FAQs

My ideas come from so many different places, but most of all, from kids like you. So thank you for giving me so many fun ideas. I've gotten ideas from funny (and naughty) things my kids have said and done. Oh, and crazy and naughty things I did as a kid. One of my ideas came from looking at the creative artwork of an illustrator that I really liked.

One of the best ways to get ideas is to ask "What if?" Like "What if that lamp grew tentacles?" or "What if dinosaurs drove fire trucks?" or "What if the bully became principal of the school?"

BACK TO FAQS

Whether you love to write or hate to write, my advice is the same.

First, read, read, read. Read anything you want. Comic books, magazines, funny books, sad books, adventures, fantasy - whatever you like. Reading is the best teacher of writing. I actually schedule reading time into my work schedule because I study many books in order to be able to write my own.

Then don't be afraid of the blank page or the blank screen. Just do it. Don't be afraid of sounding stupid. Just get it down. And if you want to, you can always go back in revise it. Write about things you like and write the way you like to write. Make lists, doodle, rant, rap. Write poems, Wacky stories. Diary entries. But just write. The more you do it, the more you'll love it. AND the better you'll become.

BACK TO FAQS

I've written a children's book. What now?

How exciting!! Congratulations.

I suggest you first contact your local chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and check out all the resources they have available. Next, find a critique group either in your area or online. Here's great advice about finding a group. Honest critiques of your manuscript are a necessary step in getting published. Then be prepared to revise and rewrite until it's right. If you need a fresh read of your picture book manuscript, check out my Picture Book Peek Weeks on my blog. You can sign up to be notified of upcoming peeks via my contact form. And when you're ready to submit, The Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market will be a valuable reference.

For further information on writing, agents, editors and publishers check out:

Write4Kids

Verla Kay's Children's Writers and Illustrators Message Board.

Harold Underdown's: The Basics of Children's Writing and Illustrating

BACK TO FAQS

How Did You Get Started Writing Children's Books?

I've always loved to read and when my children were young, I loved reading to them. With my kids I rediscovered the wonderful world of children's literature. I had been writing magazine and newspaper articles about families and travel and kids, but then on a cross country road trip, I was listening to a book on tape with my kids and came up with an idea for my own middle grade novel. As I rattled off thoughts about characters and plot points, I had my daughter take notes on a map. And when I got home, I started writing.

BACK TO FAQS

Do you donate books to charity?

I do donate books to many charities with which I am personally connected. I'm also willing to schedule author events in conjunction with charity events that make sense with the audiences and themes of my books. As I am only given a limited number of my books free, I have to purchase them. If you would like to write to me about a specific charity or author event in conjunction with a charity, please contact me and I'll consider your proposal. BACK TO FAQS

I Have to do an Author Report. Now What?

I have loads of information on my website. I suggest you click around and explore. Read all the FAQs. Take a peek at my media kit. In there you'll find pictures, interviews, book reviews and a whole lot more. If you have other questions that aren't answered on my website you may e-mail me and I'll try to get back to you as quickly as possible. BACK TO FAQS

What's Your Favorite Thing About Writing for Kids?

My favorite thing about writing for kids is that I get to try to think like a kid - which isn't always easy, because kids are so smart. BACK TO FAQS

What's the Hardest Thing About Writing for Kids?

For my picture books, the hardest thing is finding the perfect balance between the text and illustrations. That balance forces me to find those few perfect words. For my novels, the hardest thing is creating a main character that readers will want to spend some time with. BACK TO FAQS

Do You Have Favorite Comfy Clothes?

I have a pair of pink striped pajama pants. They are sooooo comfy. But I get funny looks when I wear them to the grocery store. BACK TO FAQS

What's Your Favorite Food?

Crunchy peanut butter. Right off the spoon. BACK TO FAQS

Can I Have Your Autograph?

While I wish I could travel the globe to sign my books, unfortunately I can't. So the next best thing is an autographed bookplate for your book. If you would like one, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with personalization requests to

Jean Reidy

5721 South Ash Court

Greenwood Village, CO 80121.

Attn: Autographs.

BACK TO FAQS

How Can I Use Your Books in the Classroom?

Free Downloadable Teacher's Guides are available for all my books. Please check out my Teachers/Writers page. BACK TO FAQS.

How Do I Schedule an Author's Visit?

Visits can fill a few minutes, an hour or a full day and presentations can be customized to meet your needs. Rates are based on the length and nature of the visit. Check out my Teachers/Writers page and when you're ready to chat about scheduling a visit, please

e-mail me. BACK TO FAQS

What Other Materials Do You Have for Kids, Teacher's, Authors, and Parents?

Free downloadable materials and tools are available on my Teachers/Writers page. BACK TO FAQS

What Exactly is a Picture Book Peek Week?

It's my way of paying it forward to other writers. Several times a year I offer a contest on my blog at http://jeanreidy.blogspot.com/ during which writers can win a free critique of a fiction picture book manuscript. Become a follower of my blog and you'll never miss a Peek. BACK TO FAQS