I'm happy to share my interview with young adult author Ann Herrick. I first learned about Ann several years ago after reading an article in The Oregonian about Ann's first book sale. I was very impressed! A few years later, Ann and I met while we participated in a state-wide author's event at our state capitol in Salem. We've been in touch ever since.
1. Please name your book titles and state where they can be purchased.
My young adult titles are: How to Survive a Summer Romance (or Two), The Farewell Season, All's Fair in Love and Words, The Real Me, The Perfect Guy and Summer Replacement. My middle-grade books are Camper of the Year and Walk Softly and Watch Out for Bigfoot.
They are available at online bookstores, most are at Amazon and some can be ordered at brick-and-mortar bookstores. For links for more information and where to buy all of my books, visit
http://annherrickauthor.com/pages/mybooks.htm
2. At what point in your life did you decided you wanted to be a writer?
I first started a book when I was eleven, tried again at fourteen, but was still at that "who am I to write a book" phase and didn't finish that one either. Finally, as an adult I started AND finished a short story, then a book.
3. What obstacles did you have to surmount to begin the creative process?
Every time it's that blank page/computer screen. I can be full of ideas for a book, but sitting down with no words in front of me is always daunting. I love it after I finally have a first draft finished, because then I have something to really work with! At first, it was just getting up the nerve to really commit to writing.
4. Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?
A good friend who also writes and teaches language arts. I mentioned to her once that I had always thought about writing, and she insisted that I come to a writing-group meeting with her. After that I really sat down and started writing.
5. Who has been the hardest to convince you are serious about your craft?
Acquaintances. They know I write, but seem to think it "just happens" and that I don't need specific times to write without answering the phone, etc..
6. What, if anything, is the one thing that has caused you the most heartache in accomplishing your dream? No heartache, really. Of course, I'd love it if everything I wrote would immediately be snapped up and hit the NY Times Bestseller List!
7. What has brought you the greatest joy in seeing your dream of publishing fulfilled?
Knowing when I've connected with readers. Getting fan mail, or an award such as the IRA/CBC Children's Choice Award (which, as the name indicates, is decided by kids).
8. In what direction would you like to see your work take you? (print, movies, audio, etc.)
Many of my books have been/are in print, but I'd like all of them to be. Hardcover would be great! A movie is unlikely, but that would be really fun!
If you could “cast” one or more of your books, who would you like to see in the lead roles?
Since my characters are teens and kids grow up so quickly, it's hard to say, but I could picture Elle Fanning in How to Survive a Summer Romance (or Two), or in Summer Replacement.
