DMc: Please share with us your defining moment in writing for children.
CM: I started Owen and the Dragon as a project for an online writing class. I had done a few scenes, but didn't think I could really tackle an entire novel. Then one night, my older son came down with the stomach flu. He kept getting up every ½ hour or so and I soon realized that I wasn't going to be getting much sleep that night. I ended up grabbing my laptop and typing away in the hall outside his room for the entire night (in between his bathroom trips!) I finished about 2/3 of my first draft of Owen that night and realized that I really could do this!
DMc: Do you find with your analytical mind for numbers helps in you developing of a story arc? If yes, how?
CM: I don't think it helps with the story arc – although I wished it did! Instead it helps keep me organized and on task, both of which I've found are important to achieving my goals.
DMc: What do you feel is the best way to keep a child's interest in reading?
CM: To read something that they are interested in! Both of my boys love stories that I'm not especially fond of reading, but I do because they are excited about them.
DMc: When developing a new manuscript do you create an outline or go with the flow of writing?
CM: I've tried doing it by flow and it really doesn't work for me. I guess that's the accountant coming out again! I like outlines – the more detailed, the better! Of course, I'm still open to change. I've gone back and made significant changes after a first draft during the editing process, like adding characters or changing plot points.
DMc: What has been your most successful marketing tool to date?
CM: I'm hoping that it will be Indie Debut 2010! It's been great to have a friendship with other authors at similar points with their books – all looking to support and learn from each other.
DMc: Please share with us your current work-in-progress.
CM: On the nonfiction side – I'm currently researching a new book on Explorers of the New World. On the fiction front, I'm developing a picture book and a new chapter book that features Owen's friend, Izzy.
Carla, it was a pleasure interviewing you. Best wishes for your continued success!
To learn more about Carla Mooney visit http://www.carlamooney.com/
That's amazing that you wrote 2/3 of Owen's first draft in one night, Carla. With no hope of sleep that night, you made lemons out of lemonade. Congrats on a great book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I love getting to know others who have a passion for writing for children.
ReplyDeleteWonderful interview Donna and Carla. Thanks for sharing your story. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book. I can't imagine writing so much of a book in one sit down session. wow! Must have made you feel good. I want to know how much editing you had to do, or whether this book was more polished than you thought it would be.
ReplyDeleteKatie -
ReplyDeleteI definitely did a lot of editing after that first draft. In fact, I went back and added Owen's sidekick, Izzy, after my daugher made the comment that there were no girls in my book! I probably revised for about a year before I submitted it to Soto.
Worry and being up all night seemed to be good incentive. :)
ReplyDeleteCarla, as a former accountant, I think we do see things a bit differently, more analytically . . .
Thanks for sharing, ladies.
Good luck on the Indie Debut.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
J. Aday Kennedy
The Differently-Abled Writer
Children's picture Book Klutzy Kantor
Coming Soon Marta Gargantuan Wings
Interesting interview! I enjoyed learning about Carla and her writing. Found it very interesting how she turned a night of no sleep into a time of writing. To get 2/3 of a first draft done in one night is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI love reading author interviews. Thanks. What a fun way to get an insight into author's writing and thinking processes. I'm following your blog now, I found you on book blogs.
ReplyDeleteChristina
http://iwritechildrensbooks.blogspot.com