Agent Interview: Dan Cramer (Page Turner Literary Agency)

On June 24, 2024June 20, 2024 By Only Picture BooksIn Agent Interviews3 Comments

Imagine a world where a former forensic scientist analyzes the ingredients of a perfect picture book – with a side of horror movies and ambitious baking goals. That’s the reality of Dan Cramer, founder of Page Turner Literary Agency.

This quirky agent is driven by a deep love for reading and believes children’s books have the power to be surprisingly bold. Let’s explore his unique perspective and discover what makes this book lover’s heart sing. Along the way, we’ll learn a bit about his agency and clients, too!

RVC: Let’s begin with an easy but important question. Do you go by Dan or Daniel?

DC: I accept all forms of my name. Dan, Daniel, Danny, Daniel Boone, Booner, and Uncle Boone. I usually just introduce myself as Dan because it’s short and easy to say. I had a speech impediment when I was younger.

RVC: Okay, Dan. Let’s dive into the real question on everyone’s minds. Henry…great rescue dog, or the GREATEST rescue dog?

DC: Henry is obviously the GREATEST rescue dog. He’s a Great Dane/Lab mix. He’s wonderfully lovable and currently a great big brother to his new sister, Longaniza (Lawn-gah-knee-sah) or just Niza (Knee-sah) for short. She’s a mini dachshund and her name is a Filipino breakfast sausage. My husband is Filipino and a cozy murder mystery series I enjoy by Mia P. Manansala has a dachshund by the same name in the books.

RVC: Makes perfect sense to me! Now, what’s the best lesson Henry has taught you that serves you well in your role as a literary agent?

DC: He’s always excited to go on an adventure. As a literary agent, I have to be excited to go on adventures, too. I have to dive into the worlds created by authors and illustrators and imagine a place for their stories in this big crazy literary world. If I’m not being adventurous, I’m probably not doing my job right.

RVC: Let’s hit the other Big Question here. How often are you mistaken for this Daniel Cramer (who is a film agent for William Morris)?

DC: That hasn’t happened yet – that I know of. But does make me want to read a murder mystery of literary agent mistaken identity! Two agents. Same name. One dead body. Will Daniel Cramer land the deal or end up six feet under? Cue dramatic music.

RVC: I’m in! But while we’re waiting for that book/movie to happen, let’s circle back to the questions I meant to ask already, like this—what was your first important book experience as a kid?

DC: I was a very reluctant reader as a kid. The first book I remember reading on my own was Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims and Shiloh after that. While I enjoyed both books, I wasn’t all excited to read more books. I read a few Box Car Children books and Amelia Bedelia. Again, I enjoyed reading them, but my love of reading still wasn’t there. It wasn’t until fifth grade when I read the Chronicles of Narnia (out of order) that I really fell in love with reading. Since then, I’ve just been turning pages.

RVC: Where/how did you get the bug to be an FBI person?

DC: My undergraduate degrees are in Forensic and Investigative Sciences and Psychology. I went to West Virginia University and the Forensic program was connected with the FBI Lab. During my senior year, we had to do our own research and present our findings at a CBD-IAI conference. My best friend and I (still best friends) worked together. Our research was on developing latent fingerprints on the adhesive side of tape. A recruiter from the FBI approached us after our presentation and took our contact information. Unfortunately, that was also at the same time the government had a shut down and they weren’t hiring. So, I did a year of grad school in pathology and my friend worked for a local police department as an evidence technician. About a year after our presentation, I got the call from the FBI recruiter asking if I was interested in working at the lab and if I had my best friend’s contact information. I said yes to both.

RVC: What was the most difficult aspect of that work?

DC: There was a rigorous 18-month training program that I went through learning all about the science of friction ridge skin, processing evidence, learning to testify as an expert witness, and comparing unknown prints to known prints. The most difficult aspect was the comparison of unknown prints to known prints. TV makes it look easy, but it’s a very difficult process. The unknown prints are rarely pristine. There is always some type of distortion (smeared, smudged, wiped, etc.) and most unknown prints are just a partial print – sometimes just a few ridges. My mentor realized, and if I’m honest with myself, I realized too that I wasn’t great at comparison. So, I did a lateral transfer within the laboratory to the Evidence Control Unit, where I was the first person to see the evidence arriving at the lab, would inventory the evidence, and help determine its life cycle within the laboratory (which forensic testing would be conducted on each item of evidence.)

