Three Times A Charm with Margo Dill


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

This week author, Margo Dill, is visiting. Margo, can you share a little about yourself? 

I am a freelance writer, editor, speaker, and teacher, living in St. Louis, Missouri. I’m a columnist, instructor, and contributing editor for WOW! Women On Writing and the memoir editor at High Hill Press as well as the assistant editor for the Sunday Books page in The News-Gazette. My first book, Finding My Place, a middle-grade historical novel, was published by White Mane Kids. I have two picture books under contract also. I write a blog called, Read These Books and Use Them, for parents, teachers, and librarians and  own a copyediting business, Editor 911. When I’m not writing or speaking, I love spending time with my husband, stepson, daughter, and dog—Chester, a boxer. You can find out more about me by visiting my website: www.margodill.com.

WOW! You sound busy!

Tell us about your newest book.
Finding My Place: One Girl’s Strength at Vicksburg is a middle-grade (ages 9 to 12), historical fiction book. Here’s a synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Anna Green can hardly remember life before the War Between the States touched her hometown of Vicksburg, Mississippi. For 47 days in May, June, and July 1863, the Union army bombs Vicksburg day and night, attempting to overtake the city. Anna longs for the days before Yankee bombs screeched above her, before her family was torn apart, and before they moved to a dark, damp cave to protect themselves from falling shells. During one terrible bombing, a tragedy strikes Anna and her siblings and changes their lives forever. Can Anna find the strength to keep her family together in the midst of war?
Finding My Place recounts the destitute living conditions and the horror of a city under siege, the strength of the citizens who would not surrender, and the courage of an intelligent young girl. To buy an autographed copy, please see: http://margodill.com/blog/buy-finding-my-place .

Sounds great. I especially love historical fiction for this age group.

Now for the threes. Share your top three of the following to help us know you better.

  • Top 3 snacks to munch on while working.

This is a fun one!
My top three snacks:

POPCORN—I love to make a big pot of popcorn and snack on it while I’m editing and/or working on my next manuscript. I like that you can eat A LOT of popcorn, and it’s not too bad for you!

HARD CANDY—Love to suck on hard candy—my favorite is Werther’s Original.

PITA CHIPS and SPINACH DIP—I try not to do this one too much as it is double trouble—but super yummy!

  • Top 3 pieces of advice for kids these days.

“Be yourself.” As hard as that may be in today’s world, it is so important. We need unique individuals in our world.

“Follow your dreams with passion.” Put your full effort into whatever it is that you want to do—don’t let anyone stop you from achieving your dreams and fulfilling your passions!

“Read.” It is so true what they say about reading—it can open your mind to new worlds. Reading has so many benefits—too many to get into here, and kids don’t want to hear that—but also find something you like and read it! It doesn’t have to be the same as everybody else—magazines, newspapers, blogs, novels, picture books—whatever!

  • Top 3 songs on your play list.

“Some Nights” by Fun: Absolutely love this song—my 2-year-old knows some of the words, and the video is set during the Civil War, like my book.

“You and I Both” by Jason Mraz—wonderful lyrics and I got to see him live, so the song brings back great memories.

“Raise Your Glass” by Pink—When you need a bit of energy and encouragement, this is the perfect song to sing and dance to!

I love that about popcorn too. When I’m really hungry between meals, that’s what I make. Great advice for kids! I wish “be yourself” was an easier thing to do – because life is so much more fun when you are doing what you want because you want to do it.

Margo, where can our tech-savvy readers go to keep up with you and your work?

Email: margo (at) margodill.com
Website: http://www.margodill.com
Buy an autographed copy of FINDING MY PLACE: http://margodill.com/blog/buy-finding-my-place
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MargoDill.author.editor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Margo_L_Dill

Thanks for joining us on this week’s Strands of Thought, Margo. Best of luck with your writing!

THANKS!

GUESTS WANTED! I am always looking for guests for Three Times A Charm. If you are an author, illustrator or book reviewer, an agent or an editor. If you have something related to children’s publishing that you’d like people to know about, feel free to contact me about a future appearance.

Comments

  1. Rena JonesDecember 5, 2012 at 12:11 PM

    Sounds like a great book. I haven't read much historical fiction for middle grade, although I love the adult genre. I might have to check it out. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Margo DillDecember 5, 2012 at 12:30 PM

    Kai, thanks for having me! :) Rena, thanks for checking out the post. I too love historical fiction--for all ages. I always learn something. :)

    ReplyDelete

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