Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a former advertising executive who decided to try a second career after becoming an at-home mom. (They say not to quit your day job if you start writing, but I already had — so what the heck!) I am a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Before moving to the Tampa, FL area, I grew up in NJ, graduated from Syracuse University (degree in Fine Arts) and lived and worked in NYC several times. I written several manuscripts, however, book #1 of the Principal Kidd series is the first to be published — YAY! I have written for several children’s publications, including a monthly feature in FACES that ran for over seven years.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My upcoming book is SCHOOL RULES, which is book #1 in the Principal Kidd chapter book series, geared toward 6 – 11 year olds.
Oliver Kidd, an 11-year-old whiz, becomes principal of Eggshell Elementary school and craziness occurs while he and his sidekick, Chelsea the chicken, run things their way.
I as inspired to write this after reading an article about Michael Sessions, who was sworn in as mayor of Hillsdale, Michigan at the age of 18, while still attending high school. (And yes, I had been a fan of Doogie Howser MD!)
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not sure if these qualify as unusual (so I might make something up!) but I like to pick out character names first and put together visuals — from magazines, or I’ll do sketches. I also write out a log-line before beginning and I MUST have an ending in mind that I can write toward. I usually don’t outline, preferring to let my characters guide me along the journey. I know I’m “in the zone” when something seems to take over and my fingers just fly along the keyboard. Sometimes I might “channel” a character during a scene with them — such as wearing a mood ring when working on April Mae March (one of Oliver Kidd’s BFFs). Naturally, I wear a chicken suit and squawk around the house when writing scenes for Chelsea the chicken (okay, I made that part up…or did I?)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
A ton of them! I love Jerry Spinelli’s books and had the unique opportunity where I was selected to work directly with him on one of my manuscripts when I attended a week-long Highlights Writers Workshop in Chautauqua, NY back in 2006. I tend to lean toward humor and love Richard Peck’s books, Dan Gutman and Louis Sachar. Lisa Yee and Kate DiCamillo are both brilliant.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the book launch and will start book #2 of the Principal Kidd series. I have another children’s concept that Foundations Books would like to consider — and my alter ego is working on a spicy romance for adults.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That is TBD since this is my debut book.
Note: I’m still working on acquiring things such as an Amazon profile — all of that info will be coming soon (book is slated to release April 3, 2017)
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up! There is only one way to not get published and that is to give up. (And a good critique group is essential.) Best advice for writers: READ READ READ!
and COFFEE COFFEE COFFEE!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself — everyone else is taken.
What are you reading now?
Your questions, silly!
Just finished BEST STATE EVER by Dave Barry — and will start whatever my book club votes on next week.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to promote my books through school visits. I am also very interested in developing my concepts into animation. I had taken TV screenwriting classes in NYC in Alan Kingsberg’s Advanced Writers Room. I developed TV pilots for two of my kidlit concepts and had a blast! Both concepts began as animation proposals. My visual arts background helps me to think “visually” when I write.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Some blank notebooks and sketchpads — and Survival Techniques for Being Stranded on a Deserted Island!
Author Websites and Profiles
Connie Colon (rhymes with “alone” Website
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