Meet A.J. Irving, Author of Mama's Purse

AJI: I have been writing for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a novelist. In middle school, I wanted to be a sports writer. In high school, I wanted to be an investigative journalist. In college, I focused on becoming a freelance magazine writer. After I became a mother, I found my true passion—children’s literature. The excitement in my son’s eyes during storytime inspired me to become a children’s author.

My mom always had EVERYTHING you’d ever need in her purse. My family frequently teased her. We’d say, “You have everything except the kitchen sink in your purse!” So, I decided to write a book about a mama’s purse that really has a sink. Now that I’m a mama, I have everything in my purse (except a sink).
What do you think children will enjoy most about you book?
My goal as a children’s author is to encourage children to develop a lifelong love for books and to inspire young minds to use their mighty imaginations. Mama’s Purse is a rhyming picture book with vibrant illustrations that introduces unusual words and keeps kids guessing. What super silly surprises will come out of mama’s purse next?!

AJI: I tend to get writer’s block during the revision process. I’m old school. I start writing all my manuscripts in a notebook. I feel more connected to the craft of writing when I write with a pen. I start revising after I type the manuscript on my computer. I get my best revision ideas when I am walking my dog. There are no distractions. It’s peaceful. I let my mind wander. Then, ideas start popping into my head like crazy and I race home to write.
BBB: What are you currently working on?
AJI: I am currently submitting one of my picture book manuscripts, MILLIE LOU’S MOO JUICE, to literary agents. I am also in the process of revising another picture book manuscript titled MAMA’S HAIR IS EVERYWHERE!
BBB: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
AJI: You can learn more about my work on my website, blog, and social media.
Website: http://www.ajsbooksllc.com/
Blog: http://ajschildrensbooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajirvingauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aj_irving
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ajirvingauthor/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/104075819972476218185/posts
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ajirving
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6646906.A_J_Irving