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Gregg Sulkin from the new DVD movie Frog Kingdom(rated PG) is here to answer YOUR questions!
Q: Can you describe your character in Frog Kingdom? Do you have anything in common with him? Gregg: I play Inspector Noggin but the movie is about a self-contained world, which is actually just a pond where all the frogs live. It’s a monarchical society with a king and queen and a princess. Every year, they hold the frog Olympic Games and this year, the king has decided to give away his daughter in marriage to the winner of the games. So Princess Froglegs runs away. She disguises herself to compete in the games and win to prove “she don’t need no man.” LOL. Inspector Noggin is one of the king’s advisors and a bit of a know-it-all Sherlock Holmes type. The King sends him off to find the princess and bring her back.
I couldn’t really relate because I like to listen and learn from people who are more knowledgeable than myself, whereas my character definitely doesn’t.
Q: What is your favorite scene in the cartoon Frog Kingdom? Gregg: Probably Princess Frogleg’s scene at the games.
Q: How did you decide that you wanted to be in the Frog Kingdom? Gregg: Mychal Simka and I had worked together before and I liked the idea of the film. Mychal wanted me on board, so I was happy to join.
Q: What’s your favorite book and why? Gregg: Wow. Tough question – I read so many scripts I don’t have time to read books as much as I would like!
Q: Is it fun acting in shows and movies? Gregg: It’s the best. I’m very lucky and I am very aware of that.
Q: What was it like to be a werewolf in Wizards of Waverly Place? Gregg: It was awesome. The channel treated me very well and gave me a great platform to build from. I’ve developed as an actor and thankfully my fan base has grown massively too.
Q: What is your favorite food? Gregg: Chocolate or cookies. I have a sweet tooth.
That was then, but NOW . . . Gregg is the voice of Inspector Noggin in the new DVD movie Frog Kingdom (rated PG) . . . AND he has offered to answer YOUR questions! I wonder if his character will have a British accent like he does in this video.
Leave your questions in the Comments and come back here on June 26 for Gregg’s answers!
Here is some more about his new movie:
When The Frog King announces that the winner of the Froglympics will win his daughter’s hand in marriage, Princess Froglegs (voiced by Bella Thorne) runs away instead. Disguised as a commoner, the Princess befriends street vendor, Freddie, and begins training with him for the games-determined that she will win and thwart her father’s plans of marriage. Meanwhile, the villainous serpent has ideas of his own to ruin the Froglympics and take over the kingdom. With a little luck, and a little help from their trusty sidekick Captain One-Eye, Freddie and Princess Froglegs set out to save Frog Kingdom from the evil serpent.
Now, leave your questions for Gregg Sulkin in the Comments!
Q: When you first came on Austin & Ally how excited were you? Mimi: It just happened to be my 10th birthday when I got the call that I would be playing Lily on Austin & Ally. I started screaming and jumping for joy!! It was the best birthday ever!! I have seen every Austin & Ally episode so it was a dream come true to find out I would be working and acting with them.
Q: How long does it take to make 1 episode? Mimi: It takes one week to film one episode.
Photo courtesy Disney Channel
Q: How would you describe each of your co-stars? Mimi:Laura: Sweet and nice. Raini: Exciting and energetic. Ross: Musical and cool Calum: Funny and entertaining.
Q: Do you have to memorize your lines or do people hold up cards? Mimi: We have to memorize our lines.
Q: When did you start acting? Do you like singing? Can you give me some tips? Mimi: When I was on stage at my preschool graduation, I was 5 years old and the teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up. I said I wanted to be an actress so my parents found an agent in Raleigh, NC. I’ve had to audition for over 150 roles. Yes, I love to sing. Be yourself, be confident, and have fun! Keep working towards what you love because there is always something that you have to sacrifice to pursue your dream and it’s not always easy. Stick with it and stay positive!
Q: What are the names of your sisters? Mimi: Coley & Kate
Q: What do you do in your free time? Do you like to read? Mimi: I love to read!!! I also like playing outside, swimming, riding my bike, dancing and playing with my friends and my sisters.
Q: What is another talent you have besides acting? Mimi: I like to sing and dance. I’m currently taking hip hop and ballet.
Q: Do you like pizza? Mimi: YES! Cheese pizza, regular crust!
Q: What’s your favorite color? Mimi: Green.
Q: Why does Ally never like anyone to touch her song book? Mimi: I really don’t know why. Maybe because she writes personal things in her song book and it’s more like a journal.
Hi! I’d like to introduce you to Mimi Kirkland. She plays Lily on Austin & Ally this season. Her character is a spunky and energetic fan who begins taking music lessons from Ally so she can hang out with the star. In real life, Mimi loves to spend time with her family and enjoys participating in outdoor activities such as bike riding, swimming, and playing tag with her 2 sisters and her dog.
Photo courtesy Disney Channel
AND . . . she has offered to answer YOUR questions! Do you want to know what it is like to be on a Disney TV show with Laura Marano and Ross Lynch? Now is your chance to ask.
Leave your questions in the Comments and come back here on March 13 for Mimi’s answers!
Q: What made you want to become an actress?
Nicolette: My sister, Marisa, started acting and my brother, Anthony, and I used to do sides and play improv games with her. My brother and I thought it was fun and that we were better than Marisa. So we tried it and I love it!
Q: How did you get the part in Annie?
Nicolette: I first auditioned with a scene from the movie, and then I got a callback and performed a song. Then I got another callback,and another, and finally a callback where I learned a dance and sang some songs and redid the scene. And I finally got the part!
