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Write Away

Chitchat with Author Sandra Sutter

10/27/2020

10 Comments

 
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Piles of multi-colored leaves, rainy, chilly days, warm drinks and cozy sweaters. . . Are you enjoying fall? What have you been reading? 

Well, just in time for Halloween, I am pleased to introduce to you a new picture book and interview its author!

So, once again dear readers, welcome to the KidLit Oasis ― the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost! It's great to have you here!

Now, stretch your smiles wide and get comfy and cozy for an awfully fun and sweet chitchat with children's author Sandra Sutter who is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us!

Plus, check out the giveaway at the end of this interview. 

Welcome, Sandra! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication.


A: Stan’s Frightful Halloween was one of the first stories I wrote when I began my (serious) writing journey in 2017. But after a few critiques with my newly-formed critique group, it sat untouched in my computer while I worked on other projects. Meanwhile, my debut picture book, The Real Farmer in the Dell, was picked up by Mira Reisberg and Callie Metler at Spork, an imprint of Clear Fork Publishing. I got to know Callie through that process, and when I saw she didn’t have a Halloween-themed story on her list, I showed her my manuscript. Callie loved clumsy werewolf Stan as much as I did, and now he and his story can be shared with everyone!
 
Q: What do you find most challenging in this business, either on the creative or publishing side of things? What do you find most rewarding? What helps you stay motivated?

A: There are a lot of challenging aspects of the Kidlit publishing world. The biggest challenge is staying motivated in the face of rejection and long waits. There are a lot of both! But being a part of the community – building friendships, learning, giving back – and sharing stories and information with children are incredibly motivating rewards. And, for me, the creative process isn’t optional. The need to do it IS motivation.
 
Q: Could you share any craft tools or techniques that you find most helpful to you when working on a project? What does your revision process look like?

A: My brain generates a lot of ideas, often at random times when I can’t get around to working on them (on a mountain bike, at the grocery store, in the shower, while driving). So, I email myself when an idea takes root and tuck it away in a special computer file. When I’m ready, I revisit the idea. I’ve found it helpful to add details – to note the word, image, or memory that prompted the idea – so when I circle back to it, the spark is still there.

My revision process always begins with sending the work to my critique partners. I need feedback! It doesn’t matter if I agree or disagree, the feedback itself is incredibly valuable and I trust my critique partners always have my best interest at heart. Sometimes I set the work aside for a while to allow things to sink in. Other times, I revise right away because I am too excited about making the story better. I really, really love the feeling that a “missing piece” has been found and my manuscript “puzzle” is almost complete.

Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any new releases, exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

A: I’m incredibly excited about the release of Stan’s Frightful Halloween and sharing this loveable character with the world. Stan has a lot going on for such a young werewolf, so you might get to see more of him in the future.

Due to COVID and remote-schooling two young kids, my time devoted to writing has been … limited. But, I do have some exciting plans in the works which I hope to announce soon. You can follow me on Twitter or visit my website for more information, and please stop by the Wonder of Words blog, which I run with five amazing critique partners. Every three months I host the PITCH IT TO ME CHALLENGE, where an author pitches a story idea and a “celebrity” guest and I craft our own and put it to a vote. It’s always fun and a great way to see multiple pitch ideas.

Thank you, Rosie, for having me here today. It’s been a pleasure to share a bit about my journey and creativity with your readers. 

You're very welcome -- that was wonderful, Sandra, and I can't wait to hear more about the exciting plans you'll be announcing! Wishing you all the best on your journey and many more literary successes! 

Readers, please support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on Twitter, requesting their book through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books.


I hope you enjoyed this post — comments and shares are greatly appreciated. Let's spread the word! Thank you!

Connect with Sandra Sutter:

Website: www.sdsutter.com
Twitter: @sandradsutter
                                                                               
    (click on the book cover to order a copy)

​​Sandra is the author of THE REAL FARMER IN THE DELL (Clear Fork Publishing, 2019), a modern, gender-bending take on the popular children's song, and STAN’S FRIGHTFUL HALLOWEEN, a spookily fun story of a clumsy, but determined young werewolf. She is a member of SCBWI and an assistant with the Children’s Book Academy. When not writing, Sandra is a mountain-biking mom and jewelry-making hobbyist with a knack for finding life's silver linings. Connect with her at www.sdsutter.com, or on Twitter @sandrasdutter. 

G I V E A W A Y ! ! !
Comment on this post for a chance to win a picture book critique by Sandra Sutter!


10 Comments
Ellen Leventhal
10/28/2020 11:47:05 am

I loved THE REAL FARMER IN THE DELL, and I can't wait to read this new one. Congrats, Sandra! Great interview, Rosie!

Reply
Sandra Sutter
10/29/2020 12:48:49 pm

Thanks, Ellen! I loved answering Rosie's thoughtful questions. :-)

Reply
Sherry Howard link
10/28/2020 12:36:00 pm

Love seeing this new book from Sandra! It’s always a treat (pun intended) to add a Halloween book!

Reply
Sandra Sutter
10/29/2020 12:49:32 pm

What a GREAT pun. You might even say it's sweet. :-)

Reply
Jolene Gutiérrez link
10/28/2020 01:13:17 pm

What a wonderful interview, Rosie and Sandra! I've been reading my copy of STAN to my students this week and they're loving Stan and his friends (and they are SO excited to try some of your recipes for their own Halloween parties this weekend)!

Reply
Sandra Sutter
10/29/2020 12:50:12 pm

Ooooh, I'm delighted to hear your students have enjoyed reading all about Stan. And those recipes ... super fun! Thanks, Jolene!

Reply
Melissa Stoller link
10/28/2020 05:33:39 pm

I love this book. Stan is frightfully adorable! Congratulations my friend!!

Reply
Sandra Sutter
10/29/2020 12:50:35 pm

Thank you, Melissa!

Reply
Mia Geiger
10/29/2020 02:15:19 pm

Thank you for sharing your journey to publishing this book. Very inspiring! It sounds like it has so many adorable and clever elements, with fabulous artwork. Kids will love it! Congratulations!

Reply
Sandra
11/16/2020 03:53:16 pm

Thanks, Mia! How nice of you to stop by and leave a comment. :-)

Reply

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    About Rosie J. Pova

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    ​Rosie J. Pova is a 
    multi-published,
    ​award-winning children's author, speaker, and writing coach on a mission to inspire children not only to read and write more, but to use their creativity, follow their passions, dream big and believe in themselves.
     
    Rosie visits schools and shares her inspirational journey as an immigrant from Bulgaria and how she became a published author, encouraging kids to persist, push through rejections, and hold a high vision for themselves.

    Rosie's upcoming picture book, Sunday Rain, will be released in March 2021. It's a story that celebrates imagination, the love of books, and new friendships.

    Check out her Critique Services here, her Workshops here, and her school visits page here.

    Rosie is represented by Jessica Schmeilder of Golden Wheat Literary.

    ​Twitter: @RosiePOV
    Facebook Author Page
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