Maria Gianferrari: Will Write for Cookies PLUS Critique Giveaway

Posted on July 15, 2017 by viviankirkfield

WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES

INSIGHT – INFORMATION – INSPIRATION

FOR WRITERS

TODAY’S GUEST

MARIA GIANFERRARI

I’m so excited to introduce everyone to our Will Write for Cookies guest today, although many of you may already know Maria. And I’m jumping for joy because she has a book signing event in Keene, New Hampshire on August 20^th…that’s only an hour away from me and some of my local critique buddies and I are going to take a picture book field trip and attend! Woo-hoo!

I grabbed a bit of info from Maria’s website:

I write both fiction and nonfiction picture books, usually while my faithful companion, Becca, snores at my feet. I love nature and animals, especially dogs!

Most of my nonfiction picture books are about creatures in the natural world. I’m also fascinated by the subject of urban ecology, and the different ways in which wild animals have adapted to life and co-existence with humans.

Most of my fiction picture books contain dogs as main characters, and some cats too! I am most intrigued by the human-animal bond, so this is a topic that I like to explore in my fiction.

Welcome, Maria…I’m so excited to welcome you!

ME: Who were your favorite authors/illustrators when you were a child?

MARIA:

I had two favorite picture books that I read and read and re-read again: Scuttle the Stowaway Mouse by Jean & Nancy Soule, with illustrations by Barbara Remington, and Miss Twiggley’s Tree by Dorothea Warren Fox.

Both stories are rollicking, rhyming read alouds. I love the whimsical illustrations for Scuttle, the wayward mouse who finds a home. And I still wish I could live in a tree, like Miss Twiggley, with a dog and some bears. That is my introvert dream come true. I still have my childhood copies!

ME: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you first started writing for children?

MARIA:

I’m not sure—I knew it was going to be hard, since there is so much rejection involved, but I didn’t know the extent of the joy it would bring, especially upon seeing life breathed into my words by the talented illustrators with whom I’ve been matched. That was and is beyond my wildest dreams!

ME: Where do you like to write – inside, outside, a special area in your home, on the computer, in a notebook?

MARIA:

Most of the time I write in my home office on my laptop while my dog, Becca snores on her nearby dog bed. I have a keyboard and a large monitor so it’s easy to see what I’m working on. I also like to write drafts by hand, especially when I get stuck, and I can do that pretty much anywhere.

ME: When do you write? Set schedule? When the muse strikes?

MARIA:

Every day starts with walking Becca, rain or shine, cold or heat (though I much prefer cooler temperatures). Then I usually write late morning, followed by a nap, and more writing and/or reading in the afternoon. I try to write every day, Monday through Friday, and take the weekends off to do things with my family.

ME: Why do you write for children?

MARIA:

I love their wonder and curiosity and ability to be present in the moment, something I continually strive for in life and in my writing. I write because kids are our hope, and our future. I also write for my inner child—the child who I was, and still am.

ME: Maria, do you have any other tips or thoughts you’d like to share with everyone?

MARIE:

I don’t have any new advice—it’s the same basic advice that everyone gives: read, read, read, and write, write, write! Don’t give up—it’s a marathon, not a sprint, full of ups and downs. And find a good critique group for support during the downs as well as the ups. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my wonderful critique partners: Andrea Wang, Lois Sepahban, Lisa Robinson, Sheri Dillard and Abby Calkins Aguirre!

Thanks for letting me stop by, Vivian!!

WOW…it is me who is thanking you, Maria! And so is everyone else! I love that you shared those favorite books from your childhood…I think we had similar tastes! I also wanted to thank you for your generous giveaways this weekend…heads up, dear friends…leave a comment on yesterdays Perfect Picture Book Friday post and you are entered into the giveaway for a copy of HELLO GOODBYE DOG.

And then leave a comment on today’s blog and get an entry into the giveaway for a PICTURE BOOK MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE from Maria!

For more information about Maria and her books: http://mariagianferrari.com/

And the fun doesn’t stop here, folks! Maria is sharing something yummy!