Q: How do you feel about being an actress and what made you want to do this movie?
Nicolette: I love being an actress! It is so much fun and you meet so many nice people. It’s awesome! I wanted to do this movie because I have loved Annie ever since I saw it for the first time when my sister played Molly in her school play. Then I saw it again on Broadway with my mom and brother and fell in love with the show all over again. I love everything about it, and I wanted to be in it so badly!
Q: What is the biggest relation between you and Mia? Are you similar in any ways?
Nicolette: Well, we both love people. We both have huge hearts! I am the smallest and youngest in my family of four kids, and sometimes I feel like the baby, like Mia. And we both love candy
Q: How is it like working with your fellow co-stars? Are they funny?
Nicolette: Everyone in the cast is so amazing! The girls are like my sisters, and Cameron [Diaz who plays Ms. Hannigan] was so sweet. She was like my second mom. Jamie [Foxx who plays Mr. Stacks] was so funny! He would always make us laugh
Q: Is it stressful being in a movie? Or is it fun?
Nicolette: Working on set was so much fun!! We rehearsed for a couple of months before we actually started filming, but once we were on set, it was really great working with the director and the cast and crew in the film. It don’t think it’s stressful at all! I have so much fun filming. I mean, yes it’s a job, but my job is fun!
Q: What is the hardest part of doing the movie?
Nicolette: Rehearsals were hard, but they were also really fun! Zach and Bo are super cool! Some of my favorite times were in rehearsals. The hardest part was waking up really early in the morning and sometimes working in cold weather. But it was still fun!
Q: What has been your favorite part about being in Annie?
Nicolette: My favorite part has been being able to work with so many amazing people. It was an amazing opportunity and I am so grateful!
Q: Do you have any funny stories about something that happened on set?
Nicolette: One day when we were filming “Hard Knock Life,” there is a part where Ms. Hannigan sprays water on me, and I am supposed to jump back. Well, I jumped back on the sofa bed, and it almost folded with me in it!!! It was so funny that everyone laughed!!
Q: How do you keep the lines in your head?
Nicolette: I memorize them, but I also just listen to what’s happening in the scene, and 99% of the time the other actors in the scene help you out. You just have to listen.
Q: How did they do your hair?
Nicolette: They did my hair in pigtails and braids. A lot of braids.
Q: Describe your personality in your own way.
Nicolette: I am very nice and happy all the time! I am always smiling and laughing. But I like to have things a certain way sometimes. So I am a little picky sometimes
Q: How old are you?
Nicolette: I am 10 years old, but I turn 11 on December 30th.
Q: Do you watch TV shows and act like a normal kid?
Nicolette: Oh yes! I go to school everyday, have play dates, and watch TV, like iCarly.
Q: How does it feel to have people want your autograph? Do you forget your friends when you are famous?
Nicolette: I perform because I love it, not for fame. I will never forget my friends and family. I think it is cool when people ask for my autograph.
Nicolette Pierini is the actress who plays the youngest orphan Mia alongside Quvenzhané Wallis in the classic musical-comedy, Annie(rated PG). I can tell that a lot of you are excited for this movie, set for release on December 19, 2014, so I have arranged a special treat for you. Nicolette (a.k.a. Mia) has offered to answer your questions about the Annie movie and about her life as an actress so far.
Photo courtesy Sony Pictures Entertainment
Please leave your questions for Nicolette in the Comments and come back to read the answers on December 19!
Jack Griffo of The Thundermans answers YOUR questions!
In case you missed it, Jack Griffo (of The Thundermans), Kids’ Choice Awards nominee, offered to answer your questions about being an actor, getting slimed, and superpowers. Check out his answers below!
Dasha: Would you like to be a superhero? If so, what powers would you want to have?
Jack: Who wouldn’t?! I’d like to have either invisibility or super strength.
Christina: How does it feel to have so many fans? Do you get bothered of people asking for pictures?
Jack: Not at all. I really enjoy meeting people and talking about the show. It feels great to know that so many people out there are watching.
Mae: How old were you when you realized you wanted to be an actor?
Jack: I was 13.
Danielle: How long does it usually take for you to learn your lines?
Jack: We get 3 days. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we rehearse and learn our lines, and then we shoot Thursday and Friday.
Nicki: Most people who work for Nickelodeon eventually get slimed. Have you been slimed?
Jack: I have gotten slimed!
Megan: What do you like most about being an actor?
Jack: I love being able to tell stories and be a part of them.
A: What’s it like working with the other people on set?
Jack: It feels like a big family! We all have a fun time working together!
Brianna: What show would you like to guest star in?
Jack: Teen Wolf. I think it would be so awesome to be on that show.
Kids’ Choice Awards nominee Jack Griffo answers YOUR questions
I’m a huge fan of all things superhero-related, which is why I’m totally hooked on The Thundermans! The show about a family that’s anything but normal trying to blend in is absolutely hilarious. Have you seen it? It’s awesome! Jack Griffo, who plays Max Thunderman on the show, is nominated for Favorite TV Actor in the Kids’ Choice AwardsJessieKickin’ It. This guy has a pretty cool resumé!
Image credit: Isaac Sterling
Anyway, we are so, so, so lucky, because Jack is going to answer YOUR questions! Want to know what it’s like to be an actor, be nominated for a KCA, or play a superhero? Leave your questions in the Comments! Who knows? Maybe your question will get answered!
Goosebumps fans, I have good news, bad news, and more good news.
First the good news. It's almost Halloween! To celebrate, Goosebumps author R.L. Stine will be hosting a Scholastic web chat on October 31 from 1-3 PM EST.
