Blog by VONNIE DAVIS -- International, Award-Winning Romance Author: Adventurous...Humorous...Amorous.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

AMBERLY KRISTEN CLOWE

My guest today is children's author, Amberly Kristen Clowe. I know her as Krissy. We are represented by the same agent, Dawn Dowdle.
Let's give a warm welcome to Krissy.

You have a new release. Tell us all about it:

"Katie Ling Fashion Queen" is a picture book published by AwareNow Publishing. The main character, Katie Ling, has a serious passion for fashion. She knows she's different from a lot of the kids her age who love ponies and video games. Instead of feeling weird, she feels special. I love that subtle lesson in the book.


The road to publication is long and full of problems. What did you learn through the writing process from first word to signing the contract?

Wow. I'm going to have to only mention a few things, because it would take me pages and pages to explain everything I've learned since day one. This is not an overnight success type of business. It takes time. Time researching, time waiting on responses, and actual time spent writing. It also takes having a humble attitude. My work has been changed again, and again, and again. I've learned that this makes it better. It doesn't make me less of a writer. I wore my heart on my sleeve at first. After several rejections, I finally rolled those sad, little sleeves up and got down to business.

As a stay-at-home Mom, what is your writing schedule like?

My writing schedule revolves around my nine-month-old son's schedule. I get work done when he naps, plays independently, and sleeps at night. I'm happy as long as I do at least one thing daily that has something to do with my writing career. That could be writing, editing, brainstorming, social networking, querying, etc. Most days I do more than one, but I don't get down on myself as long as I do something. With my busy schedule, that's the best I can do without compromising family time.

What advice would you give a "wannabe" writer?

If you really believe in your idea, stay with it. Join a critique group and better your story. I really believe that if you apply the advice you get to your writing, eventually, a publisher will believe in your story as much as you do.

What sets you apart from other writers?

I've taught children and really understand their interests. My stories are easy for them to relate to and can evoke emotions whether happy, sad, or just plain silly.



As a romance writer, I'm always on the lookout for pictures of drop-dead-gorgeous men. I notice you have several pictures on your fb page of a very handsome "young" fellow. Tell us about your handsome son. How is he an inspiration to your writing?

What a fun question! My son has inspired many of my ideas. I love to take seemingly boring, daily tasks and look at them through his young eyes. Suddenly, everything is refreshingly exciting.

Thanks for stopping by today to talk about your new book. How can readers purchase it or learn more about you?
 
Below are links to my website, blog, and where to purchase Katie Ling. Thanks so much for squeezing me into your busy schedule Vonnie!

http://awarenow.ca/?p=145
http://www.amberlykclowe.yolasite.com
http://www.amberlykclowe.blogspot.com/

5 comments:

LaVerne Clark said...

Awww....he is gorgeous! Aren't children the best teachers? You're right - they really do teach us to stop, look around, and appreciate everything. My youngest is now 2 1/2, but I so remember those baby years with such joy. Oh no! Now you've made me all clucky! : )

Thank you for the reminder to congratulate myself on what I DO achieve in the day Krissy. Its so easy to berate ourselves on what we don't - but any progress, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.

Krissy said...

Thank you! My little George appreciates the compliment :) You're right to congratulate yourself!! You sound like a master juggler! I can't imagine what George will be like at 2 1/2. I'm sure it will be here before I know it! Thanks for your comment.

Nathan Gottlieb said...

You're love for writing clearly comes across here. Love, dedication may sometimes be more important than raw talent. Keep up the good work -- on both fronts, writing and parenting. Unlike working moms and people who have to go to "work," I am fortunate to be able do my outside work at home and since I am past the parenting age, I have tons of time to write. Almost feel guilty. Almost. I make money from writing for HBO's boxing website. I was a sportswriter for a major newspaper for 19 years, and so I am a very clean, tight writer. But I do many, many drafts of editing anyway. If you have a chance, check out my blog spot, devoted to the writing process. Up top is a young guest blogger struggling with his muse. But the rest of the posts are mine, and in the next couple days will be writing a new one.
http://visionsinthevoid.blogspot.com/

Melinda said...

He is so cute...I love to read children's books now that my children are bigger I still read them.

Good luck on your writing career

Walk in harmony,
Melinda

Krissy said...

@Nathan - Thank you for your comment and best wishes with your writing career. I'll make sure to check out your blog.

@Melinda - Thank you. I think he's cute too, although, I am pretty partial :) I LOVE kids' books too!

@Vonnie - Thanks so much for having me and the work that went into it!