Is This a Happy Blog? A Hoppy Blog? A Blog Hop?

It’s a Blog Hop!

What’s a Blog Hop? It's where children's book authors answer identical questions and then invite a few more authors to join in. (We're supposed to ask three. I asked two. I hope the Blog Police don't come after me. *looks around nervously*)


Jody Jensen Shaffer tagged me, and I will answer the questions in a second. First, it's my pleasure to introduce Jody. Please read her bio below, and then go to her website to find out more. Next, RUN to the bookstore to buy her wonderful books.

Jody is the author of 14 published and forthcoming books for children and numerous poems and magazine stories. She has written celebrity biographies and books about animals, science, and social studies. Her work has been published in Highlights High Five, Highlights Hello, Babybug, Humpty Dumpty, Turtle, Pack-o-Fun, Clubhouse Jr, COLUMBIAKids, and coming soon in Highlights. She is represented by Kathleen Rushall of Marsal Lyon Literary. You can visit Jody at http://jodyjensenshaffer.blogspot.com.

Here are my answers to the Blog Hop questions:

What are you working on now?

Right now, I’m deep into rhyme and going cross-eyed over perfect meter and stanza length. Why? I’m working on the edits for my next picture book, City Street Beat, and my editor wants these edits done by the end of next week. The other books I have in my muddled, rhyming brain must be put on hold for a bit, but I can't wait to get back to them. There's one with an interactive component that's keeping me up at night.

How does it differ from other works in the genre?

Mine differs from other rhyming picture books in that it has an unusual rhyme scheme and an abundance of onomatopoeia (sound words).  

Why do you do what you do?
I stink at Math.

What is the hardest part about writing?

The hardest part is having a terrific idea but not being sure about the best way to get it down on paper. I want to love it! I want my agent to love it! And I want it to sell, so children have the opportunity to love it! That’s not asking too much, is it? * sigh *

Now, I get to tag a few more authors. Please read their bios below and take a minute to HOP over to their blog posts!

Michelle Houts lives and plays on a family farm in Ohio. She shares her days with three children, the farmer of her dreams, cattle, hogs, a whole lot of barn cats, and a dog the size of a small horse. She enjoys reading, cooking and hiking any place that has hills because where she lives it is very flat. Michelle recently acquired a one-room schoolhouse built in 1894. With restoration underway, she dreams of turning it into her writing space. Michelle’s debut middle grade novel The Beef Princess of Practical County (Random House) received the 2010 International Reading Association Children’s Book Award for intermediate fiction and the 2011 Nebraska Agricultural Children’s Book of the Year. Michelle’s next two middle grade novels The Practical County Drama Queen (MuseItUp) and Winterfrost (Candlewick Press) will be released in 2014. Visit her blog: www.michellehouts.com/wordpress!

Linda Bozzo is the author of over 50 nonfiction books for the school and library market. She enjoys writing fiction as well as nonfiction for children. Many of her fiction stories are inspired by her love of dance. Linda is a member of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She enjoys presenting her writing journey to both children and adults. Linda lives in New Jersey with her family where she can visit the Jersey shore and enjoy the culture of New York City. You can find Linda online at http://www.lindabozzo.com. Blog: Writerlinda.blogspot.com