BUTTERSCOTCH BROWNIES:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Grease 11×14” baking pan

Ingredients:

1 cup of butter (2 sticks), melted
2 cups light brown sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
2 cups flour
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
¾ cup chocolate covered heath toffee pieces

Instructions:

Melt butter in microwave-safe glass bowl.
Mix in brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Add in dry ingredients: flour, salt and baking powder.
Fold in chocolate chips and heath pieces
Pour into baking pan
Bake 30-35 minutes

Enjoy!!

Before we say goodbye, I wanted to let you know that Maria will be heading out on a whirlwind BOOK BLOG TOUR in less than two weeks. There will be PRIZES EVERY DAY on the tour, so you don’t want to miss a single stop!

HELLO GOODBYE DOG BLOG TOUR!

GIVEAWAYS EVERY DAY!!

*Monday, July 24^th: Pragmatic Mom + THREE book giveaway!

*Two for Tuesday, July 25th: Librarian’s Quest

Reading for Research

*Wednesday, July 26th: Homemade City

*Thursday, July 27^th: Kid Lit Frenzy

*Friday, July 28^th: Mrs. Knott’s Book Nook

*Monday, July 31^st: Picture Books Help Kids Soar

*Tuesday, August 1^st: Bildebok

*Wednesday, August 2^nd: The Loud Library Lady

*Thursday, August 3^rd: DEBtastic Reads!

*Friday, August 4^th: Mamabelly’s Lunches with Love

*Monday, August 7^th: Writing for Kids (While Raising Them)

EXTRA: August 25^th: Kidlit411—Interview with Patrice Barton

Thank you all for stopping by to visit. I know we all appreciate the beautiful books Maria and our other authors write. And we can help our favorite authors by leaving a review on Amazon and Goodreads. I hope you will do that for the books you love!

Have a safe and happy weekend!

81 thoughts on “Maria Gianferrari: Will Write for Cookies PLUS Critique Giveaway”

Tina Cho on July 15, 2017 at 6:41 pm said:

How neat you get to MEET Maria! Those bars look delicious. Oh, that’s what I forgot to bring back from the U.S., butterscotch chips. Congrats on your new book, Maria!

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- mariagianferrari on July 16, 2017 at 4:56 pm said:
  
  I know, Tina–I cant’ wait–very exciting!! Thank you so much!
  
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meghandwrites on July 15, 2017 at 7:03 pm said:

Fantastico! Thanks for sharing.

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- Meghan Daniels on July 15, 2017 at 7:05 pm said:
  
  That was me. I entered under the wrong account
  
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- mariagianferrari on July 16, 2017 at 4:56 pm said:
  
  Prego! 🙂
  
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msvukidlit on July 15, 2017 at 7:10 pm said:

Thank you for reminding us how children are able to be present in the moment and is what we should all try to do. You spoke to my inner child!

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- mariagianferrari on July 16, 2017 at 4:57 pm said:
  
  It’s not easy though–there are so many distractions. But being aware makes all the difference 🙂
  
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supermario6 on July 15, 2017 at 7:39 pm said:

Thank you for an informative post!

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- mariagianferrari on July 16, 2017 at 4:58 pm said:
  
  🙂
  
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@luvthatword on July 15, 2017 at 10:33 pm said:

I’m first in line at my library for Hello Goodbye Dog. Can’t wait to check it out, and follow your blog tour. Best wishes for your tour and book, and thanks for the encouraging words here!

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- mariagianferrari on July 16, 2017 at 5:00 pm said:
  
  You made my day, Angela–thank you!! I just saw that you live in MD–whereabouts? I’m doing some local events here in Ashburn & Reston, VA in August, and then the Fall for the Book Festival in Fairfax in October if you’d like to come. If you’re interested in further details, please feel free to contact me through my webside: mariagianferrari.com :).
  
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Erik Ammon on July 16, 2017 at 7:33 am said:

Never give up and find some great critique partners! Excellent advice. My favorites growing up were Where the Wild Things Are and Pyewacket.

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- mariagianferrari on July 16, 2017 at 5:00 pm said:
  
  Good luck to you, Erik :)!
  
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Carrie Finison on July 16, 2017 at 8:00 am said:

Coyote Moon is such a gorgeous book – pictures and words. I can’t wait to see Maria’s other books. And totally agree with her comment about finding a good critique group!!

