WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES
INSIGHT – INFORMATION – INSPIRATION
FOR WRITERS
TODAY’S GUEST
BETH ANDERSON
There are so many wonderful authors and illustrators out there – and most of the time, our Will Write for Cookies guests are first-timers. But once in a while, an author is so prolific and her books are so amazing, I just have to ask them back for a second visit…and that’s the case with today’s guest.
Beth Anderson, a former English as a Second Language teacher, has always marveled at the power of books. Armed with linguistics and reading degrees, a fascination with language, and penchant for untold tales, she strives for accidental learning in the midst of a great story. Beth lives in Loveland, Colorado where she laughs, wonders, thinks, and questions; and hopes to inspire kids to do the same. Author of AN INCONVENIENT ALPHABET (S&S 2018), LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT! (Calkins Creek, 2020), and “SMELLY” KELLY AND HIS SUPER SENSES (Calkins Creek, Oct. 2020), Beth has more historical gems on the way. For more information about her books or to connect with Beth: https://bethandersonwriter.com
@Bandersonwriter (Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram)
https://www.facebook.com/beth.anderson.33671748
jENN
ME: Hello dear Beth! So thrilled you were able to stop by today to chat. I’m totally in love with your newest nonfiction picture book biography – I loved the story when I saw it before it was acquired…and I can’t wait to hold the real book in my hands! I’m so excited that I just need to give a quick snippet from Amazon so everyone will run out to order a copy from their local bookstore:
James “Smelly” Kelly used his super-senses and intelligence to make sure that the New York City subway in the 1930s ran safely throughout his lifetime and beyond.
James Kelly smelled EVERYTHING: rats in the shed; circus elephants a mile away; tomorrow’s rain. His sense of smell was EXTRAORDINARY. But what good was a powerful nose? How could his super-sniffer make him special? In the New York City subway, James found his calling–and earned the nickname “Smelly” Kelly. Armed with his super-sniffer and the tools he invented, he tracked down leaks from the dangerous to the disgusting, from the comical to the bizarre. Then, he sprang into action to prevent cave-ins and explosions in the tunnels beneath the city. Smelly Kelly not only hunted leaks but also saved lives–and he discovered the truly extraordinary power inside him. Beth Anderson’s fast-paced text and Jenn Harney’s comical illustrations bring to life this everyday superhero.
And guess what? Beth is offering a copy of this fabulous book as a GIVEAWAY…so please make sure you leave a comment and share on social media if you can. And now…let’s ask Beth some questions about her writing journey. Are you ready, Beth?
BETH: Just a heads up, everyone – back in 2018, I was a guest on Will Write for Cookies when Inconvenient Alphabet launched…and I thought it might be interesting to revisit the questions with the added perspective of having been in the business a couple more years and having worked with editors.
ME: That’s a great idea, Beth. So, how about your favorite childhood books – how do they connect to you as a writer.
BETH: Dr. Seuss books were relatively new when I was starting school. I think the wackiness and irresistible rhyme, in contrast with fables and traditional stories, influenced me and many others. All the word fun definitely settled into my brain and set me off in that direction.
I didn’t mention Frog and Toad two years ago, but I’ve loved those books as a child, a parent, and a teacher – the characters are so endearing, so classic and universal, yet at the same time so uniquely special. I think they showcase the power of details and importance of characterization which I understand so much better at this point.
As I think back on the biographies and Nancy Drew books I devoured, they really connect to what I write now. Bios are about fascinating people meeting challenges and making choices – which is how I see them now as a writer, instead of “life story”. And now those mystery books have come home to roost as I dig into the mysteries of history and people from the past, and also see questions as drivers of story.
ME: What do you know now that you didn’t know two years ago?
BETH: Over the past two years my biggest lessons have come from editors. Writing skills are not enough—it always comes down to making the story matter and resonate in some way. I’m on manuscript number six with editor Carolyn Yoder, and it seems she’s become my “Yoda” as I learn more with each one. My revisions are much more encompassing, but still, they’re not finished when a story lands on her desk. She’s focused me on stacking scenes, turning points, weaving in context, letting the extras go (ouch!), and so much more. All that has affected my writing process immensely!
ME: Has WHERE you write changed?
BETH: As I came to realize that this crazy journey might actually be happening, I slowly made changes to the study to accommodate my writing. First, in an effort to improve ergonomics, I added a rolling laptop desk that I can raise and lower to get the keyboard at the proper level. Now, this is also great for raising the laptop to eye level for virtual visits and meetings. A year ago I added an additional large monitor to use with my laptop which allows me to spread multiple documents and windows over a large viewing surface. I absolutely love it and wish I had done that sooner! My husband made me a beautiful cherry credenza to house my growing collection of book stuff. I put the white board on the wall and have added a few favorite book related pictures. My writing space is now quite cozy and convenient, and I’m surrounded with all sorts of files and resources within arm’s reach.
ME: How have your writing habits changed over the past two years?
