Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write stories about all things Italian, vegetable, or musical. I’m famous for getting lost, but I usually carry maps because people always ask me for directions. Beloved pets of the past include “Stretchy the Leech” and a guinea pig that unexpectedly produced twins.
TROUBLE WITH PARSNIPS is my first published book and the first book in the Seven Kingdoms Fairy Tale series. Book 2 is with my editor (Oct 2019).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
HOW TROUBLE WITH PARSNIPS GOT STARTED: In school, I was the girl who didn’t sharpen her pencil because she didn’t like going up in front of the classroom.
The pencil sharpener is too noisy! Everyone will look at me.
For years, I didn’t know what my teachers looked like, but I have the tile memorized. TROUBLE WITH PARSNIPS is about a much braver and more inventive person, the kind of person who looks up and sees everyone. The kind I want to learn to be.
As a grown-up, I went to a Toastmasters International club that helps people learn how to speak up in the right way at the right time. It’s like Girl or Boy Scouts because you can earn “badges” for learning how to stand up in front of others. 🙂
At the time, I was a Girl Scout Leader, so our Troop tried everything out at our meetings. Nobody looked at the floor. After a while, the girls ran the whole meeting. It was cool.
So I started writing about a princess who didn’t think she could ever give a speech.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I used to use gel pens, but I kept complaining about my hands hurting. Years ago, my husband recommended a fountain pen and I’ve used one ever since. He’s German and in Germany school children learn to write with fountain pens first. They are supposed to be healthier. My hands don’t hurt so it must be working. 🙂
I use computers too. (And cell phones. Whatever gets me words.)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Like so many writers, there are too many books to know what to mention. I moved a lot as a child. I never felt like I’d really arrived until I got my library card.
Books that influenced the way I wrote TROUBLE WITH PARSNIPS:
THE LEMONADE WARS (especially the first one) because Jacqueline Davies “smuggled” business knowledge into an excellent story.
This story isn’t a romance, but COTILLION by Georgette Heyer actually inspired some of the characters (and the light-hearted reparteé.)
SEPTIMUS HEAP by Angie Sage because she has the same sort of overly-complicated story and a great sense of humor that I’m striving for.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a short story set in the Seven Kingdoms and featuring favorite characters: Queen Ash, Prince Nero, and the princess called Fifteenth. Then I’ll go back for the final draft of Book 2.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It’s all in the readers’ hands. When readers who love the story, speak up for it, that’s when the magic happens.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Listen to what YOU want to write. Learn all the skills you can and get advice when you can, but no one can make the rough form of the special story that is only inside you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There’s so much good advice to be had these days! I think I’ll go with Seth Godin’s advice to get on whatever carousel horse you like and get moving. “They’re all good!” he says.
It’s the dithering on the edges that frays the nerves.
What are you reading now?
I’m looking forward to reading ONE IF BY SEA, TWO IF BY SUBMARINE by Eileen Schnabel. I got to see an early version and I’m eager to see what these time-traveling revolutionaries are up to now!
What’s next for you as a writer?
The third Seven Kingdoms Fairy Tale story is up next. I’m excited to work on a whole new 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?
Can I take my library card and hope they have wifi?
A few favorite middle grade titles: I’ve really enjoyed Stuart Gibbs’ SPY SCHOOL books. I LOVE Barbara O’Connor’s WISH. Sarah Prineas’ FOUND. Holly Goldberg Sloan’s SHORT. Adam Gidwitz’s THE INQUISITOR’S TALE. Oooops, I’m not allowed that many.
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Laurel Decher Website
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