Six Questions with Suzanne Elson

Suzanne Elson’s poetry and short stories have been published in The New Canadian Stories Magazine and OffBeatReads. Her debut picture book, Calm Down Counting, was published in Canada by DCCED in English and French and her debut middle-grade novel, Haunted Pond, received an honorable mention in Kailei Pew’s KidsChoice Kidlit Writing Contest. Her newest book, Huxley the Spotted T-Rex, released in February. Because of her 20-plus years as an ESL teacher, Elson has easily transitioned to classroom visits with her books. Born in Scotland, she now lives near London, Ontario, Canada. To learn more, visit www.suanneelson.com or find her on Twitter/X at @SuzElsonAuthor.

1. When you begin creating a book, do you always know where the story is going?

I am becoming more of a plotter the older I get, so yes, I have my books mapped out in detail, so that my plot, characters and theme all evolve organically during the process.

2. How do you know your idea will make a good book?

Apart from the countless critique partners I have (Thank You!), I have several editors I work with. I read my manuscripts to my grandkids for feedback and visit classrooms to read them to several grades for feedback.

3. What are you working on? What’s next for you?

My first chapter book manuscript, Planet Hopper is currently on submission. I recently signed a work-for-hire contract for a series of fantasy/adventure chapter books. I'm very excited about that as I've never written fantasy before, but I am having the time of my life!

4. What was the process or timeline for Huxley the Spotted T-Rex, from idea to publishing?

Believe it, or not, this was the first book I ever wrote. It was for my young dino-crazy grandson. When an agent didn’t pick it up after a year of querying, I shelved it. A new publisher picked it up 1.5 years ago, and paired me with an amazing illustrator, Vitor Lopes. Unfortunately, just as the book was ready to go to print, the publisher folded. Vitor and I decided to self-publish. We’re very proud of the book, and it’s doing well so far!

5. Did you have a lot of collaboration with the illustrator?

I would say I had a fair amount. Vitor and I emailed each other very regularly and scheduled several zoom calls. He was very professional and agreed with every change I suggested, no questions asked. We actually have another PB that is almost ready to go to print as well.

6. If you read this book to a room filled with kids, what message would you want them to leave with?

This book is about loving and accepting how different/unique you are. I would want children to know that it’s OK to be different. In a world of 8 billion people, try to stand out, and be you. My grandson does exactly this and he’s almost 9. I am very proud of him. He doesn’t care if he is the quirky kid in the room. He loves that about himself! And that is the last sentence in the book.