RVC: In what way(s) did it prepare you for your career as a literary agent?

DC: I’m very organized and can handle large volumes of information without being overwhelmed. Some cases would have thousands of items of evidence and I would have to keep track of all of it.

RVC: How did the shift—from FBI person to agent—happen?

DC: I met my husband while I was working for the FBI. We both lived in DC and met the old-fashioned way – in a bar. I didn’t even have a smart phone at the time. We both agreed that while we loved the DC area, it just wasn’t for us. So, we moved to the Chicagoland area where he grew up.

RVC: That’s where I grew up too. Small world!

DC: I started working as an internal affairs investigator for the sheriff, and still do presently. (Side note: While waiting to get my internal affairs job, I did background acting work on TV shows filmed in Chicago. You can see me in Boss Season 2 and Mob Doctor.)

RVC: [working hard to find those episodes online as I ask…] What happened next in terms of your career path?

DC: In 2017, I had a conversation with myself about what I really wanted to do. I really didn’t want to be in law enforcement anymore. So, I distilled down what I loved doing, what brought me joy. The answer was always books and writing. I researched careers and literary agent seemed to be the perfect fit.

I did a cold email to Flannery Literary to see if they had any internship opportunities. I wasn’t looking for monetary compensation – I really just wanted to learn the ropes. I was fortunate enough that Jennifer did need an intern. She taught me the ropes and her joy with her work showed me I was making the right choice for my life. Jennifer was an excellent mentor and helped in more ways than I’ll ever be able to repay her.

RVC: What’s the story behind the first picture book you repped and sold?

DC: A Costume for Charly by CK Malone and illustrated by Alejandra Barajas was the first picture book I sold. I love that it’s the first one. CK and I are both part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and one of my missions for my agency is to bring more queer representation to children’s literature. CK is also a gem to work with – all my clients are actually. They really think on my crazy ideas, and I think we’ve developed a relationship where we can present any idea to each other. I hope I can continue to bring more representation of all kinds to children’s literature.

RVC: What lessons did that book teach you?

DC: That I could actually do this job. I started as an intern in 2017, then an associate agent in 2019. I didn’t sell A Costume for Charly until June 2021. That’s four years, and I wasn’t sure if I was smart enough, savvy enough, creative enough for this industry. A Costume For Charly probably saved my Agent life and helped bring to life 18 other books from my other clients, including a second one from CK.

RVC: Let’s talk about your agency. What’s the most important thing people should know or understand about it?

DC: That reading books with all kinds of representation is important not only for our souls, but also for our society. Books build up empathy in us and looking around right now – we need that more than ever. So, be fearless in your writing and illustrating! You never know what child needs your words or your art. I want my agency to help bring more varied voices to the table.

RVC: How hands-on are you in the editing process before sending out a picture book manuscript?

DC: I love working collaboratively and being the agent the author needs. I’ve help from the developmental stages to just having to do some line editing. And each time, no matter how involved I need to be, it’s magic.

RVC: What’s a daily workday look like for you?

DC: Crazy right now – lol! I work a full-time job as an internal affairs investigator, and I do agenting whenever I can fit it in throughout my day. And with our new puppy, Niza, there’s potty training. I try to be cognizant of my mental health too. We have a culture that’s always go, go, go and that’s hard. I make sure to find time to rest and get in all the doggy snuggles I can.

RVC: Please share a client success story from idea to publication.

DC: This is a hard question because any book that gets published is a success. In traditional publishing there are so many gate-keepers, including myself. So, a story breaking down each gate to make it to the shelves of bookstores, libraries, and our homes is a success. But getting your book published is not the only success in this industry. You need define what success is for you, which can be anything – sticking to a writing/illustrating schedule, joining a critique group, going to a conference, etc. Don’t compare yourself to others because it will steal your joy. Celebrate all your successes and others’ successes, filling your life/career with joy.

Okay, I’ll hop of my soap box now and I’ll speak of a most recent success. I signed on Melody Sumaoang Plan during a Writers Workshop Virtual Conference during COVID. She pitched me a lyrical nonfiction series about composting. There was minimal work needed to get the first manuscript ready for submission. During the first round there was interest from an editor who asked for a revise and resubmit. We did the R&R and the editor ended up passing. We were both ok with that because the editor did help us create a stronger manuscript. And we celebrated those successes – the R&R and a stronger manuscript. We went back on submission and the story was picked up by Tilbury House and is set to be published this July. We received notice at the end of April that Inside the Compost Bin received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. A first for both Page Turner Literary Agency and Melody!

