Three Times A Charm with Author Jodi Moore

Three Times a Charm is a weekly feature that spotlights authors, illustrators, bloggers, agents, editors or promoters from the children’s publishing industry.

Today I am thrilled to welcome an author I consider online sunshine. Jodi Moore welcome to Strands of Thought.

Here are some fun facts about Jodi:

Jodi considers books, along with chocolate, to be one of the main food groups.  She writes both picture books and young adult novels, hoping to challenge, nourish and inspire her readers by opening up brand new worlds and encouraging unique ways of thinking.  Jodi is the proud and (admittedly) neurotic mother of two incredibly talented young adults and never ceases to be amazed at how far the umbilical cord really will stretch. She lives in central PA with her always-supportive best friend/husband, Larry, two laughing doves and an ever-changing bunch of characters in her head. In addition to reading, writing and chocolate, Jodi enjoys music, theatre, dancing, the beach and precious time spent with her family.  Finally, Jodi thinks it would be really cool if one of her stories eventually became a Disney or Universal movie or theme park ride. Or a Broadway musical. Just puttin’ it out there.

I feel so empowered by that last statement! We can say stuff like that about our work? Out loud?! YAY!

Jodi, you are in the midst of celebrating your newly release picture book! Congratulations. It looks absolutely adorable. Tell us about it.

I’m so thrilled to announce the launch of my very first picture book, WHEN A DRAGON MOVES IN (Flashlight Press, illustrated by Howard McWilliam), a humorous picture book that walks the fine line between fantasy and reality. The story based on the premise that “if you build a perfect sandcastle, a dragon will move in” and that’s just what happens to one very lucky boy at the beach. At first, things are wonderful! He has his very own marshmallow toaster, a bully deterrent and a kite that practically flies itself…but when he tries to share the good news with his family, and no one believes him, the dragon gets a bit mischievous. It’s an “if then” story that celebrates a universal theme: we all just want to be acknowledged for who we are. So…is the dragon real? Readers can decide for themselves!

I have a second picture book under contract with Story Pie Press called GOOD NEWS NELSON, about a young paperboy who decides that delivering the news isn’t enough…sometimes you have to get involved and change things. It’s a story emphasizing the fact that little kids can make a big difference.

Now, for the Threes. Share with us some of your top 3’s to help us know you a little better.

Top 3 pieces of advice:

1. Never stop learning no matter how old you are.
2. Open your mind to possibility and your heart to the truth.
3. Always remember to say thank you. And MEAN IT.

Top 3 most admired authors:

Admittedly, I could easily list 30, but I’ll try:
1. Jacqueline Woodson: for her prose, a gift that treats us to a musicality nothing short of spiritual.
2. Laurie Halse Anderson: for her expertise in delivering characters that capture our attention – and our hearts – from the first sentence.
3. Ellen Hopkins: for her unsurpassed raw honesty.

All three of these authors are able to touch us so deeply, making us think and thus helping to make the world a better place!

Top 3 sources of inspiration:

1. My family: my support system, my muses, my lifeline, my loves!
2. The Kidlit Community: (my OTHER family!) my friends and fellow writers – some  of the most generous and kind people I know – who selflessly give of their time, their information and their guidance. They inspire me by example and make me proud of my chosen profession.
3. The Arts: both visual and performing.

My oldest daughter is an über fan of Ellen Hopkins as well, I suspect for the same reason.

Jodi, where can our readers find out more about you and your work?

www.writerjodimoore.com
http://writerjodimoore.livejournal.com
http://twitter.com/WriterJodiMoore

Thank you again, Kai, for this wonderful opportunity!

Thank you, Jodi, for playing along. It’s been so much fun getting to know you a little better. Thank you for introducing us to your DRAGON and may it see its way into many, many little hands!



Comments

  1. Sandy GreenMay 4, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    Great interview! Enjoyed getting to know Jodi better through the SCBWI conferences and wish her continued success!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 4, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    Kai - thanks for allowing me & my dragon to move into your world for a bit! Quite a nice place you got here - very warm and inviting - just like YOU! Lots of hugs & love, Jodi :)

    P.S. Thanks for your comment, Sandy! Back at cha!!! <3

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kai Strand, AuthorMay 4, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    Jodi, how many conferences do you go to? You lucky woman, you! Kelly commented about a conference over on LJ! Pleasure to have you here (and there)

    Sandy, thanks for stopping in. Glad you enjoyed the 'view.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kimberly SabatiniMay 5, 2011 at 4:03 AM

    Fantastic interview!!! Jodi and her Dragon are amazing!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kai Strand, AuthorMay 5, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    I agree, Kimberly. Thanks for stoppin by.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beverly Stowe McClureMay 5, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    What an adorable cover. The book sounds like great fun. Congratulations, Jodi. I enjoyed reading about you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousMay 5, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    Thanks Beverly and Kim! :) As far as conferences, I've been very lucky to be able to go to 2 or 3 a year...thanks to my amazingly husband, who supports me in every way - both emotionally AND financially. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kai Strand, AuthorMay 6, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Thanks for stopping in, Bev.

    I hope to attend more conferences in the future, but I'm still raising those kids and they are expensive! :D

    ReplyDelete

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