Author of over 400 Books for Children and Adults
From the publisher: We’re delighted to announce that The Last Robot, our chapbook collection of Jane Yolen’s science fiction poetry, has been nominated for the Elgin Awards. Many congratulations to Jane Yolen, and to Russell Jones who edited the collection. The Last Robot is amongst some fine company, as you can see in the List of Nominations for the …
Q: How do you deal with rejection? J: I consider any questions or statements the editor may have made in the rejection. If their rejection makes no sense, I/we send it on. Honestly, about twenty of the books I have most recently sold have been turned down by from one-to-ten or other editors for different reasons. …
Q: What do you do when you are working on a book and then someone else publishes a book on the same subject? J: One of three things: 1: work harder to find a different angle and then pursue that. 2. Wait a few years and go back to it because time changes everything. 3. Write …
Q: What do you HAVE TO have on the desk with you when you’re writing? J: Pens, pieces of unmarked paper, laptop, dictionary close by, any research material I am currently using, a box of tissues. And a piece of dark chocolate. Only the laptop and the chocolate are absolutely necessary. The rest I can …
Q: How do you know if your story should rhyme? J: Try it. If it turns out bad, silly, or ugly, or if you have only a limited ability with good, interesting– even startling–rhymes, do not try it. And always…ALWAYS…get someone else to read it aloud to you, and you will know in a moment whether it …
Q: If you weren’t a writer, what would you want to be? J: A ballerina, (I studied at Balanchine’s School of American ballet (from ages 7-14) but they have the half-life of a writer. And if you dance in toe shoes, your toes bleed. A teacher (but then I already teach writing and have taught …
Q: What do you think is the best line you’ve ever written? J: “Under a shining Owl Moon.” Follow up Q: How did that line happen? And, why do you think it works so well? J: I can’t remember any big struggle with that last line. My big struggle in the book–a 20 year struggle by …
Q: What is the best piece of advice anyone else ever gave you? How did it help you? J: My agent Marilyn Marlow told me: “if she turns it down, we’ll send it elsewhere…” Also when I asked her if I should write some of the books under a pseudonym,” and she said….”Too late!” …
Q: How do you feel about reviews? J: DEPENDS ON THE REVIEWS!!!! One is always looking for a “money review,” ie. one the publisher can use to help sell the book. But even bad or slightly “meh” reviews often have a quotable liner or two. As an ex-reviewer myself, I understand that a review can …
Q: What do you love most when you’re writing about each of the different genres of children’s books? J: That’s a tough question, but first let me tell you what I love about all of them: that first burst of an idea, the first words I put down. Of course, then there is a long …