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Thank you Carol for answering a few questions for us! Please tell us how you got stared writing children's books.

For most of my 35 years as a fourth grade teacher, I read picture books to support curriculum on a daily basis.  Who knew I was preparing myself to become an author?  I started writing seven years ago... when the need to write came over me.  My first book published, Where am I Sleeping Tonight? (A Story of Divorce), Boulden Publishing Fall 2008, was inspired by years of pain I’d seen on children’s faces who had been through divorce... more and more in recent years, as well as one special boy who actually lived the schedule described in my book.

I just retired from teaching this June and look forward to seeing where my writing adventures will take me.  It’s another way I’ll be able to communicate with kids.  You can learn more at: www.carolgordonekster.com

Have you received any awards for your work?

Not yet for my writing.  But for my teaching, I am in six volumes of "Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers", I  was a semifinalist for New Hampshire Teacher of The Year, and was nominated for the Nancy Apostle Award for excellence in education this last year when I retired.

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

My first speaking engagement is for Lesley University.  I’ll be presenting a workshop at the 20th Annual Literacy for All Conference in Providence, RI in November entitled, “Picture Books to Enhance Curriculum for the upper elementary student.”  

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your profession?

Teaching presented me with a smooth transition into becoming an author.  I’ve been around children for 35 years, and taught the writing process for many of those years.  I would conference with the children when they finished a piece, then we published their work into a book containing all their writing for the year.  Now I do similar critiques for my SCBWI critique groups that I’m a member of.  I’ve only been a writer myself for the last seven years, and it made me more sensitive to my students. 

It’s hard to accept criticism of your work.  But I tell the kids that those comments and questions about your work help to make the writing better.  Revision is the key to good writing.  I also read many picture books to my fourth graders, integrating them into all aspects of my curriculum.  Here too, I was doing the prep work to becoming an author.  You need to read many books to see what other authors are doing, what works, and what doesn’t.  Going to conferences, meeting other authors,  gave me much to share with my students when I got back to the classroom.  I invited some of those authors to talk to my class.  I believe my experience as a writer helped make me a better teacher and enrich my classroom. 

What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published?

I have also sold a piece to LibrarySparks Magazine called, “The Library Is The Perfect Place.”  It’s expected to be in one of their Fall publications. 

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

I’ve done a number of booksignings and readings, and connected with readers through the internet.  It’s always wonderful to interact with strangers who might be touched by your work.  My students were a captive loving group, so it is very different facing a broader unknown audience.  

What will your next project be?

I have over 30 other picture books I’ve written, and have many more that I’m working on. I work simultaneously on a few pieces at once.  I write mostly from the heart of a teacher trying to help children learn life lessons and know the joys of reading and learning.

Who inspires you on a personal or business level? 

All authors who can spin words like yarn into beautiful tapestries inspire me.  The children I’ve taught have inspired me.   People who are generous in heart and mind inspire me.  The love of my husband and daughter inspire me.

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you? 

Any writing for children that works, rings true, and touches others, is what is most satisfying for me.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

The most important step is to join SCBWI and read as much as you can about writing.  It is because of SCBWI that I believe my book got published.  There was a call for submissions requesting stories on divorce and other family issues, in their Bulletin, and I responded.  I heard back six weeks later through e-mail that they were interested.   Then you have to actively promote your own book.  

How did you get started as a writer?  

I think all the years I taught were building to the point when I became a writer.  I was on the beach the summer after I turned 50.  It was truly like an outer body experience.  I was moved to walk to my car to get a pencil and post-its, the only paper I had, to begin writing my first story.  Within  a short period of time, I joined SCBWI, read a lot about writing, and delved into my new passion. 

What does a typical work day look like for you?   

I don’t have a set routine as yet.  I just retied from teaching.  Much of my free time  was spent on writing.  Now it’s the summer, and I want to enjoy the outdoors, so I write when the mood hits.  I want to write out of passion and desire, and get away from the structured day in a classroom.  Most days I do either promotion or some aspect of writing, revising, critiquing, or sending out a manuscript. 

Who is your favorite writer/author? 

There are too many incredible authors to name.  I appreciate all authors who spin great tales, use strong verbs, and combine words in an unusual fashion that sings to me.  Of course, great stories work, too.  Patricia Polacco is one children’s author whose stories cause strong emotion in the reader.  Many of her books are difficult to read aloud, because they make me cry. 

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

At home I’ll often sing along to whatever music is playing.  Today I sang along to Dezarie’s “Not One Penny”.  Music moves me and I often have it playing in the background when I’m writing.

Thank you Carol! We wish you continued success with your picture books!