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July Mystery Author: Penny Parker Klostermann

7/13/2015

24 Comments

 
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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.

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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.

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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
...
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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.
24 Comments
Tina Cho link
7/14/2015 12:53:33 am

This looks like such a fun book! Great interview, ladies!

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Carrie Charley Brown
7/14/2015 04:13:55 pm

Thanks for reading, Tina! This book is great fun!

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Nancy Tandon link
7/14/2015 01:17:46 am

Congratulations on your TWO upcoming books, Penny! What a darling dragon!

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Carrie Charley Brown
7/14/2015 04:15:11 pm

You must check out the clippety cloppity steed in the book, too, Nancy!

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Lori Degman link
7/14/2015 02:15:39 am

Awesome interview, Carrie and Penny! I've pre-ordered TWAOD but it hasn't arrived yet! I didn't know about your second book - congratulations!!!

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Carrie Charley Brown
7/14/2015 04:16:06 pm

Isn't Penny awesome, Lori? I can't wait to see the second one...being a huge fan of fractured fairy tales and all. :)

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Carleen M. Tjader
7/14/2015 05:45:49 am

Great interview Carrie and Penny--thanks! Your PB looks very "huggable!"

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Carrie Charley Brown
7/14/2015 04:17:30 pm

Thanks, Carleen! It delivers laughs, as well as hugs!

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Jenni Bielicki
7/14/2015 06:04:33 am

Yay! Excited about your TWO books, but can't wait for dragon. Penny! I miss you guys so much!

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Carrie Charley Brown
7/14/2015 04:18:24 pm

Thanks for reading, Jenni!

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Kirsti Call
7/14/2015 02:04:02 pm

I can't wait to read your books, Penny! Thanks for a great interview, Penny and Carrie!

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Carrie Charley Brown
7/14/2015 04:18:50 pm

You are welcome, Kirsti! Thanks for reading!

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Susie Kralovansky link
7/14/2015 02:32:56 pm

Congrats, Penny. I can't wait to get a copy!!!!

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Carrie Charley Brown
7/14/2015 04:19:39 pm

Thanks for reading, Susie! It won't be long now...copies almost available!

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Patricia Tilton link
7/14/2015 03:13:03 pm

What a great interview. Congratulations and I can't wait to read your book.

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Carrie Charley Brown
7/14/2015 04:20:03 pm

Thanks, Patricia!

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Penny Parker Klostermann link
7/14/2015 10:45:31 pm

Thanks everyone. It's so much fun reading these comments because many of you have been with me on the journey to my debt. It's encouraging and necessary to be a part of the Kidlit community. And thanks to you, Carrie, for your wonderful interview questions and what you contribute to our community.

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Laura S. link
7/15/2015 12:19:43 am

Great interview, ladies! I'm loving your tour, Penny!

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Penny Parker Klostermann link
7/26/2015 03:35:52 pm

Thanks! I'm loving it, too, Laura!

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maria gianferrari link
7/15/2015 01:28:56 am

Hooray & congrats, Penny! Can't wait for Dragon to be out in the world!!

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Penny Parker Klostermann link
7/26/2015 03:36:47 pm

Thanks, Maria! Just a few more days :-)

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Susanna Leonard Hill link
7/15/2015 07:53:11 am

Congratulations on a fabulous book, Penny, and thanks to you both for a great interview!

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Penny Parker Klostermann link
7/26/2015 03:37:26 pm

Thanks so much, Susanna!

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Lauri Meyers link
7/28/2015 02:54:09 am

Great interview! Can't wait to get my hands on this pesky dragon.

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    Carrie Charley Brown

    As a children’s writer, and a teacher, my goal is to help you carry on.  Sometimes learning is challenging, so why go it alone?  Your journey will be more meaningful and comfortable with friends to share it with. Together, we'll get up close and personal with authors, illustrators, and the best of picture books.  If we work together, great things will follow! 

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