Pint-sized interviews that leave you smiling.
Anastasia Suen learned to read with Dick and Jane in 1962. Five years later, she wrote her first book. She was eleven years old. She’s have been writing ever since. She wrote hundreds of manuscripts and collected rejection letters for years. And then it happened. On her fortieth birthday, the phone rang. After writing for twenty-nine years, she sold her first book! Today she’s sold 105 manuscripts board books, picture books, easy readers, and chapter books (including a book for adults about how to write children's books). She’s also written articles for textbooks and magazines.
I first got to know Anastasia by taking her Easy Reader Workshop online. I learned so much that I later took her Poetry Workshop as well. She manages three blogs , teaches, consults and writes full-time. I was so pleased when she agreed to do a Mini-View for me.
What advice would you give to someone who is just learning the craft of writing?
Read, read, read! You have to read if you're going to write! I always do - and I find answers to MY manuscript problems as I read. Reading while I'm writing gives me the answers I need - AND - it helps me keep up with the competition. Win-win!
(That's why I make all of my students read FIVE books a lesson - yes, even chapter books! It's the only way I know how write - first you read and then you write and then you read and then you write...)
What do you feel is the best way for a busy writer to keep abreast of what's happening in the world of children's literature?
I *LOVE* blogs! I read writer's blogs (including this one!) and children's lit blogs so I know what the new books are and I read agent, editor, and industry blogs so I know what's happening in the business. (I have a list of blogs at Blog Central). 
What's your favorite children's joke?
Why did the chicken cross the road?
To get to the other side!
(If you want to get something done, just do it!)
Thanks so much, Anastasia!
