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Saturday, April 3, 2010

The Talented Mary Jean Kelso - Interview

Mary Jean is here to tell us a bit about herself and her wonderful writing.

Tell us about your books?
So far, GAP has published 7 of my children's books. They have quite a few more in the pipeline waiting for illustrations and finishing touches.

I write about a variety of things as well as write YA and adult novels.

Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. released my books under their "Academic Wings Division." That is exciting for me because I am not only able to give the kids a good story to read but to contribute to their education with back of the book material that teaches something about the subject. It is my hope that teachers and homeschoolers make use of the information.

The GAP books recently released are RV Mouse and Andy and Spirit Meet the Rodeo Queen (which releases this month). Besides those, the first was The Christmas Angel. That followed with Andy and the Albino Horse -- one which GAP signed me up for a series when they accepted the first Andy book. The second Andy book, Andy and Spirit Go to the Fair came out as well as Andy and Spirit in the Big Rescue. One Family's Christmas released as the sequel to The Christmas Angel. The Tween book, The Adventures of Andy and Spirit (Book One) releases this year. As we have four Andy stories out, they will be included in Tween format for the older readers.

How has it been working with a publisher?
GAP is wonderful to work with. They have been publishing my books since 2007. I hope we can work together for the rest of my life. The publisher works very hard to make sure everything comes together in the production process to produce high quality reading material for young people.

Where do you get your ideas from?
Ideas are everywhere. I write about everything from a handicapped boy in today's world that is involved in hippotherapy to a little girl who makes a friend along the Oregon Trail in the 1850s. Other subjects include a mouse that gets into a motorhome and a chick that has to learn to find its own food as well as a little boy that is afraid of Santa Claus. And on and on.

How long does it take from idea to actual print?
If the story comes full blown to me, as sometimes happens, it can be written very quickly. If it needs more development, it can take a few months or even a year to complete. I expect it to take approximately a year from the time it is accepted to see final production due to working it into the production schedule and the illustrator's schedule. Since there are quite a few on file, I don't worry about when they will bepublished. I just keep writing and doing the grunt work of promotion.

Did you always want to be a writer?
Yes. I can't remember a time I didn't write. I also remember designing clothes for paper dolls (long before Barbie came along). I sometimes find myself "designing" the clothes my characters are wearing with words. So, what made me stick with writing and not continue to draw and sew clothes is anybody's guess.
Any advice for people just starting out?
Stick with it! There are a lot of people out there that wanted to be authors but gave up. It can take years and years but those who hang in there will, eventually, become published.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Guardian Angel has a great thing going not only for adult authors, but for young people who strive to see their writing or illustrating in print as well. Lynda Burch is an inspiration to us all. Through her vision at GAP she is bringing a tremendous amount of great reading material to people everywhere.
K.C. Snider has illustrated all of my books so far. It is always fun to see what she will paint to go along with the text.

Thanks :0

Check out Mary Jean's web sites at;http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com
http://www.authorsden.com/maryjeankelsoandyandthealbinohorse.blogspot.com
http://childrensbookwinp.ning.com/profile­/MaryJeanKelso
http://www.blazingtrailers.com/browse.php?txt=kelso
http://www.madeinnv.com/

5 comments:

Cheryl said...

Wonderful interview, ladies. I've read some of Mary Jean's work and it is absolutely charming.

Best of luck.

Cheryl

Janet Ann Collins said...

This interview is encouraging for all of us.

Anonymous said...

The blog's new look is great. MJ gave a great interview. Like her I get my ideas everywhere, but my characters share many personality traits with family and people I know. They may be fantasy creatures or animals, but they have real people's quirks.
Blessings,
J. Aday Kennedy
The Differently-Abled Writer

Donna McDine said...

Terrific interview. I enjoyed getting to know Mary Jean better. Best wishes for your continued success!

Regards,
Donna

Anonymous said...

Interesting interview. It was nice to learn more about Mary Jean and her writing. I wish you much success with all of your books.


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A BEAUTIFUL DAY
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ANDY & SPIRIT IN THE BIG RESCUE
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LADY GEHR
LAST PAGE IN THE DIARY
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NATALIE'S ARK
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NO MORE GUNK!
NOTHING STOPS NOAH
O CHRISTMAS TREE
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ONE IN A BUZZILLION
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PRESTON, THE NOT-SO-PERFECT PIG
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RV MOUSE
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SIGNS OF TROUBLE
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TOO MANY KITTIES
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WHAT IN THE WORLD SHOULD I BE?
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