FAQ
A. My legal name is Genevieve. I was named after my mom. Growing up the neighbors called her Big Gen and I was Little Genny. I love the way Genevieve sounds, but Genny is shorter to say and spell.
A. I didn’t know what this question meant before moving to New Mexico. And I certainly didn’t know that in 1996, the State Legislature passed a House Joint Memorial declaring “Red or Green?” the official state question. It refers to ordering New Mexican cuisine: Would you prefer red or green chile with that? (Pronounced chee-lay.) I always get green on the side.
A. Yes! I wish Me-Now could’ve told Me-Then:
Writing more doesn’t mean writing better.
Writing is both an art and a skill. So, even if you’re pumping out lots of words, if you’re not honing your craft, you’re not necessarily going to improve. Uplevel. There is no shortage of excellent writing books, programs, and mentors. Find them.
Writing is solitary work, but it doesn’t have to be lonely.
I’ve got one word for you, Me-Then. Community.
Critique partners, critique groups, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Highlights Foundation programs and The Path of the Storyteller training have so much to offer.
Read more.
Writing and reading are two sides of the same coin. Get rich collecting them. Read. Read. Read. Especially in the genre you write. Dive into those ALA award winners and recommendations from friends and librarians.
Stay grateful.
You are doing the best you can with where you are right now with the resources you have. Keep going. Keep growing your skills. Keep celebrating all the milestones along the way. Because the way is long and windy. And glorious.
A. No fair! I have so many favorites. But in the genre I write, YA historical fiction, Ruta Septys is my hero. I also think the world of Julie Berry, Monica Hesse and Stacey Lee’s work. In adult fiction, I bow down to Kristin Hannah.
A. Hmm. This is not a frequently asked question. Were you one of my Kindergarten students?