RVC: Congrats to you both on that! Let’s help up some future clients by sharing this–what’s the most common misconception about agents or agenting?

DC: We only pass because your writing/illustrating is bad.

This isn’t true. There are many reasons agents have to pass on queries. For instance, I’m a one-person show at Page Turner Literary Agency. I’m the only one looking at queries, working with my clients, pitching to editors, creating presentations for conferences, doing all the business stuff that goes with owning an agency. Plus, I work another full-time job. So, I have to be extremely selective of who I sign on or how many clients I represent. I can tell you right now that I have a pile of work and always have a pile of work. I’m fortunate enough to have clients that understand and are patient with me.

Other reasons I pass are – your writing isn’t bad, it’s just not ready yet, I have something similar, I’m not the right agent to help you elevate your manuscript, your story is written well, but it’s not going to stand out in a crowded market. An automatic pass from me will be if you are rude, bigoted, racist, homophobic, etc in your query letter or submission. Luckily that doesn’t happen often.

RVC: In all your experience as an agent, what has surprised you the most?

DC: The length of time the whole process takes. You have to be patient and persistent in this industry. You will fail if you don’t have those two qualities.

RVC: Any other surprises?

DC. The other thing that has surprised me are the creative ways people tell stories. Jennifer once told me that there are no new stories, just new ways to tell them. And the innovative ways people come up with to tell their stories is fascinating.

RVC: If you could offer one key piece of advice to a new writer or illustrator hoping to get an agent’s attention, what would it be?

DC: Read what you write or illustrate as much as you can. As Gary Paulsen would say, “Read like a wolf eats.” And as you are reading, really study what that author or illustrator has done. Ask yourself what you liked about the story, what you didn’t like, how you would have done it, and, especially for picture books, read them aloud.

This career, writing and illustrating, is an isolating career. Join critique groups, writing groups, go to conferences if you’re able, participate in Twitter/X pitch events, develop writing/illustrating friends. Having a connection to this community will help you both in your craft and mentally.

RVC: What do you do to de-stress or for downtime?

DC: I listen to a lot of audiobooks, read, bake, play with my dogs, be outdoors, run, lift weights, I’m learning ballet, go to the movies, and sometimes just sitting on the couch with my husband and our dogs enjoying each others’ presence.

RVC: One last question for this part of the interview. It’s Brag Time! What are some upcoming Page Turner projects that you want to rave about?

DC: 2024 is a big year for Page Turner Literary Agency! We’ve already had four books released this year and have five more coming out. There are several projects in the works that haven’t been announced yet, and a few in the negotiations stage. I also have big hopes that my MG and YA clients will break into the industry this year.

RVC: Okay, Dan. It’s time to move to the second and final part of the interview. It’s…THE LIGHTNING ROUND! The point values are quadrupled and the key to success is speed, speed, speed. So, quick questions and awesomely fast answers. Are you ready?

DC: Absolutely!

RVC: If you only had one app on your phone, it’d be…

DC: Gmail.

RVC: If you had to bake one item to save your life, what’s on the menu?

DC: Pumpkin Roll – it seems to be everyone’s favorite, so it should be able to save my life.

RVC: Most underappreciated horror movie?

DC: Creep.

RVC: What are five things you couldn’t do your job without?

DC: Internet, Gmail, Ipad, Clients, Creativity.

RVC: Beyond your own list, what’s the last picture book that actually made you LOL?

DC: I’m Not Missing, with words and story by Kashelle Gourley and art and story by Skylar Hogan. It’s the dog’s side-eye for me.

RVC: Your picture book philosophy in five words or fewer.

DC: Write for your inner child.

RVC: Thanks so much, Dan! This was terrific.

Educational Activities: The Yellow Bus by Loren Long

On June 17, 2024June 17, 2024 By Only Picture BooksIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Yellow Bus
Author: Loren Long
Illustrator: Loren Long
25 June 2024
Roaring Brook Press
48 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Perfect for fans of Love and Hello, Lighthouse, The Yellow Bus from #1 New York Times bestselling Loren Long is a tender and soulful story about a forgotten school bus that finds happiness and purpose in the most unexpected places–and in the journey along the way.

