Author Q&A with Meryl S. Brown
Author Q&A with Meryl S. Brown
*This post contains affiliate links*
As a young child, my father constantly entertained me with captivating episodes about the residents of our backyard: Benjamin J. Blueberry and Sammy Squirrel. Those stories inspired me to become a self-published children’s author. Before that occurred, I served as a high school teacher, college instructor, and private tutor. I continue to tutor young adults.
1. About my writing/published books:
Several years ago, one of the young people I tutored demanded that I stop writing sentences with her name in them! Her learning challenge made it difficult for her to recall the meaning of her weekly vocabulary words. As her practice “quiz,” I wrote brief stories that left blanks for her to insert the best word selection from the weekly word bank.
When I asked her what or who should be the focus of the next episodes, fruit was her response, and Coco and Candace Coconut were born. They became the main characters in my first ebook/paperback LIVING THE COCONUT LIFE, and their adventures filled eleven chapters. Written for children aged 8-12, the setting was Fruitland, a beach community in Southern California. LIVING THE COCONUT LIFE also introduced the reader to several other characters that have taken center stage in later books: Peter Pineapple and Benny Blueberry. FRIENDSHIP CHANGED ME, a thirty-seven chapter ebook, chronicled more adventures in Fruitland with the main focus on Benny Blueberry’s transformed life. Once a bully, someone Coco and her friends shunned, Peter’s invitation to be a part of a surprise birthday party planning event in LIVING THE COCONUT LIFE, resulted in Benny learning how to finally form relationships. In FRIENDSHIP CHANGED ME, Benny’s superb singing skills were highlighted in his first vinyl release party and dance video. New characters were introduced, such as Hilda Honeydew Melon and Dr. Wilfred Watermelon. The newest beach resident who made the most dramatic transformation was Fifi Fig, an aspiring ballerina. She forged relationships with Benny Blueberry, Candace, Coco, and their aunt, Ms. Clarissa Coconut, Peter Pineapple, as well as Art and Amanda Apricot, and they were the true friends who changed her life.
“Meet the Characters” in bookswithlessons.com provides more specific details.
2. Dealing with writer’s block
I have four methods for dealing with writer’s block: listening to music, cleaning house, going for a walk, and reading. Last month, after reading five books, the ideas just flowed! I didn’t anticipate writing another book; my most recent one was published in February 2020. FORMING NEW FRIENDSHIPS was a joy to write, with an anticipated publication date of December 2020.
3. What advice would you give someone wanting to write their first book?
Some people will ask you questions that I consider “none of their business.” Smile and don’t answer them. There will be many individuals who will try to discourage you from reaching your goal. Instead, surround yourself with people who support your dream. If (and when) you feel discouraged, listen to music that alters your mood and inspires you.
4. How do you handle criticism?
If there’s a tiny nugget in the criticism that will help me to be a better writer, I’ll definitely learn from it. Also, I consider the source of the criticism. Many people, sadly, criticize others because they can’t reach their own goals.
5. Tell me about your current work.
FORMING NEW FRIENDSHIPS began with Benny Blueberry’s planning of a surprise birthday party for Hilda Honeydew Melon. It’s the third book in the Fruitland series of books with lessons. Another Fruitland bully’s life was reshaped, a thoroughly unexpected event.
6. How many books do you own?
about 100
4 Comments
Sara James
Wow, what a wonderful way to sum up your imaginations and teaching experience in to books, and especially kids’ books. I loved all the answers to your questions, specifically how to keep yourself calm and to deal with criticism. Happy Holidays.
Elizabeth Holland Author
Thank you for reading 🙂
Sara James
Thank you for such a wonderful Interview, I enjoyed reading it, and learnt too🤗
Elizabeth Holland Author
Thank you for reading! 🙂