WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES
INSIGHT – INFORMATION – INSPIRATION
FOR WRITERS
TODAY’S GUEST
STACY MCANULTY
I’ve met many wonderful people on this journey into kid lit writing. One of the most generous is today’s Will Write for Cookies guest. Early on, I discovered her website which remains a source of information and inspiration for me.
Stacy McAnulty is a children’s book author, who used to be a mechanical engineer, who’s also qualified to be a paleontologist (not really), a correspondent for The Daily Show (why not), and a Green Bay Packer coach (totally!). She’s written several picture books including Brave and Beautiful, both illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff; Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite, illustrated by Edward Hemingway; 101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking a Bath, illustrated by Joy Ang; and Excellent Ed, illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach. She’s also authored the chapter book series Goldie Blox, based on the award-winning toys, and The Dino Files. Her debut middle grade novel, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl, will publish in 2018. When not writing, Stacy likes to listen to NPR, bake triple-chocolate cupcakes, and eat triple-chocolate cupcakes. Originally from upstate NY, she now lives in Kernersville, NC with her 3 kids, 2.5 dogs, and 1 husband.
Stacy…welcome!!!! Before we begin, I want to remind everyone that there will be a giveaway of Stacy’s newest picture book, Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite, so please stick with us throughout the post and then leave a comment at the end. I did a wonderful Perfect Picture Book review of it right here.
ME: Who were your favorite authors/illustrators when you were a child?
STACY:
I wasn’t a big reader as a kid. In fourth grade, I clearly remember counting the words in the book How to Eat Fried Worms, instead of reading them. That was an assigned book. When the class went to the library and I was given a choice, I’d check out a Shel Silverstein book. The librarian eventually cut off my Silverstein habit because I’d renew A Light in the Attic every week. I can still recite the Crowded Tub poem.
ME: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you first started writing for children?
STACY:
Quality comes from quantity. When I began, I’d rewrite the same picture book manuscript for six months, maybe longer and not create anything new. Sometimes what I write is just not going to be good—or publishable—no matter how much I rewrite or polish. Now, I’ll write several picture book manuscripts over a six-month period. My instincts (and my critique group) can help me determine which ones deserve the time and energy required to make a manuscript great.
Also, I now know that rejections will always be a part of my career. They’re not just for beginners.
ME: Where do you like to write/draw – inside, outside, a special area in your home, on the computer, in a notebook?
STACY:
For picture books, I like to write the first draft in a notebook. For chapter books, I outline on my computer, usually in my office. And these outlines are very detailed and get revised several times. For a first draft of a novel, I go Vin Diesel style—meaning fast and furious! I aim for two thousand words a day (with no days off), and I do this on my laptop because I can take it anywhere.
ME: When do you write – early morning, late in the day, middle of the night, on schedule, as the muse strikes?
STACY:
When I talk to students, I tell them my job is awesome because I can work whenever I want. Yes, I work during the day when my kids are at school, but I also work nights and weekends. Basically, it feels like I constantly have homework. I am blessed that I get to do what I love full-time. I just didn’t realize full-time would be sixty to eighty hours per week. Of course, that’s not all writing time. About twenty-five percent of my work life is spent on clerical duties and promotional work.
ME: Why do you write for children?
STACY:
I love making kids laugh.
ME: Stacy, if you have any thoughts or advice for aspiring writers, please share. As well as anything else you want to talk about that parents, educators, writers, librarians might want to hear.
STACY:
Here’s 10-Second Advice from Stacy McAnulty – an untrained professional advice giver.
Aspiring Writers — Invest in yourself! If you wanted any other job—nurse, personal trainer, lawyer, juggler—you’d probably go back to school or at least take a few classes. Find a good writing class, it’s worth it.
Parents — Get caught reading! I can’t tell my kids to go read and then sit down to play Candy Crush on my iPhone. Kids need to see us reading.
Educators — Thank you! What you do is so important and you probably get more complaints than compliments. I am amazed by what you accomplish with such limited resources. You make a difference.
Librarians — Another big thank you! When you help a child find a book or connect with a book, you are changing the future. Librarians are superheroes.
Stacy, I LOVE your 10-Second Advice! I am 100% in agreement with every word of it.
And for all of you who want to find out more about Stacy and her wonderful books: http://www.stacymcanulty.com/
Okay friends…you know what they say…it’s not over until the cookie recipe is shared!
STACY:
I know I mentioned triple chocolate cupcakes, but when I make cupcakes, I just use a mix. But I do have a cake I love and actually made it for BEAUTIFUL’s book birthday.
German Chocolate Chip Cake
1 pkg yellow cake mix
1 pkg instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz)
4 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup oil
1 cup mini chocolate chips
4 Tb grated German chocolate
Confectioners’ sugar
Directions:
1 – In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pudding, eggs, milk, and oil. Beat on low speed until moist. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
2 – Stir in chips and grated German chocolate.
3 – Pour into greased and floured bundt pan.
4 – Bake at 350° for about 60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
5 – Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack. Cool completely.
6 – Sprinkle with sugar.
Stacy, thank you so much for being here…and for sharing the recipe for the cake you made for Beautiful’s Book Birthday. I’m excited to try it…I’m a lover of anything chocolate.
And I’m also a lover of giving away books…so, dear readers, I’ll be enjoying your comments and then Random.org will choose the winner of a copy of Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite.
I hope your weekend is filled with some of your favorites. Like writing a draft for your #50PreciousWords entry.
I’ve loved watching your career unfold, Stacy. Congrats on all your books. Great interview, and I, too, like your 10 second advice.
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Thanks for stopping by, Tina! It must be the early evening for you? It is a little after midnight here. 😉 Wasn’t Stacy’s 10 second advice great?
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Fantastic interview, Stacy and Vivian! I’m looking forward to checking out Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite. 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed the interview, Gabi…and you will LOVE Mr. Fuzzbuster…just saying his name makes me smile. 🙂
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I’m so looking forward to reading your catalog of books! Every one sounds like such fun! Thanks for sharing 😄!
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Stacy’s been working hard, that for sure, Ingrid! And she’s got books in different genres…my hat is definitely off to her. 😉
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Fun interview-insightful window into a creative mind. Thanks!
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Thanks so much for stopping by, Jill…glad you enjoyed the Q&A…Stacy is the best!
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Thank you Stacy for the great advise for nevbie writers. Writing is not a 40 hour a week job, 60 – 80 hours is more like it. I look forward to reading Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite. Can’t wait to make that yummy cake.
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You are 100% right, Ali…I agree…writing is 80+ hours…I don’t know how people do it who have to work other jobs…and have young families to care for. You will LOVE this book…such fun!
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This girl’s on fire! Thanks, Vivian, for the insightful interview. I would love to win a copy of Mr. Fuzz buster!
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I also love getting an inside peek into the journey of authors, Sherri…thanks so much for stopping by…you are definitely entered to win. 😉
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Thanks, Stacy and Vivian. Look forward to reading Mr.Fuzzbuster, The title and cover are colorful. Looks like a book that a child will want to pull off the shelf at the library or bookstore! Congratulations!
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Yes…the cover is an eye-catcher…my grandson loved it! Glad you enjoyed the post, Mona!
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Thank you for this interview, Vivian. Stacy in inspirational both in her writing and in her advise.
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I totally loved her 10 second tips, David…Stacy is right on in everything she said. 😉
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Great advice, Stacy. Love all her books! Good questions, Vivian.
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Glad you enjoyed the interview, Kathy…Stacy had all the right answers. 😉
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What a fabulous post!!! I just loved hearing about your background, Stacy, and found it really inspirational. Now I’m off to your website that Miss Vivian likes so much! Cheers, and here’s to many many more successful books for you both!
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Thanks so much, Beth! I know you will love Stacy’s website…and we loved hearing how much you enjoyed the interview. 😉
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Brilliant advice – don’t discount quantity! More writing AND more cookie (or cake) eating too!
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Definitely more cake eating time, Cathy! Glad the interview was helpful. 😉
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Really great point that quantity leads to quality! It’s still hard for me to distinguish which stories merit the extra time for revising and which are not worth it!
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I don’t know if we ever get to a point when we can determine that…but we keep on trying. So happy the post was helpful!
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Really great advice: Quality comes from quantity. Thanks, Stacy, for the advice, recipe, and great kids’ stories! I loved Excellent Ed and look forward to Mr. Fuzzbuster. 🙂 Vivian, thanks for being a gracious hostess, as always!
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Yes…that phrase seems to have touched a chord with lots of readers…quality comes from quantity. I should be all set then, Jane…I’ve got drawers full of stories…but not sure about the quality of some of them…but I guess that is the point…the more we write, the better we get. 😉 Glad you enjoyed the post!
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Like knowing you revise a manuscript for six months — whether it is published or not. Love your books and look forward to reading Mr. Fuzzbuster and your upcoming MG novel, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl.
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Yes, I’m looking foward to reading Stacy’s upcoming MG…I LOVE the title!
