As with many authors, dreams entangle with
rejection, and hope seems out of reach, impossible, actually. But when a
contract is offered and the impossible becomes possible, it happens suddenly. It’s
Sandi’s journey, and mine, too.
I’ve worked with Sandi as my critique partner
for the last 10 years. She’s helped take many of my manuscripts from impossible
to possible. Now she has two books in the production line with traditional
publishers. I’m so excited for her. She’s living proof that hard work pays off.
NKA: Welcome, Sandi. Tell us about your new book.
SU: Thank you for this invitation. I began THE
SECRET AT ONE BELMONT LANE back when my grandson was gearing up to enter sixth
grade. I researched what that age group enjoyed and learned that books on
shapeshifters were popular. Easy task, right? Not so for this grandmother.
That’s probably why the story laid around and collected dust for several years—that
grandson is a sophomore in high school now! In my story, the main characters
are a pre-teen girl (Erin) and her nerdy neighbor (Elwood). I wanted to write a
story that both boys and girls would enjoy. I threw in a sprinkle of Mom and
Dad and added a spoonful of bizarre and a dash of unexplainable. The end result
is suspenseful and creepy, at times.
NKA: I love
mysteries and humorous fiction. THE SECRET AT ONE BELMONT LANE gives me both in
one delicious read. Yum! This is
your first book. How did your journey lead from dreaming about this book to
actually getting a contract?
SU:
I’ve written most of my life. Growing up, there were books
everywhere—being a PK (preacher’s kid), my Dad was most-often found reading.
I’ve always loved books, and writing just seemed like a natural path; however,
there was a huge jump from writing for my own enjoyment and submitting to publishers.
I think the first six years, I submitted around fourteen times and had two
small magazine publications to show for it. I didn’t get serious until around
2010 and even then, I was inconsistent. It takes dedication that I definitely
didn’t possess in the beginning and a great critique partner. Mine just happens
to live in Kentucky and I live in Tennessee, but somehow we make it work.
(Shout out to Nancy Kelly Allen for being the best critique partner known to
mankind. Nancy and I “met” through an online writing group of four, and we are
the last two standing.) I joined her group back in September 2007, and I can
honestly say I wouldn’t have this first book without her patient guidance. The
give-and-take between critique partners is one of the most important tools a
writer can have, and I cannot emphasize enough the value it brings.
NKA: I’m truly
given more credit than I deserve, much more, to be truthful, but I echo Sandi
in that working with a critique partner offers numerous advantages to writers.
What is the
theme of the book, the universal experience young readers will identify with?
SU: As a mom of two boys, (a
grandmother of seven and a great-Mimi to one beautiful four-month-old), I’ve
read my share of children’s books. My story follows the two next-door neighbors
as they stumble onto the big “secret” at One Belmont Lane. I wanted my
characters to be believable since very little else in the book is. There are
secret codes, suspense, danger and unexplainable events from beginning to end.
It was also important that Erin and Elwood were the ones to solve the mystery.
Sure, most of the events won’t happen to the young readers; but hopefully, the
importance of working together will leave a lasting impression. I wrote about
everyday activities and people in ordinary life…things we encounter every
day…but with a twist.
NKA: Books
make great Christmas presents, so where can people buy a copy?
SU: The publication date for The Secret At One Belmont Lane is Tuesday,
November 28, 2017. To pre-order click on this link: https://squareup.com/store/prospective-press/item/the-secret-at-one-belmont-lane.
NKA:
Congratulations, Sandi. I’m sure young readers will enjoy your book as much as
I did. Thanks for sharing your insight on the publishing journey.
Call
for Submissions for Young Writers:
Brilliant Star is a bi-monthly, print
magazine for ages 8-12 published by the Baha'i faith. According to their
website, "Brilliant Star invites children of all faiths to explore
concepts that encourage their development as world citizens, such as
appreciation for cultural and racial diversity, peace among all religions and
nations, the equality of women and men, and the elimination of
prejudices." Through fiction, non-fiction, activities, games, puzzles,
comics, interviews, music, and expressive art, the magazine seeks to promote
values of kindness, courage, creativity, and helpfulness.
Deadline: January 15, 2018
Submission
guidelines: https://www.brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/about/FAQs/Submission_Guidelines_2013.pdf
Call
for Submissions for Adult Writers:
Spider (for ages 6-9) is looking for
fiction, nonfiction, poetry, activities, crafts, and recipes on the theme
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs. We want wacky and weird stories about kids and
their pets—cats, dogs, parrots, horses, lizards, hamsters, gerbils, bunnies,
chickens, fish, guinea pigs, snakes. Tell us about a special relationship with
one prized pet or about a whole menagerie. Send us stories about heroism,
friendship, loyalty, and odd talents. Take us to a pet or horse show, to the
farm, to a city dog park, or in a suburban backyard. Submission
guidelines: cricketmag.submittable.com/submit/17817/spider-magazine-for-ages-6-9
Nancy Kelly Allen has written 40+ children’s books and a cookbook,
SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK. Check out her blog at www.nancykellyallen.com
