April is National Poetry Month and the week of April 10 is Young Peoples Poetry Week, so I thought this was the perfect month to call up my friend Kimberly Johnson. She has written six childrens books The Adventures of the Itty Bitty Frog, The Adventures of the Itty Bitty Bunny and The Adventures of the Itty Bitty Spider and the Itty Bitty Mouse, Paperback Poetry Part I, Tag-Along Fred, Not Again, Mr. Cat. Kimberly really likes poetry and writing. And she loves to read too! In fact, she was invited by President and Mrs. Bush to serve as a guest reader at the annual 2002 Easter Egg Roll at the White House!
TRUMAN: What does it take to become a writer?
Kimberly: You definitely have to be a creative person. A lot of people think its hard to be creative, but we are all creative! Looking at things and getting ideas, hearing sounds and getting ideas ... its really that simple. I did go to college at UNC-Chapel Hill to become a journalist. Following that career path helped me fine tune my skills as a writer. However, I still had to use my own creativity to make it happen.
TRUMAN: When, and why, did you first become interested in being a writer?
KIMBERLY: I loved making up stories when I was a kid. I also loved writing poetry. I never thought of becoming an author until I was in 4th grade and I realized that you really could make a living as a writer. My fourth grade teacher was a great inspiration, she loved reading poetry to our class. Also, my grandparents were great inspirations as well, they were great storytellers and their ideas influenced me to stretch my mind and create my own stories.
TRUMAN: What do you do? Describe a typical day on the job.
KIMBERLY:: I usually start my day at a school around 8:30 a.m. Once I arrive at the school and sign in, I go to my designated area, usually the gym or library. Students come to my sessions and I teach them how to brainstorm and write their own stories. I share my ideas with them and they share ideas with me. We talk about the importance of re-writing and organizing. Its lots of fun to share stories, write and brainstorm together. If I am not visiting a school that day, I stay at home and I start my day around 9:30 a.m. After eating breakfast, I go to my office (which is conveniently located in my house). I usually sit in my office in my pajamas and begin writing I use a notebook and paper first before I transfer everything to the computer. Ill either work on ideas that Ive already started or try and brainstorm new ideas. I usually write for about two hours, take a break, read the newspaper, and have lunch. If I have errands, I usually run them around 2 p.m. and after I return home, Ill check messages and usually finish my day up with another one hour of writing or paperwork. After that, I try to close my office and call it a day. However, if I have a hectic schedule, I dont get out of the office sometimes until midnight. (Much too late for an author who needs sleep!)
TRUMAN: Whats the hardest part of your job?
KIMBERLY: Being on the road so much! I miss sleeping in my own bed. I also miss spending a lot of time with friends and family, especially if I have to travel on the week-ends.
TRUMAN: What is the best part of your job?
KIMBERLY: Getting to meet interesting and fun children from all over the world. My job gives me the opportunity to get to know lots of children and share my ideas with them. I also get to meet lots of teachers and parents.
TRUMAN: What advice would you give to kids who are interested in becoming a writer?
KIMBERLY: Stop saying, I cant think of anything to write about! and just write what you think in your head. Writing means putting what you think in your head and what you feel in your heart down on paper. If you are always feeling something (which we are..) Then you can always write something: Remember to practice...
If you practice on your writing each and every day,
youll discover some important things that you want to say
The pencil is a tool that can speak and make you proud
it will voice your true opinions and voice them really loud
But unless you use your pencil and let it start to speak
Its voice isnt loud at all in fact its very weak... SO PRACTICE!
Written by Kimberly P. Johnson copyright 2004
TRUMAN: Thanks Kimberly! That is a terrific tip and a great poem! Hey readers, if you want to learn more about Kimberlys books and see some of the childrens stories written by kids that Kimberly has met, go to her website at www.simplycreativeworks.com.
