Today we will talk with a middle grade fantasy writer, Terrie Schultz, about her upcoming project. She is the author of The Zalthagor Box, a spooky paranormal fantasy about a clairvoyant girl who must save her family from a vengeful demon.
Joanna: What made you get into writing?
Terrie: I wanted to be a writer since I was a kid, but I ended up choosing another career, and didn’t get back to writing until much later in life.
Joanna: I understand completely. I wanted to be a writer since third grade, but ended up becoming a teacher. I had hoped to write during the summer, but I kept my writing life a secret. I think one important step is coming to terms with your writing dreams.
What did you do before writing children’s books? Did your former careers help you?
Terrie: I have degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology, and worked in the biotech industry for many years. Then I got a teaching credential and taught middle school science, math, reading, and art. For years I had written nothing but scientific reports, which had a passive voice and were very boring. It was a struggle for me to loosen up and use a more active voice when writing fiction.
Joanna: I know what it’s like to learn a new craft. When I first started writing, I wrote fantasy and short stories. Then when I switched to writing picture books, I struggled to keep my word count below 1000 words. Now I’m trying to write chapter books and I keep forgetting to add description because picture book writers need to leave room for the illustrators. But I enjoy learning to write new genres and styles.
Have you ever tried writing other genres?
Terrie: Not really. My favorite genre has always been fantasy and that’s the only genre I’m interested in writing.
Joanna: I’m the complete opposite. I love trying to write new genres. But I agree that you can only write what you love to read. For me, I would never write horror because I don’t like reading it. However, I love wuxia dramas and novels so much that I tried to write my own in Chinese.
What is your favorite thing about writing?
Terrie: Creating something out of my imagination. It’s like watching movies in my head and then describing what I see.
Joanna: I love your idea of creating something out of your imagination. I love writing because that is my way of sharing ideas with the world.
Who was your favorite children’s book author?
Terrie: Growing up, I was a voracious reader and I had many favorites. Tolkien, Roald Dahl, Edward Eager, Madeleine L’Engle, Ursula LeGuin, Lloyd Alexander, and E. Nesbit are some of my favorites.
Joanna: I read a lot of Judy Blume and Beverly Clearly when I was younger.
What were some of your favorite books?
Terrie: The Hobbit, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, A Wrinkle in Time, The Earthsea series, The Chronicles of Prydain, Alice in Wonderland. When my daughters were growing up, I used to read to them every night. Some of our favorite books were the Moomintroll series, the Wizard of Oz series, Redwall, Harry Potter, and books by Diana Wynne Jones.
Joanna: For me, I love chapter book series like the Baby-Sitters Club. And I fell in love with mysteries like the Hardy Boys after winning book number 11 from my sixth-grade teacher. But I read a lot of animal stories. Kavik, the Wolf Dog, Red Dog, and Black Beauty. I also loved fantasy like The Neverending Story and The Phantom Tollbooth.
What writing craft books did you find helpful?
Terrie: I read Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. “Plot grows out of character. Focus on character. Find out what each character cares most about in the world because then you will have discovered what’s at stake.”
Joanna: Sounds like I need to reread this book. I just read There’s Something Strange About My Brain by R. L. Stine. Building suspense and having a cliffhanger at the end of the chapter will keep your readers turning the page.
Do you do research for your books?
Terrie: For the first book, I did research on demons, demon possession, and grimoires. For the one I’m currently working on, I’m doing a lot of research on fairies and the Otherworld.
Joanna: Sounds like you had fun. When I write my stories, I sometimes do research to make sure the details are correct, like for more Chinese stories. Sometimes I will read up on an interesting topic and then turn it into a story, like how garbage is recycled.
How long does it take you to finish one novel?
Terrie: I’ve only finished one, and it took me about 10 years. I worked on it off and on; sometimes I set it aside and didn’t pick it up again for a year or more because I was busy with other things. I’m hoping the one I’m currently working on won’t take that long! I’m about three-fourths done.
Joanna: I’m glad you didn’t give up. I started writing my Chinese novel in 2013 and I’m still not finished. I plan on finishing it before my son graduates from college.
What is one tip you have for aspiring writers?
Terrie: Read a lot.
Joanna: Agree. Read recently published books in the genre you write. I also recommend getting a mentorship. I have learned so much with my picture book writing mentorship through PB Rising Stars with Sylvia Chen. She can point things out that might have taken me a million years to figure out. Writing classes are also a great place to learn. I have taken three classes with Marcie Colleen, and each time I learn something new. The interactive classes help me learn faster than just reading a craft book.
Where can readers go to buy your books?
Terrie: The Zalthagor Box is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Zalthagor-Box-scary-book-kids/dp/B0BGN97V7C/
Joanna: Where can readers go to follow your journey?
Terrie: You can follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlschultz99/
Joanna: What book are you currently working on?
Terrie: The Secret of Jackson Woods is about Rosalie, a 12-year-old girl who lives next to an enchanted wood. She befriends Nate, a boy who is obsessed with fairies, and they go into the woods to explore. When malicious fairies come and steal away her little sister Vera, Rosalie and Nate must find a Portal and go into the Otherworld to rescue her.
Joanna: Thank you for sharing your process for writing a middle grade fantasy. Can’t wait to read your next book.
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