Though all bloggers are writers on some level, there are those out there who fit the term just a little more than most. One of those is kidlit author, Holly Jahangiri. With more than 20 years experience under her belt, Holly’s managed to write in some of the toughest fields to date. These includes everything from technical writing to fiction and poetry.
Holly says she’s been known to channel the spirits of great authors such as Edgar Allen Poe, Erma Bombeck, and O. Henry. However her biggest inspirations are her two children and her husband who she says has the patience of a saint.
Holly has written several books over the past few years. She’s written two children’s books titled Trockle and A Puppy, Not A Guppy. She’s also co-authored several short story books meant for older readers. Hidden Lies And Other Stories is a collaboration between Holly and Vivian Gilbert Zabel and is mostly short crime and mystery based pieces.
Another collaboration that includes Holly’s work is a poetry chapbook called Walking The Earth, Life’s Perspectives In Poetry. Holly’s piece, “Awaiting The Thaw”, is an eloquent journey through the four seasons. Her latest piece is an e-book titled Innocents & Demons. A book of short stories that range from the mythical to the psychological.
Throughout her blog, you’ll find a wide variety of posts. And though there are a few that deal with the technical side of writing and blogging, most are fun and inspiring pieces that come from various writing challenges and Holly’s own personal experiences. Her blog is fun, upbeat, and a cool place to hang out. Think of yourself as a lexophile? Challenge yourself on Holly’s Wordplay page. Play her word match-up game or use her word of the day in one of your own blog posts.
There are several ways to keep up with Holly and all her writing endeavors. The most obvious way is to subscribe to her RSS feeds. But you might also follow her on Facebook so you’ll know when she’s posted elsewhere, or on her Twitter account to see updates on some of her upcoming short stories and children’s books.
Though we may all think of ourselves as writers in one form or another, there are those out there who take it just a little further and Holly Jahangiri is one of them. Stop by her site or check out any of her books through Amazon.com or Smashwords. Though it may seem like child’s play, there is nothing childish about being a children’s author.
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Hi There my name is Brian, I'm the owner of Blog Engage. I own a personal blog about SEO and Marketing. Make sure to follow blogengage on twitter @blogengage and like us on facebook. Be sure to add me as a friend, bbrian017
Tags: Author's Blogs, Children's Authors, KidLit
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Richard
November 6th, 2011
Holly is an excellent writer. It’s amazing that she has such a diversity of skill. It’s difficult to write fiction and equally so for a children’s book as for an adult novel. Part of the trick is writing in more simplified language for a child to understand and a lot more needs to be conveyed in the pictures.
Richard recently posted..Get The Steve Jobs’ Biography Free Audiobook (dofollow)
Holly Jahangiri
November 6th, 2011
Thank you, Brian! And thank you for the kind words, Richard. You are so right – it may actually be harder to write well for children than for adults, but for me, the key is not to “write down to them.” I’d rather kids had to stretch (just a little) than to be bored and feel as if adults think they’re stupid. They can see through that quite quickly. In a way, it’s akin to technical writing – explaining complex tasks in simple, straightforward steps anyone can follow should always look easier than it is. When it comes to picture books, I’m learning (in my THIRD) that the story needs as much action that supports the ideas as it does ideas. Sometimes, it’s easy – it’s a given. But sometimes, the action in the story isn’t as exciting as the thought bubbles. That takes a lot of brainstorming between author and illustrator, and may tax the creativity of both – but I hope that the end result will delight the kids who read it, and the parents or grandparents who buy and read it with them.
Holly Jahangiri recently posted..One of These Days, I’m Going to Write a Book (dofollow)
Chris
November 7th, 2011
I think a children’s book author is somewhat in tune to remembering their own child-self, their feelings, childhood memories, worries and pleasures. With that being said… that seems like a hard thing for most folks to do. I commend you, Holly, for being such a wonderful children’s book writer and keep up the excellent work!!
Holly Jahangiri
November 7th, 2011
Thanks, Chris. That’s true! It helps if you’re an avid reader, when you’re a kid – and can remember the kinds of books you liked, yourself. I’ll admit that there were some “Bedtime for Frances” influences behind “Trockle”; that was one of my absolute favorites, and it was my parents’ go-to book whenever I had those “things that go bump in the night” fears. “Trockle” was my answer to my son’s insistence that there was a monster under his bed; he wasn’t buying the Febreze-as-monster-repellent, and he insisted on laying awake with the light on, so I figured he might as well spend the time practicing his nascent reading skills.
I dashed off the story, asked him to read it to ME, and he read me to sleep. When he woke me up, he had a couple of suggested changes – which I agreed made it a better and more readable story, and made – and a couple of years later, Vivian Zabel, president of 4RV Publishing, called and asked if she could publish it. I like to think of her as Trockle’s “Granny.”
Holly Jahangiri recently posted..Grady Pruitt Talks About Success Building Blocks (dofollow)
Aanchal
November 7th, 2011
That’s why I like to come here, You usually share about some great writers and bloggers in almost all niches. It’s really good as you find some valuable personalities to follow and benefit yourself.
