Welcome, Suzi, I'm so glad you could join us today. I can't wait to hear about your books and your writing journey.
First, Mary Ann thank you for having me on your blog. I appreciate it.
Second, I’m delighted I get to share my books with your readers!
Tell us what your books are about.
I have a series of math picture books for preschoolers to early elementary schoolers that include Annie Aardvark, Mathematician and Annie Aardvark: Adding Ants. The Annie Aardvark books are about a female aardvark (named Annie Aardvark) who is named after fellow STEM professional Annie Easley and who loves math and who decides to go on math adventures during her daily forage. As a female engineer, this series draws on my passion to encourage kids, especially girls, in math.
What has your experience been like as a new Indie Author?
I’m still coming off the high of having completed a fully funded Kickstarter campaign for Annie Aardvark: Adding Ants! As an indie author, that was a huge accomplishment for me. I had learned a lot from my first book (Annie Aardvark, Mathematician) in terms of how to reach your audience and what kind of marketing returns the most readers. For the first book, connecting with bloggers (like you Mary Ann) was one of the best ways for me to connect with new readers. So, trying a new approach to reach readers for the second book, a Kickstarter campaign, was a little scary. But I did research and read lots of articles on how to have a successful Kickstarter. That’s probably my overall lesson learned as an author, indie or traditional: do research. It helps you know what you’re getting yourself into, haha!
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
My favorite part of the writing process is coming up with new story ideas. There’s so much hope and promise with a new idea. It’s rewarding to see an idea become a physical book.
Least favorite?
My least favorite part is revising and editing. I can be impatient at times, so it’s like let’s just get Annie Aardvark: Adding Ants out there already! Thankfully, my co-editor (aka my husband) helps me slow down and quadruple check the proof before printing the final book.
Who are some authors in your genre that inspire you?
Andrea Beaty, author of Rosie Revere, Engineer; Andrea’s a retired tech professional! Her books are fun while teaching STEM concepts. I also admire two other tech professionals who’ve turned authors, Josh Funk author of How to Code a Sandcastle and Laurie Wallmark, author of Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code. Yes, as an engineer, I have a bit of a STEM bias when it comes to picture books; introducing kids to STEM, especially girls, is my passion after all!
What are you working on now?
I just released Annie Aardvark: Adding Ants this past October, and I’m currently revising two picture book stories that were inspired by real events. And of course, like most of us writers, I have many ideas floating around in my head and have jotted down some of those ideas on a piece of paper somewhere. Tara Lazar’s Storystorm has helped me accumulate a lot of ideas and pieces of scrap paper this month.
I love Tara Lazar's Storystorm.
Tell me, What does your writing space look like?
I write on my couch mostly, with my laptop on one of those laptop trays. There’s a bookcase next to my couch, filled with journals, pens, books, and those pieces of scrap paper. The lighting in the room is great though, and the couch is most comfy, so to me, it’s the perfect writing spot.
What keeps you motivated during creative slumps?
Being in groups like 12x12 Challenge, KidLit 411, Multicultural Children’s Book Day, SCBWI, and Storystorm help me stay motivated. Having a supportive writing tribe really lifts me up on the days that I’m struggling and thinking about quitting. Their words of encouragement keep me going.
I totally agree. Surrounding yourself with a supportive writing community makes all the difference on those difficult writing days.
I totally agree. Surrounding yourself with a supportive writing community makes all the difference on those difficult writing days.
What is the biggest surprise you’ve experienced after becoming a writer?
I felt like an outsider big time when I first started joining writing communities and groups, like hey engineer get in your own lane, you don’t belong in kid lit, but that was all my old childhood insecurities and fears about fitting in. The kid lit writing community is very nice and supportive of each other, and I’ve made lots of friends in the community!
What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as an author?
Hands down seeing a child enjoying one of my books. Friends will share photos of their children reading my books, smiling and laughing while they read, and my head explodes from the cuteness and my heart melts into a big pile of slime (slime being the new goo). And my own child proudly tells people about Annie Aardvark and loves carrying around his stuffed animal aardvark (who he named Annie of course). I’m not sure it gets
better than that as a children’s writer.
better than that as a children’s writer.
Is there anything about the writing life that you think is misunderstood by the public?
That I’m automatically cool. I’m not; I’m still a big dork. But there is a misconception that having one book out in the world means you’ve made it in some way, either money or fame. Unfortunately, not all books can end up on the New York Time’s Best Seller List. However, I embraced my dorkiness years ago, so when I didn’t get famous or rich from my first or second book, I was still content with what I had accomplished. I still had put a book out into the world.
It's Suzi's birthday month! You can wish her a Happy Birthday on her website or in the comments.
Suzi Olsen is a systems engineer in Phoenix, AZ! She currently works on the search and rescue system for the US Coast Guard. She is also the author of Annie Aardvark, Mathematician and creator of STEM Spark.
To learn more about Suzi and her books check out her website.
If you are interested in purchasing Suzi's books you can buy them here. https://amzn.to/2T6PBTo