Now the bad news. You will probably be in school at that time, and it's on Facebook and Twitter which do not allow kids under 13.
But there's more good news! You can still participate! If you leave a Comment with your questions for R.L. Stine, I will send him your questions. He won't be able to answer them all, but you never know - he may pick YOUR question to answer during the chat. I'll post the answers and a recap of the chat right here on Ink Splot 26.
ALSO, if you happen to be free at that time on Halloween from 1-3 PM Eastern Time, I will be posting live updates from the chat on the Reading Buzz Board so you can join us there for our live Goosebumps Halloween R.L. Stine celebration!
Leave your questions for R.L. Stine in the Comments, and I'll see you on Halloween! (Virtually, of course. I can't actually "see" you from my computer. That would be crazy!)
If you have seen the Puss in Boots movie (rated PG) then you know that Puss can be a bad kitty, but we forgive him because he visited the STACKS to answer YOUR questions. Read on to find out about his boots, his favorite dance move, and working with Shrek.
Do you know who your real parents are? Puss: Sadly, we were separated shortly after my birth, but rumor has it that my father was a hurricane and my mother a volcano. . .it makes sense to me.
Would you rather be called "adorable" or "enormously fluffy?" Puss: I would prefer a new term. . . "adora-normous-fluff-able!!!"
What is the worst thing someone called you? Puss: Dog.
Who is your worst enemy? Puss: Puss in Boots has no enemies! But I do not care much for bath tubs.
Since you're a criminal, what is one place you've always wanted to rob? Puss: First of all, I am no criminal. . . I just like to borrow things sometimes, and have a tendency to never give them back.
What is your favorite food/drink BESIDES warm milk? Puss: There is nothing like a warm bowl of kibble on a cold rainy day.
How much whole milk can you drink? Puss: How many cows roam the earth?
Do you like ice cream? Puss: I like the cream. . . ice, not so much.
Do you have a favorite dance move? Puss: A little jig I like to call. . ."The Forbidden Gato!"
What size are your boots? And what's your favorite type of boot? Cowboy boots? Rain boots? Puss: My favorite type of boot is located on my little feets at all times. They are comfortable for any occasion. And the size is purrrrrfect.
Do like the song, "These Boots Are Made for Walking?" Puss: Do I like it? I live it!!
How does it feel to star in a movie about you? Is it better than working with Shrek? Puss: The green ogre will always be my great friend, but I must admit a close-up on me is much more flattering, baby.
What was your reaction when you heard you were starring in a movie about yourself? Puss: Meow?
Who do you like better, Shrek or Donkey? Puss: I know whose bread needs buttering. . . give me the ogre, baby!
How did Shrek and Donkey mess up during filming? Were there any funny bloopers? Puss: The burro is constantly falling down and forgetting his lines, and the Shrek is always burping and farting. Both of them incredibly unprofessional, but quite funny.
Puss, you're amazing! But why are you so epic? Is it genetic? Puss: What can I say? It is a Puss thing. . .
The Dolphin Tale movie (rated PG) about the dolphin named Winter with a prosthetic tail, comes out in theaters on September 23. To prepare you for the movie, Abby Stone, Winter's actual trainer from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), has answered some of YOUR questions. Read on to find out more about Winter, the amazing dolphin with a fake tail, and what the life of a dolphin trainer is like.
Q: How did Winter feel about the tail and what was her reaction?
Abby: The prosthetic tail has been a positive experience for Winter and she continues to respond with energy and enthusiasm based on trust and the strength of our relationship. Winter certainly was, and continues to be, an active participant in the training process, helping us determine how and when to advance to the next step. And of course, our approach to training is always fun, motivating Winter to try new things. We were definitely encouraged by Winter’s reaction of curiosity to the various stages as well as her eagerness to test her new tail without the aid of her trainers.
Q: Is Winter the only animal with a prosthetic, or is it more common now for injured animals to be cured like this? Abby: Winter is the only dolphin in the world to have a prosthetic that involves the entire tail as well as the joint that connects to the peduncle [the narrow part of the tail that attaches to the fin]. There are a variety of animals that have prosthetic devices to assist with the quality of life -- including horses, elephants, turtles, kangaroos, and birds!
Q: Can Winter have babies? Abby: Physically, Winter has the proper internal anatomy to have a calf although at this point, she is still too young. Because Winter does not have a tail, it would have to be discussed with our veterinarian.
Q: Does Winter have any enemies at the aquarium? Abby: Winter is provided with a very safe and loving home at CMA free of any natural predators.
Q: How do you train dolphins to do tricks? Abby: We teach our animals to do behaviors that come naturally to them in a very slow process using positive reinforcement. We ask the animals to do bits and pieces of a behavior until the animal has the understanding to put all of the pieces together! This process can take a few training sessions, months, or years to train to its entirety!
Q: When will Winter be introduced to Hope? [Hope is the latest rescued dolphin living at CMA. She was found orphaned last December when she was only 3 months old!] Abby: Our plan is to introduce the two later this year. We are looking at introductions around October or November.
Have you ever asked yourself, "Dude, what would happen if you tied 375 helium balloons to a sumo wrestler?" Or, "What would happen if you filled a camper with popcorn kernels and torched it with 3 flame-throwers?" If you have, then you are very random and would fit right in on the Message Boards. Also, you would love the show Dude, What Would Happen (rated TV-PG). It's on the Cartoon Network Wednesdays at 8pm and it asks these kinds of random yet thought-provoking questions AND finds the answers each week. Armed with unlimited access to anything and everything, 3 dudes, CJ, Ali, and Jackson conduct extreme experiments that take sheer randomness to the next level.