There is a bright yellow bus who spends her days driving. She loves carrying children from one important place to another. Every morning they climb in… Pitter-patter, pitter-patter, giggle, giggle-patter. And they fill her with joy.

As time passes, things change. The Yellow Bus gets a new driver, a new route, and new passengers, young and old. Until one day the driving stops for good, and the Yellow Bus is left on her own. And yet, no matter where she is, the Yellow Bus still finds joy and discovery in the world around her.

With stirring black-and-white artwork and powerful pops of color, The Yellow Bus is a poignant reflection on the many new beginnings life has to offer.”

Need some reviews for The Yellow Bus?

As a bonus, here’s a School Library Journal interview with Loren Long on this book.

As a another bonus, here’s a short Q&A with Loren Long at The Horn Book.

Educational Activities inspired by The Yellow Bus:

Before Reading–From looking at the front cover:
- Look at the front cover. What do you think The Yellow Bus might be about?
- What do you know about school buses and what they do?
- Who do you think might have ridden on the bus over the years?
- How do you think the bus will change as time goes by in the story?
- Can you think of other stories where objects like toys or cars can talk or have feelings? How did you feel about those stories?
- What questions would you like to ask the author–or the illustrator (who is the same person in this case)–before reading the book?
After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- What was your favorite part of The Yellow Bus and why?
- How did the bus’s job change throughout the story?
- What made the bus happy in each part of her life?
- How did the pictures help tell the story?
- How did you feel while reading about the bus’s journey?
- How was the bus still useful even when she wasn’t taking kids to school anymore?
- What do you think the author wanted to tell us about using things in new ways?
- Would you tell your friends to read this book? Why or why not?
The Bus’s Adventure Map: On a big piece of paper, draw a long road for the bus. Add pictures of all the different places the bus went, like the school, the library, the city, and the farm. Color the bus bright yellow and the background in black and white, just like in the book.
Bus Sounds Fun: Think about all the sounds the bus heard, like kids laughing, goats bleating, and fish swimming. Use your voice, instruments, or things from around the house to make those sounds. Record them and play them back while reading the story.
My Object’s Story: Pick an everyday object, like a toy or a chair, and write a short story from its point of view. Imagine what happens to it over time and how it might find new ways to be helpful or bring joy.
Time Traveling Treasure: Create a time capsule with drawings, letters, and small objects that show your life now. Consider how things will change over time and how someone in the future might feel when they open it, just like the bus’s story.
Further Reading: Here are five other books that are also about busses. Which of these have you read before? Which of those new ones would you want to read first?

Author Interview: PJ McIlvaine

On June 10, 2024June 11, 2024 By Only Picture BooksIn Author InterviewsLeave a comment

This month’s Author Interview is with PJ McIlvaine, a prolific author/screenwriter/editor/journalist. She’s got a great variety of bio statements out there, so instead of cooking up my own version, I’m instead going to pull a few sentences from those. Here goes!

PJ lives in Eastern Long Island with her family along with Luna, an extremely spoiled French Bulldog who plays a prominent role in PJ’s latest book, a contemporary adult romantic mystery romp in the vein of Knives Out.
PJ has been published in numerous outlets including The New York Times, Newsday, Crime Reads, Writer’s Digest, and The Children’s Book Insider newsletter.
PJ’s best-selling debut Middle-Grade Supernatural Historical Mystery novel Violet Yorke, Gilded Girl: Ghosts in the Closet was published in April 2022 by Darkstroke Books.
PJ’s debut picture book Little Lena and the Big Table was published in May 2019 from Big Belly Book Co. with illustrations by Leila Nabih.
PJ has four picture books tentatively coming out in 2024–2027 with Oghma Creative Media.
She’s a co-host of #PBPitch, the première Twitter pitch party for picture book creators. After ten years, it’s time to move on. The last event will be held on June 20^th.
PJ loves all kinds of international noir thrillers, period pieces, gritty Westerns, CSNY, Bruce Hornsby, John Hiatt, Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, horror movies, black and white classics, Stephen King, old-time fiddle music, Contradance, Irish accents, pizza, vanilla ice cream, brownies, and pretty much anything with Danny Huston. Ciaran Hinds is a close second.
When not writing, PJ is usually running after her rambunctious grandchildren who are an endless source of inspiration, exasperation, and perspiration.
PJ is distantly related to the French writer and feminist Simone de Beauvoir.

Let’s get to the interview questions to learn a bit more about PJ!

