TILLIE
HEART AND SOUL
Mary
Atkinson holds and MFA in Writing for Children and
Young Adults from Vermont College. A former teacher and educational consultant,
she now works full time as a published poet and writer for children. She lives
in Maine where she plays the piano and paints but does not roller skate.
See more at: www.maryatkinson.net
1. What really inspired you to write your book, to force you
from taking an idea or experience and conveying it into a book?
Years
ago an artist friend lived and worked in an old piano factory in Boston that
had been converted into artists’ studios. Like Uncle Fred, Tillie’s guardian in
the novel, he was a single parent of a young daughter, Kerry. Kerry’s
"room” was a loft her dad had built for her. The image of Kerry reading
and playing in her loft like a regular little kid while her dad created wild
and amazing art stuck with me. Their living situation together with memories and
feelings from my own childhood inspired me to write TILLIE HEART AND SOUL.
2. What is it about and whom do you believe is your targeted
reader?
TILLIE HEART AND SOUL is a
about ten-year-old Tillie who has a passion for roller skating. She practices
wherever she can—even in the old Franklin Piano Factory where she lives with
her guardian Uncle Fred while Mama’s away dealing with her problems. Tillie’s
determined to be in her
town’s Skate-a-thon with her friends. Surely Mama wouldn’t miss it! But
skating in the city is tough, three-way friendships are tricky, and the
stupid rules in Mama’s rehab program could mess up all her plans.
Children ages 8-12 will love TILLIE HEART AND SOUL.
3. What do you hope will be the everlasting thoughts
for readers who finish your book? What should remain with them long after
putting it down?
Life is full of hope and possibility. No matter how unusual
or difficult your family situation is, be yourself, follow your heart, and work
to make your dreams come true.
4. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow
writers?
Read, read, read. Write every day. Find writer friends who
support and challenge you. Be yourself, follow your heart, and work to make
your dreams come true.
5. What trends in the book world do you see and where do you
think the book publishing industry is heading?
For booklovers, the book world is expanding to invite,
include, and celebrate more diverse voices to the benefit of all readers.
For authors, as opportunities for publishing with the Big 5
shrink, we are finding alternatives such as working with small presses and
publishing on our own.
6. What great challenges did you have in writing your book?
Trusting my voice and vision for TILLIE HEART AND SOUL.
7. If people can only buy one book this month, why should it
be yours?
TILLIE HEART AND SOUL is a page-turner with a big heart!
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