Shelley Pearsall
Children's Book Author
Books that build bridges and start conversations...
Your Questions & Shelley's Answers
Where do you find your ideas?
I’m an obsessive “idea collector.” Whether I’m traveling, reading, or just driving around town — I’m constantly looking for odd and interesting things to write about. Below are some "story possibilities" I've spotted in my travels. Feel free to invent your own stories!
What advice would you give to aspiring young writers?
Write. Write. Write. It sounds very basic, but it's the only way to learn the craft. Put away the technology whenever possible. Observe, eavesdrop, and daydream instead. Choose ideas that interest you. Read books you love and use them for writing practice. Tune out the doubters who think you should be something else in life. Remember that you don't have to finish every story you start.
Interested in writing contests and opportunities? Check out The Young Writers' Project. Or if you want to try writing your first novel, check out Nanowrimo for young writers!
I'm 2nd from the right
When did you get started as a writer?
First grade. One day, my first grade teacher suggested writing a story on the back of a math worksheet when I finished early. After that, I couldn’t WAIT to finish math, so I could write! When I was in third grade, I often wrote skits for my friends based on the books we were reading. Check out our Little House on the Prairie photo.
​
Why do you like writing about history?
I feel like history runs in my blood. My great-great grandpa served in the Civil War as an 18-year old Union soldier. My great-grandpa fought in World War I. Other ancestors were German immigrants, Iowa pioneers, and small-town shoemakers. In high school, I competed in National History Day. placing second in nationals, twice. If you love history, be sure and check out their website.
What do you like to do for fun?
Okay I've never been a mermaid. But I love discovering new places and being awed by the beauty in nature. We must protect this beautiful blue orb we live on. Visiting museums, reading, hiking, swimming, taking a class, painting a picture, listening to local bands, watching a theater production -- that's a short list of some of my favorite things.
What are some of your favorite books?
Holes by Louis Sachar
Wonder by RJ Palacio
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
The Watsons Go To Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis
Moonbird by Philip Hoose
The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
Why Did You Move to Scotland?
After living in Ohio for more than fifty years, I felt like I needed a change of scenery and new writing inspiration. (And my husband Mike just happens to be British.) So we decided to have a grand adventure and relocate to Scotland.
​
Things I love about Scotland...beautiful hills, wild coasts, scones and coffee, bagpipes, unicorns, backyard gardens, castles, poetry, owls, ancient stone circles...
​
What I don't love: it rains a lot!
And Finally...One More Strange (But True) Fact
When I was thirteen, I sent my first “book” to a New York publishing house. It was rejected, but a famous editor named Jean Karl sent a note to me, encouraging me to keep writing (you can see the note here.)
