Kerri Lukasavitz

Just Middle Grade had the chance to interview the lovely Kerri Lukasavitz this week. We think you’ll like her answers.

What made you decide to become an author?
I was born passionate about reading, writing, and books, although it wasn’t until I was an adult that I noticed writing books by Natalie Goldberg, Julia Cameron, Dani Shapiro, and other classic authors suddenly taking up space on my bookshelves. I lost my interior designer job in December, 2008 when the world’s economic situation took a nosedive and felt pulled to pursue writing instead. I had already been a daily journal writer for 13 years, so the habit to write was already well-established. I wanted to start writing short pieces, maybe newspaper articles, so I found myself applying to and being accepted into a formal master’s degree writing program. I didn’t expect to be called to write novels, especially for children, but that’s what happened.

What made you want to write middle grade?
I have always loved reading children’s literature, even as an adult. When I was in graduate school, I originally thought I would study journalism because I also enjoyed people’s stories, but I veered hard right and entered the world of writing novels, taking as many Middle Grade/Young Adult workshops that I could. I was fortunate that the university offered the opportunity to study children’s literature.

If Hagrid and Mrs. O’Leary (the Hell hound from Percy Jackson and the Olympians) were in a hot dog eating contest, who would win?
Hmm, not sure. I’m not familiar with the stories, so I looked them up. They would certainly be strong competitors against each other. I keep leaning toward Mrs. O’Leary the Hell hound, although Hagrid looks like he could consume a ton himself.

Are you working on any new books right now? If so, what is it called, and what’s it about?
I am working on the novel, “Dark Horse at Oak Lane Stable,” the third book in the Oak Lane Stable Adventure Series. It’s a continuation of the same characters from the first two books and their adventures in and around the stable and at horse shows, plus face growing pains with their classmates. The main character, Cassie, enters the world of show jumping but finds that the fast-paced competition is more than she can handle.

What other books have you written?
“Mystery Horse at Oak Lane Stable” (Book 1)
“Gray Horse at Oak Lane Stable” (Book 2)
“Rudie the Happy Dog” is a completed picture book manuscript I’m currently submitting to agents/publishers

If you could be any kind of donut, what would you be?
A jelly donut because you look plain on the outside, but have a wonderful, surprising sweet filling inside.

What book are you reading right now?
You mean books, right?

“Embassy of the Dead” by Will Mabbit, illustrated by Tarryn Kight (middle grade).

“Discovering You Soul Signature: A 33-Day Path to Purpose, Passion & Joy” by Panache Desai (on day 31).

I literally just finished “Newsletter Ninja: How to Become An Author Mailing List Expert” by Tammi Labrecque and “Goodreads for Authors: How to Promote Your Books with Goodreads” by Michelle Campbell-Scott, and am halfway through “An Author’s Guide to Goodreads: How to Network with millions of Readers” by Barb Drozdowich – all for business, of course.

Where can we find out more about you and your books?
www.kerrilukasavitz.com
Goodreads
Instagram
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Facebook
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SCBWI.org
Amazon.com
HenschelHAUS books.com
Books for Horse Lovers.com
Just Middle Grade.com
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