What a great opportunity, I had to interview an author who is self published. Let me introduce you to Janet F. Smart.
Q: Tell us about your self-published book Fun Through the Seasons: Recipes, Crafts and Fun Facts for Kids. Share other published credits, if you would like.
A: I self-published Fun Through the Seasons last year. I have been a columnist for Two-Lane Livin’ Magazine since October 2009. I gathered my fun articles, which included stories, poems, easy recipes and crafts, and put them together to form my book. It is appropriate for kids K-5th grade, with help from parents for the younger ones. You can buy it at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
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| Fun Through the Seasons Recipes, Crafts and Fun Facts for Kids |
Here is the link to Amazon.
Q: What is your current WIP or next project?
A: I have a number of WIPs. Of course, every month I write a new column for Two-Lane Livin’ Magazine. I am also working on a poetry book for children and a chapter book. And I never know when a new picture book idea will pop into my head. I just finished editing one of my very first picture books. It is a completely different version of the first manuscript—and a lot better. I am anxious to start sending it out again.
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| Janet F. Smart's Writing Desk |
Q: What inspired you to write?
A: Family! I wrote a picture book about picking berries with my mom, Grandma, Aunt and cousin. Of course, I thought it was a wonderful story. But, I started going to a writing group that met in Ripley every week and I discovered I didn’t know a thing about writing. But, I learned fast. And, since then, I have incorporated a lot of family memories into my writing. I’ve written two novellas—one based on the early life of my grandparents and one based on Mom’s life before she was married. Both of my middle grade manuscripts take place in the early 1960s. One is based on what I would like to have happened to me when I was young and the other is based on a vague memory I had of something that happened in the fall of 1962. I recently placed first in our local library’s annual writing contest in the memoir category. My submission was about my dad and the things he kept. It was titled, Life in a Footlocker.
Q: What words of wisdom or advice do you have for pre-published writers?
A: If you love to write, my words of wisdom to you would be to keep writing. Do not give up. Writing isn’t as easy as some people think. Don’t send in your first draft. Have others read it and edit, edit, edit until you get it right. Develop a tough skin and accept constructive advice. Your manuscript will thank you.
Q: Where can readers find out more about you?
A: I am on Facebook. I have a writing blog, personal blog and author site. I would love for you to come and follow me on my blogs and visit my author’s site and look around. You will find out a little more about this persistent, aspiring author who loves gardening, genealogy, traveling West Virginia, crafting, collecting, sewing and hunting Indian arrowheads.
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| A blue jean quilt made by Janet |
Creative Writing in the Blackberry Patch at http://
Writing in the Blackberry Patch at http://janetsmart.blogspot.
Janet F. Smart, Children’s Author at http://janetfsmart.blogspot.
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| Janet at New River Gorge Bridge |
