Writer Susan Meyers visits Grade 4, Wynona Elementary School
When Susan Meyers visited my 4th grade classroom the children had questions for her
1. How did you get the idea for Callie and the Stepmother?
Years ago I worked in a daycare. I used to read stories to the five year olds. One day I read them Cinderella. Afterwards I asked them what they thought of the story. A little boy raised his hand and said, "Stepmothers are mean!" I started thinking about what if a child had read all the fairy tales, Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, and thought all stepmothers were mean? And then she got one of her own! That's how Callie and the Stepmother started.
2. How long did it take to write Callie and the Stepmother?
About two years. I made a lot of changes including the name. It was originally called The Good Stepmother, but I thought that gave away too much of the story.
3. Was it hard to find a publisher?
The first three publishers I sent it to said, "Thanks, but it's not right for us." Blooming Tree Press was the forth publisher I sent it to. I was so happy when they accepted it. I was going to be a published book author!
. Is Callie and the Stepmother a true story?
No, just one out of my head.
5.Why did you want to become an author?
I love telling stories. I love creating characters and telling about them. I would still be a writer even if I was never published.
6. What is the theme of your new book?
It's called the Princess and the Pee. It's about a princess, Pia Scarlett, who wants to sleep on the top bunk so she can watch the fireflies dance at night. But her older sister won't take turns with her until Pia Scarlett stops wetting the bed. So Pia Scarlett comes up with all kinds of fun ideas to wake herself up at night. CALLIE AND THE STEPMOTHER
Kids are so much fun in these interviews.
I remember talking to a 6th grade class about what they wanted to do when they were finished with their schooling. If they were planning on going to college etc. Amazing how clear some of these kids are so young.
I remember talking to a 6th grade class about what they wanted to do when they were finished with their schooling. If they were planning on going to college etc. Amazing how clear some of these kids are so young.
Love it!
Elizabeth
Love Tinka