Thanks for always stopping by and commenting, Pat…I truly appreciate it. 😉
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Great advice! Thanks for sharing!
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Glad you enjoyed the interview, Beth!
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Great interview, Vivian! And Stacy, thank you so much for sharing insights, advice and chocolate cake!
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Chocolate cake…oh yeah! Fortunately, Stacy’s advice will stick around longer than the cake…which is already gone. 😉 Thanks for coming by, Jen!
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I feel lucky to have met you at WOW, Stacy. You are an inspiration! Congratulations to you and Mr. Fuzzbuster! And now I want cake . . .
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Hahaha…here’s to cake, Wendy! And to this wonderful kid lit community that generously shares knowledge and expertise. 😉
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Thank you, Vivian and thanks for sharing your advice, Stacy! I look forward to reading Mr. Fuzzbuster
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Glad you enjoyed the post, Tracey…you will love Mr. Fuzzbuster!
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These stories look very cute! I love the illustrations! Thank you, Vivian and Stacy for such a nice post! I would love to be able read, Mr. Fuzzbuster!
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Glad you stopped by, Heather. And thank you for your kind words…finding out about an author’s journey and/or process is helpful to me…and I always hope it will be helpful to others. 😉
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Thanks for the interview, you two! I am looking forward to reading Stacy’s latest book!
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I’m happy you enjoyed the interview, Heather…and hope you get to read Mr. Fuzzbuster real soon…it’s a fun story!
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Thanks for encouraging me to write a lot of first drafts. My husband asked me when I mentioned another PB idea. “You’re writing another one?!”
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I know, Susan…my husband can’t believe I am constantly writing stories…but that’s the way to do it. 😉
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Vivian, thanks for introducing Stacy! Stacy, I’m anxious to start reading your great-sounding books!
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So glad I was instrumental in you meeting Stacy. I love her website…and her books are awesome! Hope you get to read some of them very soon, Mary. 😉
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Thank you for sharing and your 10 second advice!
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Glad you enjoyed the 10 second advice, Jeanine…Stacy was spot on!
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Great advice that you shared, Stacy, & congratulations on the publication of Mr. Fuzzbuster – love the name & the theme of wondering whether one is a favorite.
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The title is awesome…I agree, Pat! And the book is one of my favorites now. 😉
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“Quality comes from quantity.” I’m having that TATTOOED across my forehead. Such good advice, and a great consolation to those of us who have large numbers of less-than-terrific manuscripts in the vaults. Even the crummy ones serve a purpose!
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It’s so true, Katie…sometimes we hear a phrase and it strikes a chord…Quality comes from quantity is so true…let’s get writing!!!!!
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What a nice interview. I loved the 10 second advice from Stacy, but I especially loved her “Quality comes from quantity” that really struck a chord with me. The German chocolate chip cake topping it all off, makes for the perfect ending. Thanks Vivian and Stacy!
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So glad you enjoyed the advice and the recipe, Jean! I plan to make that cake as soon as I finish all the chocolate cake I got for my birthday…oh yeah…and buy a new scale…because mine will be broken by then. 😉
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Thanks for the fun interview, Vivian! And great advice, Stacy! As a dog lover, I especially love your Excellent Ed :). Looking forward to reading Mr. Fuzzbuster too. Congrats on all of your books!
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Glad you enjoyed the interview, Maria…and I love dogs also…but have not read Excellent Ed yet…guess that is my next library request. 😉
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I love Mr. Fuzzbuster thinks he’s the favorite! Such a great interview and 10 second advice!!
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I think a lot of us agree that Mr. Fuzzbuster is a favorite of ours, Ann! Thanks so very much for stopping by with such a lovely comment. 😉
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Love your point on quantity leading to quality. Gives those of us who are starting out permission to play. Thank you!
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Permission to Play…what a wonderful way to say it, Sarita…and you are 100% right. That is one of my problems with writing pbs…I don’t play enough with the characters and their flaws. 🙂
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I’m happy to hear once again someone else say quantity leads to quality. I was beginning to think at the end of last year that maybe I was producing too many “new” manuscripts instead of rewriting others to death. It sounds like I’m just fine tuning my process. Thanks for sharing!
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Glad you got some good encouragement from Stacy’s interview, Jena. And I agree also…you’ve got to write LOTS and LOTS…new stuff…and you balance it with revising and polishing old friends. 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
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Awesome interview. Thanks Vivian and Stacy. The cake looks delicious, but I’m more impressed with the 10-second advice – lots of wisdom there. Thanks for sharing.
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