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Hi, readers and writers, ghosties and ghouls, and creatures of all sorts. Welcome to #SeasonsOfKidLit's Annual #TrickOrTreat event. Gob-Lynne Marie (my co-ghostess with the most-est) and I, Heather-ween Macht, are thrilled to have you join us for a month of fall-themed fun. And what better way to start the event than with monster enthusiast, Amanda Noll: author of the slightly spooky monster series, including book Hey, That's My Monster! In Amanda's series, she envisions what it would be like for kids to have a friendship with the monsters that live under the bed. Want to know more about Amanda, her adorable and humorous monster series, PLUS want to know if she's offering a trick or a treat? Read on if you dare...
Q: Hi, Amanda! Thanks so much for kicking off #SeasonsOfKidLit’s annual Trick-or-Treat event. We’re absolutely thrilled to have you and hear all about your monster series! We’re big fans of monsters and your books.
Can you share a little bit about yourself and how you got started writing for children?
A: For most of my life I defined myself as a reader and not a writer. I ventured into the world of writing by writing what I loved to read – adult science fiction/fantasy. I love to read the genre, but I’m terrible at writing it.
I took time away from the business world to raise a family. During that time, we regularly spent time at the public library. I would let my kids pick out books and we would read them at home. One of the picture books (by an author you would recognize) irritated me so much I decided I could write something at least as good, so I started writing picture books. Many long years, and abandoned manuscripts later, I wrote I Need My Monster.
Q: Your Monster Series started with I Need My Monster, and has bloomed from there! This unique series now has 5 books in it, has won numerous awards, has been translated into many languages, and has become a classic loved by children and adults alike.
Congrats - that’s a huge accomplishment! How did this series get started? Can you share what inspired you to write the first book?
A: The first book in the series, I Need My Monster, was written during one of the most exhausting times in my life. I had just given birth to my 4th child and moved into a new home. My 3rd oldest (daughter) had become noticeably afraid many things (probably because of all the big changes). One night, after finally getting the baby down, my daughter came into my room and woke me up. She thought we were having fun without her, and she didn’t want to miss out. I was so tired! As I put her back to bed, I wondered why she wasn’t afraid to be wondering around the house at night. Wasn’t she afraid of monsters under the bed? What if her monster had taken the night off? That was the nugget of an idea that became I Need My Monster.
I love how your daughter inspired your first book (and the entire series)!
Q: Sequels are challenging to write - yet you’ve successfully written so many! What do you think is key to writing successful sequels? Did you ever expect this series to become so popular?
A. I Need My Monster was meant to be a stand-alone book. At the time it was released, my publisher did not publish sequels. It was a couple of years before there was even a mention of the possibility of a sequel. It took a couple of tries to get Hey, That’s My Monster right. It seemed logical to introduce a sibling and new monsters.
A great deal of thought and collaboration go into the sequels. Fortunately, readers still want to hear more about Ethan, Gabe, and any other monsters that might make an appearance.
I’ve been truly stunned my stories have been so well received! I think childhood fears have a universal understanding. Also, I’ve noticed that children enjoy being a little scared, while in a safe environment. I think it’s wonderful when children get to share this story with a trusted adult or as part of a bedtime routine.
Readers, check out some of these amazing spreads from Hey, That's MY Monster!
Q: What’s been the most exciting part of working with Flashlight Press on this series? What’s been the most unexpected thing to come out of your writing journey?
A: Flashlight Press, and Shari, my editor have been spectacular! They have championed my work. They have been able to get my books onto state reading lists, and on StorylineOnline.net. I was hesitant to go with such a small press for my work, but I have not regretted the decision to publish with Flashlight.
The most unexpected thing to come from this was being able take my deep love of children’s literature and become an elementary school librarian. I also love to travel and meet readers and talk about books.
I love that my work has appeared on StorylineOnline.net. It’s amazing to hear Nancy Cartwright make Ethan sound like Bart Simpson! You can watch the books here:
Readers, you won't want to miss these readings. Check them out!
Q: How has life changed for you since you started publishing books?
A: Surprisingly, my life didn’t change that much. I still work a day job; I still do all my own housework and cooking. The thing that changed the most was people expecting to have access to me because I was a published author. I am a private person and suddenly people wanted to know my life story and details of my life – which is very mundane.
When I do tell people I’m a published author, they assume I’m a self-published author and that I’m self-promoting. When they realize that I’ve been published by a reputable publishing house and have multiple titles they seem to think I’m more successful than I actually am. I still have manuscripts rejected, I still attend workshops as a participant, and I still can’t attract the attention of an agent. In many ways, it still feels like I’m starting out in the industry.
Q: Bonus question: What’s your favorite Halloween Candy? OR What was your favorite costume as a kid?
A. I grew up outside the states, so I did not experience Halloween as a child. I’m a little bemused by the attention I get in October. Ironically, I met my husband on his birthday and our first official date was to a Halloween party. He taught me how to carve a pumpkin that long ago night.
As for my favorite candy, that’s like asking who my favorite child is. I do love anything sweet and having bowls of candy around during October is my idea of a good time!
Thanks again for joining us! It was a sweet treat having you with us today!
Readers, want to know what we thought of Amanda's frightfully fun book, Hey, That's MY Monster!? Check out our Peek-a-Boo Review.
Q: Would you like to leave a Trick or a Treat for our readers?
A: A treat!
The amazing Flashlight Press is offering a 20-book giveaway of Hey, That's MY Monster! , in honor of their year-long 20th anniversary celebration!
Wow, what a wickedly cool treat! Thanks, Flashlight Press!
Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter to win this sweet treat 1) share this post on social media and 2) leave a comment below to thank Amanda for stopping by! Halloween & monster-themed GIFs are totally encouraged.
Winners for the Trick-or-Treat event will be drawn on or about 10/22!
*Books will be shipped in the US only.*
Note: Those who leave a comment on all posts will be eligible to win one (1) of ten (5) Rate Your Story Speed Passes, perfect for quick MS feedback, provided by Agent Mentee Lynne Marie & Author Heather Macht.
About Amanda Noll:
I was born and raised in Canberra, Australia.
I immigrated to the United States as a teenager.
After I married my college sweetheart, I began working in the purchasing division of a private university (ironic, since I despise shopping).
I left the business world to attend to the business of raising children and concentrate on my writing.
I currently live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and work as an Elementary School teacher librarian.
To purchase Amanda's books on Amazon, or to leave a review for them, click here.
A special thanks to David Rodriguez Lorenzo for the amazing custom-signatures!
