Can
you tell readers about your
book?
My
two latest books are PICKLE AND BREE’S GUIDE TO GOOD DEEDS – THE
PLAYGROUND MEANIES and PICKLE AND BREE’S GUIDE TO GOOD DEEDS –
THE BIG SNOW ADVENTURE.
These
are the latest two picture books in the Pickle and Bree’s Guide to Good Deeds
series aimed at children 4- 8. They explore social etiquette and positive
behaviour in a light, humorous way. The Playground Meanies is
about bullying and The Big Snow Adventure tackles respecting
rules.
Each
book features a Handy Guide to Good Deeds on the last page, which can be used
as a discussion point for adults and children.
What
is the book’s history to
publication?
The
Five Mile
Press http://www.fivemile.com.au/ commissioned
these books as part of an ongoing series. The editor approved my initial
concepts after a bit of toing and froing.
Do
you have an agent?
I
don’t have an agent, but having a husband who is an accountant helps me a lot.
He is a whizz at examining contracts and chasing up royalties.
Why
did you choose Five Mile Press as your
publisher?
I’ve
worked with The Five Mile Press for many years and value highly my relationship
with them. They’ve offered me many wonderful opportunities to write many
different style books. They’re perfect match for somebody like me who enjoys a
challenge.
How
long did it take from submission of your manuscript to receipt of advance
copies?The
whole process from initial concept to being edited took about five months.
Which
editor did you work with? Was there a lot of work that needed to be done to
your manuscript? How was the editing experience for
you?
I
worked with the super talented Melissa Keil at The Five Mile Press. She manages
to point out where the text can be improved with tact and perspicacity. There
was not as much work needed as for the first two books, because I know the
characters now. With Melissa, I feel we’re working together to make the books
the best books they can be.
Who
is the book’s illustrator? Why do you like her
work?
Mikki
Butterley is a brilliant illustrator who lives in the north of England. She
comes from a background of creating cards, and her attention to detail is
extraordinary. I adore her work for the sense of fun she captures. Whatever
wild whacky idea I come up with in the text, Mikki seems to be able to match it
up with a gorgeous illustration. I also love her colour palette.
Anything
else you’d like to say about your
publisher?
I
would recommend The Five Mile Press to illustrators and other authors. They
produce a range of different fabulous products, which makes it an exciting
company to work with.
Have
you written other books for children?
I’ve
had over 70 books published, including board books, picture books, chapter books,
choose-your-own-adventure style books and even a non-fiction adult book. I
work for different publishers, which helps me maintain a flow of work.
Do
you belong to a writing
group?
I’ve
belonged to a few writing groups in the past. One group has transformed into a
lunching group of close friends as I’m the only one who still writes on a
full-time basis. I firmly believe writing groups can be excellent especially
when you’re starting out, but you need to be in one that suits you. If you find
you’re in a toxic writing group that makes you feel bad, belittled and if
you’re the one who is doing all the work, run. I’m lucky enough to be working
with editors who give me thoughtful, excellent feedback, so I’m not in a
writing group at the moment.
I
had a few outstanding writing tutors/mentors when I studied, for example Janey
Runci, Sari Smith, Rachel Flynn and Marg McKenzie.
What
are you working on at the moment?
I have an idea that I’m
playing with for a series for 6- 8 year olds. I’m not at the stage of sending
it out to publishers yet, but hope to be there soon. I’ve had a variety of
books published, including picture books, board books, chapter books, middle
grade books and even an adult non-fiction book.
Anything
else you’d like to
add?
To
aspiring writers out there: never give up; never give up; never give up.
I
would love you to check out my website at www.alisonreynolds.com.au
