The Write Stuff - Ann Deiterich

Today on “The Write Stuff,” we have Ann Deiterich author of “The Tryouts.” Here’s what she had to say;

How did you hear about Bumples Magazine?
I learned about Bumples Magazine through a chat room hosted by the Institute of Children's Literature. I've recently completed their "Basic" course, and still try to sit in on the chat room whenever I can.

Do you have other stories published?
Although I've had a large number of articles published online through Demand Media, "The Tryouts" is my first published story for kids. I'm thrilled about that!

Could you tell us what your story is about?
"The Tryouts" is about a boy obsessed with practicing basketball in order to make the team despite interruptions from his young neighbour, but things, of course, don't quite go as planned! The characters in the story are based on two boys in my own neighbourhood.

Did you always love writing?
I'd have to say "yes," but I've only been pursuing it professionally for about a year. My college degree is in journalism, and with those studies I came to realize that I enjoyed the production end more than the reporting, so I had a 24-year detour in the graphic arts field. Due to the economic downturn and a company merger, I was forced to "decide what I wanted to be when I grew up" and returned to writing. After more than twenty-five years, I finally got around to taking the ICL course. I'm now working as a solo freelancer doing a lot of copy writing and ghost writing for small businesses. My freelance site is: http://writewordforyou.com/

What's the first story/poem that you ever wrote?
Oh, gosh... that's hard to remember! I know I wrote stories through elementary and high school, but the first one I distinctly remember was "Laces" which I wrote for a college creative writing class about a very young girl learning to tie her shoes.

How long have you been writing?
Really, since I was a kid. I always enjoyed it and that's what put me on the journalism track. I figured that would be the right career choice for me. Although I didn't start writing professionally until the last year or so, I've been keeping a journal for over 20 years. That's been my outlet for writing. While I still write in my journal (a wire-ring notebook... and I've got about a dozen of them now), I have started a blog as well. The link is: http://writewordforyou.blogspot.com/.

The blog serves as a bit of a soapbox as well as a great reason to write topical essays on subjects that interest me and when the mood strikes.

Any advice you'd like to share with those still struggling to get published?
Have "rhino skin"... of course I mean that figuratively and not literally! :-) Having that attitude has been my stated goal since I began submitting for publication last year. I never take the rejections personally. If one magazine says "no," I re-evaluate the story and send on to the next one on the list.
The 2nd bit of advice is "be patient." After more than twenty years in printing where deadlines came up at warp speed, it was a HUGE adjustment to enter the world of publishing. The whole "4 to 6 months" for a reply has been a bit frustrating.

What's next for you?
Well, I've got several stories and articles sitting on slush piles at various publications right now, and I've written a children's picture book. I'm currently reviewing publishers who might be the right fit for it. Researching for submission is really the toughest part.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Just my best wishes for continued success at Bumples!

Check out Bumples Magazine at; http://www.bumples.com/

The Write Stuff - Kelly Hashway

Bumples Magazine wouldn't be the same without all the talented writers that lend their skills to us. So in honour of these great folks we have started "The Write Stuff." Here we will showcase the writers that make Bumples Magazine fun to read.

Our first writer is Kelly Hashway (The Christmas Bunny - March Issue). Here is what she had to say...

How did you hear about Bumples Magazine?
I am a student at the Institute of Children's Literature and I first learned about Bumples Magazine through the school's news letter. I loved the fact that the magazine is interactive and couples stories with facts. It really gives kids a little bit of everything. I immediately knew it was a market that I wanted to submit to.

Do you have other stories published?
I've had five short stories previously published in a variety of children's magazines and have two more coming out soon--including a running story in the May issue of Bumples. I love writing about all topics from fantasy to realistic fiction to humor. I write for children ages six through young adult.

Could you give us hint about what Easter Bunny is about?
I actually wrote "The Christmas Bunny" because my daughter said she wanted to hear a story about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. It was around Christmas time and I started to wonder what would happen if the Easter Bunny decided to take over Christmas because he thought kids loved Santa more than him.

Did you always love writing?
Yes! When I was in elementary school, I wrote stories all the time, about everything. I even tried to write a novel, which I remember was all one long paragraph! Being a writer has been my dream for as long as I can remember.

What's the first story/poem that you ever wrote?
Wow! The first thing I ever wrote had to have been a poem. I loved writing silly poems when I was very little. But the first story I ever sold for publication was a ghost story. It was about a ghost who couldn't scare anyone and had to learn how in order to graduate from Ghoul School.

How long have you been writing?
While I've written all my life, I really started working at it as a career in 2004. I decided that I wasn't happy just writing as a hobby. I wanted to be a serious writer. I started working on a novel and eventually enrolled in the Institute of Children's Literature to improve my skills.

Any advice you'd like to share with those still struggling to get published?
The best advice I could give is to keep writing and keep reading. Never stop trying to improve your skills, and above all, continue to submit your writing despite rejections. You can't ever get published if you don't put yourself out there.

What's next for you?
I'm continuing to write and submit short stories for children's magazines. Also, I'm querying literary agents with my first middle grade fantasy.

Anything else you'd like to add?
For more information about my short stories and novel, visit my website at http://www.kellyhashway.webs.com/.

Interview with Bumples Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Sheehan

Ms Sheehan was nice enough to stop by and give us an interview. Here are her answers Q/A style so I won't leave anything out...

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

For my first job I was a physical education and team sports instructor.
I was a top athlete in school myself and over the years have helped many girls to achieve their individual goals in their sports. I still coach softball and field hockey today. Most of my life I have worked as an accountant and retired a year ago.

Where did Bumples Interactive Magazine spring from?

Ten years ago I wrote four books based on the Bumple characters. I have always enjoyed telling funny stories to children. Looking at childrens’ magazines a year ago I saw good children’s magazines but not that much fiction. Coverage on the internet involved mostly games. Consequently I identified a niche and decided to show fiction stories with corresponding relevant references supported by games. The most important part was to have interaction. We are the only magazine on the Internet with these three components. Therefore, we feel that we are a ground breaker. Children have wild imaginations and finicky hands so let's do something that will make children happy, keep their attention and get them involved.

Where did your character 'Miss Bumples' originate?

Years ago I created surprise craft ball kits with a stories hidden inside for children. They were mailed all over the country. My main character, Miss Bumples, was developed at that time. The craft balls with funny faces were “bumpy.”

What is Bumples?

Bumples is an interactive magazine for children to enjoy reading - even the ones that don’t like to read. We feel that through making it interactive we can hold the child’s attention and at the same time improve their reading and comprehension. We want to tickle their imagination and creativity. I want them to want to read and learn more. A good teacher, like a good coach, can bring out the best in a child. We hope that this magazine does the same.


Is Bumples a themed Magazine?

Yes we are a theme magazine. Fiction supported by facts and a game relating to the story. No nonfiction.

Are you open to submissions?

Yes we take submissions and expect to be showing literature contributed 80% by outside writers. The illustrators and game designers will be in house.

Are you a Paying Market?

Yes we pay for stories, poems and illustrators. Go to the website for details -
http://www.bumples.com/WritersGuidelines.aspx/

Any plans for the future that you can share?

Yes, moving forward the magazine will be evolving. Animations and sound will be in the future magazines along with stories written by children. This magazine is for children, and we are always open to suggestions to improve it.

Check out Bumples Interactive Magazine online now at http://www.bumples.com/

Remember, the first issue online is FREE, but a new issue will be available this Friday January 15th and you will need a subscription to view it, so sign up today. It makes a great gift or even just an "I Love You" to your wonderful child :)