RVC: Your career is so varied—screenwriter, journalist, picture book author, now adult thriller novelist. What draws you to write for such different audiences and genres?

PJM: First, thank you for having me. That’s an excellent question. Well, I have a vivid imagination and as a kid growing up in rural Long Island—no malls, no cell phones, and no computers—my summer vacations consisted mostly of reading. It didn’t matter the genre or age category, I read everything, from middle-grade mysteries (I owe a debt of gratitude to Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew) to spicy adult fare that probably wasn’t appropriate (note to Moms–don’t leave your erotic novels out in plain sight).

Now, as an old hippie lady, I’ve learned to trust and listen to my inner cricket and write what I’d like to read. I follow my passions and often it’s a crazy blur of fact and fiction. I know many writers worry about branding. I don’t. Look, I love vanilla ice cream, but a steady diet of that flavor alone would be boring. I love to stretch my writing muscles and challenge myself to write above my skill level or perceived notions of what I should be writing.

RVC: If we all only loved vanilla, Ben & Jerry would be out of business, right? Now, you’ve mentioned your family as a source of inspiration. Can you share a specific example of how your experiences with them influenced a story or character?

PJM: Oh boy, that’s a loaded question. One prime example of how my family inspired me is my Showtime original family movie, My Horrible Year, which starred Mimi Rogers, Karen Allen, and Eric Stolz and was nominated for an Emmy. It was the fifth screenplay I ever wrote—a real learning curve for a novelist—and was essentially a first draft about my oldest daughter and her love of wrestling. I can’t tell you how many hours we watched wrestling matches and wondered if it was real or fake. And no one was more shocked when the script was optioned and made.

RVC: Congrats on that!

PJM: Thanks! Another more recent example is my adult thriller killer, A Good Man, a mash of genres that, in hindsight, was my attempt to give my late brother a better ending than he had in life. I wrote it in a white-hot fever—two months—and fried my brain. I bled on every page. Writers have many ideas; it’s like panning for gold. Some books you choose to write. This one chose me.

RVC: What sparked your love of picture books? Was there a specific book or author that ignited your passion for this format?

PJM: What sparked my love for picture books were my grandchildren. As babies and toddlers, I always read to them, and they loved it. Their enthusiasm was genuine. So, after reading many picture books, I had a eureka moment and realized that I had stories to tell in this format. And I did. As for authors I admire and try to emulate, Sherri Duskey Rinker is at the top of a long list. I wore out her books reading them to my grandkids.

RVC: Let’s talk about your first published picture book. What’s the story behind that story?

PJM: Little Lena and the Big Table is dear to me because it’s basically the story of my brother and me at our kid’s table. He was an absolute terror and was used to getting his way. When we had pizza, he’d force me to switch our plates if he thought my slice was bigger. We’d tease each other mercilessly. What I wouldn’t give to have him at my table now.

RVC: What was the most useful lesson that book taught you?

PJM: That I wrote something that resonated with kids of all ages. It seems everyone has an experience at the table, good, bad, or indifferent, and I was able to tap into that.

RVC: You had another picture book come just a few months back—No Such Things as Dragons. What’s the logline/teaser for that story?

PJM:

Everyone knows there are no such things as dragons.
But is that really so?

When new student Georges comes to class, nervous and anxious to fit in, he challenges preconceived notions of what a dragon is supposed to be. Child, adult, or dragon, we want to be liked and appreciated for what makes us unique and special-even if we have a tail, scales, and breathe fire.

RVC: This book has some lessons about kindness and empathy. How do you balance these messages with creating a story that’s fun and engaging for children?

PJM: I always go for the humorous and zany because that’s the kid in me. As kids, we’d watch The Three Stooges and even now, years later, it still makes me howl.

RVC: Me too.

PJM: I’m not preachy. That’s not my style. So while the book may have a lesson, it’s more subtle and wrapped up in comedy that kids can appreciate.

RVC: What changed about this story in the drafting and revision process?

PJM: Honestly, nothing. The story is as I originally wrote it. We were on the same page from the get-go.

RVC: Let’s talk process. What does a typical writing day look like for you?

PJM: It can vary—if I’m working on novels vs. screenplays—but I write every day without fail. If you’re going to be a writer, you must write. Mornings tend to veer towards marketing, queries, etc. Afternoons are for writing. On good days, I can get 4–6 hours in, especially on the weekends. When I’m in the zone, I have a daily or weekly word tally that keeps me enthused. Some days I exceed the goal, others it’s less, but it all evens out in the end. Writing, like everything else, is a discipline. The more you do it, the better you get.

