Author Interviews

Interview with Lisa Fipps, Debut Author of Starfish

By on March 19, 2021   /   Articles, Author Interviews, New Releases  

People are buzzing about Lisa Fipps and her debut novel, STARFISH! For good reason, it’s bound to be a classic. This poignant novel in free verse has already earned numerous starred reviews and a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection. Wow! And she is just getting started.

I met Lisa via Twitter and immediately fell in love with her kind spirit and sensitive soul. Also, we share a love of all things British and pugs!

My kind of gal.

Please grab a cup of tea and join us for a bit of chitchat.

          About the Author

Lisa Fipps is a graduate of Ball State University, award-winning former journalist, current director of marketing for a public library (where she won the Sara Laughlin marketing award), and an author of middle-grade books. Starfish is her debut novel. She’s working on her next novel and several others. She currently lives in Indiana and lived in Texas. 

  1. Tell us about Starfish. 

Starfish is a middle-grade novel in free verse about a fat girl named Ellie. Ever since Ellie wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash at her fifth birthday party, she’s been bullied about her weight. To cope, she tries to live by the Fat Girl Rules—like “no making waves,” “avoid eating in public,” and “don’t move so fast that your body jiggles.”

She’s found her safe space—her swimming pool—where she feels weightless in a fat-obsessed world. At the bottom of the pool, she starfishes. Stretches out. Takes up all the room she wants, instead of living by the fat girl rules society taught her.  The pool is also where she can get away from her pushy mom, who thinks criticizing Ellie’s weight will motivate her to diet. Fortunately, Ellie has allies in her dad, her therapist, and her new neighbor, Catalina, who love Ellie for who she is. With this support buoying her, Ellie is able to cast aside the Fat Girl Rules and starfish in real life—by unapologetically being her own fabulous self.

 

  1. How did you come up with the idea?

Starfish is the book I wish I had when I was a fat kid trying to cope with the bullying. I never told anyone what I was going through. I never reached out for help with the emotions: sadness, anger, shame. I never stood up for myself. I thought I deserved to be treated badly because society teaches us that if we’re fat, it’s our fault. If we truly hated being bullied, we’d just lose the weight.

 

  1. Do you base your characters on people you know? If yes, spill the beans!

Starfish is not based on people I know, but it’s based on experiences I had. The names of characters are based on people I know. For example, Sonya, Catalina’s mom, is named after author Sonya Sones, a mentor and friend. The school librarian is named after my elementary-school librarian, Mrs. Pochon. She was the best!

 

4. How much of your real-life experiences play a role in the stories you tell? 

Not everything that happens to Ellie happened to me, but a version of everything that happens to Ellie happened to me. So, yes, real-life experiences play a huge role in Starfish. As far as future works, I think there’s a bit of every author in every story they tell. Sometimes authors draw on real-life experiences. Other times they dip into their emotional wells when characters need to authentically express feelings. a

 

5. What books did you like to read when you were a kid? Do those books influence your writing? 

I read anything and everything I could get my hands on. I grew up poor. So that meant reading cereal boxes, recipe books, newspapers, magazines, my mom’s books – hence my love for Erma Bombeck when I was a kid – the entire World Book Encyclopedia, and library books. Authors have influenced my writing more than specific books. Once I like a book by an author, I read all their books. Authors who influenced me the most when I was a kid and teen include DuBose Heyward (because of The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes), E.B. White, Norman Bridwell, Beverly Cleary, and Ernest Hemingway.

 

   6. What are you working on now? 

I’m always working on something. Well, actually, several somethings. Sometimes a scene or a character trait for a novel comes to me when I’m writing my work in progress. So, I stop, write it, and go back to my WIP.

 

  1. What is your writing process? Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I see what I call video clips in my head of scenes, things that help reveal a character’s personality, etc. I watch them and make note of them. It’s kind of odd. I’m a total pantser. I think that’s because I was a journalist for years. But I do plan the overall book. I just don’t do detailed outlines. That totally zaps me of my creative energy. I like to let the story tell itself through me rather than control it so much.

