Sushi Rolls—I’m all about those but a blog roll? I had no idea what that was until the other day when a friend invited me to participate in one. A blog roll is a kind of puff and pass session for writers. Bad example, Erika. Scratch that. It’s like a game of tag where writers share their writing process and then tag in other writers that they admire to do the same.

Robyn Coden, author of the blog, Dim Sum and Doughnuts chose me. Of course, I accepted the invitation because Robyn is the truth and funny to the max. Her blog is a godsend for any parent who has ever wondered if they were going crazy. It’s a guilt-free break room where parents can go for a few moments to giggle at themselves and think, ‘Okay, so it’s not just me.’

As promised, I’m throwing my writing process answers into the game.

What Am I Working On?

Well, I’m nearly halfway through a ghostwriting book project that I wish I could tell you more about. I can tell you that the second installment of the Hoppa’s Big Move series of children’s books called, Hoppa’s Got The Travel Bug, is in its final stages. Looking forward to visiting elementary schools with this new Hoppa book next year.

How Does My Work Differ From Others of its Genre?

I don’t know if my work differs much from most children’s book authors. I’d like to think my work respects the intelligence and curious nature of children. I write children’s books focused on all kinds of diversity. I try to get them to contemplate complex life situations without them realizing it because they are too busy laughing. The ideal scenario would be for a child to say, “That book was really funny. Now, let’s talk about it.”

Why Do I Write What I Do?

Today’s children live with and experience unique lifestyles and family circumstances. Children who come from single parent homes, bi-racial families or adoptive families, for example, may not approach life the same. There are many ways children are made to feel different and not accepted because of those differences. It’s important to me to help them embrace the beauty in being different for themselves and others.

That’s why I write what I write. I write about diversity to try to weaken the notion of “us” and “them”. I write about diversity to help children begin to accept everyone regardless of different ethnicities or family situations and to carry that throughout their lives.

How Does My Writing Process Work?

I have a touch of ADD so I can’t work with any distractions. My kids have to be out of the house or abnormally quiet in order for me to focus and get serious. When the house is silent, it’s go time. I turn off my phone, grab my laptop and a bag of sunflower seeds then perch myself on my bed. With an absurd amount of neon highlighters, thick ballpoint pens and a yellow notepad at the ready, I start by jotting down everything I’m thinking. When I say everything, I mean everything from grocery lists to lyrics from jingles stuck in my head to smiley faces to drawings of the hot new guy that moved in my neighborhood. It’s not pretty. Pages and pages of nonsense until something I’ve scribbled hits me. Then I just start typing. Sometimes I’ll nod off while I’m typing, so it helps that I’m already in bed. But it’s okay because I do some of my best thinking while I’m asleep.

When I wake up, I’m back at it. I’ll write whole chapters or stories without stopping. When I finish writing, I put it away completely. I go back hours or several days later to read it with fresh eyes and begin serious editing. I repeat this process until it finally feels finished.

And The Other Part of This Question, How Does My Writing Not Work?

Did I mention the ADD? I wish I could say I write a little bit every day as part of some structured writing schedule. Not even close. Procrastination is a major problem for me and distractions are everywhere. As a mom with noisy teenagers coming in and out of the house all day, I have to squeeze my writing in whenever life permits. I do these mini writing sprints when my kids are out because when they get home, I have to start jumping hurdles.

Look at that—my first blog roll complete, yes! I think I deserve some sushi. Let’s see…Jessica Lollino and Dr. Rebecca Kovan, tag, you’re it!

I’d like to introduce you to Jessica Lollino, author of Lily and the Big Italian Wedding. Jessica penned a delightful book that speaks to children in an honest but hysterical way about blended families. Lily is a charmingly depicted character with a sophisticated humor well beyond her years. The story of Lily's determination to find her place in her new family is one that is sure to make your child smile.
Dr. Rebecca Kovan (Dr. Bee) created a thing of beauty with her book, Alphabet Living: Inspiring Heart & Meaning. The characters Abby, Zeke, & Ay2zee take a journey through the alphabet where "A" isn’t for apple. Dr. Bee and her writing partner, Hobo Dan, teach simple truths showcasing words that inspire kids and adults to be their best selves and live their best lives.

MY WRITING PROCESS: BLOG ROLL TOUR

Erika Parsons