RVC: What’s the most difficult aspect of being a writer?

PJM: For me, it’s putting myself out there. I’m a recluse by nature. I’d be happy just staying home and writing all day long. I took a big step earlier this year by traveling to my first children’s book festival as an invited author. This was a huge leap for me, but a necessary one. Despite all my fears and nerves, I had a great time. And it didn’t hurt that I also used the trip as research for my next adult mystery novel.

RVC: The picture book market is highly competitive. What advice do you have for aspiring picture book authors who are just starting out?

PJM: It is by all accounts. My best advice is to write from your authenticity and unique experiences. Be yourself and find your voice.

RVC: Speaking of giving advice…would you give to parents and caregivers about selecting high-quality picture books for their children?

PJM: There are so many excellent picture books on the market, from fiction to non-fiction. I like to say that picture books are the building blocks of reading. There are so many choices, and so many great, diverse authors and illustrators. Support your local authors and bookstores.

RVC: Tell us about your experience as a co-host of #PBPitch.

PJM: It’s been wonderful to have creators connect with agents, editors, and publishers, and to applaud their successes when a match is made. Debra Kempf Shumaker has been a terrific co-host and partner in crime on this, and I couldn’t have done it without her.

RVC: What are some common mistakes authors make when pitching their picture books, and how can they improve their pitches?

PJM: I wouldn’t call it mistakes, but often authors get bogged down with words. I tend to go for the simple, snazzy, and snappy in my pitches. Less is more. You need to figure out the core of the story and elegantly pitch it in a way that will entice agents to request. It’s not easy.

RVC: Writing can be emotionally challenging. What strategies do you use to maintain a healthy work-life balance?

PJM: I love to bake, garden, read, watch TV, go for long walks with the dog, things that get me away from the computer. But I’m always writing in my head.

RVC: Your Showtime movie, My Horrible Year, received critical acclaim. How does writing for the screen differ from writing books?

PJM: Screenwriting is an exact science. The formatting is precise for a reason. If everyone wrote in different fonts and formats, producers and script supervisors would tear their hair out. So, while you might have some leeway, in terms of story to veer from the rules, it’s a thin line. In prose, you can write hundreds of words. In scripts, you have 120 pages or less to tell the story. It’s a challenge. Also, screenplays are a visual medium. I see my stories in my head like a movie, but some stories are better told in book form. Knowing the difference, that’s the rub.

RVC: People are always curious about how much interaction screenplay writers get with the actors in their stories. Did you and Mimi Rogers or Eric Stoltz become besties?

PJM: No, lol. But Mimi Rogers was a delight on the phone. Sadly, I never met Eric Stoltz. I wasn’t invited to the set as they filmed. Such is the writer’s life.

RVC: One last question for this part of the interview. What’s on the horizon for you? Any new writing projects in the works that you can tell us about?

PJM: I’m a multi-tasker, I’m always juggling something. Expect more adult novels, and if things go well with my upcoming Violet Yorke 2.0 rebrand with Bloodhound Books, more escapades with my poor little rich girl and her ghost-hunting doggie.

RVC: Alright, PJ, it’s time to shift gears. Let’s fire up the SPEED ROUND. Quirkily quick questions and awesomely alacritous answers, please. Are you ready?

PJM: Got my helmet and sneakers on.

RVC: If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

PJM: Blue!

RVC: One word to describe your writing style?

PJM: Passionate.

RVC: Would you rather have a pet dragon, pet unicorn, or a mermaid best friend?

PJM: Oooh, that’s a toughie. But if I had to choose—reluctantly—a pet dragon.

RVC: What’s a quotation that inspires you?

PJM: Writing is a marathon, not a sprint.

Robert McKee Quote: “Writing is a marathon, not a sprint.”

RVC: The best part about being an author?

PJM: (Insert evil laugh). I can kill whomever I please without consequences.

RVC: Favorite moment from a book event or school visit?

PJM: At one author visit, a little boy fell in love with one of my picture books that’s no longer in print (the publisher went out of biz two weeks after publication). I only have a few copies of this particular book myself, but he was so engaged and enchanted, I gave him a copy on the spot. He was thrilled.

RVC: Thanks so much, PJ!