When you get to "know" a writer online, it's always so exciting to see them succeed. I was thrilled when Penny Parker Klostermann announced that she had sold her first picture book. There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight comes out on August 4 with Random House Books for Young Readers! It will be followed by A Cooked Up Fairy Tale in the spring of 2017 (Random House).
Welcome, Penny!
As an author that writes in rhyme, what came first—prose or poetry?
Poetry. Definitely poetry. It seems my stories tell me how they want to be written. Some say, “Write me in prose!” and others say, “Write me in rhyme!”
What do you feel is the secret to finding your voice as a writer? When did you realize that you had found yours?
Voice is a tricky thing in my opinion. In fact, when I started writing, I wasn’t really sure what voice was. I figured my voice was hidden away on a remote island in a super secret place and would be impossible for me to find. I read blog post after blog post about finding your voice but, alas, mine was like Bigfoot . . . illusive. So I just kept writing, writing, writing and eventually I started noticing that my stories just had a “Penny” element to them and I thought, “Hey! I think I’ve found my voice!” So I say to those who don’t feel they’ve found their voice, just keep writing and your voice will show up.
Welcome, Penny!
As an author that writes in rhyme, what came first—prose or poetry?
Poetry. Definitely poetry. It seems my stories tell me how they want to be written. Some say, “Write me in prose!” and others say, “Write me in rhyme!”
What do you feel is the secret to finding your voice as a writer? When did you realize that you had found yours?
Voice is a tricky thing in my opinion. In fact, when I started writing, I wasn’t really sure what voice was. I figured my voice was hidden away on a remote island in a super secret place and would be impossible for me to find. I read blog post after blog post about finding your voice but, alas, mine was like Bigfoot . . . illusive. So I just kept writing, writing, writing and eventually I started noticing that my stories just had a “Penny” element to them and I thought, “Hey! I think I’ve found my voice!” So I say to those who don’t feel they’ve found their voice, just keep writing and your voice will show up.
Tricia Lawrence, of the Erin Murphy Literary Agency is your agent. What do you feel is the single most important factor of an agent/client relationship?
Communication. Tricia is super easy to communicate with. She put me at ease from that first phone conversation when she offered representation. We’d scheduled the call and I was almost sick I was so nervous. She settled my nerves right away. Tricia is open to the type of communication I feel I need at any given time. Some things are easy to handle by email, but other times a phone call is best. Tricia never makes me feel rushed when we communicate. I feel like I have her undivided attention. I have confidence that helping build my career as an author is her priority and she’s always available to discuss any aspect of this.
Communication. Tricia is super easy to communicate with. She put me at ease from that first phone conversation when she offered representation. We’d scheduled the call and I was almost sick I was so nervous. She settled my nerves right away. Tricia is open to the type of communication I feel I need at any given time. Some things are easy to handle by email, but other times a phone call is best. Tricia never makes me feel rushed when we communicate. I feel like I have her undivided attention. I have confidence that helping build my career as an author is her priority and she’s always available to discuss any aspect of this.
Before you had an agent, how did you decide which manuscript to lead out with on submissions?
Luckily, I’m part of a fabulous critique group. They are honest and supportive and give excellent feedback. When the majority of them felt a manuscript was ready to go, I submitted it with confidence.
Are you up for a game of follow the leader, Penny? As you know, I am passionate about mentor texts. With every workshop and craft course I take, I continue to hear publishing professionals recommend reading as the #1 way to study craft. Therefore, my last question hits that mark. Follow me to the Reading for Research blog for your last question...
Luckily, I’m part of a fabulous critique group. They are honest and supportive and give excellent feedback. When the majority of them felt a manuscript was ready to go, I submitted it with confidence.
Are you up for a game of follow the leader, Penny? As you know, I am passionate about mentor texts. With every workshop and craft course I take, I continue to hear publishing professionals recommend reading as the #1 way to study craft. Therefore, my last question hits that mark. Follow me to the Reading for Research blog for your last question...
 | Penny Parker Klostermann is the author of There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight. She loves all kinds of books, but especially loves very silly picture books that make her laugh. She has been known to hug her favorite picture books and seriously hopes that someday her books will gain huggable status too. Penny lives in Abilene, TX. Find out more about Penny on her website: www.pennyklostermann.com. |
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