First, a bit about Elizabeth:
I am originally from Indiana. I moved to Ohio after college for a teaching position and have lived in the Dayton area since 2002. I have been a teacher for about fourteen years, having taught grades four, six, seven, and eight during that time. I currently teach sixth-grade language arts.
I began working on my first independent author project in 2012 and published the first book in my middle grade mystery series in 2013.
Why did you pick to write books for Middle Grade?
I chose to write for a middle grade audience because I was inspired by my time spent with fourth-grade students. I taught that grade for ten years, and I know that age level well. I kept them in mind as a possible audience while writing.
What types of books do you like to read?
My favorite genre is fantasy, though I do enjoy realistic fiction as well. I read a lot of YA books, especially now that I teach sixth-graders. I like to keep current with what they are reading, but I also just really enjoy that genre.
When you are not writing, what do you like to do?
I spend a lot of time reading or listening to audio books. I find inspiration from books I enjoy. I spend a lot of time walking or playing with my dog. I adopted her from a rescue organization four years ago, and she is my little shadow.
Tell us about Maisy and the Mystery Manor and how the story came to be.
My current book is the third in the Maisy Files series. This particular story came about because I wanted to have something that would be timely, since I wanted to publish it in October. I also wanted to mix things up a little bit. The previous two books took place mostly at Maisy’s school. The third book has a completely different setting.
Here's a peek at Maisy and the Mystery Manor:
Super sleuths will be thrilled to know that everyone’s favorite fourth-grade detective is back with a double dose of mystery adventure!
As Maisy participates in a mystery weekend event for junior detectives, she uncovers a real case. Could a ghost be haunting Mystery Manor?
Find out in the exciting third installment of The Maisy Files!
Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.
My other two books, Maisy and the Missing Mice and Maisy and the Money Marauder, are my two other published works. They introduce readers to the character of Maisy Sawyer, a fourth-grade detective with quite an imagination. In the first book, Maisy is tasked with finding the school’s missing mice mascots. In the second, she must solve the case of stolen lunch money.
What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?
I’m currently toying with a few new ideas for Maisy. But, I also have a YA novel that is bouncing around my brain. I’m planning on releasing another Maisy book in the spring or early summer. But, I would like to also write a YA novel sometime in the future.
What advice do you have for other authors?
Keep writing! I find that if I take a break, it’s much harder to get back in the swing of things. Also, do your research about the publishing process to determine if you want to go the independent or traditional route. Whichever route you choose, be informed.
Anything else you want readers to know?
I want readers to know that I greatly enjoy writing stories for Maisy. A lot of my inspiration comes from my classroom experience, and I think that makes my stories very relatable for young readers.
Where can readers find you and your books?
Website
Amazon Author Page
My books are available online. The e-books are available only through Amazon, but the paperbacks can be bought at just about any online retailer. The first two books are currently available in audio book format through Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. The third audio book will soon be available as well.
Great interview. I will definitely check out Maisy. Sounds like a series my 3rd grade class would love.
ReplyDeleteHopping through on the Kidlit Blog Hop.
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you'll check it out!
DeleteI'm always looking for mysteries for kids with diversity characters. Are there any in the Maisy Files? Thanks so much for joining us at the Kid Lit Blog Hop!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great question! I wouldn't say that I write necessarily with diversity in mind. Especially since Maisy sees in black and white, like in an old mystery movie, the race of characters isn't really mentioned most of the time. Throughout the different books there is an Italian family that has some prominence in the first book. There are a variety of ages of some characters throughout the second and third books. But, overall, The Maisy Files doesn't often identify the race of characters. But, this does also make me realize that there is a lot of potential for Maisy to meet characters who are racially diverse but also perhaps diverse in other ways, such as with disabilities. That was a great question. Thanks for asking!
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