Questions Kids Ask Me
Q: How do you get to be a writer?
A: No matter where you live, if you write then you are a writer. I had a great start. I grew up surrounded by storytellers, plus my parents read to me when I was small. As soon as I could read, my mother got me a library card – which is one of the best things invented. I read a lot. I have always loved mysteries, including the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew.
Q: Do you write every day?
A: When I have a deadline, I write every day. I always keep an ear out for a story or a character, and when I hear one I jot it down. I'm always thinking about the next story. Writing is easier when it flows but if it's clunky I don't really mind, because I rewrite so much. Rewriting is my superpower.
Callie and me
My house
Hydrangea...my favorite flower
Q: Where does inspiration come from?
A: Everywhere. If you're looking for something to write about just keep your eyes, ears, and heart open. The universe is full of stories.
Q: How do you think up good characters?
A: I listen for them in my imagination the way musicians listen for rhythm or melody, or artists watch for perfect light. Sometimes it starts with a word, or a feeling. I just write it down the way I hear it or feel it. Then I polish it into a story, or poem. Try it. I think you will be surprised.
Q: I love your characters' names. How do you find them?
A: Great question. Since character names are used so much in a story I like to make mine mean something extra when I can. Mo is short for Moses, who is swept along by a river and deposited in a new life, in a famous Bible story. And Dale I named after the race car driver. I borrowed Stick's name from my cousin. I love it, because you can be anything with a name like Stick. I chose Rain because she was born on a day the sky cried. You get the idea. Try it in your writing, and see what it adds to your story!
Q: If you want to be a writer, what should you do?
A: I'd say look around for other kids who love to write, and form a writers' group. A teacher or media specialist can help you. Write together, share your work, and offer each other suggestions. Write what you love, read what you love, and always be kind to each other.
Q: Can I send my story to you for advice?
A: I'm not set up for that – I'm busy writing too! Get your writer's group going! Then you'll get the feedback you need and I can write my next book too!
Q: How do you make writer's block go away?
A: For me, writer's block is the fear of having my work judged. Maybe I'm afraid of what my friends will think, or an editor... or you! To get rid of it, I tell myself I will write whatever's in my heart and if it's terrible I will throw it away. It's hardly ever terrible so I keep going.
Q: What's the best think about being a writer?
A: The moment everything clicks and I know a story works.
Q: What's the hardest think about being a writer?
A: Waiting for that click to happen!
Q: I love maps! And the ones inside the Mo & Dale Mysteries are dynamite!
A: I think so too! The fabulously talented artist Eileen LaGreca drew those. If you want to download them, click here. Eileen set these up for you because that's how nice she is. If you want to see a map of Hatteras Island, where Island of Spies takes place, click here!
Q: Do you ever visit schools to talk about your books?
A: I do. I visit in person and I also do zoom visits. Your teacher can click on this link.
© 2022 Sheila Turnage, Inc