Meet Susan Wigden, Author of Suppose and other stories
What inspired you to become a children's author?
I have always loved to write, but my inspiration to become a published author of picture books, began during my years working with preschoolers. It was exciting for me to witness children remembering rhyming stories more than anything else. During my many hours of reading books to children, I became more and more excited to see the impact books made in their lives. My first rhyming picture book, Suppose was born from the creative and silly minds of children, who have endless creativity and imagination.
How long did it take you to write your first book Suppose?
As a person who loves to rhyme, the story came easily to me, and to be honest it took only one hour.
How long did it take to get Suppose published?
My Suppose manuscript was sent to thirteen publishers, and the thirteenth publisher took the plunge with me. I was notified after six weeks and the acceptance telephone call I received, was and will always be very memorable. However, it was one year later that the book was released.
How many books have you written, published and unpublished?
Though I was extremely fortunate to have been published so quickly with Suppose, this is not the standard case for me or most writers. I have written over one hundred stories, about fifty of them in rhyme. These have a special place in my important files and in my heart, in spite of the fact that they remain unpublished. As of now, I have four rhyming picture books, with two more to be released in the immediate future. I also have two mid-grade novels, one of which I co-authored with my husband, Bruce.
What do you hope children will learn from your books?
My two mid-grade novels are written in hope to re-connect the generations through mutual respect, trust, and friendship. My picture books are written to encourage children to continue to see life "out of the box" and to never give up being silly. Having said this, I also want younger children to read stories about connecting with their elders, and giving back to those who have cared for us. Two of my picture books deal with this delicate subject, in an age appropriate way!
Children's authors don't always get to choose who illustrates their books. Are you happy with how your illustrations turned out? Are the characters as you imagined them?
My first two picture books are illustrated by artists I did not choose. I had the pleasure of a phone conference with one of them and fortunately the two of us were on the same page when it came to what we envisioned for the characters. The other book, the illustrator did his own thing completely, with the exception of my vision of the main character. Both worked out well.I have had three other artists, who I was able to choose. Two books are from the same illustrator and she did a splendid job.
My two newest artists are hand picked by me, and I receive samples of their work as they progress. I always think each page of of their drawings are better than the one before.
Are you working on any other books?
Presently, I am taking a writing break, simply because writers wear many hats, and one is getting their books out into the world. I visit schools in NY, NJ, and south Florida where I do an interactive program (for children Pre-K through second grade) from scenes inside my picture books. The children love to get involved and have such fun matching picture rhymes. For the older children, (third through eighth grade) I do an author visit where I discuss the steps to becoming published. I especially like when a school takes on one of my novels as a reader, as this gives me the opportunity to communicate on a personal level with the students. For me, being an author has much to do with meeting the people I write for, and they happen to be, our future.
Find out more about Susan Wigden and her many books by visiting www.swigden.com.
I have always loved to write, but my inspiration to become a published author of picture books, began during my years working with preschoolers. It was exciting for me to witness children remembering rhyming stories more than anything else. During my many hours of reading books to children, I became more and more excited to see the impact books made in their lives. My first rhyming picture book, Suppose was born from the creative and silly minds of children, who have endless creativity and imagination.
How long did it take you to write your first book Suppose?
As a person who loves to rhyme, the story came easily to me, and to be honest it took only one hour.
How long did it take to get Suppose published?
My Suppose manuscript was sent to thirteen publishers, and the thirteenth publisher took the plunge with me. I was notified after six weeks and the acceptance telephone call I received, was and will always be very memorable. However, it was one year later that the book was released.
How many books have you written, published and unpublished?
Though I was extremely fortunate to have been published so quickly with Suppose, this is not the standard case for me or most writers. I have written over one hundred stories, about fifty of them in rhyme. These have a special place in my important files and in my heart, in spite of the fact that they remain unpublished. As of now, I have four rhyming picture books, with two more to be released in the immediate future. I also have two mid-grade novels, one of which I co-authored with my husband, Bruce.
What do you hope children will learn from your books?
My two mid-grade novels are written in hope to re-connect the generations through mutual respect, trust, and friendship. My picture books are written to encourage children to continue to see life "out of the box" and to never give up being silly. Having said this, I also want younger children to read stories about connecting with their elders, and giving back to those who have cared for us. Two of my picture books deal with this delicate subject, in an age appropriate way!
Children's authors don't always get to choose who illustrates their books. Are you happy with how your illustrations turned out? Are the characters as you imagined them?
My first two picture books are illustrated by artists I did not choose. I had the pleasure of a phone conference with one of them and fortunately the two of us were on the same page when it came to what we envisioned for the characters. The other book, the illustrator did his own thing completely, with the exception of my vision of the main character. Both worked out well.I have had three other artists, who I was able to choose. Two books are from the same illustrator and she did a splendid job.
My two newest artists are hand picked by me, and I receive samples of their work as they progress. I always think each page of of their drawings are better than the one before.
Are you working on any other books?
Presently, I am taking a writing break, simply because writers wear many hats, and one is getting their books out into the world. I visit schools in NY, NJ, and south Florida where I do an interactive program (for children Pre-K through second grade) from scenes inside my picture books. The children love to get involved and have such fun matching picture rhymes. For the older children, (third through eighth grade) I do an author visit where I discuss the steps to becoming published. I especially like when a school takes on one of my novels as a reader, as this gives me the opportunity to communicate on a personal level with the students. For me, being an author has much to do with meeting the people I write for, and they happen to be, our future.
Find out more about Susan Wigden and her many books by visiting www.swigden.com.
Stacie Theis / beachboundbooks@yahoo.com / copyright 2012