Melody Fitzpatrick is the author of the Hannah Smart series and Angel was able to read book 1 of the series titled Operation Josh Taylor.
Interview Conducted by:
Angel
Dundurn Press has signed me to write three books
in the Hannah Smart series.
At the end of book one, Operation Josh Taylor, I realize I left readers hanging. What would become of Hannah Smart? I wanted to know as much as everyone else! I knew one thing for sure; Hannah was ready
for a new predicament, a problem that would challenge her mind, body and soul. Because
I’ve recently rediscovered a love of skiing, I thought it might be fun to throw
Hannah into a skiing adventure. Of course, she is horrified by the entire idea
… at least at first. This book is aptly named
Hannah Smart, On a Slippery Slope. It
will be out in early February 2016.
Book three, Hannah
Smart, In Over Her Head, should be out well in time for Christmas 2016. It’s
an exciting adventure where Hannah meets her biggest challenge yet—searching
for sunken treasure on a reality TV show. The fact that she would rather be
anywhere on Earth but on a boat, won’t be her biggest problem … Like always,
she’s got a target on her back, and this time it’s from the most devious and crafty
villain of them all.
Did you ever make your children pay
for something they really wanted?
Yes. When my daughter was in junior high she
was given a basic cell phone. At first
she was ecstatic, but soon enough she wanted a better model. Just like Hannah’s
mom in Operation Josh Taylor, I put
my foot down. I told her that if getting
a new phone was important enough, she’d have to figure out a way to pay for it
on her own. Unfortunately, like Hannah, she didn’t have a lot of babysitting
opportunities. So, in place of birthday presents, she asked her grandparents to
contribute money to her iPhone-fund. She added this to the money she had
already saved but still didn’t have enough. Erin decided to clean up her old
playhouse, take some photos and post an ad on kijiji. Happily, it sold it right away. Finally, she had
enough to buy a secondhand iPhone.
She set a goal and saw it through to the end,
just like Hannah! I was proud of her.
When my thirteen-year-old son wanted a new, cooler ski helmet, I told him the same …
if it’s important enough, you’ll find a way.
And guess what — he did!
How many books have you written? I
would love to review them for you!
I have written two books (mentioned above) and
I’m in the process of writing my third. I would love for you to review them!
When did you start wanting to become
an author?
It might sound a little crazy, but one morning (when
my children were very small), I woke up with this strange and powerful feeling
… I just knew I had to write. I thought it was weird at the time, but I went
with it— I started with a cookbook (because I love to cook) then moved into
picture books, and finally settled into middle grade fiction … my favourite!
Good question!
I write everywhere, even in my car!
Right now, I’m writing this from my couch.
What is your biggest goal in life?
I’d really love to see a Hannah Smart in her
own movie or a TV show. I’d also love to
write a series with a boy as the main character.
What is your favorite thing about
writing?
When something I’ve written makes me laugh, or
cry or feel something special, it’s like magic. What I love most though, are those moments when
a child tells me they’ve loved what I’ve written and can’t wait to read
more. That’s a pretty wonderful feeling,
for sure.
If you have a celebrity crush, who is
it?
I don’t really have any celebrity crushes at
the moment, except for maybe Steve Carell, who is super-funny, but when I was
little, I loved the Bay City Rollers, and Donny Osmond. Boy, does that ever
make me feel old! Ha, ha!
What is your favorite book? Author?
My all time favorite book, which still makes me
cry every time I read it, is
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. I’ve read it many, many times. I also enjoy
reading books from Laurence Hill, Jeannette Walls, and Ami McKay, and when I
want a good laugh, I read Sophie Kinsella.
What are your thoughts about our
blog?
I think your blog is awesome and that you are
undoubtedly an inspiration to lots of young people! Keep up the great work!
What is your favorite genre to read?
To write?
I love reading historical fiction best, but
enjoy funny stories as well.
As far as writing goes, I want to entertain and
inspire kids so middle grade fiction is my genre of choice. My goal is to create fun, yet flawed, relatable
characters. I want kids to see how Hannah falls down, yet always manages to pick
herself back up. I want them to see that messing up makes us human. It’s what
helps us to learn and grow and become better people. I also hope to empower
young readers to confidently set goals of their own. Kids can do amazing
things! I mean, come on … look at you!
What is your favourite color?
My favourite colour— every shade of pink! As for why, who knows; I’ve just always loved
pink.
Thank you so much Ms. Fitzpatrick for your lovely interview!
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