Checking back in from time to time with fellow authors is always a special treat. What better way to get all caught up in the ever changing life of an author, but through interviews. Fellow "Angel" from Guardian Angel Publishing recently took the time out from her busy schedule to share with us her latest updates.
DMc: When did you decide you wanted to become an author? Do you have another job besides writing?
CA: I had been writing poetry for several years and decided to do something with the poems in 2006, when I had a large collection of them and had been encouraged by many people who had read some to try to get them published. My first book was published the next year. I also do some work for Lupus Foundation of America and am a musician, sometimes doing substitute organist jobs.
DMc: Were you an avid reader as a child? What type of books did you enjoy reading?
CA: Yes, I have always enjoyed reading. I enjoyed reading a variety of different books. As a child (and, truth be known, still as an adult) among my favorites were books by Dr. Seuss. Many of those great children’s books were published during my early years, and my children and now my grandchildren enjoy them as well.
DMc: Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story?
CA: My first children’s book is
Animal Sound Mix-up, published by Guardian Angel Publishing. It is a fun rhyming book about animals and their sounds getting mixed up. So you could have a horse that barked, or a monkey saying moo. I guess the idea began when visiting my young grandchildren and them learning about the sounds animals make, imagining how funny it would be if they got mixed up. Young children around preschool and kindergarten age really seem to get a kick out of it, especially when my husband joins me at readings and does the wrong animal sounds!
DMc: From the moment you conceived the idea for the story, to the published book, how long did it take?
CA: It didn’t take too long to write it, just adding a bit at a time as thoughts came to me, finishing it up within a few weeks. Then came the polishing it up, trying to get the rhythm exactly right. Writing rhyming books for children well is hard work! Once it was accepted by GAP, it was assigned to Kit Grady to illustrate. It was well worth the wait when I saw her fantastic illustrations! It was published within nine months – similar to waiting for the birth of a baby!
DMc: Please share with us your latest work-in-progress.
CA: I’m working on another rhyming children’s book, which I have rewritten and revised numerous times, trying to get it just right. In addition to that, I have been working on a 2012 calendar featuring some of my verses along with beautiful nature photos.
DMc: A signature request I like to ask every author, illustrator, editor, etc., I interview is for the individual to share with us a tidbit from their lives that the reader will find either humorous or surprising. Connie, can you please share one with us?
CA: That’s a good question, Donna! One thing I think of, since my anniversary is coming up in a couple of weeks, is the surprise that almost always comes when I tell people I’ve been married almost 40 years (I was a child bride, of course!). A woman always loves it when she looks younger than she is!
Thank you so much for this opportunity to share a bit about Animal Sound Mix-up and myself, Donna.
Animal Sound Mix-up purchase links:
Guardian Angel Publishing
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/mix-up.htm
My website -
http://www.conniearnold.webs.com/
My blog -
http://childrensauthorconniearnold.blogspot.com/
Connie, it's been a pleasure hosting you today. Wishing you all the best in the future. Happy Anniversary!
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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
Connie Arnold takes the reader on a splendid
rendition of Noah’s Ark told through the eyes of Olive, the dove. Arnold’s
expert knack of rhyme has a steady flow throughout Olive and the Great Flood,
making the old age bible story come to life. Topped off with realistic
illustrations created by Kathleen Bullock, the reader will feel part of the
story. A new classic has been born. 
