Author Interview - Grace Reddick

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

25 Jun 2008 08:42 PM

Last week, I had the opportunity to review a darling children's picture book, "Ashley's Unforgettable Summer." Today I am joined by the author of that book, Grace Reddick. Grace, thank you for stopping by!

You mention that you used to write poetry before turning your attention to fiction. What kind of poetry did you write, and where was it published?

Aside from journaling, poetry was another way for me to express from my heart. I wrote many poems for those who had lost a loved one, a child, and always spiritual. It truly had to come from within my heart. My poetry was published in a weekly local paper in Pembroke, Ga. I also had a three published in different poetry books. I don't even remember the book names, and because I didn't feel as though they were my best, I did not keep the books.

You also wrote articles. What were your favorite topics?

I once wrote an article that was published in the editorial section of a larger newspaper protesting a foreign corporation to come to Savannah, Ga. to build and employ their people. I also wrote patriotic articles and tributes.

You recently released "Ashley's Unforgettable Summer." Is this your first fiction release?

Yes, it is. I'm really looking forward to my second book that I am currently writing, also for children.

What perked your interest in writing for the children's market?

You know, it was actually quite by accident. I submitted an essay to a children's book company, and received great reviews. I knew then that I could write a complete story. I wrote two children's stories and fifteen chapters of a novel, and set it all aside until two years ago.

Did you locate your own illustrator?

I am very fortunate in this area, because of S.C.A.D.S. (Savannah College of Arts And Design) I contacted them, gave a description of what I was looking for, and the responses were overwhelming.

What was it like, working with an illustrator? Did she replicate the pictures you had in your head when you wrote the story, or did it come out different from what you had thought/hoped?

Here again I was very fortunate. The person I chose graduated a couple of years ago. I told him what I wanted plus the details of each. There were some illustrations that I wanted specified colors. He was very easy to work with and sent sketches for me to look over first. I am well pleased; in fact I decided to use him exclusively for all my future books.

And the book did indeed turn out well!

Thanks for being here, Grace, and for spending time with us.

If you would like to learn more about Grace, click here.

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Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I've been a blogger for Families.com since August of 2006.

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