Today: Interview With Crown Me! Author, Kathryn Lay

 

 

Jason: Morning' Mrs. Lay

 

Mrs. Lay: Good morning!  Great to see you.

 

Jason: So, how are you doing?

 

Mrs. Lay: I'm good, keeping busy as always with writing, family and ministry.

 

Jason: What first inspired you to write?

 

Mrs. Lay: I wrote all through school and every summer.

 

Jason: How long have you been writing?

 

Mrs. Lay: 37 years if you count since 3rd grade.  About 16 years since I started sending manuscripts out to be published.

 

Jason: Is “Crown Me” your first published book?

 

Mrs. Lay: It's my first 'big' book, yes.  I did have 2 other picture books published several years ago that were books you could purchase in stores and have your child's name and friend's name put into the story.

 

Jason: What is your favorite part of writing?

 

Mrs. Lay: Definitely when I really get into the story and lose myself in the plot and characters.  Sometimes I just lose all track of time and what's around me.  I feel as if I've visited another place for awhile.  It's very exciting!

 

Jason: What does your writing space look like?

 

Mrs. Lay: My writing space is ½ of an office I share with my husband.  I have a desk with a computer and tons of books all over it.  Writing books, copies of the 30 anthologies that I have stories in, my stack of disks with stories on them, and tons of paperwork with research, ideas, and what I'm currently working on.

 

Jason: Do you have any pictures, music, etc. that you keep by your desk for inspiration?

 

Mrs. Lay: I also have a bookcase full of children's books, many hats are autographed from writer friends.  I have family photos on my desk.  I listen to lots of music when I write, mostly Irish and Celtic and things like Lord of the Rings.  Also little knick knacks (such as the many crown collectibles people have given me recently).

 

Jason: What is a freelance writer? Would you say you're one?

 

Mrs. Lay: A freelance writer is someone who doesn't write for a specific publisher, magazine, or newspaper. They write whatever they want and hope to sell it.  They are their own boss.  Yes, I'm one for sure.

 

Jason: What was your childhood like? Did you have any hobbies?

 

Mrs. Lay: I spent a lot of time with friends as a kid.  I loved to read, but didn't stay by myself much.  I didn't have any specific hobbies really.  I spent a lot of time hanging out with my youth group from junior high and on.

 

Jason: What first gave you the idea for writing “Crown Me”?

 

Mrs. Lay: There is a huge medieval festival in my area.  We've been going there for 15 years.  About 6 years ago, I was there and this kid walked up to the KING and said, "If I were King of my school, we'd have no homework on weekends, pizza parties, and anyone who makes me mad would go into the dungeon."  I thought, how cool if a kid were King of his school.  So, I began KING OF FIFTH GRADE, which the title was changed later to CROWN ME!

 

Jason: What was your favorite part of writing “Crown Me”?

 

Mrs. Lay: Coming up with funny things that were medieval but modern.  Such as figuring out how to include a joust.  As soon as I got the idea for a bicycle joust with the bully, I had a blast writing it.  And figuring out what the characters would do and say was fun, especially Willie.

 

Jason: Who is your favorite character in “Crown Me”?

 

Mrs. Lay: I really like my main character, Justin.  Some adults who've read it say he's obnoxious and bossy and self-centered, but he's really just trying to figure out how to be a leader. He's full of ideas and just has to turn his energy toward being real in how he helps others, rather than spastic.

 

Jason: What was the biggest struggle in writing “Crown Me”?

 

Mrs. Lay: The biggest struggle was writing the ending.  Originally, it ended one way that seemed to dangle.  I couldn't figure out how to fix it, thinking I'd just do it in a sequel.  But my fabulous editors gave me some ideas that I wove throughout the book in rewrites and added to the ending, making it more satisfying.  Endings are always hard for me, I usually am afraid of them (what if they are lousy) and I hate to let go of the story and characters, so it makes it hard to write the ending.

 

Jason: Do you have any advice for aspiring children’s authors?

 

Mrs. Lay: 1.  Read a lot of children's books.  Old ones, definitely, classics for sure.  But read a lot, LOT of books published recently.

2.  Join SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators

3.  Join a good critique group

4.  Go to conferences and meet other children's writers and editors

5.  Write a lot, spend time with kids, have fun, study the craft of writing!

 

Jason: Does the SCBWI cost money?

 

Mrs. Lay: Yes, it's the only National organization for writers and illustrators of work for children.  It's $75 the first year. (Includes lots of info) and $60 a year after that. Many editors will only look at work by SCBWI members.  And you become a member of all chapters by joining the National organization.

 

Jason: Do you prefer writing for magazines or for children?

 

Mrs. Lay: Well, I like writing for children's magazines a lot.  Do you mean writing for adult magazines versus children's, or magazines versus books?

 

Jason: Magazine vs. book

 

Mrs. Lay: My heart's desire is to be a full time children's book author.  But while I'm building my career, I really enjoy the magazine work.  It helps me a lot to have those sales and bylines while I'm waiting to hear back about books that my agent has sent out.

 

Jason: Thank you so much for coming by for the interview! I had a lot of fun!

 

Mrs. Lay: You are so welcome. I'm honored to be asked! Anyone wanting to know more can check my website at www.kathrynlay.com.

 

Jason: It's been nice meeting you

 

Mrs. Lay: Nice meeting you too!  And keep up the great work at your website and I wish you the best on your own writing.

 

Jason: I better go. Got a bunch of work on Kidmagine to do!

 

Mrs. Lay: OK, same here.  Books to be written.  Take care and thanks again.  Bye now.

 

Jason: Bye.