Exhibit A: The Dudes pit the Snowman and Scarecrow against their most feared enemy, FIRE!
Is there something random that you have always wondered about? If you could ask the dudes your wackiest question, what would you ask? Finish this question in the Comments. . .
Dude, what would happen if ___________________? (Fill in the blank.)
The dudes themselves-- CJ, Ali, and Jackson-- will be reading your questions this week and responding to them! Leave your question in the Comments and check back here on September 2 to see if the dudes respond to YOUR question!
A few weeks ago, we invited Rango, the bug-eyed green lizard to the STACKS to answer YOUR questions about his life as sheriff of Dirt. Well, here he is with his answers!
Read on. . .
Q: What was life like for you before you moved to Dirt? Rango: Well, I'm an adventurer by nature. But I like to think of the stage as my first love. The theatre, I'm talkin' about! Actually, it was a bit lonely in my terrarium, but I was writing, directing and acting in my own plays, and I'm fairly confident I was amazing in my theatrical exploits.
Q: Where did the term "crunchy creamy cookie candy cupcake" come from? It's brilliant! Rango: That is a vocal warm-up stolen from the Phoenix Boys' Choir! Just sing it five times and really pronounce every single syllable and you’ll be ready for anything!
Q: Does your height keep you from achieving any jobs a normal sheriff would do? Rango: Hey, are you trying to give me a complex? If you notice, I'm fairly average in height compared to the other residents of Dirt. So I think I'm more than vertically adequate to contend with the challenges presented to me in my role as constable!
Q: Are you and Rattlesnake Jake best buddies now or do you still have your rivalry? Rango: Oooh. I'm happy to say I have not seen that dark serpent of doom for some time. Jake is more than a rattler – he's a force of mortal power, signaling someone's last days are near. I definitely steer clear of him.
Q: What are your best tips for living in the desert? Rango: It's all about water, amigo. Who's got the H2O! Agua! If you have water and protect it, conserve it, and honor it, you live. If not, Jake might just be paying you a symbolic visit. . .
Q: When did you first meet Mr. Timms? Rango: Mr. Timms is an amazing being. I could talk for hours about how that orange fish has changed my life. He's a life coach, mentor, spiritual guide, friend, guru, and crisis negotiator. I met him in a dream and we’ve been close ever since.
Q: What's the best part of being the sheriff of Dirt? Rango: The best part is wearing the hat. No, the badge. No, the boots. I think I'm supposed to say "helping others." But for me, it's the gritty apparel.
Q: Where do you get your awesome shirts? Rango: Get 'em especially made from a tailor in Hawaii. Now that I'm famous, I have them shipped in once a week along with fresh pineapple.
Q: Do you know how I could contact the Spirit of the West myself? Does he do autographs? Rango: He appears to those who seek the greater truths of life. The big questions. What is my place in the world? What is it all about? When did time begin? Who ate all the granola? It's never occurred to me to ask for an autograph—that might be like asking a dream to leave a voice mail.
Q: Who is your bff in Dirt? Rango: Well, Priscilla is certainly like a deeply disturbed daughter to me. Spoons and I have long talks, mostly about his bodily functions. Waffles is just nuts. And Beans, well. . . let's just say we're going slow for now. But I plan to surprise her with a special dance I've been working
You may remember a few months ago when the Rango movie came out, we interviewed Abigail Breslin, the 14-year-old star who plays Priscilla. Well, the DVD is coming in July, so next month, Rango, the famous funny lookin' lizard himself, will answer YOUR questions. Now is your chance to ask Rango anything you want to know. Questions like. . . How does it feel to be a legend in your own time? What is it like being the sheriff of Dirt? How can a lizard shoot a gun?
Leave your questions for Rango in the Comments, and come back on July 5 to read his answers.
I would love to know about your writing routine, because if someone asks me that I look at them funny and say, "What's that?" My four-year-old seems to think that whenever I sit down at the computer it's time for him to need food/attention/a playmate/you name it.
I have to admit I almost didn't include "writing routine" on my list of ideas to get you readers thinking, probably because my routine is never the same. My husband had a seminary professor that used to describe balance as "momentary synchronicity" -- a great way to also sum up my writing schedule. What works for me now didn't work for me while I was teaching and certainly didn't work when I was home with toddlers.
During my teaching years, my creative energy was spent by the end of the day. The school year was for revision; the summer for new drafts. As a stay-at-home mom, I aimed for three writing sessions a week. Some lasted ten minutes, others, when I had a sitter, were two-hour stretches. It took me a long time to move forward, but in those phases of my life, that's the way things worked.
Word counts stress me out, especially because I spend so much of my time working on verse or picture books. It can take me weeks, sometimes, to move past a handful of words. What I've found to work for me is general monthly goals. In the last few months, I've focused on working with my editor on revisions, line edits, and copy edits on one novel; returning revisions to my agent on another; and beginning (then beginning again) research on a third novel.
Have I met every goal? The ones with deadlines, yes. The others? No. My hope was to have finished the research by now. But when I look back over the last few months, I have done a huge amount of work. Writing, I've learned, isn't something I can quantify. Maybe this will change in the years to come, but for now, general monthly goals keep me motivated and free to let the words come.
What's it like to live in the desert?
