A warm welcome to lovely debut author Jo Franklin on My Book Corner today. Her middle grade novel – Help! I’m An Alien – had our reviewer giggling … plus, there are two more books in the series yet to come.
Thanks for answering our questions Jo.
Tell us about you in 25 words or less.
I am frantically alternating between being a hard working author of funny books for 8-12 year olds and a totally bonkers, chocolate eating, stationery addicted, dog owning, hopeless parent.
What makes you happy?
Sitting writing with no interruptions except for a good news email from my agent.
Where is your favourite place to write?
These days it is at my desk at home which is set up for the practicalities of being an author. I have a big plotting pin board in front of me and lots of cubby holes for my stationery bits and pieces. See picture attached Next to my desk is my stationery cupboard. I listen to music while I work. – Alternative guitar bands like The Smiths and The Arctic Monkeys. But I dream of having a writer’s shed with a sea view and a wood burning stove. I’d still have to have my music though and Mickey’s chair which I rescued from a skip.
What’s on your TBR pile at the moment?
The Emergency Zoo by Miriam Halahmy . the final section of my critique partner Alli Jeronimus teen thriller work in progress and a load of books for research for my next project.
What’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked?
“Do you always write about monsters?” I was totally thrown by that question because I am not sure I have ever written about monsters, but then I realised that the girl was referring to the alien in the title of Help I’m an Alien and of course she hadn’t read the book yet so didn’t know what the alien was referring to. It goes to show what assumptions children make about a book from the title.
What’s your worst habit?
Eating too much junk. I need a telepathic butler service to bring me tasty but healthy meals at exactly the right moment so I don’t drift towards the kitchen looking for biscuits or crisps.
Your favourite word(s)?
‘The End’ and ‘Sign Here’ preferably very close together. It’s so lovely to write the final chapter of a first draft and then to reach that page again and again as I edit a book. And of course all authors want their books to be read and that can only happen if someone publishes them. Signing a publishing contract is a very satisfying moment.
What are your top tips for writers of books for children?
It is essential to get into the mindset of your characters. That means connecting to your inner child and transferring that child’s view of the world onto the page. Having children around you of a similar age helps re-awaken your memories. Keep those feelings at the forefront of your writing.
Write. Stop thinking about it or talking about it. Get on with it. The journey to publication is a long and winding one so you might as well start right away.
Expect and learn to embrace rejection. It is inevitable and continues where ever you are on the journey. Even my lovely agent turns me down sometimes.
Can you give us a glimpse / hint at your current WIP? (I can bribe you with cake & cups of tea!)
Woof!
But whether anyone other than myself, my crit group and my agent gets to read it remains to be seen. I told you, the rejections never stop.
Did we forget anything?
You didn’t ask me anything about the book that I have just had published. I hope you can say something good about it because I’m getting a little embarrassed at promoting myself all the time. Ps it’s called Help I’m an Alien and it is published by Troika Books
Just for fun
Tea or coffee? Neither in the conventional sense. I have to take fussy-author-teabags with me everywhere. But I’ve just discovered some jasmine green tea which I am enjoying and doesn’t seem to give me a head ache. Result!
Paper books or e-books?
Both. Depending. I like to have proper books from my friends so they can sign them for me but I love the convenience of Kindle (other e-readers available) and use it to download my own and other people’s manuscripts to read on the train.
Cake or chocolate?
Chocolate, preferably Lindor Truffles or Amaretto Soaked Sultanas from Hotel Chocolate. I love proper homemade cake too but it has to be gluten free these days otherwise my digestive system rebels and makes me look 6 months pregnant.
Write or type?
I hand write the first draft of everything, including blog posts. I also like to edit on paper. In fact that is another top tip. Print out your manuscript to edit. I’m shocked by how many people don’t do this. It is essential to look at your manuscript with fresh eyes and reading it on paper is a good way to do this. Also load it onto your Kindle and read it that way. Face that fact that you have to read your own book many times.
Poetry or prose?
I’m not a poet and I generally don’t read poetry although I will be taking the complete works of Sylvia Plath (including The Bell Jar and her letters) with me when I am invited to appear on Desert Island Discs.
Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Slytherin?
I suspect Ravenclaw but I don’t really know the difference between them. Is Ravenclaw the house for slightly oddball, geeky, weirdoes like me?
Hot or cold?
I can’t bear being cold and have loads of warm layers that I wear when I am writing. But I like ice cold drinks, especially Crabbies Ginger Beer and Amaretto (not together, although I might give it a try).
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