Today, Norm Goldman Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest Jennifer Swanson author of Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting.

 Jennifer Swanson was born with the love of reading. At the age of 5, she was already writing and illustrating her own stories. When she was in second grade, she wrote a play and coerced her friends to help her produce it. She has been writing ever since.

Jennifer is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and a member of the Florida Writer's Association. Aside from writing books about dogs, Jennifer is committed to helping animals. She firmly believes in adopting dogs, and has taught her children the same values. 

In support of this goal, Jennifer donates a portion of her proceeds to a local Jacksonville pet rescue organization, G.R.E.A.T. Rescue. This organization rescues and rehabilitates golden retrievers and places them in their new and forever homes. Jennifer has also recently teamed with Pawsitive Pets, a local organization that takes dogs into schools to help children learn to read.
 Good day Jennifer and thanks for participating in our interview.

Norm:

 Why have you been drawn to writing children’s books about dogs?

Jennifer:

Well, two things, I love dogs and I have children.  I wanted to write a book that would allow children’s imagination to soar. I mean what kid wouldn’t want to read about a dog who was a detective?  That conjures up all kinds of funny pictures.  I write for children because I love to see kids read and sometimes finding the right book can be a great tool for teaching a child how to love reading. 

Norm:

Was there anyone who really influenced you to become a writer?

Jennifer:

My Mom. Our house was always filled with books or we went to the library to get more.  She encouraged us to read and in fact, read to us every night when we were little.  And she is my greatest fan.  She loved the stories I wrote as a child and still loves the one I write today.  It was her love of reading and support that helped me to become an author today. 

Norm:

Will you share a little bit about Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting with us?  What was your main reason for writing your book? What are your hopes for this book?

Jennifer:

It’s a fun story about two dogs, Penny and Rio, who are pet detectives.  Penny is the inquisitive one and always busy, while Rio is the sleepy, kind of lazy one.  When Penny discovers a secret midnight meeting between four animals and learns their evil plot, she has to stop them. Naturally, the sun worshipping Rio is reluctant to help, but Penny convinces her.  The ending has an unexpected twist to it, which I won’t give away, but in it children learn that it is important to take good care of their pets.  I wrote the book in hopes that children would enjoy the characters and their silly antics as well as to teach them that it is not always good to pre-judge based on appearances. 

Norm:

What do you believe makes a good children’s book? 

Jennifer:

First of all, it should be entertaining.  If it teaches a lesson, then that is wonderful, too, as long as the lesson is somewhat subtle and isn’t preachy.  I love big, bold illustrations in a children’s book.  I think it not only captures the child’s eye but also their imagination. 

Norm:

Was your work improvisational or did you have a set plan when you wrote Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting? 

Jennifer:

I actually wrote this book for a writer’s course I was taking at the time.  I wasn’t sure what to write when I came across this old picture of my real dog Penny sitting in the flower planter in our backyard.  It made me smile.  That’s when I got the idea.  Since I am  a mystery lover at heart, I naturally had to make this book a mystery. Those were the only two plans I had for this book. That, and to include Rio, our other dog in it.  The rest I made up. 

Norm:

Did you experience any obstacles in trying to tell your story? If so, what were they and how did you overcome these obstacles? 

Jennifer: 

The hardest part for me when I write a mystery is to figure the whole thing out.  I usually have an idea of where I want to go, but sometimes it takes me awhile to put it all together. For instance, in this book, I knew Penny would be spying on a midnight meeting from the planter.  Then I figured out it was a meeting of four animals. The tough part was determining what these animals were trying to do. That one stumped me for a little bit.  When I can’t quite get the ending, I usually just let things settle for a few days and come back to it.  My mind will keep working on it and it will come- sometimes in the strangest of places or in the middle of the night. That’s why I keep a notebook handy at all times.   

Norm:

What has been your overall experience as a published author? 

Jennifer: 

I love it!  My favorite part is going to schools and sharing my story with children.  They seem to really enjoy it and love the dog characters.  I also teach them a little about how to write stories and where they can get ideas to write about.  But sharing my book with kids is the best. 

Norm:

Do you recommend other writers find a niche or specialty? What have been the rewards for you?  

Jennifer: 

I think writers should find a subject they really enjoy or feel drawn to and write about that.  The meaningful or fun subjects that really touch them will cause them to become greater writers, because they will have an emotional stake in their manuscript.  As I mentioned above the rewards for me are great.  I have been able to share my passion of books, reading and dogs with children all over the country through my book.  I hope that maybe I have inspired them to become authors themselves one day. 

Norm:

Will there be any unique ways you'll be marketing your book that is different from how others authors market their books? As a follow up, will you be using the Internet to market your book and if so, how?

 Jennifer: 

I am currently using Author Marketing Experts, and online Book Marketing group to help market my book.  They have been great to work with and I am very pleased with the results.  As for other unique ways to market, well, I have allied with several dog organizations in town and I do events for them and donate some of my proceeds to support them as well.   

Norm:

How can our readers find out more about you and Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting? 

Jennifer: 

They can visit my website, www.pennyandrio.com.  There they will find information on the book, the real Penny and Rio that inspire me and also some puzzles, games and coloring pages.

 Norm:

 What is next for Jennifer Swanson and is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered?

 Jennifer:

 I have just finished editing the second Penny and Rio book.  Penny and Rio: The Locked Doghouse Mystery will be released some time this fall.  In addition, I have completed a mid-grade novel about four girls who join together to solve crimes in their tiny town.  I will be looking for a publisher for that soon.

 That’s it for now. Thank you so much for inviting me to share my experiences with you.  It’s been a pleasure.

 Thanks once again and good luck with Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting.

 
Click Here To Purchase Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting