(Best Selling Author Debbie Dadey)
I consider myself a connoisseur of the written word...anything from picture books, chapter books, and young adult novels to adult fiction, self-help, and inspirational/motivational essays.
I've been writing for almost forty years...eight of those professionally...while being blessed to meet and make friends with many authors all around the world. But last weekend, I managed to meet someone whose writing I have followed and admired for many years.
While attending the Rose Glen Literary Festival, I met best selling author Debbie Dadey who was hosting her ABC's of Writing For Children workshop.
She was very approachable, somewhat surprising considering she is the author or co-author of 166 children's books, including the extremely popular chapter book series ADVENTURES OF THE BAILEY SCHOOL KIDS (42 MILLION copies sold so far!), GHOSTVILLE ELEMENTARY, and her latest series MERMAID TALES.
After a very informative workshop, I took a chance, requesting an interview with Debbie and she graciously accepted. Below is Part One of some of the burning questions inquiring minds, myself included, wanted to know...
1. What is your writing Kryptonite?
I laughed when I read that question. I'd love to be superman-make that super writer! My writing Kryptonite has to be a bit of a catch 22. It's reading! I love to read and believe reading helps me to be a better writer, but the danger comes when I put off writing to read. I usually keep regular office hours to avoid that.
2. What are some common traps for aspiring writers?
Writing clichés was my first trap-I wrote the giraffe with the too short neck and the Christmas tree that no one wanted. It's not that they are bad ideas, they have just been overdone and are difficult to sell. Another trap that I've been guilty of is researching, researching, and more researching. I think research is important. I do know many ways to become a werewolf, thanks to writing books like WEREWOLVES DON'T GO TO SUMMER CAMP and WEREWOLVES DON'T RUN FOR PRESIDENT, but continuing to research when I should begin writing is definitely a trap. I researched for eight years for CHEROKEE SISTER. Another thing to avoid is putting too much of your research into your fiction book. It has to fit naturally with the story and can't just be thrown in because you learned this fabulous fact.
3. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you research before beginning a book?
The research I do definitely depends on the story. Currently I am researching the Wild West, saints, oxen, covered wagons, bioluminescence, and the porpoise. What a strange mix!
4. What was your first published book and how did it change your writing process?
VAMPIRES DON'T WEAR POLKA DOTS, which I co-authored with Marcia Thornton-Jones, was my first book. I was very interested in writing books for reluctant readers and for students needing something between a picture book and a novel (I still am), but I hadn't even thought about writing a series. I found out how fun it is to get to know your characters through many adventures. That first book turned into a series of 51 numbered books in THE ADVENTURES OF THE BAILEY SCHOOL KIDS, Super Specials and Holiday Specials, and two spin-off series.
5. What is your favorite childhood book?
There was a series called CHERRY AMES, STUDEN NURSE that was a favorite.
Be sure to leave a comment below and share a little love with Debbie by telling her which one of her books is your favorite!
Stop by next week for Part Two of my interview with best selling Kidlit author, Debbie Dadey. And thanks, Debbie, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to help my readers learn more about the life of a best selling author.
For more about Debbie, check out her website (www.debbiedadey.com), find her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/debbiedadey/?ref=page_internal), hanging out on Twitter (https://twitter.com/DebbieDadey), and even on Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/debbiedadey/).
ARE YOU THE MISSING PIECE? is now available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, and other fine retailers. It was a #1 international bestseller in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US last fall.
I laughed when I read that question. I'd love to be superman-make that super writer! My writing Kryptonite has to be a bit of a catch 22. It's reading! I love to read and believe reading helps me to be a better writer, but the danger comes when I put off writing to read. I usually keep regular office hours to avoid that.
2. What are some common traps for aspiring writers?
Writing clichés was my first trap-I wrote the giraffe with the too short neck and the Christmas tree that no one wanted. It's not that they are bad ideas, they have just been overdone and are difficult to sell. Another trap that I've been guilty of is researching, researching, and more researching. I think research is important. I do know many ways to become a werewolf, thanks to writing books like WEREWOLVES DON'T GO TO SUMMER CAMP and WEREWOLVES DON'T RUN FOR PRESIDENT, but continuing to research when I should begin writing is definitely a trap. I researched for eight years for CHEROKEE SISTER. Another thing to avoid is putting too much of your research into your fiction book. It has to fit naturally with the story and can't just be thrown in because you learned this fabulous fact.
3. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you research before beginning a book?
The research I do definitely depends on the story. Currently I am researching the Wild West, saints, oxen, covered wagons, bioluminescence, and the porpoise. What a strange mix!
4. What was your first published book and how did it change your writing process?
VAMPIRES DON'T WEAR POLKA DOTS, which I co-authored with Marcia Thornton-Jones, was my first book. I was very interested in writing books for reluctant readers and for students needing something between a picture book and a novel (I still am), but I hadn't even thought about writing a series. I found out how fun it is to get to know your characters through many adventures. That first book turned into a series of 51 numbered books in THE ADVENTURES OF THE BAILEY SCHOOL KIDS, Super Specials and Holiday Specials, and two spin-off series.
5. What is your favorite childhood book?
There was a series called CHERRY AMES, STUDEN NURSE that was a favorite.
Be sure to leave a comment below and share a little love with Debbie by telling her which one of her books is your favorite!
Stop by next week for Part Two of my interview with best selling Kidlit author, Debbie Dadey. And thanks, Debbie, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to help my readers learn more about the life of a best selling author.
For more about Debbie, check out her website (www.debbiedadey.com), find her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/debbiedadey/?ref=page_internal), hanging out on Twitter (https://twitter.com/DebbieDadey), and even on Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/debbiedadey/).
ARE YOU THE MISSING PIECE? is now available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, and other fine retailers. It was a #1 international bestseller in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US last fall.
International best selling author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt Taekwondo Instructor by day and a 'ninja' writer of children’s picture books, chapter books and young adult novels by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host and book reviewer for Harper Collins, She is also a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators and Children's Book Insider. Donna is a lover of dark chocolate, time at the beach, and well written stories.
Yay, Debbie! We miss you. :) I remember Cherry Ames! I became a candystriper because of her.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy! I'm sorry Debbie isn't in your area any more but I'm sure glad she's in mine! ;-)
DeleteThanks for stopping by and come back any time!
Hi Wendy, miss you guys too! Let's do that retreat in October!
DeleteSo fun to read your interview, Debbie! You already know I'm an admirer of your work and that I enjoy getting to see you at book events around Kentucky. Congratulations on all your successes!!
ReplyDeleteHi Evelyn and welcome to my blog!
DeleteThanks for stopping by and come back any time!
Wow thanks Evelyn! I'm looking forward to SOKY. Hope to see you there!
DeleteI'm not planning to do SOKY this year, Debbie, but hope you have a great time!
DeleteFun. Great questions (and answers). Can't wait for the second half
ReplyDeleteHi Stephen...glad you found my blog! I was trying to get away from the typical author interview questions...;~)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and come back any time!
Thanks Stephen!
DeleteHi Ms. Dadey! Great interview - the both of you! I liked hearing about the snaggy parts of writing - it's good to know we're not alone! ;)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for part two!
Hi Erik! Glad to know you are still writing...YOU are our future...;-)
DeleteThanks for stopping by and come back any time!