The desert is my first love, so I've returned to New Mexico utterly biased. When I first moved here in 1980, I'd spent three years in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. This place was lush in comparison. When my husband moved to Albuquerque as a boy, he moved from Michigan, and this place took quite a bit of getting used to. I suppose what you love in part stems from what you've been exposed to. I've happily lived in and loved a variety of places across the country and around the world, but nothing compares to the New Mexico desert. With the low humidity and high elevation, everything is sharp and clear beneath a turquoise sky that reaches from the Sandia and Manzano Mountains in Albuquerque all the way to Mt. Taylor (150 miles to the west and visible from the city). The scrubby juniper bushes smell like my childhood. The chamisa and tumbleweeds add a natural beauty. The dirt smells glorious after the rain. It's heavenly and familiar and lovely. I've been happy everywhere I've lived, but I'm thrilled to be home.
Thanks, all, who participated in this question and answer session.
7 Comments on The Answers: Writing Routine and Desert Living, last added: 4/23/2011
Still pining for New Mexico, especially in the mucky, rainy season. I will get back there someday... actually going to be there for the Santa Fe Rodeo again this year. And I agree with everything you said about the desert. I love it... New Mexico desert in particular.
Great questions and answers. I have a hard time measuring my writing goals too. In part, it's because I just squeeze it in here and there in my days between work and family. I did find setting goals this January helped me accomplish more. It seems as my daughter gets older, it's harder to find the time to write.
I write from 8p to 1a. Kids. I wish I wrote every night but tired catches me. I'm a goal setter too. I'm trying to have 3 polished manuscripts to query by the end of the year.
I love the smell of the desert before, during and after the rain. After living in Scottsdale for 7 years, I can honestly say that I love the desert. Except in August. And sometimes September :P
I'd love to know more about your road to publication and how you found your agent. I started writing in earnest almost thirteen years ago. This was before blogging and Facebook and critique groups on-line (at least that I knew of). I did a lot of stumbling around for years, learning through my mistakes, from the how-to guides I found at the library, and from the middle-grade novels I read and shared with my students.
During those years I'd faithfully send out queries to publishers who accepted unsolicited manuscripts. Most of the time my work would be an exclusive submission, and I would wait month after month for those rejections to come. I can still remember anticipating the mail, the surge of hope that accompanied every SASE in the mailbox, and the frustration that after months and sometimes years on submission, the answer was always no.
Because children's authors can still get published without an agent, I never consistently pursued one until 2009. I had just decided to stop teaching and try out writing full time, without a book deal, agent, or lead of any sort (yes, really). I queried a number of books to a number of agents, trying to match my books to each agent's preferences and got a good number of requests for fulls and partials. My strongest piece, this little verse novel thing, was one I only sent to a select few because honestly, who would want to represent a quiet literary historical for kids?
After a few months of this, I decided I had to shop my best work. Whether is was salable or not, it was what I believed in, and I hoped it would attract someone who could see beyond its non-flashy surface to the story beneath. With my focus just on MAY B., more agents responded, and long story short, I signed with the super-wonderful Michelle Humphrey, who had just the right combination of risk, enthusiasm, and hard work to sell MAY B. at auction.
I found Michelle through Chuck Sambuchino's Guide to Literary Agents blog. By the time I signed with her, I had received seventy-five agent rejections and over two hundred editor rejections over eleven years.
How is the reality of achieving your dream different than the dream itself? The reality is one hundred times better. It's harder, too, but in a really, really good way. I've learned so much about writing this past year. Going through the revision process has been like going back to school, except this time around I've got the advantage of having my instructor's undivided attention, interest, and commitment. Even that rough patch, when my book was homeless for a few weeks, as
14 Comments on The Answers: Publication, My Agent, and Dreams vs. Reality, last added: 4/22/2011
I love stories where people have to work hard and believe for years to be successful. They (and you) give me hope. And I truly believe that the struggle creates an appreciation that an easy ride never can. :)
Thanks for sharing this. My story is similar--I sent things out directly to editors for years because everyone told me it was impossible to get an agent if you're an unpublished children's book author.
Anyway, as soon as I started sending my work to agents, I started getting interest and FEEDBACK. I paid attention to the feedback and soon I had offers from agents ...
I always love to hear about an author's journey to publication and almost every time there are years and years of hard work behind the book that eventually sells. This business is much tougher than it looks from the outside but I'm not sure there is anything more gratifying than knowing a story you've created will be read and loved by others.
It took me a little under two hours and twenty-eight minutes to run 13.1 miles through Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, a old, rural community in Albuquerque's North Valley. I ran past prickly pear, gorgeous adobes, acequias (irrigation ditches), cottonwood seeds blowing like spring snowflakes, a dozen sheep, one goat, five horses, and three Vergins de Guadalupe.
Around mile nine or ten, things got really hard. My muscles started to seize up, and even though I tried to hold my pace, I actually added a few minutes to each mile. About a half mile out, I asked everyone I passed, "I'm almost there, right?" It was glorious to stop and even better to have met my goal of under two hours thirty minutes. Thanks, everyone, for cheering me on!
Valerie asked what I like to listen to when I run, so here goes: Mainly old stuff, like Bruce Springsteen, Midnight Oil, INXS, Tom Petty, Led Zepplin, some Australian oldies (hooray for Cool Daddy's Eagle Rock!), The Cars, U2, some not so typical stuff, like a Cajun/Zydeco CD called Bayou Hot Sauce, an Australian Aboriginal band called Yothu Yindi, a Navajo singer named Sharon Birch, Aaron Copeland's Rodeo, and in reserve for those last few hard miles, ridiculous, peppy music I can't take seriously but helps me keep going, like anything by the Black-Eyed Peas, Hey Ya, and (I can't believe I'm admitting this) the B-52's.
