Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fantastic interview with a debut author whose new book CHICKEN FRANK, DINOSAUR!, illustrated by Jojo Ensslin, just released this month with Albert Whitman. I LOVE the premise of this book— it’s such a fantastic idea and so well executed!
So without further ado, please welcome Shaunda Wenger!
Where do you live?
I live in Northern Utah in a place called Cache Valley that offers mountain views in all directions.
When did you know you wanted to write picture books?
In elementary school one of my teachers introduced our class to book-making. She brought us through the creation of our own books. We developed our story ideas, created first and final drafts with illustrations, and then bound the whole book together with stitching between cardboard covers that were decorated with wallpaper. Before that experience I had never thought about how books (which I loved!) were written and created. I became hooked and started making my own books at home. I still have a couple of them.
Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?
It began about 25 years ago when an author Jim Fergus reached out while I was finishing my MS at Colorado State University. He wanted someone to collaborate with him on a natural history guide of Rocky Mountain National Park, and I had spent 2 years doing research there. Although Jim eventually stepped away from that project to focus on One Thousand White Women, the spark for publication had been reignited by writing for him and receiving his praise and encouragement. I went on to find Utah writing events led by the late Rick Walton and Carol Lynch Williams, as well as SCBWI. Over the years I took classes, attended conferences, and developed an appreciation for the friendships I made along the way. Currently I’m associated with four major groups: SCBWI, Julie Hedlund’s PB 12x12, Bethany Hegedus’s The Writing Barn, and WIFYR, which continue to offer education and support. I’ve had articles, poems, and stories published in the educational market, and even ventured into self-publishing when ebooks became popular. In 2019 a submission opportunity through a writing event with my Utah/Idaho chapter of SCBWI captured the interest of an editor at Albert Whitman, and the rest fell into place.
Can you share a bit about your process?
Each day I schedule my writing time based on the list of chores or work that needs to get done. Based on the length of that list, I decide how much time I’ll put toward writing in the morning. Depending on how well the muse is cooperating, the to-do list might get truncated. Aside from my hours dedicated to teaching, my writing time has become the priority. Chores and to-do’s come second. Getting dinner on the table (now that I’m an empty nester), third. As for writing, I often start with a mental image. Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! started with a funny image from Jack Horner’s Ted Talk video about the connection between birds and dinosaurs. Once I have an idea, I decide on setting and the type of feeling it evokes. Then I focus on character—what the character wants and what obstacles stand in the way of getting it. Lastly, free-writing allows voice to emerge. Once I have the initial scenes down, I let the story sit for a few days before coming back to finish it. Feedback from critique partners over a several month period refines the story even more until I feel it’s ready to submit.
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
Any sort of outdoor activity helps: walking, gardening, hiking, floating on a lake in summer…. Because I love the outdoors, getting myself moving outside clears my mind, rejuvenates my spirit, and opens the way for creative ideas to flow.
Anything you can’t live without while you write?
A notebook and pen. Although I type my manuscripts and their revisions in the computer, nearly all of my drafts begin with initial lines and thoughts written down on paper.
Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?
There are many authors and illustrators whom I admire, but those that come to mind today include: Beth Ferry, Bethany Hegedus, Jackie Azua Kramer, Juana Martinez-Neal, Kathi Appelt, Katherine Applegate, Carol Lynch Williams, Dianne White, Adam Rex, Jon Klassen, Kevin Hawkes, and the late Rick Walton.
Dream project to work on?
I’m not sure! Perhaps one that seamlessly flows from inspirational spark to finding itself in book-form in the hands of readers—and in record time!
Tell us about your debut book.
Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! is a quirky tale with a STEM foundation in which Chicken Frank tries to convince his barnyard friends that he really is a dinosaur. But no one believes him. When DNA results inspire Frank to have a reunion with alligators, his friends fear he may become a tasty chicken nugget. Surprisingly, Frank’s quest for relatives doesn’t end there. In fact, he’s inspired to connect with others that may be equally fearsome. Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! offers a humorous introduction to evolution, extinction, and scientific debate while showing that friendship and family can be found in unexpected places.
What’s up next for you?
I’m continuing to write new stories all the time and remain hopeful that one will capture the interest of a publisher. I also look forward to connecting with readers and other writers in both virtual and in-person visits at schools, festivals, and conferences.
And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?
Hands down: The Goonies. To this day, it still entertains.
Huge thank you to Shaunda for stoping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your fantastic debut!
SHAUNDA WENGER, writing as S.K. Wenger, grew up among the mountains and lakes of New Hampshire and then found another beautiful backdrop in Utah to raise three children with her husband. Holding a master’s degree in science and numerous adventures in the outdoors, Shaunda loves weaving STEM and humor into her stories and classroom. She strives to create stories that leave readers wanting to step out into the world knowing who they are and what they like, with a renewed interest in going where their curiosities lead them. She is the winner of the 2020 Fellowship Grant from the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Conference for a middle grade manuscript, A SONG BY ANY MEASURE, and is excited for the publication of her debut children’s picture book, Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! (Albert Whitman). Illustrated by Jojo Ensslin, which released on October 1, 2021.
FOR MORE INFO about Shaunda’s work, visit her online: www.skwenger.com or follow her on social media:
Twitter: @SKWenger
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SKWengerChildrensAuthor
BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Shaunda’s book, click here.
WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of CHICKEN FRANK, DINOSAUR! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 14th! US addresses only please.