A tamer of lounging desk-kitties and an avid Ellen Tebbits fan, the award-winning Lori Mortensen has a passion for children's literature which has compelled her to write many children's books in addition to her numerous shorter works for magazines. Enjoy this last piece in a three part interview with this prolific writer.
Q: You studied art in college in addition to studying dance. Do you find yourself coming up with visual ideas for your books while you write them? Have you ever wished to illustrate one of your books?
A: I do see things visually as I write, which is interesting because I used to choreograph the same way. Instead of playing around with different movements in the dance studio as I danced, I'd sit down with a pad of paper and draw it out. Of course I'd dance eventually, but it would all start on paper.
And yes, since I earned my minor in art, you'd think that I would want to illustrate my own books, but once I began writing, I discovered my passion was in the words, not the art. It's always thrilling, however, to see how my words and the vision of the illustrators come together in the end.
Q: Can you tell us a little about Cindy Moo and Cowpoke Clyde & Dirty Dawg, which are your most recent books and will be coming out soon?
A: I was delighted when HarperCollins and Clarion bought these rhyming manuscripts since they represent what I like most in picture books—humor. Cindy Moo came about while I was walking around my local thrift store and happened to see a carved figure of a spotted cow sitting on a crescent moon. In an instant, I thought, wouldn't that make a great picture book story? I brought it home and began writing. Of course, the cow couldn't start on the moon. She had to get there, and that became the humorous focus of the book. I was glad when an editor at HarperCollins thought it would make a fun picture book too.
Cowpoke Clyde & Dirty Dawg had a lengthier beginning. Several years ago, I thought it would be fun to write a book about someone chasing the dog to give it a bath—lots of action, right? So I wrote a story about a boy chasing his dog. I knew I wanted a surprise with each page turn, but the result was really quite boring. The dog ran through the woods, etc. Yawn. I didn't have any better ideas, so I put the manuscript away for awhile. All along, I kept reading picture books, and I noticed how setting could change everything. One day, I dug out my manuscript and changed the setting to the Old West. Now instead of a boy, the main character was a cowboy, which opened up all sorts of wonderful possibilities. From there, the story took off like a shot. Clarion bought it and selected Michael Allen Austin as the illustrator—an awesome choice! I can't wait to see how he brings my words to life on the page.
Q: You're also an instructor for the Institute of Children's Literature. What is your best advice for kids and adults who would like to write a book someday?
A: My best advice is to read the genre you want to write—lots of it. Then sit down and write, write, write. I think most people could write if they wanted to, but not everyone is willing to put in the time it takes to get it right. Passion plus determination always leads to success, whether it's playing the piano or writing.
From The Boston Tea Party to Satoshi Tajiri: Pokemon Creator, many of Lori's books are available at our local Batavia, Schaumburg, Poplar Creek, Bartlett, and Gail Borden libraries. Stop by her website and take a look at what she's written already and what will be coming out soon.
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