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Author Jeannine Norris talks about her debut picture book and more. Hitchcock/Norris Jeannine, when did you start writing? I started writing when my children were babies. I’m fortunate enough to stay at home with our kids, but I missed the creative stimulation. The kids give me great ideas for books. Writing is the hard part! I took a children’s writing course and played with some manuscripts. However, it really wasn’t until I joined SCBWI in 2006 that I got serious about writing. Tell us a little about TONIGHT YOU ARE MY BABY. This book, for ages 3-6, takes us to Christmas night as Mary cradles her newborn baby. It’s the story of a mother’s boundless joy, when Mary experiences the miraculous love that all mothers feel for their babies. My hope is that moms will snuggle with their little ones and read of the love story that took place long ago. What inspired this story? I was inspired to write TONIGHT YOU ARE MY BABY when I shared Christmas with my own children. A mother’s love for her children is so fierce and universal. I could imagine Mary’s joy, but I couldn’t imagine the strength to share my baby with the world – knowing what was expected of him. I wrote simply as a mother. How did you find the right publisher? I met my lovely editor, Catherine Onder, at a NJ-SCBWI weekend mentoring workshop. I was actually presenting another manuscript for critique, but submitted TONIGHT YOU ARE MY BABY for the First Page Session. When I saw Catherine again at another workshop, she asked me about the manuscript. I submitted to her, and several months later, Catherine became my editor! HarperCollins was just launching a new imprint, HarperBlessings, and my book was a good fit. Elaborate on the revision process. Revising is always a little bit daunting – particularly manuscripts that are written in verse. I do love the process as I watch the book get better with each revision. My critique groups are really helpful with suggestions – particularly with meter. Sometimes a writer is too close to the manuscript and just can’t see where it needs improvement. When the book was acquired, I still had to do revisions and even after the illustrations started. Who illustrated your book? Tim Ladwig is the very talented illustrator of TONIGHT YOU ARE MY BABY. Because the author has no input on who will illustrate the book and no contact with the illustrator, it can be difficult to turn over “your baby” to someone else. I trusted my editor, and I am thrilled with Tim’s artwork. It is exactly what I saw in my mind’s eye when I was writing. I couldn’t be happier. What advice do you have for others hoping to land their first book contract? Be active in SCBWI! There are many opportunities to meet with editors, have a first page critiqued and meet other writers. I always feel inspired and energized when I leave a workshop. And I have made lots of new writer friends! I would also strongly encourage joining a critique group or starting one of your own. I belong to two groups – an online group and a local group. Both groups formed as a result of meeting each other through SCBWI conferences. My manuscripts improve greatly each time I send them through the critique groups and the members provide enormous support. Have you started making school visits? I have started making local school visits and love meeting with the kids. They always ask great questions. Their enthusiasm is contagious. How are you promoting your book? I have a website, www.jeanninenorris.com, that was developed by the talented Kathy Temean. I also maintain a blog, www.jeanninenorris-childrensauthor.blogspot.com to provide weekly updates on the book and tips for aspiring authors. I also have postcards and mailings sent to schools, libraries and bookstores to promote the book. What is the At Least Kids Foundation? At Least Kids is a non-profit foundation that my husband and I started. When our daughter, Quinn, was four years old she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In a minute our world was turned upside down and our bubbly, beautiful little girl was fighting for her life. While she was in the hospital, I vowed that we would use this experience to help others. Blessedly, her tumor was benign and she has an excellent prognosis. A portion of the proceeds from TONIGHT YOU ARE MY BABY is donated to At Least Kids. The foundation supports brain tumor research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and provides financial support to families of children with pediatric brain tumors. It only takes a minute in the Neuro-Oncology unit to remind us how blessed we are with the health of our two children. I am honored that my writing can, in some small way, help these incredibly brave children. HarperCollins has been very helpful in making this happen as well. You can visit the website at www.atleastkids.org. What are you working on currently?
I am busy with a book about a big dog
that wishes he was small – an idea sparked by our 75 pound mutt who
thinks he is a lap dog. I’m also writing a book about the homes of
wild animals. I love to go trail running with my dog and spend time
in nature. My ideas are definitely influenced by my life. It’s
more fun to write about what you love! |