Welcome, Marie. What has drawn you to writing for children? I taught middle school for thirteen years, and I love this age group. For one thing, they laugh at my jokes! I love making history come alive for them.
I know what you mean. I love making history come alive for adults through my historical novels. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? Trying to open the door and jump into my car as it rolled out of my driveway because I didn’t set the parking brake. (I failed).
When did you first discover that you were a writer? I first discovered (considered myself) I was a writer at about age 11 when my mom gave me an old typewriter to help me write down stories I’d been scribbling on paper. I’ve been typing stories ever since.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. I mostly prefer historical fiction, which is also what I love to write. I occasionally enjoy a good mystery, and I also enjoy nonfiction books about improving my spiritual and mental health, but I usually don’t stray much from historical fiction.
What other books have
you written, whether published or not? I’ve written a book about recovery
from childhood abuse titled When Love Is
Not Perfect, published by Aglow Publications. I have a middle grade
historical fiction trilogy about Ancient Mesopotamia. That series is called
Ancient Elements. I also have a young adult historical fiction novel about the
Boy Scouts and Girl Guides in
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? I start my day focusing on who God is in my life and submitting my plans and desires to Him. That usually involves prayer and reading Scripture. I also enjoy making puns which helps me laugh and not take life or myself too seriously!
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family? Before I started first grade, I asked my mom what came after grade 8. She told me about high school. I asked what came after grade 12. She told me about college. I asked what came after college. She told me about degrees such as a masters or doctorate. I told her, “That’s what I want to do. I want to go as far as I can.” I recalled that conversation when, in 2007 I was conferred with the degree of a Ph.D. in education.
That is really cool. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? An eagle so I could fly and have a larger perspective of the world.
What is your favorite food? My favorite sweets are donuts, but I don’t know if you can really classify those as food! My favorite food would have to be steak.
Sweets are food, too. Is it hard to break into the children’s market? Not if you love kids, are willing to work hard, and constantly improve your craft. A good place to break into the children’s market is to write for kids’ magazines.
What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that? Work with kids – teach school, volunteer at schools, volunteer to work with a church youth group, or teach Sunday School. Read a lot of children’s books and magazines. Watch movies made for the age group for which you’d like to write. Learn all you can about the writing process, take classes, join writing groups, and find a good critique group.
All very good advice. What would you like to tell us about the featured book? In California Trail Discovered, readers join orphaned thirteen-year-old Daniel and his younger stepsister (fictional characters) as they travel to
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Readers can find me on my:
Webpage: http://www.mariesontag.com
Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMarieSontag/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mesontagauthor/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-sontag-27195b9/
Thank you, Marie, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me.
Readers,
here are links to the book.
https://amzn.to/3bPkKa3 - Paperback
https://amzn.to/3s3c5Gk - Kindle
Hardback also available
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22 comments:
This sounds like it has elements of everything I like - mystery and adventure wrapped in a historical setting! I can't wait to read it with my niece and nephew!
If you do, I’d love to hear their thoughts. Thanks for posting, Kelli!
Your stories all sound so interesting. Totally real. And I laughed at the story about jumping into the rolling car (or trying to). Paula Peckham
This sounds like such a great book I know my grandchildren would love to hear me read this to them Thank you for the chance Sarah in Ohio.
I love books that make history come to life for middle schoolers and me. I can't wait to read it!
This fascinating historical would be greatly enjoyed by my 4 grandchildren who are all avid readers and love learning about history.
Anne - NM.
Thanks, Paula. I appreciate that. And I can laugh about the car story now too - finally!
You bet, Sarah. It’s fun to share.
Me too. Historical fiction is my favorite thing to read - and I actually prefer most MG and YA books over adult ones!
Would love to hear how they like it if they get to read it!
A captivating historical that is a real treasure to enjoy. Pearl from NM.
Aww, thanks, Pearl. I appreciate that!
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.
You bet, Sharon!
I live in Illinois (Aurora) so that the reference to Illinois in your blog caught my eye.
Historical Fiction is and continues to be my favorite genre from my first “library truck” discovery about the wonders of times past and places unknown to me waiting inside those books.
Thank you, Marie, for your books. I find it remarkable that you add an extra section for teachers (or other participants) for STEAM learning (love that you make it STEAM (Art) Learning and not just STEM Learning.
Jean Thrasher
I'm always eager to find new books for young people and this sounds like a book that I'd enjoy also!
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Well, I secretly hope you win a book! I wish all who post here would! Thanks for your sweet comments.
If you do win the freebie, or purchase it n your own, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
What a great interview! I would love to read the book It sounds very interesting and I love how historical fiction can really open your eyes to life in another time all while enjoying a good story! Andrea from Texas.
Good to meet you, Andrea from Texas! Thanks for commenting!
Thanks for commenting and taking a look at the interview, Andrea. “See” you soon!
Ann - did you see that you are the winner of a free book? Congrats! Be sure to follow Lena’s directions at https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2021/03/winner.html?m=1 to get your book!
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