Help me welcome Nancy Lepri, author of Tiny Angel. Check out our interview below :)
Tell us about your book
"Tiny Angel" is a book for tweens and deals mainly with the issue of bullying. When my main character, Macy Carver, moves to a new town, she gets tormented by the class bully, Kenny Thompson, because she's is overweight, wears glasses and is smart. Her guardian angel, Jody, comes to her rescue and shows her how to make friends and be a friend.
Where did the idea for Tiny Angel come from?
"Tiny Angel" is a book for tweens and deals mainly with the issue of bullying. When my main character, Macy Carver, moves to a new town, she gets tormented by the class bully, Kenny Thompson, because she's is overweight, wears glasses and is smart. Her guardian angel, Jody, comes to her rescue and shows her how to make friends and be a friend.
Where did the idea for Tiny Angel come from?
Basically from some of my own childhood experiences. I was never a new kid in school, but I wore glasses and was smart and was constantly bullied by a two different boys in my class.
You do both writing and illustrating, which do you like better?
You do both writing and illustrating, which do you like better?
Hard to say... It depends on my muse at the time. I guess I can say it's easier writing because if I don't like what I've written, it's easy to erase and rewrite, but with illustrations, which I do by hand, if I don't like them, I have to start from scratch, so it can be frustrating as well as time consuming. And, I have to add, I'm my own worst critic with both my writing and my illustrations.
Is there an advantage to being able to do both?
Is there an advantage to being able to do both?
I would say the advantage is that I can "see" in my mind what I want to portray with my own illustrations, but it would also be nice to get a different and fresh viewpoint from another artist.
How long did it take from idea to finished product?
How long did it take from idea to finished product?
Ohmigoodness, I started writing "Tiny Angel" about fifteen years ago, and it went through rewrites and edits a million times. I also put it aside for many years while busy writing for magazines, when I had tons of editing jobs and when I was teaching writing and drawing classes. This was all in addition to other things going on in my life...such as my family, moving, etc.Any plans for future books?
I've started a sequel to "Tiny Angel" which I've tentatively titled "Tommy's Angel". I've also started, but not completed four mainstream novels and have a completed children's picture book, which I have yet to submit.
Any advice you can give struggling artists or writers?
Any advice you can give struggling artists or writers?
Never give up! Even when you get rejection after rejection, keep at it. Every NO, is bound to get you closer to a YES.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Anything else you'd like to add?
I'd like to add that if one is in this (writing and/or illustrating) to make a fortune, you need to rethink your priorities. I don't know of many who have become totally successful where they can earn a good living from writing. First and foremost, you have to love what you do and do it without thoughts of dollar signs, and secondly you have to have a story that others are going to want to read.
Check out Nancy's web sites at; http://nancycl.webs.com,
Check out Nancy's web sites at; http://nancycl.webs.com,
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3 comments:
Nancy:
Terrific interview. I enjoyed getting to know you better!
Best wishes for your continued success.
Regards,
Donna
I didn't know you were going to be here today. How wonderful!
I don't think I realized you are also an illustrator. Gee, I learned something new about you.
I loved Tiny Angel and am enjoying watching Tommy's Angel develop.
Best of luck!
Cheryl
Sandie,
Thanks so much for interviewing me! Thank you also to Donna and Cheryl for your nice comments! You all are the best. :-)
Nancy
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