Blog Tour: The Misadventures of Phillip Isaac Penn

 Welcome to The Wormhole and my day to host:

Click here for the Blog tour link.
Please welcome author Donna L. Peterson!

? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I first realized that I wanted to be an author when I was 7 years old.  I wrote a silly story about a lonely Christmas tree who still lived in the forest.  My mother shared it with all of our relatives that Christmas, and after they applauded I knew I wanted to be a writer.

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?

I've had a variety of jobs throughout my lifetime, most of them have had something to do with writing.  In my current job I help teach children writing skills.  Prior to this 12 year full-time job I used to write a weekly newspaper column for many years.  It was a humorous column about motherhood, called Kaleidoscope.  Before that I used to write real estate ads about the houses for sale.  Have you ever seen one listed as a "Cozy Cottage"?  I've also written many articles as a freelance writer for magazines.

? How long does it take you to write a book?

It usually takes my entire summer to write a children's chapter book.  I'm fortunate to have off summers since I work for a school.  The editing and re-editing I make myself do, takes a few more months.  The entire process takes about 6 months. However, the novel I've been working on in private, is a work in progress that has already been a few years of research and editing.

? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Hmmm.  My most interesting writing quirk might be that I have to start out writing my books in a spiral notebook before I can enter them into the computer.  I think best with a pen in my hand!  I also have my best ideas in the middle of the night.  Come to think of it, I probably have quite a few quirks!!!

? Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?

The only routine I use to get into the right frame of mind is getting out my spiral notebook and putting a pen in my hand.  After that, the words basically write themselves.

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?

For my children's book characters I've had a lot of inspiration.  I've worked as a governess in Norway, a pre-school teacher and now I've worked for the public elementary and intermediate schools for the last 12 years.  I've learned that children everywhere go through many of the same problems and must deal with a multitude of different personalities throughout their childhood.  And most children probably feel as if they are the only ones getting picked on.  It truly isn't easy being a kid!!!

? How do you decide what you want to write about?

I  really don't decide what to write.  Ideas just present themselves to me, and I write about them.

? What books have most influenced your life?

The books that influenced me early on were: Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl,  which inspired me to keep a diary through my teen years.  I also love all of the Anne of Green Gables  books, and hope to someday visit Prince Edward's Island.

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?

When I'm not writing, I'm reading a book, making jewelry, camping/fishing, and enjoying photography (I used to have my own darkroom where I developed my pictures, but now I've gone digital and my darkroom is my office).

? What is your favorite comfort food?

I  love to make my grandma's recipe for Swedish meatballs.  They are delicious!

? What do you think makes a good story?

Many things help to make a "good story", but I've always felt interesting characters are the number one best way to hook readers.  For novels, I think a good setting also helps set the mood and generate interest.

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

I  have far too many favorite authors.  For young readers I adore L.M. Montgomery.  For a more mature audience I'm crazy about Janet Evanovich and her Stephanie Plum books.  Both of these authors make you feel as if you know their characters personally.

? What book, if any, do you read over and over again?

Besides the Bible, I like to read the humorous stories of Erma Bombeck, like: If Life is a Bowl of Cherries What am I Doing in the Pits?  I laugh every time I read one of her books.

Fun random questions: 

·        dogs or cats?  Cats

·        Coffee or tea?  Iced tea

·        Dark or milk chocolate? Dark chocolate

·        Rocks or flowers?  That's pretty easy...Flowers.  Although, if the rock is a diamond, that would be different. 

·        Night or day?  I'm a night owl!

·        Favorite color?  Blue

·        Crayons or markers? Markers

·        Pens or pencils?   Pens (they glide faster when I'm writing)

Thanks for stopping by! 
Don't forget to check out the rest of the tour.

Other hosts for today are:

For What It’s Worth and Marjolein Book Blog

The next hosts are: 

June 6

Manga Maniac Cafe and Fire and Ice

Click HERE for my review!

Here are some links for this fun book:

Facebook Fan Page - www.facebook.com/misadventuresofpip

Goodreads page - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11010453-the-mis-adventures-of-phillip-isaac-penn

Poster page - http://www.misadventuresofpip.com/
Find The MIS-adventures of Phillip Isaac Penn by Donna L. Peterson at the following spots:
Amazon
Powell’s Books
Indiebound
Goodreads