 

  1. Loaded question: How long was your road to publishing and what happened along the way?

Starfish took a while because of personal commitments. I started it while working six part-time jobs for three years as I transitioned from journalism to marketing. Then I got a full-time marketing job – right before my mother almost died in a car accident and needed a lot of care, which is right after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I was working full-time, being a full-time caregiver, and writing Starfish. I’m not a patient person by any stretch of the imagination. So, I was frustrated that I couldn’t just devote all my time to Starfish. But the process taught me that you make the time and find a way to focus on what’s important to you.

 

  1. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

I give aspiring authors the same advice Norman Bridwell gave me. He’s from my hometown. I interviewed him several times when I was journalist. I mentioned to him that I was writing a book. He told me to keep going, even if I got rejections along the way. He wrote me the sweetest letter on Clifford the Big Red Dog stationery. I still have it. If you want it – really want it – don’t stop. Just keep going.

 

  1. Do you have a favorite middle-grade book?

Hmm. There are far too many favorites for me to name them all. But some of my favorite middle-grade authors include Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Linda Sue Park, Karen Hesse, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Jerry Spinelli, Gary Schmidt, and Andrew Clements. I could go on. And on. And on.

For more information about Lisa, please visit her website.

 

 

 

 

 

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Catherine Urdahl Interview + VIRGINIA WAS A SPY Giveaway!

By on March 17, 2021   /   Author Interviews  

We’re very excited to spotlight author Catherine Urdahl today on the MUF blog and her new book Virginia Was A Spy! (Cathy has generously offered to send a signed copy of Virginia Was A Spy to one lucky winner–US+Canada. See details at bottom.)

Hi Cathy! Thank you for sharing Virginia Was A Spy with me. This was such an interesting biography about a trailblazing woman who was a spy . . . but as your book reveals, she was much more than a spy.

About the Book

Can you give us a short summary about the book?

Virginia Was A Spy is the true story of World War II heroine Virginia Hall. Virginia was an American who overcame huge obstacles—including an amputated leg—to become the first female secret agent working in occupied France. She was a master of deception and disguises. At one point she posed as an elderly milkmaid, selling homemade cheese to the Nazis in order to get close to them and listen in on their secrets.

When did it come out?

The book was published in August 2020.

Tell us who would especially enjoy this book (as it’s both a picture book and aimed at lower middle-grade readers). I wrote this book for ages 8 and up—anyone who’s interested in spy/adventure stories, incredible (and unrecognized) heroines, and World War II history. In addition to the main story and the wonderful illustrations by artist Gary Kelley, the book includes back matter with more details for older readers.

About the Author

Can you describe your writing journey? Did you enjoy writing as a child? Did you always plan on writing for kids?

I’ve always loved reading. My favorite part of school—especially in the early years—was going to the library. Once I was so lost in my book I didn’t notice that my class had left. I wrote (and illustrated) my first homemade book in second grade. In high school and college I wrote poems and short stories. Then I went to work in corporate communications, writing articles for company newsletters and brochures. But more and more, I dreamed of writing for children. I finally started writing, taking classes, and meeting with a critique group. After a lot of practice—and a lot of rejection—I published my first book, Emma’s Question, in 2009 and my second book, Polka-dot Fixes Kindergarten, in 2011.

What draws you to writing nonfiction? To biographies about women?

I love learning about people in history—what they did and, more important, why they did it. Whether I’m writing fiction or nonfiction, character is the most fascinating element for me. Researching a real person is like getting to know someone layer by layer and figuring out how their actions impacted history and even how we live today.

I especially love writing about unrecognized women like Virginia. History books are filled with the stories of men. But women were there, too—often behind the scenes, since both laws and stereotypes kept them from the roles that made men famous. Each of these women made specific contributions—and became part of the larger story of women’s rights and roles in our society.

What message do you hope readers will take away from Virginia Was A Spy?

Virginia fought for the right to be herself and fulfill her purpose. She heard no a lot—from the men of the U.S. Foreign Service, who said a woman with a wooden leg could not be a diplomat; from downed pilots who didn’t trust a woman to help them escape; and from British spymasters who thought it too dangerous for her to return for a second mission in France. Countless people underestimated her ability, both because of her gender and her amputated leg. But Virginia didn’t take no for an answer. More than anything, I hope readers are inspired by her determination to be herself and to make a difference.