BETH: My brain is best in the morning, so that’s when I tackle jobs that require focus without interruption. What has changed is the juggling of tasks now that I have some books in the pipeline. Every once in a while I try to set up a schedule for promo efforts or blog scheduling or posting reviews. But…that usually falls away because I’m a stickler for taking care of things as they present themselves so they’re not lost in the email scroll and forgotten. So when it’s time for a new book to release, I get to feeling very scattered and try to shut all that down for a bit to carve out uninterrupted time to accomplish a new draft or work through revisions. It’s clear I need to find a better way.
ME: Why do you write for children?
BETH: My answer from 2018 still stands – basically, I write what I write because of my experience as an educator. I’ve seen the power of story in the classroom, children’s fascination with true stories, endless potential for opening minds and hearts, and a way to connect children to their world and others.
It’s interesting to see how our world can quickly change and bring additional meanings to books from where they started for the author. Lizzie Demands a Seat became even more urgent as this year has unfolded. “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses is releasing at a time when we’re finding that many unsung workers are everyday heroes. And An Inconvenient Alphabet reinforces the idea for me that often society won’t accept an accommodation for the greater good due to inconvenience. Why do I write? Because children’s literature serves kids in so many ways!
ME: Also, 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. 🙂
BETH: For aspiring writers: Recognize your efforts and give yourself a needed pat on the back. Seek out ways to improve your craft and push yourself forward. Try to accept feedback with an open mind and use it to make your work shine.
For parents, educators, and librarians: Thank you! Thank you! For putting books into the hands of children!
ME: Beth, this has been an amazing Q&A…I love that you went back to the answers from two years ago and reframed some of the questions…and some of your answers – your insights are going to be so helpful to all of us!
And your Sweet Treat recipe is going to be much enjoyed…have I told you that pecan pie is my FAVORITE dessert at Thanksgiving and Christmas? And baking it in squares will make it so much easier to eat!
BETH: This is a long-time favorite and most requested recipe. I believe it may have come from a Karo syrup add in a magazine, but has since been modified a bit to make it quick and easy, nuttier, and less sweet, thus justifying eating more.
Pecan Pie Squares
Using a food processor makes it really easy.
Preheat oven to 350’
Grease jelly roll pan 10×15 or 11×17
For CRUST – combine in food processor:
3 C flour
¾ C margarine or butter
¼ C + 2T sugar
¾ t salt
Mix until crumbly, press into pan, bake until light golden brown – about 20 min.
Prepare FILLING in food processor:
4 eggs slightly beaten
¾ C sugar
¾ C light corn syrup
1 ½ t vanilla
3 T melted butter/marg.
*2 ½ – 3 C pecans (add last)
Mix all except pecans. Then add pecans and chop slightly.
Pour over baked crust, spread evenly.
Bake until filling is set, about 25 min.
Cool, then cut.
Thank you so much, Beth! And thank you, dear readers…for spending your precious time here. I hope everyone leaves a comment to be entered in the giveaway – why not tell us about the WORST smell you ever smelled.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend – please stay safe and well.
Pecan pie is my favorite holiday treat…and one of my favorite smells! The worst smell? An outhouse at the lake at the end of the summer. 😊
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outhouse – definitely a nasty one!
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Coffee. I love the smell. Smelly Kelly must be related to me all though I’m sure his nose was more powerful than mine. I drive my family crazy because I’m always trying to discover what that faint whiff of a smell is. I have found many gas leaks and removed one sleeping woman from her home, twice. I can’t wait to read it!
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I’m always finding gas leaks too! That sense seemed to become more finely tuned after pregnancy!
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Beth, I love your advice to give ourselves a pat on the back. I agree that we DO need give ourselves encouragement when we face rejection again and again. Congratulations on your success in this tough business!
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Thank you so much, Deborah!
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Well, you had me at Beth Anderson, but add in pecan pie and I’m hooked! Thanks Vivian and Beth for such a fabulous post. I LOVE The Inconvenient Alphabet and cannot wait to read Smelly Kelly. 😊 Congratulations on your new book!
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OH, thank you so much!
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I really loved hearing how much Beth has worked with her editor on revisions and how she is still growing in that process. We are all learning and improving in this business from the moment we start to the very end. Beth, you’re an amazing writer and deserve all the success in the world!
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Thanks so much for your kind words! There is always more to learn, that’s for sure!
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A good sense of smell can be a blessing or a curse, but when it’s the delightful smells from the kitchen … looking forward to reading this one, Beth.
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Thanks much, Laura!!
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Sounds (or in this case, smells) like another winner from Beth! There are a lot of smells I love, like a freshly opened jar of peanut butter. Worst smell? Maybe cooked cabbage or rotting meat. Looking forward to learning about Smelly Kelly.
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Thanks, Rose! One of the worst for me is a dead mouse in the wall of an old house 🙂
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Ugh! YES! We’ve lived in many old houses in country settings…and there’s nothing to do but wait it out…with plenty of room deodorizer.
