Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have worked as a teacher, editor and writer, and have published seven books for children and teens. My latest books, Pairs on Ice and Pairs at Nationals, are contemporary middle-grade novels that came from my experiences as a skating mom. Using skating as a backdrop, they showcase issues that any tween could face: the stress of competition, dealing with difficult teammates, bullying, and divorce and remarriage of parents. They also show the joy of success and the satisfaction of working towards a goal. I’ve loved writing about characters who can skate the way I always wished I could.
I have also published numerous children’s stories in magazines such as Highlights for Children and Jack and Jill, and in a variety of anthologies. My other books include three non-fiction books for teens (Teen Eating Disorders, Teen Dropouts, Understanding Johnny Tremain) and a history of Florida for children (Seeds of a Nation: Florida). Many of my short stories are historical, and I especially love the Revolutionary War period. My book, Young Patriots: Inspiring Stories of the American Revolution, is a collection of short stories showing events of the Revolution through the adventures of young people.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy boating on Florida’s St. Johns River with my husband. I like to say: Give me a book and a boat and I’m happy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Pairs at Nationals. It’s the second book about competitive ice Jamie Bartlett. In the first book, Pairs on Ice, she learns to become a pairs team with Matt O’Connor. In Pairs at Nationals, she and Matt face more challenges. When their coach is badly injured in an accident, they must move to a rink far from home to train with a new coach. There, they face bullying and a coach who clearly isn’t interested in their success.
My love of skating and my daughter’s years as a skater inspired me to write about the skating world. I decided to write about bullying because it’s been in the news so much. I wanted readers to feel what it’s like to be a victim—and to know they don’t have to be defeated.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
It may not be unusual, but this is one of my writing habits. I always write directly on the computer, but when I’m ready to read through an entire draft, I have to print it out and read the hard copy. I need to see it and feel it on paper. I curl up in a comfortable chair, take a deep breath, and see problems I would miss on the computer.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow, that’s a hard question because there are so many. Here are some that come to mind:
For historical fiction: Margaret Mitchell (Gone With the Wind), Sue Monk Kidd (The Invention of Wings) and Anita Diamont (The Red Tent). Since I write for children, I’d also choose Ann Rinaldi, Avi, Karen Cushman, plus Esther Forbes for Johnny Tremain and Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars.
For contemporary fiction: Kristin Hannah, Anita Diamant, and Jodi Picoult, plus children’s authors, Judy Bloom, Ann M. Martin, Eve Bunting, Kate DiCamillo, and Lois Lowry
What are you working on now?
I’m going back to my historical fiction roots and am researching a book for children about the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York. It was the first women’s right convention in the U.S. I absolutely love research !!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to figure out what works. I’ve tried Facebook and my blog, and have also promoted my books on Twitter. Now I’m trying some dedicated book promotion sites like this one. I’ve found that book signings can be good, too. I’ve had most success at skating rinks, so I looking to find more skating venues to sell my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Read a lot.
2. Don’t worry about trends, but write what you love because you’re going to be spending a lot of time with your book.
3. Read your work out loud. English has a rhythm that makes it pleasing to hear. Find that rhythm in your writing and it will flow better.
4. Find a critique group to give you feedback as you write.
5. Join writer organizations, and attend their conferences when you can. I belong to the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and Florida Writers Association (FWA).
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you love, what you feel passionate about — and don’t give up.
What are you reading now?
I just finished Love and Ruin, Paula McLain’s third biographical novel, this one about Martha Gellhorn, one of the 20th century’s great war correspondents and Ernest Hemingway’s third wife.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More books, I hope. I’m eager to start writing my Seneca Falls story.
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?
Way and Peace by Tolstoy and The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher —They are both long books that I loved and would help pass the time.
Plus: Survive Now, Thrive Later by Bob Mayer and any book I could find about building a raft.
Author Websites and Profiles
Elizabeth Vollstadt Website
Elizabeth Vollstadt Amazon Profile
Elizabeth Vollstadt’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account