Research and Writing Process

What got you interested in the life of Virginia Hall? Why did you think this was an important story to tell?

I first read about Virginia in an anthology about women in World War II. I admired her courage; she actually fought for the right to be a spy, despite the extreme danger. She didn’t let anything stop her—not even her heavy, wooden leg, which she had to drag through snow drifts on a 30-mile escape hike through the mountains. I wanted to honor her courage and determination, as well as her significant contributions to the Allied victory in World War II. But on a more personal note, I was drawn to write about someone so different from myself. I sometimes struggle to find courage to take action—even though the risk is NOTHING like Virginia faced. Maybe I could learn from her, even though I definitely do not have what it takes to be a spy!

Virginia was always unconventional—doing what others thought was unacceptable for women at the time and fighting against those who wanted to hold her back. Which of Virginia’s roles during her life surprised you the most and why?

Virginia’s whole life was surprising, given expectations about women’s roles at the time. But for me, the biggest surprise comes near the start, when she volunteers as an ambulance driver. Virginia had traveled to Paris to escape her disappointment about being rejected by the U.S. Foreign Service. But when war broke out, she took a huge leap from being a young woman exploring her favorite city to a person risking her life to rescue injured soldiers near the front lines. As an American, she could have returned to the United States, but she chose to stay in France.

Your book contains so many fascinating details about how Virginia operated as a spy (like putting a flowerpot in her window to signal she was home). What was the most interesting detail you found in your research? There were so many interesting details—it’s hard to choose. But one of my favorites is how Virginia and her doctor friend disguised downed Allied pilots as French farmers and helped them escape the country. Many of the pilots didn’t speak French, so if the Nazis stopped them their covers would be blown. To solve this problem, the doctor bandaged their necks and gave them notes explaining they had suffered throat injuries and could not talk.

Virginia went to great lengths to hide her identity (even changing the fillings in her teeth). Why did you think it was important to include these kinds of details in your book?

Specific details help readers enter into the story and understand what being a spy really involved. Imagine changing all the fillings in your mouth! Secret agents like Virginia had to pay attention to every little detail. If they didn’t, they increased their risk of being caught. So the little details are important in telling the story of a spy.

What took more time than you anticipated when researching/writing/revising?

I had so much interesting information, but I couldn’t include it all. I had to decide which details were most important for showing Virginia’s character and the actions she took. I also had to figure out how to shape these details so the book would read like a story and not just a list of facts. Both of these things involved lots and lots of rewriting and lots and lots of cutting!

For Teachers

How can teachers use this book in their classrooms?

My website—www.catherineurdahl.com—contains several free classroom activities, including a step-by-step biography-writing project and a character-trait activity, as well as profiles of other female spies. Teachers also could use the book as part of a study of World War II—as a way to highlight the work of all the unrecognized heroes.

Cathy launched her book with a spy hunt in the summer of 2020 at Excelsior Bay Books in Excelsior, MN, that my son and I had fun playing!

Are you doing school visits or events related to this book? Tell us more! (What grade range? What’s your focus—history, writing, or both?)

I love doing school visits—both virtual and, when it’s safe, in-person! I use Virginia Was A Spy for grades 3 and up (including middle school and high school) and tailor the visit to the specific grade level. I offer a variety of programs, including a “story-behind-the story” presentation, which talks about the overall brainstorming/research/writing/revision process, as well as presentations on biography-writing, women’s history, and spies.

For younger students, I offer presentations using my earlier books—Polka-dot Fixes Kindergarten and Emma’s Question.

I love this book, Cathy. Thanks so much for sharing it with us on the MUF blog!

Please click the giveaway link below BEFORE SATURDAY MIDNIGHT and comment, retweet, follow MUF, etc. for a chance to win a signed copy of Virginia Was A Spy. The winner will be announced on Sunday, March 21.

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Donna Gephart Interview + ABBY, TRIED AND TRUE Giveaway

By on March 4, 2021   /   Articles, Author Interviews  

I’m so pleased to shine the MUF spotlight on Donna Gephart’s new novel Abby, Tried and True, which releases next week from Simon and Schuster. Kirkus Reviews calls it, “A touching story about finding inner strength during a challenging time” and educator, Colby Sharp, calls it “phenomenal!”

