Good morning, all!
Welcome to another week of Bookmarked, the blog for authors and readers alike.
I hope everyone has been enjoying the warmer weather and is planning plenty of vacation time this summer. I certainly can't wait to enjoy the sunny beaches of Isle of Palms later this year!
Today, I've got yet another exciting Q&A to share with you all... This time, with long-time author Micki Bare, who has published a wide variety of books, from middle-grade magical realism novels about fairies to early reader chapter books about a certain Thurston T. Turtle.
Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., published all three of Micki's Thurston T. Turtle books, which are lovely and whimsical, and you can find those on Amazon here. And be sure to check out Micki's other series, Zahra of the Uwharries, which is compelling and immersive for fans of fantasy stories. These books can also be found through Amazon.
Now, please enjoy the following conversation with Micki!
BOOKMARKED: What initially inspired you to start writing?
MICKI BARE: I've always loved writing. My favorite classes were the ones that incorporated writing or grammar. It was my second-grade teacher who noticed how much I loved writing and encouraged me to create stories when I was done early with my assignments. She helped my parents find a collegiate thesaurus for me for Christmas. I still have that now well-worn thesaurus on a shelf in my home office!
Aside from your writing career, I understand you're a social studies teacher at a middle school. How would you say teaching students has affected your relationship to writing or what topics you write about?
I'm fortunate to be able to incorporate writing and reading skills and strategies into the social studies curriculum. Teaching is a storytelling platform, especially when it comes to social studies. I'm able to flex creative muscles, even with factual events, in the classroom. It keeps me both inspired and fueled for creative expression. So does being around the creativity of students. While it doesn't affect the topics I write about, it does inspire me to keep writing and creating.
What would you say are the key ingredients to writing a compelling children's or middle-grade novel?
I believe the stories need to be relatable, fun, engaging, and surprising. The characters and setting may get them hooked, but the plot twists and cliffhangers keep them reading.
What advice do you have for someone who may be interested in writing their own book?
My advice is to become active in writing communities and organizations where you can continuously learn and hone your craft. If publishing is the end goal, it's important to network. Also, being around other like-minded writers feeds the soul.
Who are some of your favorite authors? Favorite books you've read recently?
I absolutely adore Sheila Turnage. Three Times Lucky won me over. She's a fellow North Carolina middle-grade author who I feel is a kindred spirit. Her characters have depth, and the stories are unpredictable. Yet, as with the most beloved middle-grade novels, hope shines through. I'm also a fan of Alan Gratz. History comes alive from the perspective of young people in his novels. I read Refugee in one weekend. I couldn't put it down!
Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans and supporters?
I'm so grateful for all those who read and share my books. I love sharing stories connected with the outdoors, whether it's Thurston T. Turtle teaching in the rural town of Hubbleville or Zahra trying to save her species from her knothole in the Birkhead Wilderness of the Uwharrie Mountains. I hope my books inspire a passion for reading and the outdoors!
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Thank you again, Micki, for such a great interview. And to our Bookmarked readers, please listen to our partnering podcast THIS FRIDAY for a more in-depth interview with Micki. It is a truly great conversation you won't want to miss.
I hope everyone has a wonderful week... Until next time!
Allison Chudina
Editorial Assistant
Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.
Bookmarked
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