Thought I would have a little fun interviewing myself today. It’s not often I have a chance to do that. Probably better off that way. People will think I am crazy. 🙂
Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of Little Shepherd, A Christmas Kindness, Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving and the recently released, Amos Faces His Bully. A blogger and book reviewer, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters. She also has a son who is married. Visit Cheryl online at http://ccmalandrinos.com/ and her children’s book blog at https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/
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Thank you for joining us today, Cheryl. Can you please start off by telling us a bit about yourself?
I’m a wife and mother of three: two teenage girls and a son who is married. In addition to being a published children’s author I am a licensed REALTOR® in Massachusetts, a blogger and a book reviewer. I tend to be a glutton for punishment, so I overcommit myself on a regular basis. At least I’m never bored.
When did you first get bit by the writing bug?
I’ve been writing since I was teenager, but it wasn’t until I became a stay-at-home mom that I began making writing a career choice.
Why did you decide to write stories for children?
The children’s market chose me. I was trying to finish a Christian fiction story for adults one year for NaNoWriMo. It simply wouldn’t come together and, when I shared the story idea with my pastor, he asked if it was a children’s book. That made me rethink what I was doing and I began writing it as a children’s picture book. That was my first book. I’ve published three other books since then.
Do you believe it is harder to write books for a younger audience?
A good story is required for any market. You just have to be careful not to talk down to your readers and to make sure the young people in your stories sound and act their age, not yours.
What is your favorite part of writing for young people?
It’s fun to interact with young people at author events. They seem so excited about your ideas.
Can you tell us what your latest book is all about?
Amos Faces His Bully is about a boy in Bethlehem who is bullied because he’s small. When he hears about his friend David’s battle with Goliath, he wonders if the same God who helped David face his bully can help him.
What inspired you to write it?
I was bullied as a kid and one of my daughters has been bullied. I wanted her to realize God is there to help her deal with any challenges that come her way. Putting your faith in God can give you tremendous peace.
Where can readers purchase a copy?
Amos Faces His Bully is available at:
Guardian Angel | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |Indiebound.org
What is up next for you?
I polished up a cute and funny picture book idea that I want to pitch to agents and I’m over halfway done with a middle grade historical that is long overdue to be finished.
Do you have anything else to add?
I hope you’ll let me know if you have enjoyed one of my stories.
Thank you for spending time with us today, Cheryl. We wish you much success.
The Children's and Teens' Book Connection 