Debut Author Interviews

Suzanne Selfors is the author of To Catch a Mermaid (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Fall 2007)

• Suzanne Selfors on...Prior Research
• Suzanne Selfors on...Promotion
• Suzanne Selfors on...Ideas
• Suzanne Selfors on...Training
• Suzanne Selfors on...Setting
• Suzanne Selfors on...Celebrations
• Suzanne Selfors on...Dream Editors
• Suzanne Selfors on...Outlines
• Suzanne Selfors on...Why Kids?
• Suzanne Selfors on...Family Appreciation

How much research and/or meditation about your subject did you do before you began your first draft?

My middle grade novel did not require any research, I’m happy to report. Such a different experience from my two previous novels, which were for adults and centered around the ancient Minoan civilization. The research for those books took months. But my kids’ book just kind of flowed - I guess it was because I wrote about things I knew, and I made half the stuff up, which is the best thing about writing fantasy.

From start to finish, the 50,000 word novel took 8 months. I did meditate a bit on marketability before writing. For example, I originally intended on writing the book for girls with a female protagonist, but then I decided to make the hero a boy, with a very smart little sister so I could appeal to both genders.

What is your plan to get the word out to the public about your book?

This is tough, because as a writer, I’d just like to focus on the next book and the next book and not think about the publicity angle. But that is just not the case. Publicity departments shell out less and less $ and it’s falling on writers’ shoulders more and more.

The best thing I can do is to focus on the local scene. That’s where I’ll get the best turnout for readings. I’ve been to so many readings where only a few people show up, so you’ve got to be smart about dedicating precious time to these. I’ve got a great independent bookstore in my town that will host a celebration for me. I’m lucky.

Other than that, it’s still early for me. My book is not out until Fall 07 so the publicity department is not focused on me yet. I’m curious to see what they have in store.

Where did you get the idea for your book?

I got the idea for To Catch a Mermaid while jogging in Stanley Park in Vancouver, BC. The tide was out, exposing beautiful tide pools. Lots of kids were playing in the pools, delighting at the things they discovered. I realized that one of the universal joys of childhood is discovering things. What would be a neater thing to discover in a tidepool than a baby mercreature? And so, the story was born.

What writing training have you had?

When I decided to start writing four years ago, I took a great evening class at the University of WA. It was my first experience with the critique process and I’ll never forget how terrified I was to share my words with a group of strangers. But I survived!

Then I took a class through an organization called Field’s End, started by David Guterson on Bainbridge Island, WA. They have a conference in APril and I highly recommend it. www.fieldsend.org.

Aside from those two classes, I think I’ve gotten my best training through my writers’ group - four published authors who graciously let me into their group before I was published. I’ve learned more from their experience than I ever learned in the classroom.

Where is your novel set, and why there?

To Catch a Mermaid is set on Fairweather Island, a fictional island in the cold Northern Sea where the wind never stops blowing. Surrounding my main characters with wild, unpredictable water seemed best, considering they encounter a wild, unpredictable creature. Also, I live on an island so that helped with the creative process.

How did you celebrate your book sale?

When the first offer came in, I rushed out to the garage. You see, my husband always seems to be tinkering in the garage when good news comes in. Like when I got my agent, or when I got my 2nd agent. I jump around on the basketball court like a crazy woman until he comes out of the garage and asks why I’m so happy.

So when the first offer came in on my book, I returned to the court and jumped around like a maniac. Then a long, jaw-clenching week followed because my book went to auction. When we accepted the “deal”, I was happy, of course, but also terrified. It can be a bit scary when your dreams come true. And all that jumping is really hard on the knees.

How did you choose your editor and was he or she the “dream editor” you wanted?

My agent sent my manuscript to six houses of her choosing. Two editors read the manuscript over the weekend and made offers on a Monday. My agent called the others and they scrambled to read and by the end of the week we had five offers, one of which I turned down right away because I stubbornly wanted hardcover for my first novel.

So I ended up with the editor whose offer I liked best. Turns out she’s delightful and I really enjoy working with her. I’m very fortunate.

Do you outline before writing?

I tried an outline once. It took two weeks to write. Then I started the book and by chapter 2 I had already strayed from the outline. What a waste of time!

When I start a new story I always know how the story will begin and how it will end. I also know what the major conflict is. Everything else comes as it comes.

Why write for children and teens?

While I write for adults too, I adore the process of writing for middle grade readers. Why? Because they are still willing to believe that all sorts of crazy things are possible. They don’t have all those hormones getting in the way. They don’t yet need romance. They just want great adventure.
When asked what my favorite books are, I always return to the ones I read at that age - especially those by Roald Dahl. And when I go into a bookstore these days, the kids section continually provides me with excellent reading. My favorites recently were City of Ember, House of the Scorpion, and The Golden Compass.

Now that you’re under contract, does your family better appreciate your writing?

I started writing four years ago and honesty, I wasn’t the easiest person to live. Trying to squeeze in hours between raising kids, doing all the domestic diva crap, etc., etc,. can make a person a bit cranky. And those lovely rejection letters can make a person a bit depressed. But my husband believed in my writing (at times, more than I did) and he was great with the pep talks. My children (ages 10 and 12) always asked me to read my chapters to them.

Because of my success, both my kids are writing books. So now, in the evenings, they often come into my office and sit beside me and work on their books. It’s great!