The ice cream cake story: I brought home this gorgeous, enormous Dairy Queen birthday cake a few weeks ago, ready to keep it in the freezer until my ten-year-old's party. Except it didn't fit in the freezer; it barely fit in the fridge. With the party three hours later, all I could imagine was being left with a brown pool of mush to serve my boy and his friends. I ran to my neighbor's house in a panic, and thankfully the cake fit in the freezer there. This made me feel warm and fuzzy. Having only lived here nine months, I'm already at the sharing a neighbor's freezer stage! The kids got to chow on perfectly frozen/partially thawed pieces of ice cream cake. I had to stash extras on tin-foiled papered plates because even with less cake, I couldn't get that box to squish into the freezer.
11 Comments on The Answers: Half Marathon, Ice Cream Cakes, and Curry, last added: 4/20/2011
Great job finishing the half marathon! That's such an accomplishment. I'm lucky if I can get through my fifteen minute workout lately. I am so out of shape!!
Congratulations on the Marathon. Loved the curried shrimp recipe. Glad you saved the cake. I made a birthday cake yesterday from scratch and frosted it with microwave fudge. Rule at our house: Kids have to decorate their own cake. Action figures are encouraged.
Congrats on the half. I'm running my first half in two weeks. I appreciated your story. Yeah, what's with mile 10?! I ran ten this past weekend, I felt good until that last mile. My feet just hurt. Relax and enjoy this week.
Congrats on the half! I'm walking in my 5th half in 2 weeks. And I am currently resting my knee (grr) which I slightly hyperextended and I've not been doing as much rest of it as I should so it's also not healing as fast as it would if I'd just lay off!
I love the descriptions of all the things you ran past in the marathon, Caroline. Beautiful writing. I have to admit that every time I hear Love Shack, it gets me pumped up. But not to run or even walk - you guys all put me to shame. I just like to dance around the house! But since you guys are all in such great shape, I think I better go jump on my exercise bike and get some reading done while I"m at it. I'm new to your blog. Very nice! Oh, and congrats on your book. Very exciting, and it will be fun to follow your journey.
A while back, we invited two world famous animal experts to answer YOUR questions about orangutans and elephants. They are both featured in the IMAX movie, Born to be Wild 3D coming to theaters today, and they have a lot to say about saving the planet and the beautiful creatures that live here. Read on. . .
First, your questions about orangutans for Dr. Galdikas. . .
firestar28 asks: How long does an orangutan live? Also, what is it like to feed them? Thanks. Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas: We don't know for sure how long wild orangutans usually live, but the maximum is probably up to 60 or 70 years. More likely, orangutans die in their 50s but we really don't know. Orangutans really like to eat so it feels very good to feed them as they appreciate it very much!
fireflamer5 asks: What do the orangutans do with opposable thumbs? Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas: They do many of the same things that we do: pick things up, hold things, grab onto things.
Andrea asks: What are some orangutan instincts? Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas: Orangutans are born with some of the same instincts as humans, such as suckling and grasping. They also have instincts that encourage them to build nests and eat colorful things (such as ripe fruits).
RGirl620 asks: What is it like working with the animals? Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas: Working with orangutans is rewarding but also difficult. It is an amazing experience to look into the eyes of an orangutan and to be able to care for them. On the other hand, it is very difficult to provide orphaned orangutans with exactly the same care that their orangutan mother would have given them.
willatreewillatree asks: Can some wild animals be tame enough that they act like pets? Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas: Wild orangutans are generally quiet and gentle creatures but they are quite leery of humans. It takes many months of following wild orangutans before they ignore human presence. Even then, however, the orangutan will stay up in the forest canopy and not allow any human to get too close. In order for an orangutan to be unafraid of humans and completely tame like a pet, his or her mother must be killed and he or she taken and raised by humans.
xycodie asks: If you have an orangutan, are they still wild even if you had them since they were a baby? Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas: Usually orangutans who are raised by humans since infancy become very tame until they grow up. While some females remain tame in adulthood, many males become difficult and "wild" as they approach adolescence.
Josephine asks: What is the most AMAZING incident that ever happened to you? Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas: Two wild adult males fighting right next to me and totally ignoring me as though I were a tree stump.
cnahk asks: What are some dangers you have experienced working with animals? Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas: Probably the most dangerous part of working with orangutans in Borneo is the threat of parasites, malaria, viruses, and other things that can be transmitted by mosquitoes and rainforest insects. There are also poisonous snakes. I once had an experience with a cobra where it brushed my ankle as I was walking at dusk without a flashlight. The cobra seemed as c
The Megamind DVD comes out today, and to celebrate, we have an exclusive interview with Megamind's evil sidekick, Minion. A few weeks ago, you asked your questions, and now Minion himself is here to tell his side of the story.
GNOletsgo1 asks: Dear, Minion, do you eat fish food or bananas? Or both? I am curious. Minion: Heaping portions of both. In fact, I have a killer recipe for a Banana Fish Split. Here it is:
Step 1: Make a banana split.
Step 2: Put fish on it.
Step 3: Eat.
I promise you, tastes EVEN BETTER than it sounds.
R asks: Minion, what do you like to do in your free time? Minion: As a Minion, I live to serve my master. But even I need my days off. Usually on my own time, I focus on my favorite hobby: Doing volunteer work for my master.
Dewdrop208 asks: Do you ever doubt Megamind when it comes to his harebrained ideas? Minion: HA! That’s a trick question. Megamind doesn’t have any hair. He's totally bald.
Yoshi asks: Do you ever get lonely? No, but I once got really homesick – but it's only because I misplaced my gorilla body in the garage.