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- mariagianferrari on July 16, 2017 at 5:02 pm said:
  
  I’m so glad that you liked Coyote Moon, Carrie :)! Thanks for the very kind words. I love Bagram’s art too–it’s amazing! And my crit partners are the best!!
  
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Shanah Salter on July 16, 2017 at 8:11 am said:

Thanks for sharing and for offering a critique, so generous! Not to mention those brownies…

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- mariagianferrari on July 16, 2017 at 5:02 pm said:
  
  You’re welcome, Shanah. Such a lovely name 🙂
  
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Laurie Warchol on July 16, 2017 at 9:02 am said:

It is a marathon isn’t it? But meeting such great people at all the water stops along the route. Thanks for the great advice, Maria!

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- mariagianferrari on July 16, 2017 at 5:03 pm said:
  
  Indeed it is, and my journey picked up its pace after the PEN award, so your time is near, Laurie!! ❤
  
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Gregory E Bray on July 16, 2017 at 11:04 am said:

Great interview. Thanks Maria and Vivian.

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- mariagianferrari on July 16, 2017 at 5:04 pm said:
  
  Thanks for commenting, Gregory 🙂
  
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Mary Warth on July 16, 2017 at 12:37 pm said:

Thanks Maria and Vivian for a great inspirational post. Hoping to read, read, read and take advantage of my critique group this summer.

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- mariagianferrari on July 16, 2017 at 5:04 pm said:
  
  Enjoy, Mary! That’s the fun part about the job 🙂
  
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mariagianferrari on July 16, 2017 at 4:36 pm said:

You’re the best, Vivian!! Thank you so much for having me visit :)! Can’t wait to meet you <3!

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sunwalker2013 on July 16, 2017 at 4:38 pm said:

Inspiring comments – was bordering on giving it up and just continue the read, read, read half of it. And the tour – WOW, what an exciting August you’ve given us!!

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- mariagianferrari on July 16, 2017 at 5:05 pm said:
  
  Hang in there, sunwalker!! And if you don’t yet have a critique group, find one. They’ll help you when you’re struggling, and cheer your successes, big and small. They’re like the water givers for the marathon runners ;). Good luck!!
  
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  - sunwalker2013 on July 16, 2017 at 8:36 pm said:
    
    Thanks for that encouragement. My first couple of critiques were pretty nasty, so it discouraged me. I don’t give that kind myself, so I was rather shocked. I’ll keep looking!
    
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    - viviankirkfield on July 18, 2017 at 6:19 pm said:
      
      Oh dear…it makes me so sad when critiques aren’t done in a kind and compassionate way…we all want our stories to be the strongest and bewt they can be…but no one should ever be nasty. I aree with Maria…I hope you are not discouraged and will keep on writing…if this is your passion, you MUST do it! Here’s to better critiques. )f it was your own critique group, perhaps you guys need to set some parameters. I think there are many websites that have critique group rules. And if it was a professional critique…I guess I’d recommend you don’t go back to that person. 😉
      
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Sue Heavenrich on July 16, 2017 at 5:24 pm said:

Thanks for the brownies, Vivian. And Maria, thanks for your candid replies. I love the photo of dog-kisses! This looks like a wonderful book.

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- mariagianferrari on July 31, 2017 at 5:53 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Sue. Dog kisses are the best 🙂
  
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mona861 on July 16, 2017 at 7:39 pm said:

Thanks for the interview, Vivian and Maria. Great interview. Love Coyote Moon. Can’t wait to read Hello Goodbye Dog. Browines look yummy. And, Maria, you’re going to love our charming friend, Vivian.

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- mariagianferrari on July 31, 2017 at 5:53 pm said:
  
  I already love her, Mona, and we haven’t even met! She’s special!!
  
  And thanks for the kind words about Coyote Moon too :)!
  
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cynthiahm on July 16, 2017 at 10:07 pm said:

Hello Goodbye Dog looks like a book I need for my preschool classroom. I’m excited to get my hands on that one! Thanks so much for sharing your insights as an author.

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- mariagianferrari on July 31, 2017 at 5:54 pm said:
  
  I hope your pre-schoolers will enjoy it!! Thanks for commenting, Cynthia!
  
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  - cynthiahm on July 31, 2017 at 10:56 pm said:
    
    You’re welcome 😊
    
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