01 Mar HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY, NORENE PAULSON! WHAT’S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR?

EL: Happy Book Birthday!! I can’t wait to read this next book! 

NP: Thank you, Ellen! I’m excited to be back with you to celebrate the launch of my second picture book, WHAT’S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR?

EL: I feel like you have the ability to take important subjects and weave them into fun stories that children will relate to.  You did it with BENNY’S TRUE COLORS, and you’ve done it again.  Is that something you consciously plan?

NP: I’ve never thought about it but you’re right. That’s exactly what, consciously or unconsciously, I’m drawn to do. I write stories I hope all readers enjoy but my underlying hope is that a story reaches those specific readers who see themselves in the main character and feel empowered. With every story, I hope my words raise awareness, encourage empowerment, and promote acceptance and inclusion.

EL: Will you tell us about WHAT’S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR?  Where did you get the idea? 

NP: “SILLY HAIR” is a story about a young girl with alopecia who has to figure out a way to join in the fun of her school’s Silly Hair Day despite being bald. Several things sparked this story idea. First, as a former teacher, I am hyper-sensitive about any school-sponsored activity or event that, no matter how unintentional, financially, socially, or physically sidelines some students. Second, hair loss is something several people I know including one child have experienced as a result of either alopecia or cancer treatment, and then when I read hair loss affects millions of kids and is most common in kids ages 5-12, these thoughts collided. The result was WHAT’S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR?

EL: I totally get it. As an educator, I’ve had the same thought I’m so glad you wrote this book. You mentioned in another interview that you were a “pantser “as opposed to someone who outlines and gets every detail down on paper before you actually start your draft. Did you “pants” your way through this book, or did you plan it out?

NP: I never know exactly how to answer the pantser vs. plotter question. I think I’m somewhere in the middle. Before I started writing “SILLY HAIR”, I had the seeds of a beginning, middle, and end swirling around in my head. A blank doc always intimidates me so I wanted to have the seeds of the story planted before I started writing. However, once I started I went where the words took me. This was a fun story to write because the main character Bea developed a distinct personality early in the writing process and seemed to guide me as I fleshed out the story. Have to admit, there were many “What Would Bea Do?” moments as Bea and I told her story.

EL: That’s great. I think it’s wonderful advice for writers to remember to trust our characters. I know you got your agent through a Twitter pitch. That gives hope to a lot of people. Do you mind telling us who your agent is and how she reacted to the draft of “SILLY HAIR” when you first sent it? 

NP: My agent is the wonderful Naomi Davis from BookEnds Literary Agency, and I feel so fortunate to be her client and to be part of the BookEnds family. Naomi is my biggest fan, so when I propose an idea or send her a new manuscript, I know she’s in my corner. That doesn’t mean she automatically swoons over everything I submit…lol, but she always gives me support, guidance, and reassurance. The first time she read “SILLY HAIR”, she loved the MC and the concept of the story, and together we worked on making it stronger before she began submitting it.

EL: During the writing and submission process, did you feel any different since this is not your debut PB? Were you more confident? Or is it nerve-wracking to you every time?

NP: Nerve-wracking every time. I almost think the second time, after your debut, is worse because you want to show that you have more than one story in you. At least for me, there was this self-imposed pressure to prove that my debut wasn’t just a fluke.

EL: What are three words you can give aspiring kidlit writers to keep them focused on the prize?

NP: Be PATIENT, PROLIFIC, and PERSISTENT. Your journey is not like anyone else’s so be patient with yourself as you travel the road to publication. Be a prolific writer so all your eggs are not in one basket. Write multiple stories maybe even in multiple genres  The more manuscripts you have, the more likely one will be the one to kick off your writing career. Finally, be persistent. Don’t give up even when you feel like you aren’t getting anywhere. The only sure way to never be published is to quit writing.

EL: Great advice (and alliterative too!)

This book comes out today! Where can people buy it? 

NP: YES! Today IS the day! WHAT’S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR? is available from your local bookstore or online. Ordering links are on my website, www.norenepaulson.com under the MY BOOKS tab. If you’d like a signed/personalized copy, contact my indie bookstore, Beaverdale Books, at 515-279-5400. I’d love to sign a copy for you.

NOTE: Due to shipping delays, the book may not be in bookstores or available for online delivery until later this month. Preorders are ongoing, however, and by doing so, you’ll be one of the firsts to receive your copy when they become available. Thanks for your patience and understanding!

EL: Now it’s GIVEAWAY time! One lucky winner will win EITHER a copy of WHAT’S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR? (U.S only) or a non-rhyming picture book critique by Norene. Just comment on this post and let us know that you are a follower or have signed up. If you follow this blog let me know, and you will get double the chance to win! AND if you share it, you will get even more chances, so let me know in the comments. 

Norene, let’s let everyone know how they connect with you. 

NP: My website is www.norenepaulson.com. Readers can also connect with me on Twitter @NorenePaulson and on Instagram @nrpaulson.

To learn more about childhood alopecia and other related causes of children’s hair loss, visit these websites:

Children’s Alopecia Project – www.childrensalopeciaproject.org

National Alopecia Areata Foundation – www.naaf.org

American Hair Loss Association – www.americahairloss.org

NP: Thanks so much, Ellen, for helping me celebrate WHAT’S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR?’s book birthday!

EL: Thank YOU for coming and sharing with us. Congratulations on another wonderful book!