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Children's Author Blog Hop

Thanks to Paul Czajak for inviting me to participate in this blog hop.

Paulgot an ‘F’ with the words “get a tutor” on his college writing paper and after that, never thought he’d become a writer. But after spending twenty years as a chemist, he knew his creativity could no longer be contained. His first picture book, Monster Needs A Costume, illustrated by Wendy Grieb was recently released through Scarletta Kids. This is the first picture book in the Monster & Me series (all of which will be illustrated by Wendy), with the second, Monster Needs His Sleep due April 2014 and then Monster Needs A Christmas Tree set for September 2014. He has also recently signed a contract for Seaver the Weaver which will be illustrated by Ben Hilts of The Hilts Brothers and is planned for April 2015.

What are you working on right now?

Lately, I've been working on several stories about magical sneezes. When I was born, I sneezed instead of crying. Sneezing's still a pretty big part of my life right now, so I thought I'd write about it!

How does it differ from other works in the genre?

These two stories are extremely silly and fantastical. One is about a boy whose sneezes change things around him. The other is about an airplane who sneezes people to the wrong destinations. Both stories are completely ridiculous and unique.

Why do you write what you do?

I write picture books because I love how a short story can change how you think and feel about something. I love how kids laugh and learn from stories that may not even have a clear driving message. I also have very short periods of time in which I can write because of my five kids. Picture books are perfect for me right now.

What is the hardest part about writing?

The hardest part about writing is the dozens of rejections. The form letter rejections are the worst! But I actually get kind of excited about rejections that are personal. At least the really read the story, right?

Please check out Tracey Cox, who is continuing the blog hop!

Tracey M. Cox has been telling stories since she could babble. In school, she always loved creative writing assignments in, but never thought of taken her writing past a grade until... many years later her oldest son said the magic words, "Mom, THAT would make a cool book!"
Since that time many, many moons ago, Tracey has taken her writings on many adventures. She has been published in newspapers, magazines, anthologies, and BOOKS!
Tracey enjoys attending festivals, guest speaking about literacy, going to businesses for book signings, and visiting schools in person or by Skype online visits. You can read all about Tracey M. Cox, and her books, on her website: www.traceymcox.com .