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Holly Jahangiri
November 7th, 2011
Good morning! Tracyann, if you’re really looking for my books, search by my name – I think they’re all available through Barnes & Noble, Amazon, or directly through the publisher at http://4rvpublishingllc.com.
Brian’s got a typo up there – it’s “Trockle,” not “Troggle.”
Although now he’s given me an idea for a sequel…
Holly Jahangiri recently posted..Boo! An Interview with Ms. Ileane Smith (dofollow)
Holly Jahangiri
November 8th, 2011
You can actually read a free Trockle story here: http://jahangiri.us/kids/2010/10/02/flisgo-fish-and-billy-bob-bee/
Two young fans joined me for lunch and a personal autograph session – they brought Trockle “pets” and Trockle talked me into writing a story for all of them.
Holly Jahangiri recently posted..The Success-Motivation Conundrum (dofollow)
malunggay56
November 7th, 2011
I never read any of the books Holly wrote. But I think the books will prove that she is an excellent writer. It is difficult to write children’s book especially if we are mature enough to think. |
Holly Jahangiri
November 8th, 2011
This one’s not for the kids – you might enjoy it – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/82901
Holly Jahangiri recently posted..Grady Pruitt Talks About Success Building Blocks (dofollow)
ntathu allen
November 8th, 2011
Multi talentes you. Well done and long may you continue to write and serve.
Vivian Zabel
November 8th, 2011
I never know where I’ll find Holly and her books, which are well written and interesting. I’m glad she allowed me to published Trockle and A Puppy, Not a Guppy. We worked well together on our joint projects, too.
Thanks for adding information about me and 4RV Publishing, Holly.
Brian, your article about Holly is great reading.
Vivian Zabel recently posted..Book Promotion: 20 Strategies That Will Broaden Your Reach (dofollow)
Brian
November 8th, 2011
I’ve interviewed many picture book authors and have written and submitted many myself. It’s definitely not easy. They say by using less words, each one has to count and be perfectly placed.
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Holly Jahangiri
November 22nd, 2011
The biggest tip I can give you is, “Never talk down to children.” If you’ve forgotten how that feels, as a kid, being on the receiving end of condescension, don’t write for kids.
Holly Jahangiri recently posted..Happy Thanksgiving–Wherever You Are–From TheNextGoal (dofollow)
Matt Kinsella
November 8th, 2011
After writing my own book I have absolutely nothing but the highest respect for anyone that can write good books whether they are children’s books or any kind of books. It is really hard work and takes dedication. Writing my blog, tweets, facebook updates and newsletters is literally nothing compared to the months of hard graft that go into writing an entire book.
Matt Kinsella recently posted..101 Ways To Be Lucky and Make Things Happen (dofollow)
Holly Jahangiri
November 22nd, 2011
Thanks, Matt. That it does, but if it’s fun, you hardly notice!
Holly Jahangiri recently posted..Class Reunion (dofollow)
isabella
November 17th, 2011
I once read a blog saying that creativeness comes from releasing the child in you. And being a children’s author means that you must be really creative. I’m sure you’re one hell of an author!
Holly Jahangiri
November 22nd, 2011
Or I just have a lot of inner children.
Holly Jahangiri recently posted..Self Confidence (dofollow)
abegail
November 22nd, 2011
You need to not relay on any income from the sale of your first book yet. You have to find someone who will publish the book first and that means to send copies to every publishing house in the country and then wait for an answer if you get one. And then it may take a couple of tries to get it done. As fas as how much $$$$$$$$ it really depends on the contract you sign, your commission and how many are sold. Good luck
Holly Jahangiri
November 22nd, 2011
Are you also a children’s book author, Abegail?
I was very fortunate in NOT having to mail out copies of my books to every publishing house in the country (it would take a lifetime to recoup the mailing costs, alone, wouldn’t it?) 4RV Publishing, LLC is the publisher for both Trockle and A Puppy, Not a Guppy.
Not sure what you mean by “it may take a couple of tries to get it done” – you mean, even AFTER you’ve mailed EVERY publisher in the country? I’d say, in that case, you might want to rethink your strategy – if your book’s rejected by EVERY publisher in the country, it may be time to write a different book or find a different occupation.
I wish I made $$$$$$$$!! More like $$$, but it’s still fun and rewarding. So long as I have a roof over my head and enough to eat and feed my family, it’s all good.
Good luck to you, too, Abegail.
Holly Jahangiri recently posted..Happy Thanksgiving–Wherever You Are–From TheNextGoal (dofollow)
Vivian Zabel
November 22nd, 2011
Researching thoroughly helps to cut down on the number of submissions sent out. Any more, many publishers take email submissions, but a person MUST follow submission guidelines carefully and completely.
A well-written book will be picked up by some publisher. Major publishing houses take few, if any, new authors, but medium and small houses are more adventurous.
Holly does know of what she speaks.