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Rose-Marie Evans is an author and high school music educator. She has degrees from Florida State University and Central Connecticut State University. She was East Haddam Teacher of the Year in 2005, where she teaches both band and choir. Mrs. Evans has composed her school's fight song and the melody to the school's Alma Mater, along with several songs that her choirs have performed. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three children.

Thank you Rose-Marie for answering a few questions for us! What are you currently working on?

I am working on a sequel to The Unexpected Adventure At East Haddam High, and of course working on getting ready for the new school year by picking music for all my performing groups.

Have you received any awards for your work?

While I have not received any awards for my book, I have been East Haddam Teacher of the Year in 2005, and my leadership program through my chapter of Tri-M Music Honor Society was featured in the October issue of Teaching Music Magazine.

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

I have spoken at the Connecticut Music Educators Association conference and at several schools about how to train student leaders in music. I will be speaking at the Moodus Public Library in September on creativity, and how students can stay inspired when they don't "feel creative".

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?
 
 I teach high school in the same town where I live so I am around the same teenagers 24/7. Never being away from teens keeps me sharp on who they are and what's going on in their heads. Teaching music gives me a unique perspective on these teens because I teach the same children for years so I see them grow and change over time, while most teachers see students for one year, or less. Many of my students count on me to be their "mom at school". As a music teacher, my students often tease me about "not being a real teacher" now I can say, "yah, I may not be a REAL teacher, but I am published, ha!" (We have our fun).

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

The Unexpected Adventure At East Haddam High is my first published work. I have several songs that I have composed that I am working on getting published, as well as the sequel to my first book is in the works.

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

I teach seven performing groups and two other classes to about fifty percent of the students at my school. So teaching about 200 students per year keeps me in touch with teens on a daily basis.

What will your next project be?

My next book involves the brother and sister, Kit and Joe, from The Unexpected Adventure At East Haddam High going to their grandparents house in Florida and meeting children from another family who have a very different home life.

There isore serious teen content in this next book that I believe many children deal with in silence, and I am hoping this book, while it maintains various adventures, will reach out to kids who need to know they are not alone with their personal and often too private struggles.

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?
 
My children and my students inspire me daily, not only in the content of the books I am writing  but in my job. The enthusiasm my students have for for music making and watching them grow both in music and as young people is an amazing way to make a living.

Sometimes I take a moment in class and just look at the students and smile to myself no believing that I actually get paid to make music with these amazing young people. It is also their personal struggles that they often share with me that keeps me working hard to make sure I provide a safe and welcoming place to learn and make music every day.

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

Having completed my first book has been very satisfying and exciting. On a regular basis, working with my students brings me great happiness and the concerts we perform together are so rewarding. Of course my family makes me happier and crazier than anyone and I love that.

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

Being creative takes time and patience. Saying to yourself, 'OK, I am going to sit down right now and take the time to write for the next hour' may yield nothing, but that does not mean you are not a writer. You need to be flexible about your story line because when you come to a place where you feel blocked, you may need to open a new window or door and look a different direction that you never expected. Once you finish your work, you have to self advocate. Don't expect your book to magically become successful, you have to get yourself out there.

How did you get started as a writer?

It was the relationship between a brother and sister I had in a choir class that inspired the relationship between the main characters, Kit and Joe in my book. The story itself just started running through my head one day, and I started writing it down on a family trip in the car.

Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?

Since I only have one book published, I guess I have to pick The Unexpected Adventure At East Haddam High :)

What does a typical work day look like for you?

School starts at 7:20. Whatever class I have knows they need to set up the auditorium where we meet, one of my students takes attendance and then we are off making music. We have a four period day, of which I teach three. Lunches usually include students who I call "Music Room Junkies" because they need to hang out in the small music room. After the regular school day (which ends at 2:00) I often have students for extra help or an after school group such as Band Choir (a choir for band students who like to sing) or Jazz Band. I am usually home by 4:00.

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

When I was in 4th grade, a woman came into our regular classroom pushing a piano and pulling a cart and turned my world upside down with the joy of music. It was not only my pleasure to take piano lesson from her, but also I was honored to be able to work as a colleague in my first years teaching music. While she is my mentor as a music educator, she is also my life's mentor in helping me believe I can do anything I put my mind to.

Who is your favorite writer/author?

Honestly, JK Rowling is my current favorite. Her creativity and ability to reach kids through her amazing story telling is an inspiration. My daughter does not like to read, but she reads the Harry Potter books over and over, and to me that is the proof of a great author.

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

Strangely enough, I have been humming, loudly, variations of the National Anthem that I create. My youngest asked me "Is that the Star Spangled Banner you are humming?" I start out humming random things, but lately it always turns into the National Anthem with crazy variations. I guess I should write them out, who knows, it could be a bit hit!

Thank you Rose-Marie! We wish you great succes with your sequel to The Unexpected Adventure At East Haddam High!