What’s the best thing about being a writer?

I get to learn about new things, imagine, create, share ideas. It’s all in a day’s work.

Do you ever get writer’s block?

All the time. I have lots of ideas that sound great inside my head but when I try to type them they come out all jumbled. I’ve found the best way to get past that is to get up and walk away from the story for a while. A lot of times, I’ll go for a run. I try to pick a trail, so I don’t have to worry about traffic – and I just think. Generally, by the time I’ve run a few miles, I have the problem worked through and I’m ready to write on!

Do you write everyday?

Almost. Some days I only write for a few minutes, but on weekdays I generally spend at least four hours each day writing. I believe the only way to become a better writer is to write, write, and rewrite.

What is your favorite children’s book?

No fair – I can’t possibly pick just one!

I love Kevin Henke’s books, especially Chrysanthemum. Ian Falconer’s Olivia books are terrific. Flat Stanley and Amelia Bedelia are favorites from when I was a kid.

For older kids, I really like Geography Club by Brent Hartinger, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares, and The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler.

I think I want to write children’s books. Any advice?

Read. If you want to write picture books, read picture books. If you want to write for young adults, see what they’re reading. Read. Read. Read. Write. Write. Write some more. Find a critique group (bookstores and libraries are great places to start). Smile when your fellow writers tell you what’s wrong with your story – then make it better. Join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (www.scbwi.org). It’s a terrific organization that offers endless educational and networking opportunities. Don’t give up. Every successful author I know has collected dozens (if not hundreds) of rejection letters. Don’t take it personally. Getting your manuscript to the right editor at the right publisher at the right time requires both research and luck. Persevere.

Do you have a question for Mary? Send it now.