51dotfeg asks: Do you wish you weren't a fish? Do you wish you were a human? Or a Wizard? A dog? or a mouse? Minion: I hadn't thought about that before. But now I want to be a wizard fish. . . with a pet dog!
Cutieu123 asks: Do you ever feel underrated, unappreciated, or a fish out of water (excuse the pun, please)? Do you think you deserve more credit like Megamind? Minion: Well, part of being the sidekick is not getting credit when a plan succeeds. But at least I don't get blamed when a plan goes wrong. . . oh, wait. Yes I do!
StarMagic asks: What does it feel like being a hero/protector in Metro City? Thank you. : ) Minion: It's definitely better than being a villain. Now people throw flowers instead of rotten fruit.
How to Train Your Dragon comes out on DVD on Friday, October 15, and to celebrate, we have an exclusive interview with the dragon trainer himself, Hiccup. A few weeks ago, you asked your questions, and now Hiccup is here to give the answers.
S'morcupcakesplz: What do you like about Astrid? Hiccup: Like about Astrid? Well, um. . . hmm. She's like a rock: strong, dependable and easily bruises the skin. She's also become a pretty good dragon trainer these days. I think yesterday was the first time her Nadder only shot tail spikes at one of the twins.
Jennifer: What was life like when you were a child? Hiccup: Imagine a fish swimming upstream in a river full of hairy boulders wearing helmets and occasionally bashing into each other. Now imagine the river is made of fire, and the fish is a guppy. It was great, thanks for asking.
Erik R: Can you describe the feeling when you first meet Toothless? Hiccup: Even though I was scared, there was something about Toothless that was special from the beginning. It may have been his decision not to eat me.
Eric: What was the funnest part of keeping a "secret" pet dragon? Hiccup: It was pretty nerve-racking actually, especially when Phelma the Fierce chased me down for "borrowing" her fish.
Stonefairy: How did you feel when you first started taking dragon-fighting lessons as compared to later, when you knew all about dragons from training Toothless? Hiccup: I never really felt comfortable learning to fight dragons. Being friends with them is much better.
Michael: How old is Toothless? Hiccup: I think he might be close to my age, but sometimes he acts like a big fire-breathing flying baby so, I suppose he could be younger.
Beth: What can you say to help us do what is right even when we are discouraged and everything goes wrong for us too? Hiccup: I think you can weather the toughest storms life throws your way by staying true to yourself, facing your challenges head on and always making sure you support your friends (even when they burp and accidentally burn off your eyebrows).
Sami: You're amazing! How did you get started in inventing your "contraptions/inventions?" Hiccup: Hi Sami. Wow, thanks. I first started inventing contraptions when my dad sent me to work with Gobber in the blacksmith shop. . . when I was 2.
Marie: What is your best invention? Hiccup: I think my best invention so far would have to be Toothless' new tail attachment. Now m
Hi everyone! It seems like ten years ago that I interviewed Margaret Peterson Haddix for THE STACKS. You all helped me prepare for the interview by giving me some awesome questions! Sadly, I couldn't ask them all. It was really tough to choose only one of your questions, but the final question I chose was submitted by marytonga, who asked:
If you could meet ANY Cahill, dead or alive, who would you pick?
Margaret was really impressed with that question and I think she had fun answering it. Here is the entire interview including my questions too:
You can see from this video that she is super, super nice and fun, but the best part is that, after the interview, she autographed 2 copies of Into the Gauntlet so that we could give them away to lucky STACKS readers! Want a chance to win? Enter the Into the Gauntlet Sweepstakes! Good luck!
You may have seen the comic strip, Marmaduke, in your Sunday newspaper. It was started in 1954 by Brad Anderson, and has been running ever since with help from different cartoonists. It's about an ENORMOUS Great Dane named Marmaduke, who basically drives his family crazy with his antics. Here is an example from the comic:
What I love about these comics is that you can totally imagine what Marmaduke is thinking. Like in this one, I imagine he is thinking, "Ooh bubbles! Fun!!"
On June 4, Marmaduke the movie will be coming to theaters -- not a comic version, but a live action movie with a real dog. And in the movie you can actually hear Marmaduke's thoughts in his head. So to get you psyched for the movie, the writers have offered to answer your questions for Marmaduke. Now is your chance to ask that crazy dog what it's like to star in a movie about his life. . . why he acts so crazy all the time. . . what is his favorite thing to do. . .or anything else you want to know!
Write your questions for Marmaduke in the Comments and then come back on June 4 for the answers.
A while back we scheduled an interview with B.O.B. from Monsters vs. Aliens, and we asked YOU what questions you would ask. Well, to celebrate today's DVD release of Monsters vs. Aliens, B.O.B. is here to tell us about his experiences as a movie star monster.
Hi B.O.B. We are so honored that you could come to Ink Splot 26 for this interview. Thanks for agreeing to answer our questions. What was it about the movie Monsters vs. Aliens that made you want to be a part of it?
B.O.B.: Hi there! Thanks for the questions! Usually people scream and run away from me, so this is my first time answering questions. Actually I’m pretty nervous about this. Shoot! Did I say that? Hang in there B.O.B. it’s going to be okay! OK! I’m ready for questions now. Hi there! Okay my first question for you is, what color are your shoes! Wait, I forgot, these questions are for me! AMAZING! So, um, I wanted to be in this movie because I always wondered what Aliens tasted like. And now, I know! Lima beans and toothpaste!
Ink Splot 26 Editor: What did you do to prepare for this role? Did you have to work out or go on a diet?