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Three of my favorite non-fiction books — so happy to ready this post while I had my coffee. Wishing you the best of success, Beth!
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Thanks so much, Lynne Marie!
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Beth, Thank for what looks like another amazing book! I appreciate your sharing about revisions. The worst smell ever for me was when my husband was out of town, I had 2 preschoolers, and I smelled gas in our basement. The gas company said they couldn’t come out for 2 days, so I called “911”. The hook and ladder truck arrived in minutes, detected a gas leak on our furnace, fixed it and called the gas company to read them the riot act!
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Those things always happen at the worst times! Yes – I think women have great sniffers for natural gas.
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Good for you, Mary! So glad you were paying attention and moved fast!
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Beth,
Can’t wait to read Smelly Kelly. I’m intrigued by the skills you’ve strengthened -stacking scenes, turning points, weaving in context, letting extras go. I’ll be looking for how to actualize these skills. My favorite smell, baked apples with cinnamon, my worst smell, the smell of mice who’ve moved in. Oh no! They’re back!
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Thanks so much! and YES to the apples baked with cinnamon!
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They say it’s a good idea to be baking something with cinnamon when showing your house for sale.I do love the smell of anything baking, but I am also addicted to the smell of coffee. And I love the smell of freshly mowed grass in the spring as a harbinger of a long, blissful summer. (maybe next year)
Good luck with the book, Beth. It sounds fascinating.
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Thanks much! – I too love all those smells – and bread baking!
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I have two yucky smells to reveal–one is the smell of vomit (once a baby vomited in the airplane seats ahead of me and I instantly grabbed the bag and lost my breakfast). The second is skunk–after my dog was sprayed in the face twice (he never learned), I can barely tolerate smelling skunk around the neighborhood now.
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Now you just brought back a memory for me when our dog was sprayed by a skunk. And then of course we did the legendary tomato sauce bath and I really think she smelled worse – with the added joy of wet fur!
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Beth, congrats on your latest book, SMELLY KELLY! Thank you for sharing your journey and recipe. I Look forward to reading your new book and trying out those pecan pie squares! I can almost smell them!
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Those bars are irresistible! Thanks so much!
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Smelly Kelly’s been on my TBR list for a while now. Worst smell? I’ve got to agree with Danielle Hammelef…Skunk and barf, but even worse is both combined as a result of smelling the first 🙂
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LOL – agreed -just thinking about the combo is enough to ……oh….no….
🙂
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Congratulations on Smelly Kelly! Catchy title about a great guy. That recipe sounds delicious. I make mini pecan pie muffins, which are also delicious. My pic for awful smells are rotten potatoes and rotten tomatoes – Pee-yew!
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Thank you!
And isn’t there always one rotten potato in every bag – and it kind of sneaks up on you in the pantry after a few days.
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This book has been on my to read list for a long time. I LOVE finding books about interesting people that my students would not have heard of before. This will definitely be one of those books. As for worst smell, I’ll go with a diaper pail when my sons were younger. I have a weak stomach and remember gagging as I changed the bag. Such lovely memories!
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Wow – it’s such an honor to be on someone’s “list.” Thank you for that! And I too have memories of the diaper pail – ugh!
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Beth, What great descriptions of editing with a “real’ editor! So much to do. Thanks for telling us to praise ourselves, too. I too loved Nancy Drew and the orange and blue biographies in the library. Had to resort to reading about the boys when I ran out of girls…the beginning of my feminism- write women into history! Smelly Kelly sounds grand. To find someone obscure and bring him to life is a lot of work. I can’t wait to read it! I’m going to try the pecan bars, too. Worst smell- dead mouse. Best smell-so very many,: lavender, bread, spring, the ocean, grilling steaks. Thanks Vivian for bringing Beth to us!
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Thanks so much for your comments, Nancy! Smells and sounds are such an integral part of memories, it’s great fun to hear what has stuck in everyone’s mind!
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Book looks awesome, look froward to reading it!
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Thanks for stopping by!
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Thanks so much for sharing with us! Love the book and my mouth is watering now that I’ve read the treat directions! Best wishes!
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So simple so easy and better than pecan pie IMHO! A great sensory experience to go along with the book! HA!
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Best smell is someone else cooking dinner!! Worst smell is my son’s sweaty tennis shoes. I think I can relate to Smelly Kelly!
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Oh, yes, you are so right about the best smell! Also the smell of take-out coming in the door! These days, I’m not very motivated. 😆
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this book look truly amazing! The worst smell to me is cat litter. I make my husband do it.. can’t handle it 🤪 thanks for the chance!
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Thanks for stopping by!!
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Congrats on this wonderful book!! Loved your thoughts on “everyday heroes” and also how changes in the world can bring additional meanings to books from where they started for the author. Kudos!
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Thank you, Laurel!
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Congrats on this great book!! Love your thoughts about everyday heroes, and also how changes in the world bring additional meanings to books from where they may have started for the author. Kudos!!
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