Hi Everyone!
Today we're here with IM Tu! Can you tell us
about yourself and how many books you have written, IM?
IM:
I've spent the majority of my adult life working with writers as a
teacher and development person. When I finally moved to the country a few
years ago, I was able to take the time and develop myself as a writer.
The result is two screenplays, a television pilot and three children's books.
Me:
Wow! Sounds like you really enjoy writing! :-) What is the
name of your latest book and what inspired it?
IM:
My first published book is a children's book entitled, The Outcast Star. The
book is named after it's inspiration - a actual star that was jettisoned out of
the Milky Way when its twin fell into a black hole. The scientists call
the star that my story is based on, The Outcast. Those scientists have
been fantastic about supporting the book and are a big part of my inspiration
as well. They bring the universe to our door every day.
Me:
How interesting! I've never heard about such a thing before, but it
sounds facinating! What are you working on now?
IM: My
publisher, Impera Books, has very kindly asked for a follow-up to The Outcast Star and its my current project. Charlie
and the Stars, is the story of a little boy who wants to see the stars for
himself and play with all of the alien creatures he knows are just waiting for
him out there. Charlie manages to get out into space and Sirius, the Dog
Star, becomes his guide to the stars that Charlie has seen in the Hubble
telescope pictures.
Me: How cool! Charlie is a lucky little boy!
:-) Are there any authors, or books, who have influenced you?
IM: It's
funny...the author that seems to be influencing my writing the most is not one
of the writers that I would have guessed. I'm a huge fan of modern
children's writers like Philip Pullman, Lemony Snicket, and Dr. Suess.
Classic fairy tales and stories like Alice in Wonderland and the Oz books were
an integral part of my childhood. Yet when I started to write, it EE Cummings'
style that gave me permission to write as I chose.
Me: Writing can be funny like that. It's
good that you're writing the stories you want to write. :-) What are
you reading now?
IM: I
just finished Catherine Cusset's, "The Story of Jane". A good
hook is a thing of beauty and this book has a GREAT hook. I can take or
leave the story, but the hook was an education all unto itself.
Me: That's a take on reading I hadn't
considered before, but it's true! :-) For those who might consider
reading your book, what would you tell them to expect?
IM: Kids
should expect a story about a lost star and adults should expect an allegory
about loss. And since it is a picture book, it features beautiful
illustrations. The illustrations are done by an exceptionally talented new
artist, Larrea Young. They are a big part of the book and readers will be
enchanted by her drawings.
Me: Yes, the illustrations are important even in adult books. I owe my
own cover artist, Erin Dameron-Hill, a lot! :-) What is your
favorite part of being an author?
IM: My favorite part is just
beginning to happen. Kids are beginning to read my book (or have it read
to them) and I love what they have to say about it. It makes me really happy
that seem to care so much about Brother Star and his adventure. It makes
me really, really happy.
Me: Cool! :-) Do you have a day job as well?
IM: Yes. I'm a consultant
to writers :)
Me: That must be great practice
for your own work! :-) What is the
hardest and easiest part about being a writer?
IM: For me, each phase has its
challenges and its joys.
Me: That's probably true for us
all. What genre do you place your book
in?
IM: Children's picture books
Me: Great! Anything else you'd
like to tell your readers?
IM: Have a wonderful New Year!
Me: And so all of these lovely people can find your work, are there any
links you'd like me to post?
IM: My little book has a lot of
links, please stop by and visit if you get the chance!
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