B.O.B.: I went on my own special diet program I call
“Snackin' to the Oldies” It's where you eat everything and anything
that has past its expiration date.
Dewdrop 208 asks: What was it like working with Dr. Cockroach and the rest of the gang?
B.O.B.: EWW! I hate cockroaches!
Dewdrop208 also asks: Was the Dance Pad scene really fun?
B.O.B.: I'm glad you mentioned the Dance Pad. It was more fun than eating a barrel of monkeys. Now THAT is fun!
Ink Splot 26 Editor: Which scene was the most difficult for you? Which was the most fun?
B.O.B.: WOW!
GREAT QUESTIONS! The hardest scene was when I forgot how to breathe,
because… I couldn't breathe of course. The most fun scene was when I
remembered how to breathe, because I had honestly forgotten and it was
not fun.
Elephantlover5 asks: Would you crack jokes all the time or did you have to stay completely on script? Thank you for your time.
B.O.B.: There was a script? I was wondering why they kept feeding me paper. Oops…
Bookwink asks: Did you have a stunt double or did you do all your own stunts?
B.O.B.: Not only did I do my own stunts, but I did stunts for the stunt double as well. I really pay for it later though, let me tell you. I'm just covered in blue bruises.
T-T asks: You rock B.O.B! And I love the color of your gelatin. What shade of blue is it?
B.O.B.: I'm told it's a Marine Blue, but I don't seem to remember ever joining the Marines…Oh wait! General Monger's a Marine and he turns blue every time we try to escape!
Ink Splot 26 Editor: How long did it take for you get into costume and make-up before your scenes?
B.O.B.: HOURS! It's really hard to prepare the
make-up and costumes for a 49 ½ foot woman. Wait a second – that was
Susan! I didn't have any make-up – I'm B.O.B! I don't even have a
costume; I was naked during the whole movie! OH NO! I WAS NAKED DURING
THE WHOLE MOVIE! OH NO! I'M NAKED RIGHT NOW! SOMEONE GET ME SOME
PANTS!
Ink Splot 26 Editor: In the movie, we saw B.O.B. the brainless blob, but tell us about B.O.B. the man. Could you describe a typical day off-camera?
B.O.B.: I'm the man? THANK YOU! My typical day starts with breakfast, lunch and dinner, followed by a nap and then lunch, dinner and breakfast, followed by dinner, breakfast and maybe lunch if there's time before my nap.
Ink Splot 26 Editor: What would your fans be surprised to learn about you? What are some little known facts?
B.O.B.: My favorite flavor of ice cream is rocky road (literally rocks and roads) and I'm afraid of unicorn babies. (I don't trust those sharp horns, no matter how cute they are!)
Ink Splot 26 Editor: Are you dating? Is there anyone special in your life?
B.O.B.: I met a cute little blue SLUSHIE at the convenience mart but she gave me the cold shoulder.
Ink Splot 26 Editor: Do you think monsters get a bad rap? What would you want to tell the world about so-called "monsters"?
B.O.B.: I would tell the world that they should give monsters a second chance. A second chance to scare them! Ha ha, just kidding! But seriously, we are really good. Good at scaring you! Ha ha, just kidding again! But seriously…
Ink Splot 26 Editor: Who is your role model and why?
B.O.B.: Susan is my role model and I haven't the foggiest idea why.
Ink Splot 26 Editor: What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
B.O.B.: WOW! This just happened to me yesterday. Link farted, I laughed at him, then I realized that I farted and Link laughed at me! And Susan was there! AMAZING!
Ink Splot 26 Editor: What has been the happiest moment of your life so far?
B.O.B.: Wait for it…. wait for it…RIGHT NOW!
Ink Splot 26 Editor: One last question B.O.B. What are your plans for the future?
B.O.B.: One day, I hope to star in a movie called Monsters vs. Aliens. WAIT, A SECOND…. That already happened didn't it? AMAZING! Thank you for all of the questions. I enjoyed asking them and look forward to interviewing you again!
Monsters vs. Aliens TM & (c) 2009 DreamWorks Animation
L.L.C. Activision is a registered trademark of Activision
Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.
Gregg Sulkin from the new DVD movie Frog Kingdom (rated PG) is here to answer YOUR questions!
Meet Nicolette Pierini from Annie!
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I love how you described your writing schedule. You move forward but it may not look the same every day or in every season of life.
I don't think I've ever heard someone say they loved the desert. But that may be because I live near mountains. Ha.
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Still pining for New Mexico, especially in the mucky, rainy season. I will get back there someday... actually going to be there for the Santa Fe Rodeo again this year. And I agree with everything you said about the desert. I love it... New Mexico desert in particular.
Great questions and answers. I have a hard time measuring my writing goals too. In part, it's because I just squeeze it in here and there in my days between work and family. I did find setting goals this January helped me accomplish more. It seems as my daughter gets older, it's harder to find the time to write.
Have a great holiday.
Whoa, Saudi Arabia? Why?
Trying to write with children is definitely a challenge, but I guess we all make it work one way or another. :)
I write from 8p to 1a. Kids. I wish I wrote every night but tired catches me. I'm a goal setter too. I'm trying to have 3 polished manuscripts to query by the end of the year.
Julie, please look me up next time you're in Santa Fe. That's entirely too close for us not to meet.
Sara, my dad was with the Corps of Engineers and built an Army base there. It was a wonderful experience.
Brooke, I'm very impressed with your work and goals. Please stop by at the end of the year and tell us how you do.
I love the smell of the desert before, during and after the rain. After living in Scottsdale for 7 years, I can honestly say that I love the desert. Except in August. And sometimes September :P