(Donna has generously offered to send a signed copy of Abby, Tried and True to one lucky winner–US only. See details at bottom.)

All About the Author

Award-winning author Donna Gephart’s previous middle grade novels include: The Paris Project, In Your Shoes, Lily and Dunkin, Death by Toilet Paper and others. Her first picture book, Go Be Wonderful, comes out March 30th from Holiday House. She’s a popular speaker at schools, conferences, and book festivals. Donna lives in the Philadelphia area with her family and her canine office assistant, Benji, a sweet retriever mix. Visit her online at www.donnagephart.com. Autographed copies of her books are available from Inkwood Books.

All About the Book

Please tell us a bit about Abby, Tried and True.

Abby is an introverted 12-year-old whose best friend moves to Israel and she’s sure it’s the worst thing that could happen to her. She’s wrong. Her beloved, hilarious older brother is diagnosed with testicular cancer and everything changes. Abby and her two awesome moms have to help Paul get through surgery and treatments. It’s hard on everyone. Meanwhile, Abby tries to navigate seventh grade without her best (and only) friend by her side in a world that feels too loud and too busy. One of the things that brings Abby joy during this difficult time is the mysterious new boy who moved in next door. Abby explores her feelings for this boy while she also tries to figure out who she is and how she’ll manage the challenges in her life. Colby Sharp did a terrific video review of the book here.

What was the inspiration behind this book? You’ve mentioned it took you seventeen years to figure this book out. Why was it so difficult to write?

About 18 years ago, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Getting through surgeries and week-long treatments in the hospital were some of the most challenging experiences of my life. I wanted to find a way to translate those experiences and emotions into a powerful story for young readers. It took many, many attempts to find my way into telling a deeply meaningful story that would resonate with young readers without it being too overwhelming. I think I managed to do that by telling the story from the sister’s point of view. I also included humor and the hopeful budding new romance between Abby and the boy who moved in next door.

 

All About Being an Introvert

I think a lot of people have wrong ideas about what being an introvert means. Did you do research on introverts, and if so, were you surprised at anything you learned?

The biggest aha moment I had from my research was recognizing that I am an introvert. I always love traveling and meeting new people, so I thought I was an extrovert. But it’s more about the environments in which one thrives. I thrive in a quiet environment where I’m able to be very interior. I can’t stand shallow conversations. I want to talk about things I find meaningful. Some people think being an introvert is the same thing as being shy. It’s not. Being shy means you have a fear of social judgement. Being an introvert means you thrive in a quieter environment, you don’t need a jumble of people around all the time. Solo projects are more appealing than group work. Much of what I learned came from Susan Cain’s research, which she shares in this illuminating TED Talk.

 

What would you like readers to come away with after reading the book?

I never write books in hopes of imparting a lesson or moral. I want readers to feel less alone in the world and more emotionally connected with each other. I hope my books cultivate empathy and remind us to be a bit kinder, a bit more understanding because really, we never know what someone else might be going through.

 

A Tip for Writers

What is your best tip for aspiring middle-grade writers?

I write middle grade because that’s the period in my young life I remember most clearly. I write middle grade because it was a challenging time for me and I felt alone; I don’t want my young readers to feel so alone as they go through their own challenges. I write middle grade because at bookstores and at the library, those are the books I’m most drawn to. If you’re an aspiring middle-grade writer, ask yourself WHY you want to write middle grade? Why does it matter to you on a deeply personal level? Your answers will be the foundation of your journey.

For more writing tips from Donna, click HERE for this archived MUF post.

 

Good advice! What are you working on now?

I’m trying my hand at writing funny chapter books and, of course, I’m writing my next middle-grade novel. After writing about a girl whose brother is diagnosed with cancer, my new book is funny. I think we can all use a little more funny these days.

 

I totally agree, Donna. Thanks so much for sharing!

Please click the giveaway link below BEFORE SATURDAY MIDNIGHT and comment, retweet, follow MUF, etc. for a chance to win a signed copy of Abby, Tried and True. The winner will be announced on Sunday, March 7.

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