Meet Featured Author Alison Broderick!
Join us for a Meet the Author Story Time on Saturday, March 24 at 1:00pm.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Ever since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of being a children's author. I am a Georgia native who grew up in the Snellville area. I went to Shiloh High School, and when I was a senior (age 17), my English teacher asked us to create a poem based on the writings of award-winning writer Shel Silverstein. That is when I penned my first book, Samuel Stanley Scotty Snight. My family encouraged me time and again to get the book published, but I never received acceptance from any of the larger publishing companies. I thought my dream was unrealistic and considered it a nice fantasy, at the very least. You can imagine my sheer excitement when Willow Moon Publishing contacted me in 2017, at the age of 37, wanting to publish my book.
2. What do you do when you are not writing?
I work in the mental health field as a marketing and alumni professional, so I help support individuals after they've completed residential treatment at our facility. We offer treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, eating disorders, trauma, chronic pain, and mood and anxiety disorders. It is so rewarding to see those who were once struggling become healthy, productive members of society. I am also a Barre3 instructor at a Barre3 studio near my home in East Cobb/Marietta. And, I love spending time with my family - husband, two boys and Golden Retriever, Duke.
3. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Honestly, I think I came to this realization during the first five seconds post-womb. :-)
4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I would definitely say I have a touch of ADD, so sitting still is difficult for me. Oftentimes when I experience a writer's block, I have to take a break - maybe walk the dog, do laundry or visit with a friend - to break the block.
5. Do you have an upcoming book? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?
I am writing a series about personal hygiene. My next book is currently in the works - it's about a little girl who refuses to wash her hands.
6. Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?
Imagination and real life (experiences with my own children)
7. What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
There are no chapters; it's a picture book. My favorite spread is when Sammy sits on the school bus next to a girl he thinks is neat, but his breath is so stinky that she quickly changes seats. Mina's illustrations really made my story come to life!
8. Who is an author that you look up to today?
I believe it will always be Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss). He helped pave the way for children's books writers like myself. And in some odd way, I find comfort in knowing that he was rejected 27 times before his first book was published.
9. What is your favorite genre of book to read?
Personally, I love reading biographies.
10. What is your favorite book?
Favorite Children's Book: The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
Favorite Adult Book: Left To Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee Ilibagiza
11. Who is an author that has inspired you or influenced you growing up?
Shel Silverstein - as a kid, I loved Where the Sidewalk Ends. His style of writing was my inspiration for Samuel Stanley Scotty Snight.
12. Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Don't give up. When I used to hear this as a kid and even into my 20s, I would brush it off or maybe even roll my eyes if no one was looking. But really, just don't give up. I was 17 when I wrote my book, and I was 37 when it was accepted. Perseverance, patience and a lot of prayer. If you believe it will happen, it will happen.
