/2017 03:32:57 pm

Hi, Cat. You hit the nail on the head with this one! Marketing is hard! I spend hours promoting, spinning my wheels and hope I move forward. You don't know this about this marketing part until your book is ready to be launched.

7/17/2017 07:54:42 am

Sheri,
Feeling your pain. Perhaps it's a good thing we don't know how tough it is going in or else we migh never start on the writing road.

Carol Baldwin

7/13/2017 06:13:35 pm

I'm not a big ebook reader so please let someone else win. But glad to see you use all of the tricks of the trade you've learned to connect with young readers.

Cat Michaels

7/16/2017 02:41:01 pm

Carol, I need a HUGE tool bag to keep up with it all, but there is never enough time and brain capacity to do everything.

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