Ask the Author: Anika Aldamuy Denise
Answered Questions (6)
Anika Aldamuy Denise
Do anything else you love to do for awhile. Take a break. I like to go for a walk on the beach near my house. Getting outside in nature helps. Usually the block or plot problem you face is solved when you're not actively trying to work it out. Letting your mind wander away from your story for a bit will often bring the solution to you.
Anika Aldamuy Denise
Working in my jammies.
Anika Aldamuy Denise
My best advice is to FINISH your drafts. I heard a writer on a panel say recently that often the only difference between an unpublished writer and a published writer is finishing.
I also like Stephen King's advice about writing the first draft with the door closed (meaning do not share it until that ugly first draft is done.) Then put it aside for awhile. After that, share your story with a trusted group of readers for critique. Critique groups are invaluable. Find one and join! And become a member of professional organizations for your genre.
Revise and persist! Good luck! :)
I also like Stephen King's advice about writing the first draft with the door closed (meaning do not share it until that ugly first draft is done.) Then put it aside for awhile. After that, share your story with a trusted group of readers for critique. Critique groups are invaluable. Find one and join! And become a member of professional organizations for your genre.
Revise and persist! Good luck! :)
Anika Aldamuy Denise
I am working on two new picture books with my husband Chris, the second book in a new picture book series, a companion book for Monster Trucks, and a middle grade novel. Phew! I need a nap!
Anika Aldamuy Denise
I find inspiration in many different ways. Reading is one way. Looking at art is another. My children inspire me. Other writers, as well. Sometimes all I have in mind is a title, and I build the story around it. The idea for my forthcoming picture book MONSTER TRUCKS (Harper Collins Childrens Books, 2016) was born out of a conversation with my cousin who has three boys.
Anika Aldamuy Denise
Baking Day at Grandma’s is a very personal story. It’s based on memories of my Grandma Rose, as well as the baking traditions my mom began with our girls. The art is inspired by the Adirondack region of New York, specifically Lake George, where I spent summers as a child. Each spread contains a nod to our families—Grandma Bear’s cabin, little bits of her furniture, the cookbook she reads, her Victrola—are all artifacts drawn from special people and places in our lives. Like Grandma Rosie’s chocolate cake—the recipe on the endpaper—Baking Day at Grandma's was made with love. Here's a blog interview I did recently with more about my inspiration: http://stephaniebernaba.com/2014/09/1...
And a link to the book trailer, which also describes how Baking Day at Grandma's came to be: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZTRF...
And a link to the book trailer, which also describes how Baking Day at Grandma's came to be: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZTRF...
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